The Nation - News from Dec. 21, 1987

Rep. Les Aspin (D-Wis.) released a study showing that a key guidance link for U.S. air-launched cruise missiles was subject to testing fraud similar to that found with the MX missile guidance system. Aspin, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, released a General Accounting Office report alleging that some tests on the flight data transmitter were omitted and some test records were falsified. The manufacturer, Northrop Corp., reported it found testing irregularities and employees may have omitted certain tests and falsified records. The report, however, quoted government program officials as saying the missiles, which are in essence both conventional and nuclear jet-powered bombs, are reliable.