Armed AW-109Es Commissioned; 2 Australian Donated LCHs Blessed

10 Agustus 2015

 PN AW-109E Power (photo : PN)

MANILA (PNA) -- The Philippine Navy (PN) formally commissioned into service its two armed AgustaWestland AW-109E "Power" helicopters in simple ceremonies at Naval Station Jose Andrada, on Roxas Boulevard, Manila Monday.

The helicopters are armed with .50 caliber machinegun pods and 2.75 inch rocket launchers.

Cmdr. Lued Lincuna, PN public affairs office chief, said that armed AW-109Es are also equipped with maritime air surveillance capability, amphibious air support operations and weather search radar and forward looking infrared systems that enhances the Navy's maritime air surveillance and close air support for ground troops.

The 8 a.m. commissioning ceremonies were spearheaded by outgoing PN flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Jesus C. Millan.

The last two AW-109E airframes arrived in the Philippines last December.

This is part of the five-helicopter deal, worth Php1.33-billion, signed by the Philippines with AgustaWestland early 2013.

Three of the AW-109s were delivered and commissioned in Dec. 22, 2013.

PN kanding Craft Heavy (photo : PN)

Millan said the acquisition of the armed AW-109Es are part of the PN's efforts in developing a robust island defense force and becoming an effective instrument of national development.

Meanwhile, the two Australian-donated landing craft heavies (LCHs) were also blessed Monday.

The two LCHs vessels were christened as BRP Ivatan (AT-298) and BRP Batak (AT-299) to preserve the distinctiveness of the two ethnic groups of Palawan and Batanes.

These ships were donated by the Australian government last January. They arrived in Sangley Point, Cavite last Aug. 7.

Milan said the addition of these vessels translates into the boosting of the capability of the PN to transport personnel, equipment and aid during humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. They will also be useful in transporting troops from one operational area to another. 

(PNA)

Local Jobs for Air Force in-Service Support Contract

08 Agustus 2015

RAAF Hawk 127 with AIM-9 (photo : Wolodymir Nelowkin)

The Australian Government welcomes the creation of 116 local jobs following the signing of a multi-million dollar defence contract with BAE Systems Australia.

The scope of BAE Systems Australia’s current in-service support contract for the Hawk Lead-In Fighter has been increased to include operational maintenance.

Valued at approximately $126 million, this represents great news for Australia’s air defence capability and Australian defence industry.

Hawk 127 with external tank (photo : McCreath)

Importantly, this will also support the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in redirecting personnel from this work in support of other critical strategic priorities such as the Joint Strike Fighter.

The Hawk Lead-In Fighter prepares qualified Air Force pilots for operational conversion to F/A-18A Classic Hornets and F/A-18F Super Hornets and into the future Growlers and the Joint Strike Fighter.

The changes to the contract will create 68 jobs at Williamtown, New South Wales and 48 at RAAF Base Pearce in Western Australia.

(Aus DoD)

New Era as F90 Assault Rifle Enters Australian Defence Force Service

05 Agustus 2015

Thales Australia F90 assault riffle (photo : Army Recognition)

The Australian Department of Defence has signed a AUD 100 million contract with Thales to produce rifles, grenade launchers, spare parts and various ancillaries at Thales’s facility in Lithgow, regional NSW.

The F90 is a light, versatile weapon that meets the highest standards of performance and reliability, and has been well-received by soldiers in various trials.

In Australian Defence Force (ADF) service, the rifle will be known as the Enhanced F88 (EF88), marking a significant enhancement of the original Austeyr F88.

Two versions will be delivered – a standard rifle with a 20” barrel, plus a carbine with a 16” barrel. Deliveries to the ADF will begin in the next few weeks and phased over six years.

Thales is currently exploring export opportunities for the F90 in various markets around the world, while also developing further enhancements for the rifle, which is fitted for but not with electronic architecture including centralised power as a key future-proofing measure.

(Thales)

Tony Abbott to Reveal Defence Plans: $89bn in Ships, Submarines

05 Agustus 2015

New frigate will replace six Adelaide class and Anzac class FFG (all photos : Aus DoD)

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has confirmed construction of new offshore patrol vessels will start in 2018 and new frigates in 2020 under a $40 billion plan for continuous shipbuilding in Australia.

A restructured surface naval shipbuilding industry could be competitive and provide the best possible ships at the best possible price, he said.

From 2020 onwards there will be build-up to about 2500 workers employed continuously in surface naval shipbuilding and most of them will be in Adelaide, he told reporters in the South Australian capital this afternoon.

“The frigates are coming as the first prize and one way or another the subs will be coming as a further prize,” Mr Abbott had told ABC radio earlier, ahead of the formal announcement.

“You shouldn’t assume that the subs won’t happen here.”

The submarine contract is subject to a competitive evaluation process being contested by Japanese, French and German shipbuilders who will be required to outline local involvement in any tenders. The prime minister conceded Australian shipbuilders would not be able to avoid entirely the so-called “valley of death” — the gap between the end of existing contracts and the start of new ones — with jobs in the sector likely to halve from 2000 to 1000 over the next few years.

But it should rebuild to about 2500 ongoing positions by 2020. “This is the best possible outcome for service shipbuilding in Australia,” Mr Abbott said.

Independent SA senator Nick Xenophon conceded it was better to have the warships built in his state than not, but he was still critical of the announcement.

“You need critical mass in the industry and that would also need to involve building the submarines as promised,” he told ABC radio.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said there was no question both the warships and the submarines should be built in Australia. “Mr Abbott views these multi-billion dollar, multi-thousand job contracts as political prizes aimed at just saving his own job,” he told reporters outside Victorian-based shipbuilder BAE Systems today.

The Abbott government’s plans for a major defence announcement were revealed by The Australian on Monday.

Labor Premier Jay Weatherill said the commitment put South Australia in a better position to attract submarine building in the state.

“The logic associated with this particular decision can be applied to the submarine building contract,’’ he said. “Any criticisms about the way in which the submarine building project has occurred in the past, all relate to the stop start nature of the build program, not the skills and capabilities of our workers but the way in which we’ve gone about in the procurement and we believe we have a strong case in for advancing future subs being built in this state.’’

Mr Weatherill said wrong decisions were likely to have had “catastrophic consequences” for the Liberals in South Australia and people saw the common sense of a 30-year continuous build.

“I think this is a good decision and a win for South Australia. But we also have lots of things we want to speak to the Commonwealth about.”

Earlier Defence force chiefs and South Australian Liberal MPs filed into the Abbott government’s Cabinet room in Adelaide for a confidential briefing on the government’s shipbuilding plans.


Among the Defence establishment attending briefings by the Prime Minister and Defence Minister Kevin Andrews are Chief of the Defence Force Mark Binskin and Navy Chief Tim Barrett.

Speakership hopeful Andrew Southcott, Matt Williams and Simon Birmingham had also arrived at the conclusion of the Cabinet meeting. Assistant infrastructure minister Jamie Briggs is absent from the deliberations, instead attending functions in his electorate of Mayo.

Key Points in New Shipbuilding Plan

* Construction of Future Frigates will start in 2020 in Adelaide, three years earlier than scheduled under the 2012 Defence Capability Plan.

* They will replace the navy’s eight Anzac frigates, constructed in Melbourne between 1994 and 2004.

* The new vessels will be larger than the 3600-tonne Anzacs and designed with a strong emphasis on anti-submarine warfare.

* Construction of new offshore patrol vessels will start in 2018, two years earlier than scheduled.

* They will replace 14 Armidale patrol boats, mine warfare vessels, survey and hydrographic ships with a single class of about 20 ships. The government hasn’t said where they’ll be built - but likely Melbourne.

* The new patrol boats will be much larger than the 300-tonne Armidale class vessels, made of steel and able to carry a helicopter.

* Full details will be outlined in the new Defence White Paper. The government says the two projects will cost $39 billion.

* Selection of designs for both vessels will be conducted through a competitive evaluation process, not a tender, starting in October.

* Both will be produced through a process of continuous construction, turning out new vessels about every two years. * The government says starting earlier will save about 1000 shipyard jobs. When both projects are in full swing, there will be about 2500 enduring jobs.

(The Australian)

Australian Company to Provide Parts for Initial Production of the Triton Unmanned Aircraft System

01 Agustus 2015

Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton UAS )photo : Northrop Grumman)

CANBERRA, Australia – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has awarded the first Australian supplier contract for the U.S. Navy's MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system (UAS) initial production lot to Ferra Engineering.

Brisbane-based Ferra Engineering will manufacture mechanical sub-assemblies for the first four Triton air vehicles including structural components.

"At Northrop Grumman it's very important to not only develop our own capabilities, but to develop and foster capabilities in local supply chains," said Ian Irving, chief executive, Northrop Grumman Australia. "This is a great opportunity for quality-focused Australian companies to be involved in the production and sustainment of one of the U.S. Navy's and Royal Australian Air Force's key capabilities for many years to come."

"This contract, and the opportunities we expect will be available in follow-on production lots, highlight Northrop Grumman's commitment to Australian industry," added Irving.

Northrop Grumman's engagement with Ferra Engineering, and its advanced capabilities, was facilitated through the Australian Department of Defence's Global Supply Chain program. Under the Global Supply Chain initiative, international companies such as Northrop Grumman can assess Australian industry and provide them the opportunity to compete for business around the world on a value-for-money basis.

Australian companies have also received requests from Northrop Grumman for quotations to potentially provide components for follow-on production. These industry opportunities include cables, complex machined and composite assemblies, as well as special tooling and test equipment. 

In March 2014, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced the Australian Government's intent to purchase the Triton UAS for high-altitude, long-endurance surveillance missions. Triton can fly missions for 24 hours at altitudes of more than 55,000 feet to cover vast areas of ocean and coastal regions. Its unique sensor suite provides a continuous on-station presence in a 360-degree field of view for some of the most demanding surveillance missions.

About Ferra Engineering

Ferra Engineering is based in Brisbane, Queensland and specialises in the design, manufacture, assembly and test of aerospace structures and sub-systems on a variety of military and civil aerospace and defense programs. Please visit www.ferra.com.au for more information.

(Northrop Grumman)

MRH90 Proving Indispensable for RAN

01 Agustus 2015

A Royal Australian Navy MRH90 helicopter conducts pre-flight checks before departing HMAS Choules during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2015. (photo : RAN)

Personnel from HMAS Albatross' 808 Squadron have ably supported Navy's role in the recent Exercise TALISMAN SABRE, embarked in HMAS Choules.

Commanding Officer Choules Commander Chris Aulmann said that the reliable and flexible MRH90 helicopters operated by the Squadron provided essential logistical support, in both a ship-to-ship, and ship-to-shore environment.

“Initially assigned a range of people, mail and cargo tasks by the Air Operations Cell on USS Bonhomme Richard, the role of the MRH90 grew to supporting front line operations, including the re-supply of rations and water to soldiers ashore.

"This was a great vote of confidence in the aircraft and team of 18 who make up Flight 1 onboard Choules,” said CMDR Aulmann.

During the Exercise, the MRH90 also completed a record number of cross deck landings on US ships including to US Ships Bonhomme Richard, Green Bay, Ashland and Preble.

Flight Commander, Lieutenant Commander Steve Brown, said that it was vital that the Australian Defence Force could transport personnel to various ships throughout.

“As an extremely complex exercise with many moving parts, it was essential to the success of the Combined Expeditionary Force assault, that US and Australian planners were able co-ordinate and de-conflict both aviation and amphibious craft movements.

"The best way to do this was often by face-to-face meetings, which is why we were called upon to fly to so many different US Navy ships,” he said.

A highly capable and versatile successor for the Black Hawk, the MRH90 has an endurance of greater than three hours, and a cruising speed in excess of 140 knots, the MRH90 is capable of carrying 10 fully equipped soldiers or 19 passengers in air-conditioned comfort, thereby reducing flying fatigue.

“The greatest advantage of the MRH90 is its advanced safety features.

"For example it’s fitted with flotation devices which automatically inflate if forced to land on water, thereby giving a greater chance for the occupants to escape the aircraft safely,” Lieutenant Commander Brown said.

Participating gave many of the flight crew and maintainers the opportunity to put practice into reality.

“As a result of our successful operations over the past few weeks, I am looking forward to the MRH90 making an even bigger contribution to the next TALISMAN SABRE in 2017", Lieutenant Commander Brown said.

(RAN)

NIOA Wns 40mm Grenade Launcher Contracts

01 Agustus 2015

Under the Land 40 Phase 2 project, NIOA will deliver the MK47 40mm Automatic Light Weight Grenade Launcher. (photo : GDATP/NIOA)

NIOA has been awarded contracts by the Commonwealth of Australia for the supply and support of the next generation of Light Weight Automatic Grenade Launchers (LWAGL) for the Australian Army. 

Under the Land 40 Phase 2 project, NIOA will deliver the MK47 40mm Automatic Light Weight Grenade Launcher, fitted with Lightweight Video Sight (LVS2) sighting system. The advanced LVS2 provides a new level of capability for light weapon sighting systems with integrated colour video and thermal imaging. 

Delivery of the LWAGL systems and spares will commence in mid-2016, with systems being systematically introduced into service across the ADF.

NIOA’s managing director, Mr Robert Nioa, said “we are very excited that NIOA has been awarded these contracts to supply and support the MK47 40mm ALGL with LVS2. With the award of these contracts, NIOA will become Australia’s only Australian-owned contractor capable of supporting the bulk of the Commonwealth’s infantry, direct fire and medium calibre weapon systems. 

"NIOA’s engineering and support capability developed under these contracts will become a major component of the Priority Industry Capability (PIC) for support of infantry weapons in Australia, and provides the Commonwealth with a viable option for the support of these weapon fleets," Nioa said.

(Australian Defence)

Harris Corporation Awarded Contract to Provide Key Avionics Components for US's and RAAF's F/A-18 E/F and Growler

31 Juli 2015

RAAF EA-18G Growler (image : RAAF)

Harris Corporation Awarded $29 Million Avionics Production Contract

MELBOURNE, Fla.,  — The U.S. Navy has awarded Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS) a two-year, $29 million full-rate production contract to provide key avionics components that will enhance flight crews' targeting capabilities on the U.S. Navy's and Australia's F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet fighter aircraft and EA-18G Growler electronic attack platform.

The avionics are a critical part of the Distributed Targeting System which will significantly improve the aircraft's networking capabilities, enhance targeting precision and shorten the time from target sensing to shooting.

"The F/A-18 brings critical Navy fighter and electronic warfare capabilities for the U.S. and key allies such as Australia," said Ed Zoiss, president, Electronic Systems, Harris Corporation. "Upgrading the mission- and image-processing prowess of the platform will help ensure that it continues to be the primary fighter aircraft for the U.S. Navy."

The combat-proven Super Hornet provides unequaled air dominance and precision strike capability. The EA-18G Growler, derived from the Super Hornet, is the U.S.' newest and most advanced airborne electronic attack platform. The Super Hornet and Growler programs support 60,000 jobs in the U.S. across 800 suppliers in 44 states, accounting for $3 billion in annual economic impact.

(Harris)

Beyond 2017 : The Australian Defence Force and Amphibious Warfare

31 Juli 2015

Australian amphibious warfare potential, before and after the LHD procurement (image : ASPI)

Many people familiar with the ADF will claim that Australia has always had an amphibious warfare capability. While that might be true for hardware, the quality and capacity of the capability was never adequate for the perceived strategic and operational needs. Thankfully, Australia hasn’t had to employ the capability under hostile or opposed conditions since 1945. The ADF has conducted several expeditionary operations involving sea transport and in some cases amphibious sea transport, but those operations involved either a permissive landing site or even the use of an existing port facility. None involved the execution of a ship to objective manoeuvre in which a force had to defeat, deter (through tactical action) or avoid an opposing force and secure a landing site to serve as a sea point of disembarkation until a wharf or harbour facility could be secured through follow-on operations. The Army didn’t see amphibious warfare as a priority and therefore didn’t organise, educate or train its forces for amphibious warfare. To be clear, before the purchase of the LHDs, the ADF had some amphibious capacity, centred on HMAS Choules (LSD), HMAS Tobruk (LSH), and the two LPAs, HMAS Manoora and HMAS Kanimbla. The age of the Tobruk, and many  problems with the LPAs, provided part of the justification for the decision to buy the two LHDs.

The LHD procurement, combined with the maintenance of HMAS Choules, has greatly increased the ADF’s amphibious warfare capacity and potential (Figure 4). The tonnage, manpower, lane metres and helicopter landing spots available with the LHDs fundamentally change what the ADF might be able to do. As one person explained in our interviews, ‘if the Australian government just wanted amphibious sea transport capability, then they certainly bought the wrong ships.’ With the procurement of the LHDs, Australia has overcome a capacity challenge in developing amphibious warfare capability for large-scale ship to objective manoeuvre operations. We’ll now have to overcome the challenge of integrating land forces and synchronising all of the other fundamental inputs to capability if we want to achieve the specified and implied tasks of the 2013 DWP. If the 2015 DWP increases those expectations and includes tasks that are higher on the threat and complexity spectrum, the challenge will be even more difficult and costly. 

Due to the guidance gap, ADF leaders, especially the service chiefs, have agreed to postpone some key decisions about the sustainment of amphibious warfare capability and take an iterative approach. In the interim, they’ve filled the guidance gap by interpreting the 2013 DWP in such a way as to set the highest feasible threshold (employ an ARG in an amphibious assault) for amphibious warfare capability to be achieved by 2017. The ADF will wait for clearer guidance from the upcoming DWP and Force Structure Review, which the government expects to publish in September 2015. In the meantime, the ADF has wisely planned to take full advantage of lessons learned in the validation process until 2017. However, it’s important to note that many decisions about the sustainment of amphibious warfare capability after 2017 must be made before the end of 2015 if they’re to be effectively
implemented by 2017.

see full article ASPI

Seventh C-17A Globemaster III Arrived in Australia

30 Juli 2015

Arrival of the seventh Royal Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster III at RAAF Base Amberley. (photo : Aus DoD)

Fastest C-17A delivery in Australian history

The seventh C-17A Globemaster III aircraft arrived in Australia at RAAF Base Amberley today, marking the fastest C-17A delivery in our fleet.

Minister for Defence Kevin Andrews said the rapid acquisition of the aircraft is a testament to the close relationship that exists between Australia and the United States. 

“The active involvement of a number of United States and Australian agencies has been pivotal in meeting the successful delivery of this aircraft and I applaud everyone involved in the acquisition program,” Minister Andrews said.

“This acquisition signifies considerable work opportunities for the local industry, with $300 million being spent to upgrade facilities.

“With its proven ability to transport heavy equipment, vehicles and helicopters in a short time frame, the C-17A’s capabilities are vital to Australia’s national security and safety.”

Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Leo Davies, AO, CSC said the acquisition of two additional C-17A aircraft will increase the Australian Defence Force’s capacity to provide vital community and humanitarian assistance.

“The C-17A fleet has been integral to recent operations including the rapid deployment of Australian forces in support of the Iraq Government , assistance in the Queensland floods, and the recovery of MH17 victims from Eastern Ukraine,” Air Marshal Davies said.

“This latest acquisition will bolster our existing fleet of strategic lift aircraft – providing vital heavy airlift support to a range of operations, and increase our capacity to provide swift disaster relief and humanitarian assistance at home and abroad.

“Under Plan Jericho, the Air Force is dedicated to developing a networked, future joint force that can respond across the spectrum – from combat to humanitarian support. An additional two C-17A aircraft will help us achieve that,” Air Marshal Davies said.

The Government announced the acquisition of two additional C-17A aircraft in April 2015 representing a $1 billion investment in Australia’s security and Defence Force.  The eighth C-17A is planned to arrive in Australia in late 2015.

(Aus DoD)

The Australian Growler: Ready to Fly, Ready to Jam

30 Juli 2015

Royal Australian Air Force gaining airborne electronic attack capability with first EA-18G Growler (photo : Australian Aviation)

Boeing is unveiling an Australian version of the aircraft that offers a veil of protection to fighter fleets. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is receiving its first EA-18G Growler. Australia joins the United States as the only two nations to fly the airborne electronic attack platform. The Growler’s radar-jamming devices deceive and frustrate enemy forces and allow strike jets to carry out their missions undetected. 

“The Growlers really compliment our air combat capability our legacy fighters, our Super Hornets and the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF); they’ll be a lot more lethal when you have a Growler up there to support,” said Wing Cmdr. Cameron Cornell, deputy project manager, Australian Growler program. Members of the Royal Australian Air Force will train with the U.S. Navy to learn the intricacies of controlling the electromagnetic spectrum.

The Royal Australian Growler recently demonstrated its agile flight capabilities during its first flight in St. Louis, Mo., where the Growler and Super Hornet assembly lines are located. Check out the video to see the Australian Growler’s air prowess in action and learn more about Australia’s desire to master the art of electronic deception.

(Boeing)

First RAAF P-8 on Track for Mid-2016 First Flight

29 Juli 2015

P-8As for the US Navy on Boeing’s mission systems integration line for the aircraft, which is adjacent to Boeing Field, Seattle. (photo : Australian Aviation)

Components for the first Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft for the RAAF are already in production ahead of the aircraft’s first flight in mid-2016, Boeing says.

The fuselage for the first RAAF P-8A, dubbed ‘Aussie 01’, should arrive at Boeing’s Renton factory to begin final assembly by early 2016, James Detwiler, Boeing Military Aircraft’s director of business development for maritime projects, told Australian journalists in Seattle on Monday.

“We’ve already begun production on the first aircraft. Aussie 01 is in production right now in a very long-lead advanced procurement state,” Detwiler said.

“The first fuselage will be complete by the end of the year … and that first Australian [fuselage] will be here [Boeing’s mission systems integration line adjacent to Boeing Field in Seattle] in the first part of 2016.”

That would lead to a first flight in “mid-year 2016,” Detwiler said.

The Australian government announced approval of the RAAF’s acquisition of eight P-8As with options on a further four in February 2014. The first Australian aircraft is due to be delivered in early 2017 and all eight are expected in service by 2021. Prime Minister Tony Abbott said at the time that acquiring the four optioned aircraft would be considered as part of the new Defence White Paper, which is due to be released in coming weeks.

To date Boeing has delivered 27 production P-8As to the US Navy out of a requirement – project of record – for 117. Fifty-three P-8As have been contracted for under low rate initial production (LRIP) batches 1 through 4 and the first full-rate production batch. Currently Boeing and the US Navy are finalising contracts for full rate production batch two and long-lead items for full rate production batch three, which will include all eight Australian aircraft. A contract for long-lead items covering the first four RAAF aircraft was signed last August.

So far India and Australia are the only confirmed P-8 export customers – but Detwiler said Boeing anticipated that further international orders would take total P-8 production beyond 200 units.

“We’re looking at numbers that would bring a fleet size in the 200 ballpark, maybe more,” Detwiler said.

India is acquiring eight P-8Is, a variant of the P-8A featuring a different communications suite and a digital magnetic anomaly detector (MAD). Seven of the eight Indian P-8Is have already been delivered.

(Australian Aviation)

Australia Drops Plans to Use AWD Hulls for Future Frigates

29 Juli 2015

The air warfare destroyer Hobart after its launch at Osborne. (photo : AdelaideNow)

The option of using the Navantia-designed hull of Australia's Hobart-class Air Warfare Destroyers (AWDs) as the basis for the proposed Future Frigate that will replace the Royal Australian Navy's (RAN's) Anzac-class fleet has been quietly dropped, informed sources have told IHS Jane's .

At the same time, a reported limit on the displacement of the Future Frigate has been set aside in favour of assessing the capability effects of competing platforms, an industry briefing was told on 15 July.

Both developments clear the way for a robust international competition to build at least eight Future Frigates under Project Sea 5000.

(Jane's)

Airbus Helicopters Achieves Factory Acceptance for First “HATS” Military Training Helicopter for Australia

27 Juli 2015

Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) for the Australian Defence Force (photo : Airbus Helicopters)

Airbus Helicopters has achieved Factory Acceptance of HATS01, the first of fifteen helicopters of the H135 family (EC135 T2+) for the Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). 

Boeing Defence Australia as the prime contractor for the new training system for the ADF, joined with representatives of the Royal Australian Navy and the Australian Army for a Factory Acceptance ceremony for the “ideal training platform for the next generation of Navy and Army pilots”. 

Under the JP 9000 Phase 7 HATS project, a new joint helicopter training system for both Army and Navy aircrew will utilise the EC135 T2+ helicopters, along with flight simulators and a new flight-deck equipped sea-going training vessel.

“Airbus Helicopters is thrilled that Boeing and the Commonwealth of Australia have demonstrated their confidence in our product by accepting this first EC135 T2+, on time and on budget, as part of a world leading high tech helicopter aircrew training system for the ADF”, says Peter Harris, Head of Governmental Sales for Australia Pacific.

“Following contract signature in November of 2014, the first aircraft took to the skies on the 16th of January 2015, and is now accepted by the customer. The next steps involve training of initial Boeing and Commonwealth aircrews and technicians here in Donauwörth, before shipment to Australia in January 2016” said Harris.

Boeing’s HATS Program Manager James Heading said that during 2015 the Boeing team have been conducting engineering evaluations and ground and flight test activities and have been fully satisfied with the results. 

“By partnering with Airbus Helicopters on this important program, Boeing Defence Australia is confident of meeting our requirements towards the Commonwealth for providing a mature and cost effective platform that meets training, technical and safety requirements and the future needs of the Australian Defence Force,” said Heading. 

The EC135 T2+ is a consummate military training helicopter, offering a glass cockpit with high visibility, a multi-axis auto-pilot, the performance and safety of a twin-engine helicopter replacing current single types, plus other advanced technologies to help instructors perform training missions safely and provide the ADF with the flexibility to undertake additional missions.

The more than 1,200 H135 helicopters now delivered have clocked up over three million flight hours world-wide. The helicopter is part of successful training systems in Germany, Switzerland, Spain and Japan, and is in service in Australia with the Victorian and New South Wales police forces.

(Airbus Helicopters)

Submarine Search and Rescue Capability Boosted

17 Juli 2015

The submarine intervention gear ship MV Besant in Cockburn Sound approaching Fleet Base West in Western Australia. (photo : RAN)

The latest enhancement to Navy's submarine search and rescue capability steamed into her new home at Fleet Base West, Rockingham, Western Australia recently. As one of two ships being acquired to further enhance the capability, MV BESANT will be the submarine escape gear ship.

Named after Lieutenant Commander Thomas Besant, Commanding Officer of First World War submarine, AE1, the vessel will be used to provide an early intervention role in the event of a disabled submarine.

The 83m ship will embark a side-scan sonar, and the SCORPIO SC45 remotely operated vehicle to conduct surveys, damage assessment, debris removal from around the rescue seat and deploy transponders for the LR5 rescue vehicle tracking system, and recompression chambers to provide medical support to submarine escapees.

Submarine Escape and Rescue Manager, Commander Ken Marr, said that the delivery of the ships would enhance Navy's existing capability.

"Planning is well underway for BLACK CARILLION 15, our annual submarine and escape and rescue exercise, where MV BESANT will play an important part as we utilise and incorporate her many functionalities into our existing procedures.

"The longer 93m rescue gear ship, MV STOKER, is currently undergoing final fit-out and is scheduled to join MS BESANT in early Jan 16.

"Both vessels will provide more flexibility to respond," Commander Marr said.

Both ships will be operated by Defence Maritime Services and will provide a long term and extremely capable role in supporting submarine escape and rescue activities. Being larger ships than the existing vessel, MV Seahorse Standard, the ability to embark more personnel such as medical and other rescue system members will ensure sustained operations can be conducted at sea. Enhanced onboard medical facilities and the ability to accommodate a full submarine crew will also ensure the best medical support is provided.

The acquisition of MV BESANT and MV STOKER will replace the existing submarine escape and rescue support vessel, MV Seahorse Standard, which may be redeployed to the east coast of Australia in late 2015.

(RAN)

DCNS Names ‘Shortfin Barracuda’ as SEA 1000 Contender

16 Juli 2015

DCNS Shortfin Barracuda (image : DCNS)

DCNS has announced that it will propose what it believes would be the most advanced conventionally powered submarine in the world as its pre-concept design for the Future Submarine program’s competitive evaluation process.

Known as the Shortfin Barracuda Block 1A, the submarine has been developed from the larger Barracuda nuclear-powered attack submarine, would be more than 90 metres long and would displace more than 4,000 tons when dived, the company said in a statement.

“If selected, the Shortfin Barracuda will remain in service until the 2060s, and the Block 1A platform will be updated and upgraded with new technology developed in France and Australia,” said Sean Costello, DCNS Australia chief executive officer. “The technical evolution of the submarine will be enabled by a strategic-level government-to-government agreement between France and Australia.”

The federal government announced the acquisition strategy for the Future Submarine in February, stating that France, Germany and Japan would be invited to participate in the competitive evaluation that is intended to assess their ability to partner with Australia to develop a submarine.

(ADBR)

Successful Sea Trials for Nuship Adelaide

11 Juli 2015

NUSHIP Adelaide will dock at BAE Systems Williamstown shipyard tomorrow following successful initial sea trials and first docking at the RAN base at Garden Island in Sydney.(photo : BAE Systems)

The sea trials were conducted from 17 to 26 June on the voyage to Sydney and then during the voyage back following the successful docking.

Sea trials are designed to test the ship’s systems to ensure that all perform to their capability in a range of scenarios. This first set of trials focused mainly on platform systems, while the next set of trials will focus mainly on combat and communication systems.

NUSHIP Adelaide will remain at Williamstown for some final outfitting and integration activities in preparation for the second set of sea trials which is planned for mid-late August.

BAE Systems Director of Maritime, Bill Saltzer said: “During sea trials, we essentially test the ship and all its systems in the ‘at-sea’ environment in which it will be expected to operate in the service of the Royal Australian Navy. It is also the first opportunity for the new officers and crew to be engaged in on-board operations following the extensive training program that they undergo at our state-of-the-art training facility in Mascot, NSW. NUSHIP Adelaide performed exceptionally well in the first phase of sea trials. The ship is well ahead of where HMAS Canberra was at the same time in her production schedule, demonstrating again the benefits that come from continuous production.”

(BAE Systems)

Qantas to Return Two CIT A330s by End-2015 for MRTT Conversion

10 Juli 2015

Two Airbus A330-200 aircraft have been pending their conversion to MRTT (photo : Aus DoD)

Qantas Airways will return two Airbus A330-200 aircraft to CIT Aerospace by the end of the year, pending their conversion to multi-role tanker transports (MRTT) for the Royal Australian Air Force.

The two airliners bear the registrations VH-EBH (MSN 892) and VH-EBI (MSN 898), says Australia’s Department of Defence (DoD). They will eventually be converted to KC-30As (the RAAF designation for the A330 MRTT) at Airbus Defence and Space’s Getafe, Spain facility, for delivery to the RAAF in 2018.

The DoD confirms that it will assume full ownership of the converted jets.

Qantas says VH-EBH has stopped flying and will be returned to CIT on 21 July. VH-EBI will cease operating in September and be returned to CIT on 20 November.

Flightglobal’s Ascend Fleets database shows that both jets are powered by General Electric CF6 engines – similar to the RAAF’s existing five KC-30As. VH-EBH was handed over to Qantas in January 2008, and VH-EBI one month later.

Flightglobal Ascend pegs the full-life valuation of each aircraft at $61.7 million.

Airbus says this is the first incidence of in-service A330-200s being converted to the MRTT tanker standard. The work will see the installation of hose and drogue refueling pods under the the aircraft’s wings, a refuelling boom, and other military equipment.

“The two extra aircraft for RAAF were exceptional due to their wish to use basic airframes of a specification very close to their existing fleet, and these two Qantas airframes were available,” says Airbus. “There is no proposal to convert used aircraft for any other customer.”

When contacted by Flightglobal, CIT and Airbus were unable to provide details as to when the aircraft will change hands, but Airbus says an MRTT conversion takes 10-12 months.

According to a DoD statement, the value of the transaction is worth A$408 million ($314 million).

Including the two aircraft due to be returned to CIT, Qantas has 27 A330s: 17 -200s and 10 -300s.

(FlighGlobal)

CAE Wins Defence Contracts MH-60R Rear-Crew Trainers for RAN

09 Juli 2015

Straight forward design allows for quick configuration changes to fit your mission requirements. The MH-60R helicopter has been designed by pilots, operators and maintainers for pilots, operators and maintainers, keeping focus on both day and night missions. In the ASW mode, the interior is designed to reduce operator workload and promote ease of operations. (image : Sikorsky)

CAE wins defence contracts valued at more than C$150 million

Montreal, Canada - (NYSE: CAE; TSX: CAE) - CAE today announced that it has won defence contracts valued at more than C$150 million to provide simulation products as well as training services for global military customers.

Some of the key contracts include providing additional MH-60R training devices for the Royal Australian Navy, additional UH-72A Lakota flight training devices for the U.S. Army, and two full-mission simulators for an undisclosed customer in the Europe/Middle East/Africa region.

The contracts announced today are included as part of CAE's Defence and Security order intake for the first quarter. Also of note, the value of this announcement includes an order for two P-8A operational flight trainers for the U.S. Navy, which was communicated to trade media on June 29, 2015.

"Our focus on being a training systems integrator has enabled us to make good progress on the implementation of our strategy in the first quarter, which included the competitive win to provide the U.S. Army with long-term fixed-wing training services," said Gene Colabatistto, CAE's Group President, Defence & Security. "These additional contracts we are announcing today are all related to the extended use of simulation-based training as part of these programs, further demonstrating that global defence forces are increasingly adopting synthetic training for more of their training requirements."

US Navy/Royal Australian Navy

CAE was awarded a contract to develop an MH-60R composite maintenance trainer (CMT) as well as procure an MH-60R rear crew trainer (RCT) for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) under the United States foreign military sale (FMS) program.

CAE USA will be the prime contractor responsible for the design and development of the MH-60R CMT that will be delivered in 2017 to HMAS Albatross, located near Nowra in New South Wales.  CAE USA will also procure a commercial-off-the-shelf MH-60R RCT from Australia-based Virtual Simulation Systems and have responsibility for delivery and installation at HMAS Albatross. CAE has already delivered one MH-60R tactical operational flight trainer (TOFT) and one MH-60R avionics maintenance trainer/weapons load trainer to the RAN, and will deliver a second MH-60R TOFT in 2016.

The MH-60R CMT will be a modified MH-60R helicopter specifically designed to provide mechanical, electrical and hydraulic systems training to RAN MH-60R aircraft maintenance personnel. The MH-60R CMT will include a suite of instructor-controlled malfunctions that facilitate training in fault isolation and removal/replacement of aircraft components.

The MH-60R RCT will be a modified aircraft mock-up that features a module for training hoist operations as well as two weapons modules for training MH-60R door gunnery operations.

(CAE)

Australia Scraps Plan to Buy F-35Bs for New LHDs

09 Juli 2015

Plans to equip the HMAS Canberra and another Navy assault ship with F-35 fighter jets were derailed by technical difficulties and the high cost involved, sources say (photo : sldinfo)

PM's floating fighter jet plan quietly sunk by Defence

Prime Minister Tony Abbott's proposal to put F-35 fighter jets on the Navy's two 27,000-tonne troop transport assault ships has been quietly dropped ahead of the government's defence white paper after it was found the ships would require extensive reworking and the project was too costly.

Mr Abbott asked defence planners in May last year to examine the possibility of putting up to 12 of the short-take-off and vertical-landing F-35 Bs on to the two ships – the largest in the Navy – which carry helicopters and are likely to be primarily used to transport troops and equipment to war or disaster zones.

The first of the assault ships was completed last year and commissioned into the Navy in November as HMAS Canberra.

But defence officials conceded to a Senate estimates committee late last year that the jump-jet proposal would involve extensive modifications to the ships, including new radar systems, instrument landing systems, heat-resistant decking, restructuring of fuel storage and fuel lines, and storage hangars.

Defence sources have told The Australian Financial Review that the proposal was "still in the white paper mix" up until some weeks ago.

But one source close to the white paper was emphatic on Tuesday that "it will now not make the cut".

"There were just too many technical difficulties involved in modifying a ship which takes helicopters to take fighter jets and it is also very expensive," the source said. "You can safely say it has been dropped."

'Better Ways to Spend the Money'

The white paper, which lays down the Abbott government's 20-year vision for defence – including a $275 billion-plus weapons wishlist – is expected to be released next month.

The Prime Minister's proposal would have brought Australia into line with the United States, Britain and a number of other nations that plan to operate F-35s from their assault ships.

The F-35B version of the joint strike fighter is being built for the US Marines and British forces to replace their British-built Harrier jump jets.

The Spanish Navy's version of the troop transport assault ship, which utilises the same underlying design as the Royal Australian Navy's troop assault ship, is equipped to carry Harrier jump jets.

Mr Abbott announced in April last year that Australia would buy an additional 58 conventional take-off and landing versions for the Royal Australian Air Force at a cost of $12 .4 billion, bringing the number of orders to 72.

But the RAAF version was not suitable for the troop transport assault ships, which would have required the purchase of extra fighters to equip the ships. And the radar-evading stealth fighter program has been plagued by delays and cost overruns, as well as software issues with the F-35B – the worst-afflicted version of the aircraft.  

In an independent report on the jump jet proposal, defence think tank the Australian Strategic Policy Institute warned that the purchase of aircraft and ship modifications would involve "multibillions of dollars".

Analysts Richard Brabin-Smith and Dr Benjamin Schreer also warned in the report that the cost was unjustified and could also "raise unrealistic expectations" that Australia was adopting a "much more muscular strategic posture" in the region.

"The cost-benefit analysis is not in favour of developing [the assault ship-jump jet proposal]," the paper said.

"The scenarios in which the capability would be realistically required and make an important impact are operationally vague at best.

"The 2015 defence white paper should not announce a decision or intention to acquire jump jets for the ADF… there are likely better ways to spend the money."

(Financial Review)