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SUMMARY 14 threat, the technological positions are much closer to parity, international markets are increasingly important to U.S. manufacturers, and aircraft manufacture itself is becoming increasingly internationalized. In the light of these complexities, the panel recommends that mechanisms be developed that will ensure an effective industrial input to the deliberations on coproduction agreements and that due weight be given to the change in competitive status and relative technological position of U.S. industry in reaching decisions. Achieving Synergy Between National Security and Civil Aviation The valuable coupling between national defense and civil aircraft manufacture was noted earlier. Despite the differing requirements for civil and military aircraft, much of the technology base, much of the supplier base, and many of the skills and processes used are common. Historically, civil aircraft have benefited from military technological advances in both airframes and propulsion. Increasingly, a reverse flow has been important, e.g., improved fuel efficiency, flight management systems, and composite structures. DOD is now supporting the launch of far fewer aircraft. Traditionally, DOD has focused its attention on combat aircraft and has used off-the-shelf technology for support aircraft. There is at present no policy or mechanism for integrating military needs and potential civil programs in cases where mutual benefit would result, e.g., advanced structures, understanding and controlling behavior and use of materials, and new manufacturing techniques. A related benefit could result from better management of the timing of procurement. The recurring "wild" fluctuations magnify problems of employment instability and, even more, of preserving the key development and production teams on which the entire infrastructure rests. The panel recognizes the practical difficulties in achieving the goal of a mix of civil and military aircraft procurement that would smooth employment. However, in the emerging competitive climate this goal assumes greater urgency. It should be noted that foreign governments commonly encourage development and production of domestic civil aircraft through government-directed purchases of these aircraft by the domestic military establishment. The panel recommends that DOD, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the FAA reexamine the mechanisms for working with the civil aircraft manufacturers to ensure that maximum advantage is taken of opportunities for
