This summary and the report that it summarizes explain why and how the Air Force would benefit from major changes in how it acquires and supports aviation electronics (avionics) equipment. This report describes an integrated strategy for implementing such reform, and it examines the rationale upon which the strategy is founded. The reasons for reform have been building for 20 years, as witnessed by a continuing stream of RAND research sponsored by the Air Force and often with direct special assistance from operational units. A strategy for reforming the avionics acquisition process by rearranging avionics development responsibilities was proposed. Although this strategy was partially implemented, the controversy over its main elements led the Air Force to adopt such other measures as the 1978 creation of a Deputy for Avionics Control (DAC). The DAC, who has responsibility for controlling avionics acquisition, lacks direct authority over both budgeting and program management.