DSTO Demonstrates Vision Technology for ADF Vehicles

29 Maret 2012

Desert Owl on display at the Puckapunyal Army training facility (photo : DSTO)

Computerised vision technology, designed to enhance ADF vehicle situation awareness has been demonstrated at the Puckapunyal Army training facility in Victoria.

Desert Owl is being developed by computer vision and software firm Sentient, as part of the

Defence Capability and Technology Demonstrator Program (CTD), managed by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation.

The system analyses Full Motion Video imagery from EO/IR sensors to perform Mobile Target Indication from mobile ground vehicles to identify potential targets and threats.

Alan Hinge, CTD Program director, says that Desert Owl is designed with two distinct technology components, ‘to provide advanced vehicle awareness.’

“A component known as Panoptes provides automated target detection from a stationary, sweeping camera. In Greek mythology, Panoptes was a giant with 100 eyes,” Hinge says.

Vinod Puri, DSTO’s Chief Technology Officer, Land Operations Division, said, "This technology can detect and track moving targets down to a few pixels in size – cueing operators to small or slow moving and hard to see targets, in difficult terrain. It can also detect stationary objects that may have moved since the camera was first directed at that location.”

A separate Ground Change Detection component can identify variations in a landscape, between successive camera transits through an area.

“With this component,” explains Hinge, “Desert Owl records imagery of the environment. On subsequent transits, the system compares live imagery of the road ahead with this recorded imagery and identifies visual changes, including disturbances to the ground surface, additional, moved or removed objects.”

Desert Owl, currently in the sixth of nine Technology Readiness Levels, could be applied to any ADF land vehicle.

The CTD Program was established to improve priority Defence capabilities. It provides Australian and New Zealand industry and research organisations an opportunity to demonstrate technology and allows Defence to assess its potential and associated risks.

(DSTO)

Cocos Islands Airfield Not Ready for Spy Drones, Says Stephen Smith

28 Maret 2012

Gobal Hawk - high altitude longrange endurance HALE UAV (photo : DefenseIndustryDaily)

THE Cocos Islands' airfield would require a $75 million-$100 million upgrade before the territory could be used as a base for US drones, says Defence Minister Stephen Smith.

Amid heightened Chinese sensitivities over Australian-US military ties, Mr Smith played down the short-term prospects of using the Cocos Islands - a remote group of coral atolls and islands in the Indian Ocean - as a staging point for US spy flights.

Pentagon planners are considering basing Global Hawk drones and manned surveillance aircraft from the Cocos Islands - about 2750km northwest of Perth - to carry out patrols far out over the northern oceans.

Mr Smith said he and his US counterparts had agreed a “substantial infrastructure upgrade” was required before the Cocos Islands could be considered for use as a joint US-Australian base.

Cocos Island - small island in Hindian Ocean (image : GoogleMaps)

“My memory of the costing of that was somewhere between $75-$100 million. No-one is proposing that occur in the first instance or in the near future,” he said.

Mr Smith said the priorities for the deepened Australian-US military relationship were the deployment of US Marines in Darwin and the bedding down of arrangements for US use of Australian air and naval bases.

HMAS Stirling, in Perth, is reportedly being eyed by the US for use by aircraft carriers and nuclear-powered submarines.

An initial 250 marines will arrive in Darwin in coming days - the first of 2500 to eventually be deployed in the Northern Territory.

Mr Smith said rotational arrangements for the force were being finalised between Australian and US officials.

The Greens said the Cocos Islands must not be used as a base for US drones.

“Surveillance may sound innocent enough to some, but the role of this base will be to make it even easier for the US military to strike and kill at will,” Greens defence spokesman Scott Ludlum said.

“If the past 40 years has taught us anything, it's that we must be wary of being complicit in these misadventures.

He said US attack drones had caused large numbers of civilian deaths.

“Are their spy drones any more reliable in identifying targets?”

(The Australian)

Quickstep Expects to Secure Long Term Agreements to Manufacture Group 2 and Group 3 JSF Parts

27 Maret 2012

Quickstep has completed the first production parts for the F-35 JSF (photo : JSF)

Quickstep Completes First Production Parts for Joint Strike Fighter

Perth – Quickstep Holdings Limited (ASX Ticker: QHL), an Australian-based advanced composites manufacturer, is pleased to announce it has completed the first production parts for the international F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (“JSF”) program under the Purchase Order secured by Quickstep in July 2011.

The parts have been presented for acceptance to Northrop Grumman weeks ahead of the schedule agreed with Northrop Grumman in 2009.The parts, assembled access panels for the F-35 aircraft, represent the first “flying” Group 1 parts manufactured by Quickstep for the JSF program. Quickstep initially expects to manufacture approximately one completed part per week and will gradually ramp up in quantity.

Quickstep’s Managing Director, Mr Philippe Odouard, said the commencement of commercial JSF production was a very significant event for the Company and demonstrates that Quickstep has successfully completed the very challenging development, contract negotiation and industrialisation phase and has moved into the production and revenue phase.

“This represents the start of Quickstep’s first major production contract for the international defence industry – a core part of the Company’s growth strategy,” Mr Odouard said.

“With serial production now underway we will be making regular shipments of Group 1 JSF parts to Northrop Grumman and receiving regular cash flow, with the intention of ramping up production over the next 12 months.”

Quickstep recently received its second Purchase Order for Group 1 parts covering manufacturing and delivery throughout 2013. While details of Purchase Orders will continue to remain confidential, the 2013 Purchase Order represents a 3 fold increase in JSF part deliveries compared to 2012 quantities and Quickstep’s production ramp up will be completed to meet this timetable.

“To date, Quickstep has met, and in many cases outperformed, all JSF delivery deadlines agreed with Northrop Grumman – a record of which we can be justifiably proud,” Mr Odouard said.

Quickstep expects to secure Long Term Agreements to manufacture Group 2 and Group 3 JSF parts during 2012, which would increase the number and types of JSF parts the Company, will manufacture.

(QuickStep)

Allocation of Block Construction Work for the Third Air Warfare Destroyer

09 Maret 2012

Air Warfare Destroyer for Royal Australian Navy (image : Aus DoD)

The Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and the Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare today announced the allocation of construction work for the third ship of the $8 billion Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) Project.

The allocation of block construction work for ship three is as follows:

• Forgacs (Newcastle) – 15 blocks;

• ASC (Adelaide) – eight blocks;

• Navantia (Spain) – five blocks; and

• BAE Systems (Melbourne) – two blocks.

This means the four shipyards will construct the same blocks for ship three that they are constructing for ship two. The construction arrangements for block structure and block pre-outfit are:

• Ship 1: BAE Systems 7, Forgacs 14, ASC 9

• Ship 2: BAE Systems 2, Forgacs 15, ASC 8, Navantia 5

• Ship 3: BAE Systems 2, Forgacs 15, ASC 8, Navantia 5

Getting the same shipyards to build the same blocks for ships two and three will enable the AWD Project to take advantage of lessons the shipyards have learnt and the experience they have gained from building the same blocks.

The AWD project involves the construction of 90 separate steel blocks being built at four shipyards in Adelaide (ASC), Melbourne (BAE Systems), Newcastle (Forgacs) and Spain (Navantia) as well as the three sonar block assemblies being built in Spain and the United Kingdom.

In May last year the Government announced the reallocation of 18 blocks for AWD Ships one and two. Thirteen blocks were divided between Forgacs, ASC and BAE with five allocated to Navantia.
The reallocation of work for ship three means that overall division of block construction across the project is:

• Forgacs – 44 blocks;

• ASC – 25 blocks;

• BAE Systems – 11 blocks; and

• Navantia – 10 blocks.

(Aus DoD)

Quickstep Selected to Manufacture Carbon Fibre C-130J Aircraft Wing Flaps

05 Maret 2012

Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Hercules military transport aircraft – shown here with the flaps fully extended. (photo : Malcolm Clarke)

Australian advanced materials company, Quickstep Holdings Limited (ASX: QHL –“Quickstep”) has secured its second major aerospace manufacturing program, today announcing it has been awarded the tender to manufacture wing flaps for the C-130J Hercules military transport aircraft.

Quickstep was selected as sole source supplier for the C-130J flaps following an international commercial tender program by Lockheed Martinwhich attracted bids from numerous manufacturers from around the world. Representatives of Lockheed Martin are scheduled to visit Quickstep’s Australian headquarters in the second quarter of 2012 to finalise contract details, which are expected to include a multi-year term and will see Quickstep as sole source global supplier for these part sets.

Managing Director of Quickstep, Mr Philippe Odouard, said that securing the contract represented an outstanding achievement for the Company’s contract manufacturing division.

“The award of this C-130J contract further demonstrates Quickstep’s ability to contest and win major aerospace manufacturing contracts and confirms our competitiveness on the international stage,” Mr Odouard said.

“It is good news for manufacturing in Australia demonstrating that we can keep manufacturing work in country through innovation and high-end capabilities. I would like to pay a particular tribute to the NSW government that supported us in developing the Bankstown facility which will become one of the most advanced in the world. This win could create 60+ new jobs at the Bankstown facility in NSW.”

(Quickstep)

Boeing will Produce JHCMS to Australia and Some Other Countries

04 Maret 2012



Boeing JHMCS (photo : militaryphotos)



Boeing scores another Air Force production contract for Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System



WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio. U.S. Air Force aviation experts needed helmet-mounted targeting systems for the U.S. Navy, as well as for air forces in Pakistan, Belgium, Australia, Canada, Switzerland, and Finland. They found their solution from the Boeing Co. Defense, Space & Security segment in St. Louis.



The Air Force Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, awarded Boeing a $31.7 million full-rate production contract Thursday for the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) for Navy and international users. The Air Force manages the Boeing JHMCS program.



Boeing began initial production of the JHMCS in 2000 and has been at full-rate production for the aircraft pilot system since 2005. The company has won several full-rate production contracts for the JHMCS, which is deployed on more than 2,500 F-15, F-16 and F/A-18 combat jets worldwide, Boeing officials say.



The JHMCS helps jet fighter pilots fire the AIM-9X Sidewinder heat-seeking air-to-air missile as part of the High-Off-BoreSight (HOBS) system that enables pilots to aim onboard weapons at enemy aircraft by pointing their heads at the targets.



In an air-to-ground role, pilots use the JHMCS with targeting sensors and smart weapons to attack surface targets. In all roles, images and symbology are projected onto the JHMCS visor to provide the pilot with aircraft status information, targeting data, weapons status, and threat warning information no matter where the pilot is looking.



The idea is to enhance pilot situation awareness throughout the mission. In a dual-seat aircraft, each crew member can wear a JHMCS helmet, perform operations independently of each other, and have continuous awareness of where the other crew member is looking, Boeing officials say.



The JHMCS has a magnetic helmet-mounted tracker determines where the pilot's head is pointed, and combines that capability with a miniature display system on the helmet's visor. The head tracker and visor display can aim sensors and weapons wherever the pilot is looking.



The JHMCS can the pilot airspeed, altitude, target range, and other information while the pilot looks outside of the cockpit. To attack a ground target, the pilot can acquire the target with a sensor and note it's location on the helmet display, or use the helmet display to cue sensors and weapons to a visually detected ground target.



Since targets may be located at high-off-boresight line-of-sight locations in relation to the shooter, the system delivers a short-range intercept envelope that is larger than other air-to-air weapons. The helmet also can be datalinked to hand visually detected targets from one aircraft to another.



(Military Aerospace)

US Aprroved the RWR's Software Development Support for Malaysia and Australia

03 Maret 2012

Radar Warning Receiver on F/A-18 A/B/C/D Hornet configuration. Raytheon™ AN/ALR-67(V)3 couples sophisticated digital receiver technology with Power PC G4 based processing power, yielding superior, reliable performance in high density, complex electromagnetic environments. The system is integrated with all F/A-18 avionics and is supported by a comprehensive, state-of-the-art PBL sustainment program. (photo : vnfawing)

Raytheon Co., Goleta, Calif., is being awarded a $48,663,690 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for software development support of the ALR-67(V) 3 radar for the U.S. Navy and the governments of Australia, Kuwait, Qatar, Malaysia, Switzerland, Canada, and various other future foreign military sales customers. Work will be performed in Point Mugu, Calif., and is expected to be completed in February 2017. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.

This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($28,891,633; 59.2 percent) and, under the Foreign Military Sales Program, the governments of Australia ($4,550,055; 9.4 percent), Kuwait ($1,975,745; 4.1 percent), Qatar ($1,975,746; 4.1 percent), Malaysia ($1,975,746; 4.1 percent), Switzerland, ($1,382,049; 2.8 percent), Canada ($1,386,915; 2.9 percent), and other future foreign military sales customers ($6,525,801; 13.4 percent). This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6302-1. The Naval Air Systems Command, Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif., is the contracting activity (N68936-12-D-0018).

(US DoD)

BAE Systems Ships More AWD Blocks to Adelaide

03 Maret 2012

Total number of blocks delivered by BAE to ASC to five (photo : AusAWD)

Two more keel blocks constructed by BAE Systems for the Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) program have been shipped to the ASC facility in Osborne South Australia.

Each of these blocks weighs approximately 100 tonnes and are approximately 14 metres long, 17 metres wide and 5 metres high. Both of the blocks left BAE Systems Williamstown shipyard on Monday by barge.

BAE Systems Director of Maritime, Bill Saltzer, said the delivery brought the total number of blocks delivered to ASC to five (the first three having been delivered during 2011) and marked another significant milestone achieved on this important project.

“Construction of another six blocks is already underway in Williamstown, with two more to be delivered in a couple of months and the other four scheduled for completion later this year,” he said.

Mr Saltzer congratulated the BAE Systems staff for achieving further success on this project.

The $8 billion AWD project comprises three ships and will provide the Royal Australian Navy with one of the world’s most capable multi-mission warships. ASC is a member of the Air Warfare Destroyer Alliance which is responsible for delivering the ships to Navy. The five blocks now delivered to ASC will form a large part of the keel of the first ship HMAS Hobart.

(BAE Systems)

New Submarines were Set to be Built in South Australia

03 Maret 2012

Australia will build 6 new conventional submarine (photo : Layher)

South Australia in Box Seat to Win Billion-dollar Defence Contracts

THE national race to snare work in the planned multi-billion-dollar submarine program has largely been won by South Australia, the state's Treasurer claimed in parliament yesterday.

Jack Snelling, who also is South Australian Defence Industry Minister, said in recent weeks he had met with senior leaders in defence, including the federal Defence Minister Stephen Smith, to secure "early opportunities" arising out of the Future Submarine Project.

The planned 12 new submarines are set to be built in South Australia but the other states, particularly Victoria, had hoped to benefit through companies providing key components and infrastructure.

But Mr Snelling said federal Labor and other defence leaders understood that South Australia was "primed to capture a significant share of this work".

"Over recent weeks, I have personally met with senior leaders in defence to reinforce South Australia's focus on securing early opportunities arising out of the future submarine project, including promoting South Australia as the logical home for project design and complementary facilities, such as the proposed submarine propulsion land based facility," Mr Snelling told parliament.

"Under Defence's current plans, the commonwealth will spend up to $250 billion over the next 20 years on acquiring and sustaining new ships and submarines, an enormous opportunity by any measure.

"South Australia is committed to supporting defence with this ambitious target.

"We are primed to capture a significant share of this work with our highly skilled workforce, state-of-the-art infrastructure and experienced maritime industry."

Mr Snelling said during his meeting with Mr Smith, the Minister had reinforced the federal government's commitment to acquiring 12 new submarines to be consolidated in South Australia over the next 30 years.

"The Future Submarine Project will be the largest and most complex defence project ever undertaken by Australia, providing significant job opportunities for South Australians for decades to come," Mr Snelling said.

The Gillard government has said it would build 12 conventionally powered submarines in Adelaide, but has not yet said whether they would be largely Australian-made or a locally constructed off-the-shelf European boat.

The construction of 12 large home-made submarines has been estimated at up to $36 billion.

Mr Snelling said the state was committed to a long-term defence industry and attracting additional defence units, and was well placed given its multi-billion-dollar Collins class submarine sustainment contract and the $8 billion air warfare destroyer construction contract.

However, while he said he supported the industry's Defence Teaming Centre, he could not guarantee its funding next financial year.

(The Australian)

EOS Awarded Defence Contract

02 Maret 2012

Electro-Optic Systems (EOS) R-600 remote weapon station (all photos : EOS)

Electro Optic Systems (ASX:EOS) has announced a new contract valued at $25 million for the manufacture and delivery of remote weapon systems over the next 30 monthsfor an existing customer.

Announcing the contract, the Chief Executive of EOS’ Defence Systems business, Mr Mark Bornholt, said:“This order is for our most advanced model of remote weapon system and brings to over 300 units the total number of orders for this model. It will be filled in EOS’ production facilities in Australia and the USA.

“This product has been in reliable production in the exact configuration now ordered for more than12 months and no changes to our supply chain or production processes will be required. This order will see production of that configuration continue with regular monthly shipments to late in 2014.

“We expect a significant proportion of this order will be produced in Huntsville, Alabama, under the consolidation of remote weapons system capabilities announced by EOS in December 2011.”

EOS CEO, Dr Ben Greene, said that the contract award was particularly satisfying as it is from an existing customer.“EOS is proud of its products and customer-focused culture, but the most important indicator of how well we embody these qualities is customer feedback and follow-on contracts.

“The order raises EOS’ backlog of confirmed, unfilled orders for all products and services to around $45 million deliverable over the next 2.5 years. This backlog is around 1.5 years of revenue at current performance levels, and is strong in terms of past sales performance.

(EOS Australia)

Sixth Tanker for Australia?

02 Maret 2012

Airbus Military KC-30 MRTT (photo : ADF)

MELBOURNE — At the recent Singapore Airshow, Airbus Military Chief Domingo Ureña Raso revealed his company has submitted a proposal for a sixth KC-30 Multi Role Tanker Transport to the Australian government.

Australia has four KC-30As and will take delivery of its fifth, and last, later this year.
Speaking with Australian journalists at the show, Ureña said the offer was made in January, but there had yet to be a response from the commonwealth.

“We have made the unsolicited offer at a very attractive price for the Australian government,” Ureña said.

The matter is to be discussed at the Australian government’s National Security Council meeting in April.

Four of Australia’s aircraft have been converted locally by Qantas Defence Services (QDS) and the completion of the last aircraft in June will likely result in the loss of jobs and skills at its Brisbane facility.

Airbus Military was hopeful of winning an order for at least six aircraft for the Indian Air Force, but the Indian government’s requirement for early delivery means it may not be possible to set up an in-country conversion line in time.

With Airbus’ other conversion facilities also fully booked in the near-term, Ureña said the sixth aircraft for Australia would provide continuity for the Brisbane facility until it was able to begin work on some of the Indian aircraft, should Airbus Military win the competition.

“Although the intellectual property remains with Qantas Defence Services, it will be very expensive to ramp the workforce up again,” said Scott Harris, Head of QDS. “A sixth aircraft would provide a degree of continuity in the medium term.”

Ureña said one idea was to use one of the two airframes built for the failed U.S. KC-X bid, due to their similar age, but should the proposal be accepted it will now likely be based on a new-build aircraft.

(DefenseNews)

New Technology at Command and Control Centre

01 Maret 2012

Defence Headquarters Joint Operations Command, New South Wales (photo : Leighton)

The Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) ability to plan and execute complex operations will be significantly improved thanks to a $60 million investment in the Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC) in Bungendore, NSW.

Two contracts have been awarded to Lockheed Martin Australia and Computer Sciences Corporation Australia as part of Joint Project (JP)2030 Phase 8, Joint Command Support Environment.

JP2030 Phase 8 takes forward the cohesive and integrated Joint Command Support Environment (JCSE) at HQJOC, which coordinates major Defence operations on land, air and sea.

Minister for Defence Materiel Senator Kim Carr said acquiring this cutting-edge technology would significantly improve the ADF’s ability to plan and conduct joint operations.

“This new technology will make planning operations more efficient and effective and increase the speed of decision making,” Senator Carr said.

“I am pleased that these companies were judged best to further develop the command and control system. This demonstrates the capability of the Australian Defence industry,” Senator Carr said
“I am committed to working with industry to build and sustain these capabilities, which are so important for our national security.”

Computer Sciences Corporation Australia Pty Ltd has secured the JCSE System Integrator contract and Lockheed Martin Australia was awarded the JCSE Development Organisation contract.

(Aus DoD)

Preferred Tenderer Announced for Anzac Frigate Maintenance

29 Februari 2012

HMAS Perth 157 Anzac class frigates (photo : Aus DoD)

A $300 million maintenance and repair contract for the Anzac Class Frigates will be negotiated with Naval Ship Management Australia, following their selection as preferred tenderer. Minister for Defence Materiel Senator Kim Carr said the new five-year contract was expected to provide better outcomes for industry and more effective, value for money outcomes for the Navy.

“In June of last year my predecessor Minister Jason Clare announced the Government’s intention to reform the naval ship repair sector – commencing with the release of the tender for the repair and maintenance of the Navy’s eight Anzac Class frigates,” Senator Carr said.

“I am pleased to announce the outcome of the Tender evaluation. I congratulate Naval Ship Management Australia, a joint venture of Babcock Australia and United Group Infrastructure, for being selected as the preferred tenderer.”

Senator Carr said the announcement follows extensive consultation with industry on a new approach to contracts for repair and maintenance work.

“In contrast to the previous arrangements which required every new maintenance activity to be individually contracted out, the grouping of ship repair and maintenance tasks offers the potential for significant cost savings.

“These savings are achieved through reductions in contracting activity, greater ability to forecast work effort, and productivity gains through greater investment in workforce skills and infrastructure.

“This initiative will provide industry with the predictability, certainty and stability that it needs to achieve efficiencies and provide job security for, and investment in, its workforce.

“This new contracting approach is good for industry, it is good for job security and development, it is good for Navy, and it is good for Australian taxpayers who rightly demand maximum efficiency from every dollar spent on Australia’s defence.”

Contract negotiations are expected to be finalised by June 2012.

(Aus DoD)

High Flying with 723 Squadron

27 Februari 2012

AgustaWestland A109E (photo : RAN)

The Royal Australian Navy’s 723 Squadron has begun 2012 on a high tempo as they prepare to upgrade their capability.

The 723 Squadron’s Retention and Motivation Initiative (RMI) program currently operate three AgustaWestland A109E helicopters under lease from Raytheon Australia.

The aircraft were recently on a training mission in Queensland where they were prepared to conduct relief during the recent flood. However their services were not required.

Commanding Officer of 723 Squadron, Commander Matthew Shand said these flights provide valuable opportunities for junior aircrew to plan and execute tasks in a wide variety of environments.
“It’s been an active start to a promising year” Commander Shand said as the Squadron eagerly await the arrival of three new Bell 429 helicopters to augment their existing fleet of 13 AS350BA Squirrels.

The new Bell 429 helicopters will still be leased from Raytheon Australia, and with their composite construction, full glass cockpit and advanced systems, the Bell 429 helicopters are set to be the most modern aircraft in Australian skies when they start flying with the Squadron mid this year.

“The experience we’re getting flying the A109E has a big impact on our ability to plan and evaluate complex missions” said Lieutenant Trine Themsen an Aviation Warfare Officer currently training with the Squadron.

“We’re excited about introducing the new Bell 429 into our training and seeing what it can do”.
The first of three new Bell 429 helicopters are due to arrive at HMAS Albatross in Nowra during March before undergoing a limited test program and entering service with 723 Squadron in May.

(RAN)

Helicopter Dock Ships Boost Defence

23 Februari 2012

Canberra class LHD (image : McConrads)

THE arrival in 2014 of the first of two 27,000-tonne Landing Helicopter Dock warships represents the biggest change to Australia's "force projection capability" since the navy's first aircraft carrier was acquired more than 60 years ago, Defence Force chief General David Hurley said yesterday.
Speaking at a key defence conference in Canberra, General Hurley said restructuring of the army's three combat brigades into an amphibious assault force - the most ambitious revamp of Australian Defence Force doctrine in decades - was on track to enable company-size ship-to-shore landings by 2018.

He acknowledged "disappointment at the state of the amphibious fleet" and pledged new maintenance practices that would ensure ships "in the right condition" were available for future missions.

Last year, the Royal Australian Navy was unable to provide support to victims of Cyclone Yasi because none of its amphibious vessels was seaworthy.

The challenges in creating an Amphibious Task Force (ATF) should not be underestimated, he warned.

Much would be learnt from the shared experiences of the US Marine Corps, units of which will soon to be based in Darwin, and its British counterpart, the Royal Marines, General Hurley said.

As reported in The Australian in December, the testbed for the new capability will be the Townsville-based 2nd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment, just returned from Afghanistan.

However, outside Afghanistan, the Australian Defence Force's primary operating environment extends from the eastern approaches of the Indian Ocean to the island states of Polynesia and from the equator to the Southern Ocean.

"This area encompasses 25,000 islands, 85,000km of navigable waterways.

"The ADF must be able to maintain situational awareness across this vast area and must be capable of responding swiftly and decisively to a range of scenarios," General Hurley said.

Defence Minister Stephen Smith told the conference it was likely Canberra would follow Washington's lead and postpone the purchase of 54 of the stealthy F-35 Joint Strike Fighters (JSFs) beyond the 14 the federal government is committed to buy.

"It won't be a priority in my view this year to make judgments about the receipt or the delivery or the arrival of future or additional Joint Strike Fighters," Mr Smith warned.

Experts said that was likely to translate into a decision to upgrade at least six of the new 24 F/A-18F Super Hornet fleet to advanced electronic warfare variants.

The federal government had 12 Super Hornets hard-wired on the assembly line for possible conversion as EA-18G Growlers - a move that would give the air force a formidable new .

(The Australian)

$200m Refit to Give Fighter Jets Growl

22 Februari 2012

Boeing EA-18G Growler (image : FlightGlobal)

THE Federal Government will spend more than $200 million to transform six air force fighter jets into hi-tech electronic warfare planes.

The RAAF purchased 24 Boeing Super Hornet fighters under a $6 billion deal with the US Navy to fill the gap between the retirement of the F-111 fighter bomber and the expected delivery of the first batch of 14 Joint Strike Fighter stealth jets later this decade.

Defence Minister Stephen Smith will announce the decision to upgrade the jet fighters early next month to EA-18G models known as "Growlers" to plug an emerging air combat capability gap.

The G-model entered service with the US Navy in 2008 and it allows attacking forces to detect and jam enemy radars to protect friendly aircraft from all known surface-to-air missile threats.

The Growler is the launch platform for the "Next Generation Jammer" that uses advanced radar technology from Northrop Grumman to conduct precision jamming.

Australia purchased 12 Super Hornet fighters wired for the Growler upgrade during the production process at a cost of $35 million. Retro fitting has never been attempted before and will cost between $200 million and $300 million.

News Limited understands that the first aircraft will be converted at the Boeing factory in St Louis and the remainder at Amberley RAAF base near Brisbane.

Meanwhile, Mr Smith is facing criticism from air force brass for his move to buy 12 more Super Hornets to cover the likely delay into service of up to 70 Australian JSFs.

A decision is due by September this year, but the RAAF is arguing against more Super Hornets because they fear that will leave less funds for Joint Strike Fighters.

"The RAAF doesn't want to run two types of fighter jets," a source said. Mr Smith told theAustralian Defence Magazine congress in Canberra yesterday that Defence would be expected to deliver a further contribution from its $27 billion budget to the government's quest for a surplus this year.

"The current 2012-13 Budget process will also examine whether Defence is able to make a further contribution to the Government's Budget bottom line," he said.

Defence budget analyst Mark Thomson said Mr Smith had taken a "shot across the bow" of Defence before the May budget. "They will be going through this budget with a finetooth comb," he said.

(Adelaide Now)

Submarine All at Sea on Repairs

20 Februari 2012

The Collins class submarine HMAS Rankin. (photo : The Age)

BY THE time Australia's newest Collins class submarine returns to service in September or October next year the vessel will have been laid up for repairs and maintenance for longer than it has been in use.

A Senate estimates hearing has been told HMAS Rankin was pulled out of service in 2008 because a crew could not be found. Commissioned 41 months late on March 29, 2003, the vessel was not due for a full cycle docking until March 2011.

It was subsequently cannibalised for parts during work on its sister subs, including HMAS Sheean - the second youngest of the troubled Collins class fleet - and HMAS Dechaineux.

The Sheean was also sent to Adelaide for repairs well ahead of schedule in 2008.

''[Rankin and Sheean went in early] largely because of our manpower situation,'' The Chief of Navy, Vice-Admiral Ray Griggs, told the estimates hearing.

It was, in short, more palatable to have the billion-dollar submarines in Adelaide awaiting maintenance than languishing at Garden Island in Perth advertising the crew shortage.

The Sheean is now three years into a 900,000 man-hour, $200 million-plus maintenance regime.

Defence experts told the hearing the submarine was back in the water and undergoing testing. ''We envisage [HMAS Sheean] will be out [of its deep maintenance period] by the middle of the year,'' Air Vice-Marshal Chris Deeble said.

He said the current cost of a full cycle docking for a Collins class submarine varied between $200 million and $220 million.

The Dechaineux was involved in a dramatic incident on February 12, 2003, which led to all Collins class submarines at sea being recalled for safety checks.

Opposition defence spokesman David Johnston was critical of the Collins class sustainment program, noting he had been given cost estimates ranging from $435 million to $629 million a year. ''When you throw in depreciation [on top of the $629 million] you get $821 million,'' he said.

(The Age)

Aussies to Improve C-130 fuel Consumption

15 Februari 2012

RAAF C-130J Hercules (photo : Queensland planes spotting)

LONDON, (UPI) -- The Australian air force aims to improve fuel efficiency of its C-130 aircraft fleet and has contracted Rolls-Royce to help in the effort.

Under the one-year agreement, Rolls-Royce will analyze fuel usage to improve consumption and reduce the aircraft's environmental effects. It will do so using techniques developed for use by commercial airlines by Optimised Systems and Solutions Inc., its wholly owned subsidiary.

"We are looking for innovative solutions to the challenges that we face and we hope that working together with Rolls-Royce on this trial will identify some real opportunities to make significant savings on a very large element of any defense budget -- fuel," Air Marshal Geoff Brown, chief of the Australian air force said.

The work will be conducted at air force base Richmond in New South Wales, where the air force's C-130s are based.

"We have a longstanding relationship with the (Australian air force), which will be enhanced by the introduction of this innovative fuel efficiency program," said Nick Durham, Rolls-Royce's president of Customer Business UK and International-Defense.

"We are now using the fuel management expertise and technology that has been developed for civil airlines to advise them on how best to reduce their fuel usage.

"Our experience shows that this could save the (air force) as much as 1-3 percent of their total fuel bill without compromising their operational capability."

(UPI)

RAAF Super Hornets to Receive New Air Combat Training System

14 Februari 2012

P5 Tactical Combat Training System (photo : Cubic)

SAN DIEGO, California – Cubic Defense Applications, Inc., a defense systems business of Cubic Corporation (NYSE: CUB), has received a new contract valued at more than $11 million. Cubic and its principal subcontractor, DRS Training and Control Systems LLC, a unit of DRS Defense Solutions LLC, will provide the P5 Tactical Combat Training System (P5TCTS) to the Royal Australian Air Force for use in training F/A-18F Super Hornet crews.

“This new system represents a step forward for the RAAF,” said Michael Rodriguez, Senior Program Manager, Air Ranges. “Australia currently operates a fourth generation Cubic air combat training system at RAAF Base Williamtown for training on its F/A-18 Hornet aircraft. The RAAF decided to purchase the fifth generation P5TCTS for use on its newest F/A-18F aircraft operating at RAAF Base Amberley. This new system will allow for interoperability with the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft that the RAAF is planning to purchase in the near future. All F-35 Joint Strike Fighters for Australia will be delivered with an on-board, internal P5 airborne subsystem.”

P5TCTS for the Super Hornet will be delivered in late 2012 to RAAF Base Amberley near Brisbane, Queensland. Amberley was previously home to the RAAF’s F-111 aircraft, which were recently retired from service and were replaced with two squadrons of F/A-18F Super Hornets. The RAAF’s new P5TCTS will be very similar to the current U.S. Navy TCTS system and will include airborne instrumentation pods built by principal subcontractor DRS, transportable ground systems with live monitor, and portable ground subsystems, which includes Cubic’s Individual Combat Aircrew Display System (ICADS) software for debriefing. For this effort Cubic , has also been contracted to provide software and hardware to ensure that the legacy Cubic-developed Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (ACMI) system operating at Williamtown will be able to “merge data” to allow for postmission debriefing between the Classic Hornet and Super Hornet aircrews.

Amberley squadrons will also receive live monitoring (LM) capability. The LM enables real-time monitor and uplink control of P5TCTS-podded aircraft via Cubic’s ground stations.

Cubic delivered Australia’s first rangeless, instrumented air combat training system to RAAF Base Williamtown, New South Wales, in 2007. Cubic Defence Australia employees maintain the ACMI pods and ground stations there.

The contracting authority for the Foreign Military Sale is the Air Armament Command/EBYK (Range Instrumentation Systems Branch), Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Cubic has a number of previous international sales of P5CTS/TCTS. Additional sales are expected in the near future.

(Cubic)

Cirrus Wins Contract To Upgrade RAAF Air Combat Officer Simulation Trainer

09 Februari 2012

Air Combat Officer Simulation Trainer (photo : Cirrus)

SYDNEY-Cirrus Managing Director Mr. Peter Freed has announced that Cirrus has been contracted by DMO Training Aircraft Systems Program Office (TASPO), to develop and deliver to the RAAF School of Air Warfare (SAW, East Sale) an upgrade to the Cirrus Air Combat Officer Training System (ACO-TS).

The upgraded system will provide enhanced sensor simulation, integrated team training, and improved instructor scenario/library management.

The Cirrus ACO-TS is based on Cirrus Simulation Training Network and Sensor Simulation Engine (STN & SSE) technologies which have been adapted to meet the RAAFs requirements under previous contracts.

Mr Freed stated that "We are very pleased to have been contracted to further evolve the Cirrus ACO-TS solution and to continue our excellent relationship with TASPO and SAW. In the last six months, the ACO-TS has proven itself in continual operational use, and it is very satisfying to see high technology indigenously developed by the Australian SME sector providing such benefit to the ADF."

(Cirrus)