RESOURCES

ACTIVs reasons for terminating the YO-3A program.

 

"The operational evaluation of the YO-3A quiet aircraft was conducted by the army concept team in Vietnam (ACTIV) during the period 13 July 1970 through 30 April 1971.  The purpose of the evaluation was to determine the suitability of the YO-3A quiet aircraft and reconnaissance and surveillance roles and its capability to augment surveillance in the stability operations of the Republic of Vietnam (RVN). The four objectives established to accomplish his purpose addressed employment system performance organization and support requirements.

The evaluation concluded that: (1) The YO-3A aircraft demonstrated the capability and technical feasibility of conducting covert night aerial surveillance reconnaissance and target acquisition missions in the low intensity environment of RVN; however, the YO-3A aircraft was unsuitable overall and the performance of these missions; (2) The impact of the employment of the quiet aircraft upon the enemy could not be determined; (3) maintenance problems adversely affected the employment and operational readiness of the YO-3A aircraft; and, (4) design and human factors engineering shortcomings and deficiencies in both aircraft and the mission equipment impaired crew functioning and mission performance.

ACTIV recommends that; (1) The YO-3A aircraft not be type-classified and that  neither the YO-3A aircraft no its mission equipment be considered for further development; (2)The YO-3A aircraft not be retained in RVN for further operational employment; (3) A study be conducted in a controlled environment to determine the validity of the concept of forming covert surveillance, reconnaissance, and target acquisition missions under all conditions ; (this study should include a comparative analysis of the capabilities and technically feasible covert sensor systems current and projected airborne); and (4) if the requirement for a quiet aircraft is established of such a steady development of a follow-up quiet aircraft should be but done with due consideration being given to the conclusions and recommendations of this report"