27 Januari 2012

EADS EC-135 helicopter (photo : EADS)

BRISBANE, Queensland, -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] subsidiary Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) and Thales Australia today named the Eurocopter EC135 as the preferred platform for their bid on the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Project AIR 9000 Phase 7 – Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS).

"Boeing and Thales' individual expertise and shared strengths, as well as a strong working relationship spanning more than 15 years, have enabled the design of a truly integrated, cost-effective, low-risk aircrew training solution for the ADF," said Kim Gillis, managing director of Boeing Defence Australia. "The Eurocopter EC135 is the ideal helicopter for this mission."

A fleet of more than 1,000 EC135 aircraft worldwide has amassed 2.2 million flight hours to date. The helicopter is part of successful training systems in Germany, Switzerland, Spain, and Japan, and in Australia with the Victorian and New South Wales police forces.

"The EC135 is an ideal training helicopter for defense forces operating new-generation multi-role or combat helicopters, with great maneuverability, high visibility and the most advanced technologies to help instructors perform training missions safely," said Olivier Lambert, Eurocopter senior vice president, Sales & Customer Relations.

"Eurocopter is very pleased that the Boeing and Thales team has demonstrated its confidence in our product by selecting the EC135 as their preferred platform."The Boeing and Thales team conducted a rigorous evaluation of available twin-engine helicopters to identify the aircraft that best met the Commonwealth's training systems goals.

"Thorough flight and ground assessments of the EC135 and its suitability for both ab initio training and as a lead-in trainer to more complex and larger helicopters made it clear the EC135 was the optimum platform to meet the ADF's requirements," said Gillis. "The aircraft's support base, both locally and internationally, presents a significantly lower cost of operation than other aircraft in its class, reducing project-establishment and through-life-support risk."

The Boeing and Thales HATS solution draws on Boeing's sophisticated design tools and extensive aircrew training systems experience, combined with Thales' simulation capabilities, to deliver an ab initio rotary wing training system for all Royal Australian Navy and Australian Army helicopter aircrew.

The Boeing and Thales team has adopted a systems training and engineering approach to development that optimizes training throughput and learning outcomes and reduces life cycle cost, underpinned by a strong focus on safety and military ethos. The solution also draws on Boeing's experience delivering rotary wing training to the ADF for more than 15 years and is backed by the support of The Boeing Company's Training Systems & Government Services business.

(Thales)

26 Januari 2012

Soldiers of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) equipped with F88 assault rifles. (photo : Defpro)

Bringing together unique Australian and Austrian expertise, Thales Australia and Steyr Mannlicher have signed an agreement to cooperate on global market opportunities. Steyr Mannlicher is the original designer of the Australian Defence Force’s F88 assault rifle, which was manufactured and subsequently developed further by Thales Australia.

Under the agreement the two companies will refresh their longstanding cooperation in military markets, with Thales Australia taking the formal lead in Australia and New Zealand. This will benefit customers by sharing R&D to drive product improvements, working towards common supply chains where appropriate, and streamlining service delivery.

Chris Jenkins, Thales Australia’s CEO, said: “This agreement represents the continuing evolution of our Soldier Systems business. Steyr Mannlicher has a long history and a global market outlook which, combined with our expertise delivering and upgrading infantry weapons, will allow us to collectively build on our vast knowledge and networks to offer streamlined, cost-effective solutions to customers.”

“Both companies employ world-class weapon designers and experts, and our combined capabilities will make this a compelling team. We have invested significantly in weapon development in Australia, and are eager to offer Australian innovations through Steyr Mannlicher to the rest of the world. The current development of the next generation weapon under the LAND 125 3C program is the most recent example of the innovative work being done at Lithgow.

”Thales Australia and Steyr Mannlicher have been working together since 1986 to deliver assault rifles, and since then have continuously improved weapon performance and enabled the integration of a wide range of third-party accessories. The SA2 currently in service demonstrates the continuing evolution of this capability.

Over the past few years, Thales Australia has built on its traditional expertise in the precision manufacturing of small arms at the Thales-owned Lithgow facility in New South Wales, to offer a wider range of services including engineering, design, procurement, logistics and project management. The company also supports a range of third-party weapons currently in use by the Australian Defence Force.

(Thales)

24 Januari 2012

ADF's Blackhawk helicopter (photo : Bruce Linwood)

Army’s Black Hawk helicopters have returned to full flying operations following the lifting of the recent suspension. The suspension was put in place on 19 January following the identification of a number of fractured bolts during a routine maintenance check.

The Commander of Forces Command, Major General Michael Slater, as the Army Operational Airworthiness Authority has lifted the precautionary suspension following airworthiness advice from the Technical Airworthiness Authority.

The suspension demonstrates Army’s commitment to safety. The temporary safety precaution was effected while a thorough engineering investigation was carried out following the discovery of the defective bolts.

The engineering investigation indicated that the defective bolts were confined to a single manufacturer’s batch and were not a fleet wide issue. The defective batch of bolts has been quarantined from use.

The Australian Army operates 34 Black Hawk aircraft. Of that fleet, three are deployed to Timor Leste, and the remaining aircraft are based in Holsworthy NSW and Townsville QLD.

The Navy Seahawk helicopters differ significantly to the Army Black Hawk and were not affected by the suspension.

(Aus DoD)

See Also :

Precautionary Suspension of Black Hawk Flying Operations

21 Januari 2012

Army has temporarily suspended flying operations for the Black Hawk helicopters upon identifying a number of fractured bolts during a routine maintenance check.

Acting Director General Aviation, Colonel Stephen Evans said the suspension, which commenced on 19 January, was to ensure safety and is consistent with Army Operational Airworthiness procedures.

“The precautionary suspension will remain in place to allow an investigation into the cause of the fracture to be completed,” Colonel Evans said.

Three Army Black Hawks are assigned to Joint Task Force 631 in Timor Leste. Emergency aero-medical evacuations for International Stabilisation Force personnel in Timor Leste remain authorised during the temporary suspension.

The Navy Seahawk helicopters differ significantly to the Black Hawk in the affected area, and Seahawk flying operations have not been suspended.

(Aus DoD)

18 Januari 2012

F-35 JSF manufacturing (photo : fm.sap)

BAE Systems Australia and Rosebank Engineering will build two new facilities in South Australia after winning a $177 million contract to manufacture tail fins for the US government’s Joint Strike Fighter defence aircraft.

The duo will use SA government funding to build the two new advanced titanium aerospace component manufacture and processing capabilities at Edinburgh Parks.

BAE Systems Australia will build Australia’s largest advanced aerospace components factory, which will produce long, thin titanium parts for the Joint Strike Fighter Vertical Tail Fin.

Though the company has been making the parts at an existing Edinburgh Parks site since July last year, government funding will allow it to upgrade the plant for raised output.

At full rate production, the new site will be able to deliver 70 aircraft sets per annum, with over 30 parts in each set.

Each part, which consists of highly complex shapes and fine tolerance, requires five axis machining, which can range from one to 50 hours per component.

The parts will be treated at a new metal finishing plant to be built by Rosebank Engineering.
According to SA Premier Jay Weatherill, who visited Lockheed Martin’s Joint Strike Fighter factory in Fort Worth, Texas yesterday, the vertical tail fins are a major structural element of the aircraft, turning it during flight.

BAE Systems Australia and Rosebank Engineering reportedly won the contract, which is worth approximately $177 million, over the United Kingdom.

The $600 billion Joint Strike Fighter project will produce more than 3,000 aircraft over the next 25 years for the United States and its allies.

“Defence will form the foundation of South Australia’s advanced manufacturing future and provide highly-skilled jobs,” said Weatherill.

“Already we have a strong reputation both nationally and globally for our expertise in defence manufacturing.

“These new capabilities open up a raft of opportunities in other aerospace, commercial and defence projects.”

Defence Industries Minister Jack Snelling said Rosebank Engineering’s high-precision, advanced machining facility will be a major boost to SA’s defence manufacturing industry.

“Rosebank’s facility will be capable of supporting large JSF parts at full rate production,” said Snelling.

“This combined capability does not currently exist in Australia. Its establishment in Adelaide will drive long term growth and job security in South Australia.”

(Manufacturer's Monthly)

12 Januari 2012

Boeing CH-47F Chinook (photo : Boeing)

Boeing Awarded US Army Contract for 14 Additional CH-47F Chinook Helicopters

RIDLEY TOWNSHIP-- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has received a U.S. Army contract valued at approximately $370 million for 14 CH-47F Chinook helicopters to support Foreign Military Sales efforts. The aircraft will be delivered to the U.S. Army beginning in 2014; all but one are intended for Australia and the United Arab Emirates.

“This new aircraft sale brings our Chinook backlog to more than 200 aircraft for both domestic and international customers worldwide,” said Leanne Caret, H-47 Programs vice president. “Boeing’s recent $130 million investment to create a world-class Chinook manufacturing facility near Philadelphia means we are well positioned to respond to this demand.”

Seven of the new Chinooks will be delivered to the Australian Defence Force and six aircraft will be delivered to the United Arab Emirates under the terms of a previously announced Foreign Military Sales agreement between the U.S. government and the two countries. One additional aircraft is to be delivered to the U.S. Army to fulfill its own requirements.

“This sale is indicative of the tremendous interest from customers around the world who need best-in-class, multirole heavy-lift capabilities for military and humanitarian missions,” Caret added.

The H-47 program is at the midpoint of executing a multiyear contract for 191 CH-47F Chinook aircraft that was awarded in August 2008 and originally valued at $4.3 billion. In November, Boeing submitted a proposal to the U.S. government for a second multiyear contract for 155 Chinooks for the U.S. Army. This second five-year, firm fixed-price proposal would provide the Army with close to the full complement of 464 Chinooks outlined in the Department of Defense program of record and would yield double-digit percentage savings over a single-year procurement strategy. A decision is expected early next year.

Since completing the first CH-47F production aircraft in August 2006, Boeing has trained and equipped eight U.S. Army units and is in the process of equipping the ninth. Six units have completed deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, where the helicopter has logged nearly 70,000 flight hours and maintained an operational readiness rate of more than 85 percent conducting air assault, transport, medical evacuation and support operations.

There are more than 450 Chinooks in operation with military forces in 17 countries around the world. International operators include Japan, United Kingdom, Italy, Netherlands, Australia, Canada, Thailand, Taiwan, Greece, Korea and Spain.

(Boeing)

11 Januari 2012

Faun Trackway Landing Mat (photo : Unmanned)

FAUN TRACKWAY, a manufacturer of mobility solutions technology, announced that the company won an order for its new Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Aircraft Landing Mat (ALM) from the Australian armed forces. The contract is worth approximately $1.1 million dollars and is the first sale of the new UAV-specific landing mat.

With the first temporary UAV landing mat to hit the international market, FAUN TRACKWAY says it expects to capitalize on the quickly growing UAV industry. The lightweight UAV Aircraft Landing Mat is designed to provide a smooth landing, regardless of terrain, for any size or weight of UAV and can be deployed rapidly by hand. To enable the UAV to quickly decelerate when landing, the mats can also be fitted with arrestor gear typically found on aircraft carriers.

Chris Kendall, FAUN TRACKWAY USA Senior Vice President described the potential for the UAV landing mat, saying “The Australia armed forces are not alone in the challenges they face on the battlefield. We understand the needs of other NATO allies and this technology will extend military capabilities, no matter the surrounding. FAUN TRACKWAY USA, our newly incorporated American company, will offer these game-changing solutions to our developing client base in the United States.”

The UAV mats feature a robust design to help guard against Foreign Object Damage to help protect UAV assets. FAUN is also offering related ancillary equipment, such as lighting systems. Australia-based consulting firm Mackay Defence is acting as FAUN TRACKWAY’S locally based distributor and has provided ongoing support during its negotiations with the Australian armed forces.

Mike Holdcraft, FAUN TRACKWAY USA Vice President of Business Development, said: “We give users the potential to dramatically increase flight range and the length of military operations.

Unmanned aircraft have become critical to combat activities. UAVs are typically used on clandestine operations in remote locations, and militaries need durable runway infrastructure within flight range. Our UAV Landing Mat provides a fast and effective means of deploying and retrieving drones in any climate or environment.”

The company unveiled the new landing mat technology in the United States while exhibiting at the Association of the United States Army Conference (AUSA) in Washington, D.C. in October.

(Unmanned)

06 Januari 2012

The Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) in flight during testing. (photo : News Limited)

AUSTRALIA may be forced to purchase more Super Hornet fighter-bombers to prevent a capability gap in the nation's air defences if work on the Joint Strike Fighter is further delayed due to a new US military strategy and budget plan.

Ambassador to the US Kim Beazley, who received a comprehensive briefing from American officials about the changes, conceded production of the stealthy, multi-role JSF now named the F-35 Lightning II may be impacted by the shift to a leaner US military.

"The meaning of what the President (Barack Obama) and (US Defence Secretary Leon) Panetta have had to say for the F35 program is not that there won't be one but that perhaps in the long term the numbers might change and come down bit," Mr Beazley, former defence minister from 1984-90, told ABC News.

"I don't expect that out of this will emerge delays to a successful conclusion of the project but it may have an impact on the cost structure. The impact on delivery, paradoxically, will probably be quite useful."

Australia plans to buy up to 100 F-35s for an estimated $16 billion and has so far ordered 14, with the RAAF's first squadron supposed to be operating by 2018.

Asked if Australia could fill the gap if the F-35s were not ready by that time by buying more Super Hornet fighter-bombers Mr Beazley indicated that was a possibility.

"Well that's of course for defence ministers rather than ambassadors to say but he is always, (Defence Minister Stephen) Smith has always made clear that he keeps options open in terms of addressing any capability gaps," Mr Beazley said.

Development of the revolutionary JSF was already running behind schedule in April last year when The Australian revealed the RAAF was contemplating purchasing 18 more Super Hornets for $1.5bn to fill the gap.

It is understood delivery may be pushed back even further when the proposed US defence budget for 2013 is announced in coming weeks. The budget is expected to detail $487bn in spending cuts and call for a slowing of the pace of production for the F-35 jet.

The Howard government bought 24 Super Hornets for $6bn in 2007 to fill an earlier strategic gap left when the RAAF's F-111 bombers were withdrawn ahead of time because of concerns about fatigue.

But the announcement overnight, which included a new strategic focus towards the Asia-Pacific, may mean Australia could need even more Super Hornets.

"The Americans are very clear that as they proceed with the F35 program they're under close watch by the Australian government and if at any point of time a risk develops to the capacity for Australia to be satisfied with the forcing being that it has for the air defence of Australia then the Australian government will take action," Mr Beazley said.

US company Lockheed Martin Corporation is building the F-35s which are packed with sophisticated radars and other electronic equipment.

The original plan was for Lockheed to build 2443 JSFs for various arms of the American forces with about 500 others going to allies including Britain, Australia, Israel and Canada.

British Defence Minister Philip Hammond today voiced concern about possible cuts or delays in the F-35 fighter program.

Mr Hammond, who is currently visiting Washington, said he would like to speak with Mr Panetta about the impact the US announcement could have on the JSF.

"One of the things I hope to understand in the meetings I am to have later today is what, if any, impact the announcements being made today will have on the Joint Strike Fighter program," Mr Hammond said.

Opposition defence spokesman David Johnston told The Australian Online he was "not concerned" that the progress of the JSF program would be hindered by the US announcement.

However he said America's shifted focus on the Asia-Pacific region would place extra responsibility on Australia.

"Australia is now under the microscope to step up," Senator Johnston said.

"With the current state of the navy and the disinterest of our Prime Minister in defence issues we are at risk of being found wanting."

Acting Defence Minister Warren Snowdon referred The Australian Online to Mr Beazley's comments.

(The Australian)

30 Desember 2011

Airbus Military A330 MRTT (photo : Aus DoD)

The fourth Airbus Military A330 MRTT multi-role tanker transport for the Royal Australian Air Force has been formally handed over to the service, leaving just one aircraft of its order still to be delivered.

Known as the KC-30A in RAAF operation, this particular aircraft is the only one for the RAAF to have been converted from the basic A330 in Madrid, the others having been converted by Qantas Defence Services in Brisbane, Australia. It took part in the A330 MRTT development programme and has been extensively renovated prior to delivery in Madrid.

Following the handover the aircraft will remain in Spain for continued test work and will be transferred to RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland later in the year. The fifth and final aircraft will be delivered in the third quarter of the year.

The A330 MRTT recently underwent successful refuelling trials in Australia with a RAAF F/A-18 fighter and earlier this month was displayed by the RAAF at the LIMA Airshow in Malaysia.

It is the world’s most advanced air-to-air tanker and the only certified and flying new generation tanker/transport aircraft in existence. It will substantially increase the aerial refuelling and logistical capabilities of the RAAF.

In RAAF service, the aircraft are equipped with two underwing refuelling pods, the fly-by-wire Airbus Military Aerial Refuelling Boom System (ARBS), and a Universal Aerial Refuelling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI) enabling it to be refuelled from another tanker. Powered by two General Electric CF6-80E engines, the aircraft are equipped with a comprehensive defensive aids suite (DAS) and fitted with 270 passenger seats.

(Airbus Military)

29 Desember 2011

HDW U-216 conventional submarines (all images : Militaryphotos)

U-boats may be on navy's shopping list

Australia's ''future submarine'' could be a super U-boat built by a German company that made many of the submarines that nearly brought Britain to its knees in World War II.

HDW has released details of a concept design, designated the Type 216, for a long-range conventional submarine.

Experts say the design, based on the successful Type 214, is specifically targeted at Sea 1000 - Defence's future submarine program.

Rex Patrick, a former submariner and the director of Acoustic Force, said yesterday the information available indicated Type 216 would meet the requirements spelt out in the 2009 Defence white paper and there was no reason the submarines could not be built in Adelaide.

''I think they [HDW] have been working on the Type 216 for some time with candidates like Australia, India and Canada in mind,'' he said.

Another HDW design, the Type 209, is the basis for three submarines Indonesia is buying from Korea's Daewoo Shipbuilding Marine Engineering.

The $1billion contract for the three, two of which will be built in South Korea and one in Indonesia, was signed on December 20.

Defence has been considering a number of European submarines, including the HDW 214, the Spanish Navantia S-80 and French DCNS Scorpene, as replacements for the trouble-plagued Collins for some time. It has confirmed ''requests for information'' are to be sent to the three manufacturers.

Defence has also signed a contract with Babcock to research a land-based submarine propulsion test facility and a ''Future Submarine Industry Skills Plan'' is being prepared.

While Defence has acknowledged the European vessels offer proven designs and shorter delivery times than an Australian-designed submarine, the concern is they are too small to meet Australia's broad needs as outlined in the 2009 white paper.

The ''supersized'' HDW Type 216 may change that. It is more than twice the size of the three submarines that have just been commissioned by Indonesia.

Designated the Type 1400, the Indonesian boats will still be very capable. The first is expected to be in use by 2015 with the second scheduled for delivery in 2018.

There is grave concern delays in the Government's decision making process means there is no longer sufficient time to design and build an ''evolved'' Collins class boat by the 2025 deadline.

Former ASC chief executive officer, Greg Tunney, is on the record as having said ''serious concept work and definition studies'' should have begun in 2010.

HDW's Type 216 concept, the subject of a special report in the current edition of Jane's International Defence Review, overcomes the shortcomings of small European submarines and would take less time - and money - to build than a ''son of Collins'' analysts claim. At almost 4000t, 89m long and with an extendable minimum range of 10,400 nautical miles (19,240km), it outclasses the existing Collins in every way.

The evolved 216 would come with air-independent propulsion giving it a nuclear submarine-like ability to linger underwater in choke points such as the Straits of Malacca for weeks on end. It would have the ability to launch cruise missiles, carry a ''swimmer delivery vehicle'' for special operations and be extremely quiet thanks to propulsion design parameters and an outer shell that absorbs sound.

(Canberra Times)

28 Desember 2011

Airborne Low Frequency Sonar for MH-60R ASW helicopters (photo : Raytheon)

Raytheon Co., Integrated Defense Systems, Portsmouth, R.I. is being awarded an $80,830,000 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-11-C-0077) to provide for the procurement of 25 MH-60R AN/AQS-22 Airborne Low Frequency Sonar (ALFS) systems for the Royal Australian Navy under the Foreign Military Sales Program.

Work will be performed in Neuilly-sur-Seine Cedex, France (68 percent), and Portsmouth, R.I. (32 percent), and is expected to be completed in October 2016. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.

The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

(US DoD)

22 Desember 2011

RAAF's F/A-18 Classic Hornet (photo : Militaryphotos)

Hornets can keep flying until JSF arrives

Defence sources are confident it will be possible to fly sufficient RAAF "classic" Hornet jet fighters long enough to avoid an air defence capability gap at the end the decade.

The RAAF has 24 brand new F/A-18F Super Hornets and 71 of the F/A-18A-B "classic" Hornets dating back to the 1980s.

The 71 "Top Gun" era fighters were due to be retired in 2018 but, as a result of delays in the Joint Strike Fighter program, some are now expected to be kept in service until 2021.

All of the "classic" or "legacy" Hornets are undergoing a major capability upgrade as part of the AIR 5376 program.

This includes the installation of an electronic warfare modification program which includes a new radar warning receiver, an extra countermeasures dispenser, electronic countermeasures systems and more computer memory. Full delivery of the work is scheduled to occur in 2013.

The "classic" Hornets are also well on the way to getting an even more lethal sting following the successful test firing of a Joint Air to Surface Stand-off missile at the Woomera range in July.

Ordered by the Howard government in 2006 ahead of the retirement of the F-111, the JASSM has a range of more than 200km and can shatter hardened concrete bunkers.

Defence insiders say there will be no need to keep all of the "classic" Hornets flying until the very last of the expected 100 JSFs arrives.

As each JSF squadron comes on line an equivalent number of F/A 18A-Bs will be stood down.

The plan, as spelt out in the latest update of the Defence Capability Plan issued earlier this week, is for Australia to have its first battle-ready JSFs in 2018.

The first and second squadrons are to be based at Williamtown.

The third squadron will be based in Tindal with a fourth at Amberley.

It is expected that three squadrons will have achieved Initial Operating Capability by 2021.

Defence’s 2010-2011 annual report noted the Defence Materiel Organisation had been very successful in keeping the "classic" Hornets in the air – despite emerging issues such as corrosion and component failure.

"Recovery plans were successfully developed and implemented to manage these issues," it states.

"On average, since February 2011, DMO has met the Air Force’s requirements for available and operations F/A-18 aircraft."

(Canberra Times)

21 Desember 2011

HMAS Choules amphibious landing ship (photo : Aus DoD)

Navy's Capability Boosted with New Ship Arrival

The Royal Australian Navy’s newest ship HMASChoules has arrived at its homeport at Fleet Base East in Sydney after being formally commissioned into service in Fremantle on 13 December 2011.

Commander of Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Steve Gilmore AM, CSC, RAN welcomed the ship and her crew of 158 and said she would make an exciting addition to the Navy.

“It was terrific to see her sail through Sydney Harbour flying the White Ensign for the first time,” Rear Admiral Gilmore said.

HMAS Choules has been named after the longest surviving World War One veteran, Claude Choules who passed away in April this year at age 110.

“The crew has already given the ship a strong sense of character through the hard work that has been undertaken in the lead up to HMAS Choules’ commissioning,” Rear Admiral Gilmore said.

The acquisition of this ship will help ensure that the Royal Australian Navy has the amphibious capability it needs for operations and humanitarian support in our region in the period leading up to the arrival of the Royal Australian Navy’s Landing Helicopter Dock ships in 2014 and 2015.

With a cargo capacity the equivalent of HMA Ships Manoora, Kanimbla and Tobruk combined, HMASChoules is a proven capability having provided humanitarian relief when she was under Royal Navy command as RFA Largs Bay, assisting as part of the international response to the Haiti earthquake in 2010.

The 176 metre long vessel has a crew of 158 Officers and sailors, and can accommodate two large helicopters such as Sea Hawks and Black Hawks, 150 light trucks and 350 troops. HMAS Choules also carries two mexeflotes, which are landing raft, designed to move goods and vehicles between the ship and the shore.

The Royal Australian Navy now has the following amphibious capability if required to provide humanitarian and disaster relief during the current cyclone season:

• HMAS Choules;
• HMAS Tobruk;
• Windermere – leased from P&O until 31 January 2012, with the option to extend to the end of February 2012;
• HMNZS Canterbury – under Australia’s agreement with New Zealand it would be made available as part of the joint Pacific-focused Ready Response Force, subject to any operational requirements in New Zealand.

(RAN)

20 December 2011

Shadow Tactical UAV (photo : Shephard)

The Australian Army has selected the Sentient Kestrel Land Moving Target Indicator (MTI) for the Shadow 200 Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (TUAV) systems being acquired under the Defence Capability Plan Joint Project (JP) 129 Phase 2. Under the contract Sentient will provide the automated target detection solution to support the Shadow systems in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

To be operated by the 20 Surveillance and Target Acquisition (STA) Regiment, Kestrel Land MTI will assist Australian forces in analysing ISR imagery from the AAI Shadow 200. The software processes the imagery in real time, automatically detecting small, moving targets such as dismounts and vehicles within the TUAV sensors’ field of view.

Equipped with cutting-edge payload technology including advanced electro-optical and infrared sensors the Shadow TUAV will transmit real-time, full motion video (FMV) to the Ground Control Station (GCS) and remote video viewing devices. The Kestrel system analyses the video footage and provide a real-time cue to operators on moving objects within the field of view. This capability will enable the Army to effectively detect and respond to enemy targets, and thus protect Australian forces.

According to the company, the Army has purchased three Kestrel Land MTI licenses for 20 STA Regiment, which will be deployed with the Shadow in Afghanistan early next year. Sentient has been working closely with 20 STA Regiment and AAI over the past years and has successfully demonstrated Kestrel’s automated target detection capability with the Shadow.

Kestrel is currently supporting the Australian Army on board the ScanEagle which will remain in service in Afghanistan during the transition-in of the Shadow.

(Shephard)

16 Desember 2011



Bushmaster infantry mobility vehicle (photo : Militaryphotos)



Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator David Feeney, and Commander 2nd Division, Major General Craig Williams AM, today announced major reforms for Army Reserve under Plan Beersheba at Simpson Barracks in Watsonia, Melbourne.



Senator Feeney said that Plan Beersheba, a restructure of the Australian Army, will achieve a greater integration of full and part time forces and strengthen the operational capability of our part time forces.



“In an increasingly complex strategic environment, we must make sure our forces are positioned for the full range of possible contingencies.



“Plan Beersheba positions Army to deliver capability in an effective, timely and affordable way to meet these contingencies,” Senator Feeney said.



“This Government will ensure that all Reserve Armoured Corps will receive Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles to provide protected transport for our troops.



“This will be the first time in more than five years that all Army Reserve Armoured units will have armoured vehicles.



“In addition, under Beersheba we intend to create a new armoured squadron with protected vehicles in Queensland. This is a major boost to the capability of the Reserve.



“In Melbourne, the armoured unit of 4th Brigade – 4th/19th Prince of Wales Light Horse who famously fought at Beersheba – will get Bushmasters,” said Senator Feeney.



Commander 2nd Division, Major General Craig Williams said that the Army’s Reserve Force (2nd Division) will be realigned with the Regular Army, with two Reserve Brigades linked to each Multi-role Manoeuvre Brigade.



“There will be a significant increase in the operational focus of the Reserve which will be effected through the development of habitual relationships between reserve brigades and the regular Multi-role Manoeuvre Brigades,” Major General Williams said.



“The 2nd Division will be aligned with the 36 month Force Generation Cycle and assigned preparedness levels.”



Defence Reserves Association (DRA) President, Major General Jim Barry (Retd) said:

“This is the most important structural change for the Army Reserve in decades.



“The six Army Reserve Brigades of 2 Division are now assigned specific roles and tasks and are structurally aligned with their regular counterparts. There is now a defined operational focus which the DRA has been advocating for some time,” Major General Jim Barry (Retd) said.



Plan Beersheba is the Australian Army’s plan for the next phase of the Adaptive Army Campaign. It follows the changes in Army’s command and control structure made during 2008.



Under the plan, the 1st, 3rd and 7th Brigades will form three new Multi-role Manoeuvre Brigades. These Brigades will be fundamentally alike in structure to enable sustained operations within a new 36-month Force Generation Cycle.



Force Generation is the process through which Army readies itself to respond to contingencies that may arise. Each Brigade will have the following components – infantry, armour, artillery, engineers, logistics and communications.



Australia’s Reserve Force will be more focused on stability operations and will be involved in major exercises with their partnered Multi-role Manoeuvre Brigades.



(Aus DoD)

16 December 2011

RAN's Sea King helicopters (photo : Aus DoD)

The Royal Australian Navy’s Sea King helicopters and 817 Squadron have made their final flight as part of a decommissioning ceremony held at HMAS Albatross in Nowra today.

The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon and Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, were on hand to welcome the final flight and thank the 817 Squadron who operated the helicopters.

“Australia’s Sea Kings are being retired after a remarkable 35 years serving in times of conflict, peacekeeping, natural disaster, search and rescue and national celebration,” Mr Snowdon said.
“In particular I’d like to thank the men and women of the 817 Squadron past and present, who have served with distinction over the past 48 years.”

“They have lived up to their motto ‘Aude Facere’ – ‘Dare To Do’, and have always served Australia with professionalism and skill.”

“They were there for the 1994 bushfires, the 1998 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, the 2001 North NSW floods and just this year in the South East Queensland flood relief.”

“I also pay tribute to those who have lost their lives while serving in 817 Squadron, their service and sacrifice must never be forgotten,” he said.

The Australian Government announced in June, that Sea King shark 07 would be included in the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Nowra, to preserve the Sea Kings’ heritage for future generations.

Commander Paul Moggach, the 817 Squadron’s Commanding Officer, led a formation leaving from the Naval Air Station at HMAS Albatross yesterday.

The formation made a flying visit up the NSW coast, arriving over Sydney for a flight up Sydney Harbour, followed by a flyover the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

Navy Vice Admiral Ray Griggs described today’s ceremony as a fitting end to a remarkable career for both the personnel of 817 Squadron and the Sea King Helicopters.

“The Sea Kings are commonly known as the Mack trucks of the skies. All who have maintained and operated them feel honoured to have done so,” Vice Admiral Griggs said.

“After 35 years, it is time to look to the future with a new generation of aircraft.

“The personnel of 817 Squadron are first rate members of the Navy.

“They’ll now apply their experience, commitment and expertise in other roles throughout the Navy and ADF Aviation, and I wish them well in their new roles,” said Vice Admiral Griggs.

(Aus DoD)

15 Desember 2011

The 15th MRH90 (Multi-Role Helicopter) with tail number 014 (photo : Australian Aerospace)

Local defence manufacturer, Australian Aerospace, yesterday delivered the 15th MRH90 (Multi-Role Helicopter), tail number 014, to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) – the second such handover in two weeks following signing of an agreement to overcome Program issues and ensure timely delivery of the world’s most advanced helicopters.

Australian Aerospace’s production facility on Brisbane Airport is assembling and delivering 46 MRH90s to replace Army and Navy Black Hawk and Sea King helicopters. Since the helicopter’s entry to service, Australian Aerospace, its industry partners and the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO), have been working to introduce the new capability into service.

On 23 November, Australian Aerospace and the Commonwealth of Australia signed a Deed of Agreement, encompassing a remediation plan to overcome a number of identified issues, including an engine failure and oil cooler fan issues, and ensure timely deliveries of the MRH90s. One week later, Defence accepted the 14th helicopter.

“The delivery of the 15th MRH90, just two weeks after signing the Deed of Agreement is very encouraging indeed,” said Dr. Jens Goennemann, Chief Executive Officer of Australian Aerospace. “It augurs well for the Program’s future and is a strong sign of our commitment to delivering the capability to Defence”.

Capable of carrying 2 pilots, 2 loadmasters and 18 combat troops up to 900km at speeds in excess of 300 km/h, the MRH90 is a fly-by-wire, all-composite construction, medium-lift helicopter with the highest crash-worthiness standards. Chosen by Australia over competing types as part of a program to modernise and rationalise its military helicopter fleet, the MRH90 is the world’s most advanced helicopter in the ten-tonne class.

About Australian Aerospace

With more than 1100 staff in Australia and New Zealand, Australian Aerospace has access to the financial strength and expertise of Eurocopter and the EADS Group.

At its production facility on Brisbane Airport, Australian Aerospace currently is supporting 22 Tiger ARH armed reconnaissance helicopters to the Australian Army and assembling and delivering 46 MRH90 Multi-Role Helicopters to the Army and Navy.

In addition to its helicopter capabilities, Australian Aerospace supports the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) AP-3C Orion reconnaissance aircraft and C-130J Hercules transports.

The company is also involved in supporting the RAAF’s new Airbus A330-based Multi-Role Tanker-Transport (MRTT) aircraft and F/A18 (Classic) Hornet fighters.

(Eurocopter)

10 Desember 2011

C-27J Spartan (photo : Militaryphotos)

LANGKAWI, Malaysia — Australia’s air force has made it clear publicly that it prefers the Alenia C-27J over the Airbus Military C295.

The chief of the Australian air force, Air Marshal Geoff Brown, says a letter of request (LOR) has been issued for the C-27J, but no such request has been issued for the C295. All that has been issued for the C295 is a request for information in regard to pricing, he says.

Australia has a long-standing requirement for tactical transport aircraft to fill the void created when the country’s military phased out its de Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou aircraft. It is clear that the C-27J is a more expensive aircraft, so the Australians may be using the C295 pricing to negotiate a more competitive deal with Alenia.

Brown says the issue the air force has with the C295 is there are some types of Australian army military vehicles that the C295 is unable to transport. He cites as an example the army’s new G-Wagon all-terrain vehicles.

Airbus Military C-295 (photo : Adam Pniak)

He says armies in Europe may be content to just drive a G-Wagon, but “you have long distances in Australia,” so these vehicles have to be transported by air.

The Australian air force could use larger aircraft, such as its Lockheed Martin C-130s, to transport the G-Wagons. But Brown says “then you end up with small loads on the C-130 and this is not an efficient use” of the aircraft. He also says the air force wants to avoid a situation in which the Australian armed forces’ Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopters are used for airlifting such cargo. These helicopters are “better for tactical scenarios,” he adds.

Brown spoke to Aviation Week on the sidelines of the LIMA Airshow in Langkawi, Malaysia, on Dec. 7.

Airbus Military chief Domingo Urena-Raso also spoke to Aviation Week at the show. He says he hopes that Australia will open up the tactical transport requirement to a competition in which the C295 is allowed to participate.

(Aviation Week)

08 Desember 2011

Litening Advanced targeting Pod (photo : Aus DoD)

ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has been awarded a four-year extension by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) to the existing support contract for the LITENING AT system, used as the RAAF's Target Designation System for F/A-18 Hornet aircraft (HTDS).

The contract extension valued at approximately $8 million (U.S. dollars) provides for in-service support for the targeting pods and data links through to September 2015.

"This four-year extension reflects the continued success of the LITENING program, and reinforces the positive relationship that Northrop Grumman has established with the RAAF," said Charles Brinkman, vice president and general manager of Northrop Grumman's Targeting Systems Division.

Northrop Grumman's LITENING AT system is a self-contained, multisensor weapon-aiming system that enables fighter pilots to detect, identify, track and designate targets for highly accurate delivery of both conventional and precision-guided weapons. Fully integrated to support both air-to-air and air-to-ground engagements, LITENING AT features advanced image processing for target identification; coordinate generation for GPS weapons; a 640 x 512 pixel forward-looking infrared sensor for effective day and night operations; a 1,024 x 1,024 pixel charge-coupled device television sensor; a dual waveband infrared laser designator and eye-safe laser range finder; a laser spot tracker; an infrared laser marker; and an optional air-to-ground video data link and digital video recorder.

Over 550 LITENING pods have been delivered to date, continuing to prove their combat capabilities and inherent flexibility to adapt to changing operational requirements. Integrated on a wide variety of aircraft including AV-8B, A-10A/C, B-52H, EA-6Bs, F-15E, F-16 and F/A-18, LITENING is in operation with the U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Command, the U.S. Marine Corps, the Italian and Spanish navies, the Israeli Air Force, the Royal Netherlands Air Force, the Finnish Air Force, and the Portuguese Air Force, in addition to the RAAF.

(Northrop Grumman)

01 Desember 2011

Tiger Armed Reconnaisance Helicopter (photo : Jetphotos)

Defence company Australian Aerospace has handed over the last of 22 Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopters (ARH) to the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

In a formal ceremony at the company's facility in Brisbane, chief executive Dr Jens Goennemann said it was a great day for Australian Army Aviation, the ADF and Australian Aerospace.

He said it also marked another important milestone in the ARH program.

"The Tiger ARH has been a complex and demanding program and one not without its fair share of challenges," he said in a statement on Thursday.

"But extensive collaboration and a cooperative approach by Australian Aerospace, our industry partners and the various ADF branches involved has been a significant contributor to where we proudly stand today."

The Tiger helicopters were ordered in 2001 in a $2 billion deal to replace Vietnam War-era Iroquois and Kiowa helicopters. The first four were manufactured in France and the rest assembled in Brisbane by Australian Aerospace, a subsidiary of Eurocopter.

The project encountered a series of technical problems and delays and was at one stage on the government's projects of concern list.

Australian Tigers are set to be declared fully ready for operational service next year, however, French Tigers have been flying operationally in Afghanistan for the last two years.

Thursday's handover ceremony was attended by representatives of the Commonwealth, aviation and aerospace companies, the Australian Defence Force plus senior management of Australian Aerospace and its parent Eurocopter.

Dr Goennemann said delivery of final Tiger ARH022 did not signify an end to Australian Aerospace's Tiger relationship with the ADF.

"Australian Aerospace will continue to work with Army to support, maintain and bring this important new platform to maturity within the ADF," he said.

Tiger represents a very significant increase in capability for the ADF.

Australian Aerospace says it's the world's most advanced armed reconnaissance helicopter, featuring advanced technology which makes it faster and more agile than competitors, such as the US Apache.

Tiger carries a crew of two - pilot and gunner - and is equipped with an advanced day and night surveillance system, a 30-mm cannon, 70mm freeflight rockets and, unlike French Tigers, the US Hellfire air-to-ground missile.

(9News)

30 November 2011

RAAF BAE Hawk 127 trainer aircraft (photo : Airliners)

Australia has approved the first phase of its lead-in fighter capability assurance programme AIR 5438, establishing a study into potential mid-life upgrades for the Royal Australian Air Force BAE Hawk 127 trainer aircraft.

"The Government has provided first pass approval for Phase 1A of the Lead-In Fighter Capability Assurance Program," said minister for defence materiel Jason Clare.

"The Government has approved the funding of A$43 million ($42.7 million) for Defence to develop options and conduct risk mitigation activities prior to Government approval at second pass, which is presently scheduled for 2013-14," Clare added.

The total cost of AIR 5438 is estimated at A$100-300 million. Government approval may be given in 2013-14.

According to the AIR 5438 project overview, the programme will provide a mid-life upgrade to the Hawk to meet the training needs that are associated with the current aircraft, such as the Boeing F/A-18 A/B Hornet and F/A-18 F Super Hornet, and the future Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II.

"The project will investigate sustainability modifications required to address obsolescence, maintainability and reliability issues, and examine a range of capability enhancement options," the overview showed.

"The precise nature and composition of the ensuing acquisition phase will be determined by the capability definition study to be conducted," it added.

(FlightGlobal)