*7,95 GeTeNce : | Y ey Mh ISIS Reshaping : ro 7 Shipbuilding ¢ Tere LE) Global Airlift 10 C-17 Globemasters? attlefield Helos on upward operational pathTHE COMMERCIAL MARITIME AND NAVAL DEFENCE SHOWCASE FOR AUSTRALIA, ASIA AND THE INDO-PACIFIC‘managing editor John Armstrong ‘business development David Teitzel creative Michelle Burt ‘contributing authors Nigel Pittaxay Peter Layton advertising enquiries +61 (0) 73282 9019 DefenceTODAY « vol 11 no 3 . JUNE 2015 published by Stike Publications Pry Ltd PO Box 124 Ipswich 4305 Queensland Australia telephone: +61 (0)7 32829019 facsimile: +61 (0)? 38123233, ‘email: editor@stiikepublications.com.au internet: wwwdefence-today.comau. Publications ‘ABN 41 010 922335, rin Past 190004407 ISSN 1447-0446 FROM THE EDITOR This edition of DefenceToday concentrates on Land Force ‘apabiliy, including the need to combat ISIS forces. While Australia's contribution at present is essentially alr power, the ‘need eventually will be land force operations. Dr Peter Layton examines the war on ISIS on two fronts in rag, the USed coalition is conducting ae strikes against ISIS from the countrys north and west; and in Syria, a messy civil war, ‘The moder combat soldier is expected to cary more and more equipment and weaponry, wich can slow mobility and fighting effectiveness. Nigel Pittavay looks at the use of solar power to ‘charge batters and exoskeletons to enable soldiers to transfor load to the ground and provide increased strength and mobility ‘The Australian Army's Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter and MIRH90 battlefield helicopter have not met expectations in terms of availablity for operations and lying haut targets. Nigel Pittaway examines the outcomes of remediation programs that ate bringing the rotary wing types back on track. Austala's Air Warfare Destroyer program has been fraught with delays and cost averuns, leading many to question whether ‘usttala should indeed be in the shipbuilding industry. Peter Layton describes how 2 relatively small national industry is reshaping to obtain ongoing work for future programs “The delivery ofthe first two CH-47F Chinook helicopters to the Australian Army some months ago has brought an updated ‘apablity to Land Force operations. Nigel Pittawey looks at the enhancements of this new type and how ifits with the Army’s battlefield strategies. Australia’s C-17A Globemaster II atifters have served with distinction since the fist four aircraft entered service in 2006. Operations into the Middle East and increased humanitarian missions led t0 orders for two more and, more recency, an ‘order for anather two. Nigel Pitaway looks at the impressive ‘apabllites of the C-7 and why the fleet could become 10. The $10 billion LAND 400 program to replace the Army's armoured vehicies has industry wondering what Defence really ‘wants, Nigel Pitaway examines the industy quandary. John Armstrong ‘Managing tor CONTENTS ‘AustalanFA-184 Hares ooo ‘ares mth lt ateroon ag the kes oer ag Tesi’ ones replaced ine PA 1 Siper Horne aspartate contin at operations ‘age 15 orcas as pata param oxna, (Oorenca) FEATURE REPORT, 2 AUSTRALIA WAR AGAINST ISIS FORCES IN IRAQ Continuing operations against SI’ gains across Iraq and Syria 9 SOLAR-POWERED SOLDIERS AND EXOSKELETONS Enabling soldiers to carry less weight and! transfer load off their backs Peter Layton, Canberra 10 BATTLEFIELD HELICOPTERS ON UPWARD OPERATIONAL PATH [MIRH9D Taipan an Tiger ARH coming our of remediation programs “Nigel Pitaway, Melbourne 16 RESHAPING AUSTRALIA'S WARSHIP & SUBMARINE INDUSTRY CCan Australia sustain shipbuilding industry in three States Peter Layton, Canberra 20 ARIMY'S ROTARY WING CAPABILITY ENHANCED WITH CH-47F Sth Aviation Regiment takes devery of fist Chinook’ models “Nigel Pitaway, Melbourne 24 STRATEGIC AIRLIFT GROWTH TO MEET FUTURE TASKING Fleet of -17A Globemaster Il aicraft may increase to 10 airframes Nigel Pitaviay, Melbourne 28. DEFENCE CONFUSES LAND 400 PRIME CONTRACTORS (Questions about $10 billion program to replace armoured fleet Nigel Pitaway, Melbourne2 NICEr Australia’s war against ISIS forces in Iraq Peter Layton ‘an FA-1BF Super Homa propares to ret om a United States Force KO-104tankor aca mi (erence) The war against the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) continues. Over the past year, the group has captured substantial territory across Iraq and Syria, creating a self-declared caliphate titled ‘The Islamic State ISIS leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, now rules over some six milion people. In recent times no other armed non-state ‘group has bean as successful. There are two separate wars being waged against ISS. In Syria, the remnants of the national armed forces are allied with Lebanon's Hezbollah infighting a no-holds barred war against ISIS and several other insurgency groups. (amo ot res on ne move ag today Intrag, the elected iraqi govemment assisted by ran and a US-led coalition are trying to eject ISIS from the country’s north and west. Syria Isa confused and messy clvil war but Iraq is subtly different, being seemingly a war to repel an armed intervention from across the Syrian border. It is in raq that Western nations feel most compelled to assist, partly because of lraq’s recent history but also because the ISIS threat here Is more clearcut Accordingly, itis in Iraq that Australia finds Itself engaged in is latest war. The ISIS Foe ‘The origins of ISIS can be traced back to Abu Mus'ab al-Zarqawi, a Jordanian of the Sunni branch ofthe Islamic faith. Al-Zarqavi joined al-Qaeda while fighting in the Afghanistan War and on return to Jordan formed terrorist group intent on overthrowing its tre sn sts rer Fag, government. With the 2003 US-led invasion of faq, al-Zarqawi transformed his group into al-Qaeda in Iraq and focused on inciting sectarian violence, frequently attacking minority Shia Muslim mosques and religious gatherings. The group steadily developed 2 reputation - that ISIS continues - for well ‘organised, muktple suicide attacks, the use of foreign fighters and well publicised brutality, which includes beheadings In response, the US adopted a new approach: the use of special operations forces that closely integrate intelligence and operations in an “industrial strength” campaign (see the December 2013 Defence Today) This campaign commanded by General Stanley McChrystal proved highly successful with Al-Zargawi being killed in a US Air Force air stike in 2006, The group only just survived, becoming Inactive until thePe Re — cn — Sime Eun) Sy OC adeparture of US forces from Iraq, then in 2013 ‘changing its name to ISS. ISIS today is much more than a ramshackle terrorist group, as it began, and as are most similar groups. Itis now a highiy regimented ‘organization with a centralized command and control system. Skiled, central planners devise long-term campaigns that are then implemented in a decentralised manner by experienced regional commanders responding to the local conditions. This focus on organisation means that ISIS has been able to achieve astonishing results using comparatively small armed forces. in late 2014, General James Austin, Commander US Central Command, estimated that the group probably only had some 9,000. 17,000 committed front-line combat fighters ‘operating in rag ISIS typically uses 2 methodical approach to achieve tactical success. Initially, IIS covert ‘operators enter an areato determine the local tea, political, social and security structure, Those Identified as important local leaders and experienced security personnel are then assassinated, subverted or forced to flee after threats to their families. Others who may be supportive of the government are noted, for retribution later when ISIS takes conte. Having prepared the battlefield, the group then employs well-coordinated car bomb land suicide attacks to panic the defenders who are by new operating within a badly weakened command and leadership structure, These attacks can inelude swvaems cof semi-armoured vehicies driven by suicide bomibers able to precisely target government strong-points, Closely timed with these attacks, a mass infantry assaults then usually undertaken aiming to quickly overwhelm the defenders through shock action. ISIS, however occasionally now also uses captured Iraqi tanks, armoured vehicles and artillery in combined arms actions. ISIS's tactics are highly effective and in sowing fear and panic amongst the defending forces have _AnAstralin 0-17 Globemaster tuches down tT awe fo resupgysors deploy wi ke ria and feconstcton sk Farce-Mao (ITZ). (Defence) allowed the group to capture large areas with relatively little fighting. Having taken an area, the focus shifts to religious administration matters and quietly eliminating any opposition. In this phase ISIS exploits deep grievances among the Sunni ‘population to gain support for its agenda. In Iraq, many Sunnis consider the government oth discriminates against them and represents a threat through its use of armed Shia militias. As thele control deepens, ISIS begins to actively drive out those who do not wish to embrace its ideas. Nor-Muslims and heretics are initial warned to leave, then strategically targeted with steadily escalating violence including large-scale kidnapping, murder sprees and car bombings that Intensify over several weeks. ISIS also cuts off ‘water and power supplies to such groups to further encourage their departure. ‘A major feature of ISIS has been Its highly successful mobilization of foreign supporters to travel to Iraq to Join it. These foreign fighters are effectively acting as 2 strategic reserve, allowing the group to continuously replenish its ranks with fresh, wel- motivated volunteers. The raqi Prime Minister recently estimated some 58 per cent of ISIS's fighters = now about 14,000 across both lraq and Plot af a RAAF KO-304 Mult al Tank anspor postions foto frst hookup via be Aaa Realng Boom Sjsem on another KC-304 area (Derenre today -PAISE Super Home arew wai io el area for another combat mission oer ay, (etece) 6 Initially, ISIS covert operators enter an area to determine the local tribal, political, social and security structure. Those identified as important local leaders and experienced security personnel are ther assassinated, subverted or forced to flee after threats to their families. Others who may be supportive of the government a noted, for retribution later when ISIS takes control. 9 AEA Hore pit on combat ak pat (Getence) over an.SUPERIOR AIR POWER SaaS oe Australia's military pilots answer the call for any mission, no matter how CCW aCe eeu cu ae tcu PGs usa uke Renu ct Cunard Australia. Team 21—the right choice for training, to enable Australia’s air Past ACU Rua www.lockheedmartin.com/team21 La‘usozlan ara assgred fe A Task Grou deploy tol Mad A Base the UAE Ry Trmatln:KC-50A Mute Tanke Transpo, ee F/-10F Super Hares and an E74 Weal Arbrme Early Waring & Canara (Defence) Sytia ~ are foreigners. Some 70 per cent are from the Middle East but there are also some hundreds of British, French, Belgian, Dutch, and Australlan nationals, ISIS has also proved adept at using social media to direct its global followers. In late 2014 ISIS spokesman, Abu. Mohammad alAdnani, urged these followers to attack citizens of member countries of the Intemational coalition opposing ISIS ‘wherever they were and by whatever means possible. Senator Mike Roger, chairman of the US House Permanent Select Committee fon Intelligence observed that the ISIS message to Its supporters Is, “ We want you to randomly kidnap people off the street, behead them, videotape it, send it to use for further propaganda” ISIS foreign fighter Abu Salman al-Faranci says the intent is to “terrorise...and...not allow [those in their home countries] to sleep due to fear and horror.” Australia's Three-Front War ISIS has taken the strategies and tactics used by earlier terrorist groups and developed them further. The group now represents a threat to states like Australia across three ‘domains: the local, the international and the Global. A state must now act to prevent ISIS supporters attacking it and providing material suppor, including sending fighters to the ragl warzone. Second, states must also ‘extend this concern ta other countries across the globe where attacks on their interests may occur or material support for ISIS may be provided from. Third, to ultimately defeat ISIS, countrles must now deploy thelt armed forces into the Middle East to directly confront it ISIS may not pose as large-scale dofenoot threat as a hostile nation but it does pose a complex one, For Australia the domestic challenge has been especialy vexing. There has been sharp ramping up of domestic security in the face of threats of ISIS sympathisers undertaking terrorist actions here. The dangers wete graphically demonstrated in the Lindt cafe terrorist siege that killed three Including the ISIS-inspired perpetrator, Man Haron Monis. While Austalla previously was concemed about domestic terrorism {emanating from the Al-Qaeda group, the SIS- inspired domestic threat is of much greater magnitude, sophistication and effectiveness. In response, the Australian government has taken a number of measures. The 2015 budget includes an additional AS1.2bn_ for strengthening counter terrorist activities. The capabilities of the Australian domestic security agencies including the Australian Federal Police are being improved, and several agencies expanded. New laws on meta-data retention have been passed requiring Intemet and mobile phone providers to keep electronic fecords of customer's use of thelr telecommunication services for two years. Travel restrictions have been placed fon Australians travelling to Iraq and those who have been ISIS fighters now face arrest if they return, Lastly, a new senior overarching counter terrorism position has been established to coordinate across all departments and agencies Inthe second domain of international action, ‘Australia has been active In international forums, focusing on stopping the flow of money and foreign fighters to 1515. In late 2014 Australia, while still part of the UN Security Council, successfully pushed for UN Resolution 2178 that sought to stem foreign terrorist fighters and thelr financing In early June at the 22-nation Paris Summit the Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop, advocated international action to further impede ISIS finances and prevent its influence spreading In mid-June, a large regional Countering Font view ofthe E-7A WedgtaArtome Ear Waring & Cott aca ‘swing the Mult Aol Evetonicaly Scanned Araya antenna (erence)Violent Extremism summit was. he been involved in these tasks since 2003 and October and conducting thelr fest airstrikes sydney, Involving some 30 nations and is the ADF unit with the longest continuing tober. The Group operates six strike focusing on preventing ISIS exploiting the presence in the Middle East fi, an ETA Wedgetall Intermet to recrurt foreign fighters. Operation Okra comprises three elements: Warning & Control aircraft and a K In the thied domain of fighting ISIS on its Air Task Group (ATG), the Special Operations Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft. The home territory, Australia is now deeply Task Group and Task Group Taji. The ATG strike alcrat v six F/A-IBF Super through two interlocking ADF dep ctober 2014, flying their Hoznets from 1 Squadron at RAAF Amberley ‘operations. Operation Okra concerns combat _ fist armed combat missions over Ira ‘operations against ISIS forces and has some F personne involved. Operation Accordion provides logistic support to ‘Okra and involves some 400 ADF personne! conducting multiple activities including ng ADF air transport operations to, from and within the Middle East In this, the RAAF component of Operation Accordion, the Combat Support Unit, has se Deore a combat mise ag Tio fly set FATA Homes on combat pat ve ag pul aay ater retucngom 2 RARE KY in kag (Defence) (Osten) Ho Ae UU BRL TH er SUT 1 PHOTONIE se. & WHITE LIGHT TOLERANT Ug ee eo rs) eer eee Operations in highly dynamic light conditions Rt eee at O ane a)DefenceAustralia ‘A Royal Force G4 Tama oar he Mate East Aga ater ia arming ‘om &KC-30A Muto Tanker anspor. ‘Detence) ‘dass’ Homets from 75 Squadron at RAAF Willamtown in late March 2015. During their almost seven months of continuous combat air operations, the Super Hometsflew more than3300aircombat hours, This was a remarkable accomplishment from Just she aircraft, being more than the annual flying rate of a home-based Super Hornet squadron with 12 aircraft, Also remarkable ‘was the maintenance effort, which saw no sortieslost due to unserviceability. In their 416 ‘combat missions, the Super Hornets dropped some 268 guided weapons. Appraising the air ceffor, the ATG Commander Air Commodore Braz observed that: ‘When the ATG arrived in theatre, [SIS were on the march throughout Iraq and were brazenly terrorising the lragi population. Thanks to the air strikes, IIS no longer feels able to move openly on the roads, nor are they able to mass troops as they did before The six ‘classic’ Homets deployed to the Middle East early March then undertook familiarization training before formally taking lover strike operations on 27 March. By the fend of May they about 1100 hours were flown in some 146 sorties that dropped 84 ‘guided bombs. The Super Homet and Homet sorties range deep into northern and western Iraq in thelr attacks on ISIS held areas, This involves transits both ways of more than 1700kms making air-to-air refuelling from either the ATG's own KC-30A tanker or other coalition tankers essential on every mission. In this rae, the KC-30A has been particularly busy fying about 35 sorties a month for an average of vera. (Detence) about 250 hours monthly. So far the KC-30A has only been using Its probe and drogue refuelling system but, with recent successful trails at RAAF Amberley, the boom system «will shortly be certified for use with the ATG's Wedgetal airerat. The ATG's Wedgetall aircraft was intially fiying about 15 missions a month but since February this has reduced to about 9 missions each month. These can be long missions though, including two of some 16 hours that requied air-to-air refuelling by USAF KC-135, taker altcraft, The Wedgetall's combat support flights have involved controlling up +0 80 aitcrafta mission and allowed the RAAF to declare the aircraft fully operationally capable. The initial ground deployments into Iraq Involved the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) that from late 2014 has focused on providing military advice and assistance to the CounterTerrorism Service of the Iraqi Security Forces. This involves training Iraqis in urban combat, close quarter battle skills, countering improvised explosive devices, counter-sniping, medical skills and counter terrorism operations planning. Some 200 personnel are currently assigned to the SOTG, expected to draw down fromlater this year. The third element of Okra, Task Group Tal (TS Taji) is @ combined Australian-New Zealand ‘raining force deployed for at least two years to the Taji Military Complex northwest of Baghdad. TG Taji became fully operational in May and is involved in training Iraqi Army personnel rom the individual soldier through to the brigade level as part of the larger Building Partner Capacity international training mission. The Task Group Consists of some 300 ADF personnel drawn mainly from the Brisbane-based 7th Brigade and about 110 New Zealand Defence Force personnel. TG Taji ‘comprises a mix of trainers, force protection, support = and command elements, TG Taj faces a number of ‘A Fant Ar oo Rat C completes rating am a RAAF KE: 0A MTT aeatt challenges. The Iraqi Army has at times performed poorly on the battlefield with some smal ISIS elements defeating much larger and better-equipped lragi Army units This has lead some to argue that the TC's soldiers should accompany Iraqi forces into battle to provide not only advice but also to direct coalition close air support air strikes when necessary. This would be a similar approach to that Special Forces used in assisting Afghan forces to defeat the Taliban in2001 ‘Complicating matters is that the kind of new Iraqi Army that the international effort wishes to build is a more inclusive one that includes both Shias and Sunnis. This is to overcome the fears held by many Sunnis In ISIS held towns that the lragi Army is Shia dominated ‘and may wage a sectarian conflict against them if it recaptures these areas. This task is made more difficult given iran is backing Shia militia groups, equipping them and providing Special Force advisers. Lasty, there Isa real danger of insider attacks, and not just from ISIS supporters. US Brigadier General Kurt Ciytzer recently noted concems about Iranian-fuelled rumours that coalition forces are secretly helping ISIS. These rumours led to American helicopters eing shot at by the lraai Army and may encourage insider attacks ISIS is proving a hard enemy to defeat and this means that Operation Okra is likely to continue for several more years. The Australian government is envisaging forces will be deployed for the next five years at least. Already the RAAF is planning to replace the Homet aircraft currently in theatre with another six Super Hornet aircraft, probably in August, and then continuing with @ Hoxnet/ Super Homet rotation cycle indefinitely after that, Accompanying this there may be further a further expansion of Australia's domestic security agencies and ew antliSIS laws along with an additional push internationally to contain ISIS and limit Its influence. Australia's war against ISIS is proving dificult, compiex and protracted. DrPeter Layton isa Visiting Felow at the Grit Asia Institute, Grifth University. ‘An Austra str ote combined Australian and Now Zeke Tsk Group Tarsus ‘ag sors te ne Ta Mtary Camper nartnnest f Baghdad, oq (etence)Solar-powered soldiers and exoskeletons Today's combat infantryman is required to carry body armour, a pack, load carriage webbing, radios’ batteries, and weapons, so it's no surprise that the average weight of a fully-equipped ‘Digger’ is in the vicinity of 150 ko. The Soldier Intearated Power Systean (SIPS) aims to reduce the number of batteries, fang thetefore the weight bom by the combat infantiyman, SIPS is developed by" Tectonica Australia in partnership wth ‘the Commonwealth ‘Scientific. and Industri Research Organisation (CSIRO) and the Australian National Universty (ANU) tinder DSTO's Capability and. Technology Demonstrator (TD) programme, The second. innovation is a_ relatively inexpensive passive non sig exoskeleton (oR) being developed by DSTO to wansfer much ofthe weight of a sodier® backpack Givecty ‘0 the ground rather than via his knees or ankles. The Solar-Powered Soldier The Capability Technology Demonstrator (CTD) programme, managed by DSTO, is @ collaborative activity between Defence and industry where ideas can be funded for further development. The Soldier Integrated Power System completed its CTD phase in September last year and Is now ready to be taken to market by industry. Tectonica, in collaboration with the CSIRO and ANU entered the CTD programme with SIPS in August 2071, when it was awarded funding to develop and demonstrate an Integrated power system which improved soldiers’ mobility and endurance SIPS utilises flexible and lightweight ‘Siver solar cells attached to the load-carrying webbing on the torso of the solder. The cells are used with mobile electronic devices and canalso be mounted on every-day items such a5 a mobile phone case. The system also incorporates a Tectonica ower management system to power equipment such as personal and section radios, helmet-mounted night vision equipment and weapons thermal sights cattied by asoldier. Trower usage and power levels remaining are monitored, and power can be distributed throughout a section of. soldiers via a USB-ike cable, which allows soldiers to plug into the SIPS of a colleague If required, ‘The system integrates with the soldier's lead cartiage webbing using conductive pathways ‘through the fabric developed by the CSIRO and called Etextile. Testing by soldiers at Edinburgh Barracks in South Austalla, included patrols of up to 72 hhouts’ duration. The testing also revealed no detectable thermal or electromagnetic radiation signature. NoREx ~ sharing the load The NonRigid Exoskeleton (NoREX), or ‘Flexoskeleton’ uses a system of Bowden ‘push-pull cables to transfer the weight of 2 combat soldier's backpack to the ground. Developed in-house by DSTO, the flexible Bowden cables connects the soldier's backpack via his load-cariage webbing to a specially designed avershoe, which transfers 2 large portion of the weight to the ground, ‘The cables are attached to the soldiers legs by Velcro tape and the entire system can be removed in approximately ve seconds. There have been exoskeletons developed and tested overseas, but the majority are rigid and powered which, according to DSTO are complex, dificult to use and also increase the wearer's power requirements DSTO claims that NoREx eliminates many of the problems ascoclated with the powered exoskeletons because it matches and mimics a user's anthropometry and their multi- dimensional movements The 'lexoskeleton’ transfers more than sixty pet cent of the weight of a soldiers backpack to the ground. For a SOkg pack the burden cattied by the soldier is only 15 ko. The NOREX unit i stil a concept technology demonstrator but it has already been tested at weights of up to 32 kg. DSTO has a patent pending on the system and Is looking to Sponsor further development work, with a view to the production ofa working prototype DSTO says that commercial opportunities in the Australian and intemational defence ‘Nigel Pittaway, Melbourne plus civilian leisure industries will be offered to ‘the right commercial partner. Concept discussions with industry have already ‘occurred and DSTO says the system could be in commercial production in afew years. With an estimated cost per unit of between 52000 and $3000 region, the NoREx could provide a very costeffective means of reducing fatigue and injury to. Australia's combat soldiens, DSTO Partnerships ‘The Soldier Integrated Power System and NoREx were just two of the developments fon display at DSTO's facility in Edinburgh, during Partnership Week. The event will ‘most probably become a regular event and Is designed to foster closer ties with Industry and academia as part of DSTOs Outreach iniative. “Strategic alliances are the way forward in developing Australia's future, cutting edge technologies. Partnerships Week ill establish new discussions, as well as continue existing ones,” said Chief Defence Scientist Dr Alex Zelinsky. Partnerships, collaboration and innovation are the comerstones of the capabilities we want to achieve for defence and national securlty.” Above: Aa Austin oor wear Nts, Aghneight ‘her soar ces ons webaing, o charge bates Bolo: on Agi esto, or Fok’ ‘Mantes ns ote ground, eoveing welt caredDefenceAustralia Battlefield helicopters on upward operational path Tigerai 38-007 pertomang 3 etson os Courter Measure Dispensing Stem 3 tbe Fort akefed proving grund.(Deence) Nigel Pitaway, Melbourne Despite a difficult operational development phase, the Australian Army's Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH) and MRH 90 Taipan Muiti-Role Helicopter (MH) are now coming out of remadiation programmes. put in place by the Commonwealth and industry The Taipan, also operated in the maritime supporthelicopterrole by the Royal Australian Navy, has experienced similar issues. Both helicopter types are expected to achieve a number of significant milestones over the next twelve months or so, as sustainmentand reliability problems (both helicopters) and technical issues (Taipan) continue to require remediation. Senior Defence officials now consider both helicopters to be on an upwards trajectory towards operational goals. However, this has taken an inordinate amount of time, Considering thatthe Tiger has been in service In Austalia for more than 10 years and the 10 dofencetoday Talpan since December 2007, ‘The Tiger is expected to achieve its Final Operational Capability (FOC) milestone carly next year, and there are operational milestones in the pipeline for both Army and Navy's Talpans. Tiger Rate of Effort In the 2013-14 financial year, the Army's fleet of 22 Tigers had only achieved 3000 flying hours, just half the mature Rate of Effort required. Such was the evel af concern, doubts were voicedlin Canberra over thelong- term viability of the armed reconnaissance rotary-wing capability With Tiger Capability Assurance Programme (CAP) upgrade planned in the next decade, this poor operational performance required urgent remedial action if the project was to .go ahead in any form. Although there were several factors contributing to the poor Rate of Effort, fone major concern related to sustainment arrangements for the helicopter, such {as the length of time taken for repairable ‘components to be returned from Europe after ‘overhaul. In some cases components took more than a year to re-enter Army's supply system; together with other sustainment shortcomings this logistics delay significantly contributed to the cost of ownership of Tiger. By mid-2014 this cost of ownership had hecome unacceptable, and was well in ‘excess of the comparable cost for other ADF helicopters, including the Army/s Black Hawk (ue 00 Tapa rom a Sh Aiaton Rogan depart ‘an arstip wth solders rm st ata, Te Royal ‘Austral Raginent(TRAR) n oar. (ence)PNM eaten Uf you need Warltime Surveillance Compact HF DF G&SARIGMTI Payload —COMINT System WHEN RESULTS HATTERArea Resear and Development Unt cles ou £2660 Heine Acceptance Tsung fr Amea ecomatssanceHelcaper (49 Tie at Womere.(etence) ‘and Chinook types along with the Naw’s Seahaviks. By way of example, senior Defence officials identified the Tiger's Turbomeca MTR. 390 engine as having the highest cost of any helicopter engine in the ADF. Remediating the Tiger Reacting to the Commoniveaktn’s concerns, Airbus Group Australia Pacific (formeriy ‘Australian Aerospace) and Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter) and their suppliers last year formed a Tiger Task Force’ tolnvestigate ‘hays of temedlating the supply chain sues, tn adaltton, the Commonwealth and) AGAP signed a Viebilly Review Deed of Agreement (VR Deca) last December, aimed at cepping the cost of ownership and, over time, oubling the Rate of Effort With the costs capped and the fying rate doubled, the cost of ownership is then effectively halves, bringing the Tiger ARH 12 dofencat ‘An SO tale red helper nds oe deck oF pag ig as (erence Into line with other ADF helicopters. The VR Deed is based upon a similar agreement to remediate the Taipan a couple of years ago and sees AGAP remunerated for the number of hours flown by the Tiger. The goal is to incrementally increase fying to around 4000 hours by the end of this financial year, and then further increase it by another thousand over each of the next two years until I the 2016-17 financial year, the full 6900 hour Rate of Effort is expected to he achieved, “We're seeing the Rate of Effort getting better every day; the new contractual arrangements have been in place since the beginning of this year and it's on an upward trajectory,” said Brigadier Andrew Mathewson, DMO's Director General Army Aviation Systems. We want to see the Rate of Effort continue to Improve over the next year and 3 half before we declare victory though, "But the signs are very positive and the level of engagement we are getting from industry, both AGAP here in Australia and their parent Abus Helicopters in France has been quite remarkable” With the spares availability problem now on the way towards resolution, attention now ‘tums towards remediation of reliability issues ‘and, beyond that, maintainability in the harsh Norther Territory climate, BRIG Mathewson said that Army Is now working with AGAP to open a third Tiger deeper maintenance line in Darwin, which ‘would allow some work currently performed. by uniformed personnel to be undertaken by the civilan workforce. The company presently has two lines in operation. “it will also expose our soldiers to those deeper level technical experiences by working with the civilian team,” he said “ivs one way of remediating the next step, ‘Tiger ARH berg te own antoard a C-17A eran.ADCU Defence home loans. Not like ordinary home loans. You don't have an ordinary life. And when it comes, to buying a home, you're no ordinary purchaser home loans provide special features that are commitments. Find out more ADCU DH tailored to sui from a Mobile life a janker today adcu.com.au | 1300 23 46 27 Defence‘Solr Rom 13 tan, To Royal usatan ‘egient (AE) beara rt 90 aan aca ram ‘tho 5 Ataton Pegi abe canon ofa Detence exercise. ‘Detence) Many of the technical challenges have been overcome but others remain, which may affect the timetable looking forward. One is the testing of the Electronic Warfare Self Protection (EWSP) system on both helicopters, which has proven more challenging than hoped. 9 because once we have all the parts and reliability Issues solved we know that we need to have a maintenance system that works more effectively up in Darwin Final Operational Capability Brigadier Mathewson said the major milestone for Tiger was the declaration of Final Operational Capability (FOC), which is expected to occur early next year. “The Army capacity in Darwin is growing and they have now stood up No 162 Reconnaissance Squadron, which Is the second squadron within the Ist Aviation Regiment based at Robertson Barracks,” he noted. “They remain on track at this point in time t0 go to their FOC milestone early next year, which is represented by bath squadrons being declared fully operational in Darwin” Interim Tactical Datalink In operational service the Tiger ARH is considered by Army to be a formidable weapons system but its Achilles Heel is arguably that in Its original configuration It cannot share information with other networks, including the Army's Battlefield Management System (BMS) being rolled out through a group of projects known as Land, 200, Land 200 is made up of elements of Land Projects 75,125 and 2072, aimed at digitising the modem Army. Eibitis the prime for the installation of the BMS in Army's fleet of ‘ground vehicles. Although Tiger was delivered with the Eurogrid datalink system, wich is effective for sharing data between Tigers and between Tiger and its ground station, ie cannot ‘plug into the Land 200 BMS, To remedy this shortcoming an interim Tactical Data Link (TDL) which introduces a new Enhanced Position Location Reporting System (EPLRS) radio, GPS and a cockpit mounted tablet will shortly be trialled under ‘operational conditions Funded by Joint Project 2089 Phase 36, 21 of the 22 aircraft are being modified under a co-operative agreement. between the Army, OMO, AGAP and Elbit (one Tiger being permanently fitted with fight test instrumentation and will not be modified to support ITDL. The frst four MDL aircraft are ‘due to be trialled in 2 multiple helicopter scenario during Exercise Hare in July ‘An 24.90 Heleoperon te ft deck of HALAS Choues or acasvay evacuadon exercise during Eerie Sea Davm 2074 (Defence) 14 dofencatoday“The tablet is mounted in the cockpit but the MDL is a stand-alone system and not Integrated into the alrcraft system,” BRIG Mathewson sai. “it's a really neat programme that demonstrates we can get the industry elements working together to produce an ‘outcome that Army requires.” A flly integrated TDL vill be considered by the Tiger CAP programme MRH 90 Milestones The MRH 90 Taipan battieReld helicopter is 2 less mature platform than Tiger, and there hhas been the added distraction of a number ‘of technical isues to resolve, some of which are ongoing today. However, this helicopter too has required remediation agreements between the Commonwealth and AGAP and last year recorded a 44 per cent increase in its Rate of Effort across Army and Navy. “We still have challenges, and the MAH story isa bit ofa journey," BRIG Mathewson said ‘We're sll discovering some issues with the product, which will take some time to resolve, but we are working through them at the moment and it's all part of remediating an Immature design, But its making very good progress and i's worth noting that we in ‘Australia employ this helicopter in a multiple array of uses, arguably more than any other nation, so we are stretching the envelope in every direction. Recent milestones have included the declaration of an inital maritime capability (Operational Capability Maritime 1) by Navy in February, representing the ability ofa single flight to operate in a permissive environment. The expansion of ths into more challenging environments will occur under OCM2 and (OCM3 aver the next 18 months. First of Class flight trials aboard HMAS Canberra, the Navy's first LHD have also begun ane loading trials aboard an RAAF C-17A, validating the strategic transportability of Taipan, have been carried out. From an Army perspective, the first Operational Capability Amphibious (OCA 4) milestone was declared in December ‘An MR 0 Hecate beng ioaced oni a RAK C- last year and will be followed by the first Operational Capability Land (OCL1, a platoon lift capability) milestone inthe July timeframe with OCA2, which is further workin relation ‘to the LHO. ‘The Sth Aviation Regiment at Townsville has now tetired the Black Hawk and they really have adapted to the MRH 90. The MAH is particularly suited to the operations they Undertake up there,’ BRIG Mathewson sai. “The Rate of Effortin 5 Aviation Regiment has really taken off and they've done really well. Certainly from a pilot’s perspective they are very happy with the alrcraf.” Technical Challenges Many of the technical challenges have been overcome but others remain, which may affect the timetable looking forward. One Is the testing of the Electronic Warfare Self Protection EWSP) system on both helicopter which has proven more challenging than hoped. The plan is to have that in place by the tend of the year, in time for Tiger FOC,” BRIG Mathewson sald. “Then we hape to leverage the information we have derived into the MRH space.” mY 7A lobrastes Wt aera curing ts. Deence) ‘staf Army Tiger ARH pense Se potion coumtermasires(Deenc) Another challenge is the current design of the cargo hook, which restricts Navy's use of a rigid strop for an underslung load. Because the hook is integrated with the aircraft software it can determine the weight of the load on the hook when itis lifted off the ‘ground for example, this i nota simple fh ‘The Commonwealth is in contract with AGAP to modify the hook, and it is expected that the solution will commence being rolled out across the fleet in about 18 months'time, One issue being remediated at present Which arguably isn't a technical deficiency of the design, Is the replacement of the cabin seats with wider units, to seat an infantryman in full combat gear. The size and weight of the modem combat soldier has grown over the years, and the seats as originally designed are no longer Wide enough. This s an issue facing transport helicopters and fixed wing aircraft worldwide. The new, wider, seats will limit the number cof combat soldiers in the MRH, but up to 14 ill stil be able to be carried, depending on cother role equipment being used, Brigadier Mathewson says this stil offers: adequate capability compared with similar helicopter types "We will retain the standard seats, so that we can install them when we perform Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) tasking, so when people aren't required to wear combat armour ancl webbing we can carry more, and still in seats that are energy attenuating and offer contemporary crash protection," he said WhiletheNRH 90 maynothave been amature design when first introduced to service, the Up-side is that its airframe, engines and drive train have significant growth potential “This isan aircraft at the start ofits life and it thas had a lat of thought put inta its original design to be able to give t that growth path,” BRIG Mathewson concluded. “In the meantime both helicopters are on {9003 trajectory. We're looking forward to the Tiger FOC milestone being achieved early next year and to further capability milestones for MRH coming up over the next two years."Reshaping Australia’s warship and submarine building industry Ausaias newest wars, te Ay Ware Destoyer MAS Hanart avoing ts auch at capo Sou Ausra nay. Peter Layton Australia's new Defence White Paper when released later this year is expected to continue the strategic direction set by earlier White Papers. It willbe evolutionary, not revolutionary The major exception is likely to be a new path laid out for the Australian ship and submarine building industry, one that focuses on improving efficiency, though the way to achieve this appears uncertain. A contentious debate is underway about Where to bulld Australia's new ships and submarines. The Federal government favors building more offshore, arguing that that this offers better value for money, with ships delivered sooner at lower cost. Reflecting this preference, only Spain's Navantia and South Korea's Daewoo shipyards are being allowed to tender for the new at-sea support ship acquisition program, Those against this stragegy, mainly the State governments, most affected, argue that building naval ships onshore is good for jobs, the national ‘economy and the long term maintenance and support ofthe new ships acquired, Those who seek to build offshore stress maximizing the Defence budget, getting the most ‘bang for the buck. Those seeking onshore building stress taking a much broader view, speaking of nation building and revitalizing domestic manufacturing Resolving these two viewpoints appears likely to Involve making tough political ccholees that will inflet real pain on some local communities. Accordingly, this debate has featured some intense and at times ‘acrimonious politicking, In stark contrast, the strategic side of Australia’s neve ships and submarines has received little discussion, There seems widespread agreement that these new vessels should meet the challenge thrown up by an incteasingly assertive China and its accompanying impressive naval buildup. This focus means the new ships are seen as needing the long range and endurance necessary to operate deep inta Northeast ‘Asia from Australian bases. Moreover, they should be technologically very advanced and be able to work closely with the USN. These requirements mean the new vessels acquired will be both large, and inclvidually costly. The rancorous hunt for efficiency and the agreed strategic direction come together in today’s two most difficult defence issues the Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) build program and the proposed new submarine acquisition. Both matters are stronglyslpan oferng 2 medted Seyu Class submarhe as 8 ‘placement oth Colin Class feet under he ure sipmarin gj interrelated and when resolved wil shape the future of Australian naval shipand submarine buiing, The AWD Saga In 2007 the Howard government selected the modified Navantia F100 design over that offered by American shipbuilder Gibb and Cox. The Spanish option was less capable bout significantly cheaper, avaliable quicker and being in sevice Seemingly much les Tisky. The government acting on advice from ‘management consultants, industy experts and the Defence Material Organization (DMO) choose an unusual alliance management approach to build the thtee new AWDs. The liance comprising the Australian Submarine Corporation (ASC), Raytheon and the OMO were to all work together in a partnership. None had built a surface warship before On 23 May the fist AWD, HIMAS Hobart, was floated off fom its Adelaide shipyard to begin an extensive fiting out program. Tis was much later than originaly planned tn 2007, the schedule envisaged the three ships being delivered in December 2014, March 2016 and June 2017, whereas itis now June 2017, September 2018 and March 2020. The price has similay biown ott, with a recent forensic audit estimating the program nov costs some $1.2on more than Initally contracted for. This aualt then ade another $800m additional expense to this figure when considering the costs of keeping in service the ships meant to be replaced by the ANDs, The total cost of the AWDs is accordingly now some $9bn; advanced naval vessels able to operate at long range against top-tier adversaries do not come cheap, The difficulties in building the three AWDS are focused mainly on two factors. Firstly, in retrospect the management structure appears to have been flawed from the outset. The highly successful ANZAC ship bulld program used a single prime contractor responsible for management and ship delivery. In contrast, the AWD's alliance structure has proven complex, umivieldy, {and without clear lines of management responsibilty. After several reviews last year, the government has responded with Finance Minister Mathias Cormann announcing in Tate May that: “The Government will begin a limited tender, to either insert a managing Contractor into’ ASC for the remainder of the build, or further enhance ASC capability ‘rough a partnering arrangement: This tender is possible, as ASC Is a government owned company administered by the Department of Finance. This makes the government deeply involved in, and Ultimately responsible for, the management cof the AWD project. BAE Systems or Navantia ‘appear front-runners to win the management tender. Secondly, the F-100 ships had only ever been built ata single shipyard that had developed Considerable shipbullding skils and expertise lover several decades. In exporting the design, a Key requirement was having very accurate and very detailed plans. This was made even more critical by the modular construction technique that was adopted in which three separate faciites across Australia were to build the 31 individual blocks that ‘make up each complete hull. The numerous ‘Australian companies involved seem to have hhad considerable problems with the plans provided, at times making multiple reworks necessary and leading to long delays. n this regard, Chris Burns, CEO of the Adelaide- bbased Defence Teaming Centre, charges the DMO: “to save money, only purchased paper based designs as opposed to the computer bbased designs that were available for 2 ‘marginal additional cost. This all stands in contrast to the ANZAC ship build program. ‘The record of this program though is judged in the light of eight ships successfully delivered. The ship design at the time was well-defined and intended forexport to shipyards worldwide. South Australian State Premier Jay Weatherill has complained ‘that judging the AWD project so early may be misleading in ignoring the efficiencies that will be gained through the rest of the bull program. For example, labour costs on the third ship will be only haf that ofthe first ship. \Weatheril claims that the forensic report "has lumped all the start-up costs Inclusive of separate faclty costs to somehow come up with 2 large figure multiplied [across] the entire project” Moreover, the forensic report will not apparently be released, leading Chis ta design, integration an masenance probems vit) ‘Austaa's Coline Glass submarine Pave encouraged the ‘Goverment fo taour a proven design ors replacement ‘ater than a nen cesign (Deteme)DefenceAustralia Burns to angry complain that “we don't ‘even know who did this audit, how it was conducted, what was the methodology and who was involved.” The upshot has been that the Australian naval shipbuilding programs in the future will be markedly different. Defence Minister Kevin Andrews recently announced a number Of new key principles for future Australian naval shipbuilding including having: “a well integrated designer, builder and supplier team; preferencing mature designs of ‘vessels; thoroughly testing Navy's capability requirement against readily available military ‘vessels; limiting the amount of changes to the {design selected [and spending more time at the beginning of the project on planning the {design and bulld program.” Combined with this, there Is now strong ‘governmentinterestin adoptingacontinuous build approach that avoids the peaks and troughs of eatlier stop-start contracting. The Intent is to create a sustainable shipbuilding Industry that in being more efficient will make the cost of building naval ships in Australia comparable to that offshore, For ‘example US shipyards are seen as able to build naval ships using the continuous buile approach for some 30 to 40 per cent less than Australian shipyards. This Is an appealing idea, albeit with some issues. Continuous shipbuilding means 18 dofencat ¢ The government would prefer not to award new contracts to ASC or consider an evolved Collins Class option. This is unfortunate as the Collins - on range, endurance, combat system and weapons fit out - appears closer to the Navy’s requirements than some other alternatives being investigated. 9 replacing ships earlier than necessary. Some have estimated about sbc years earlier when there remains about 25 per cent of the ship's, life left. Ina ship that say costs $bn, this means forgoing $250m of use. Continuous build can also lock in future governments making changes to long-term defence plans to meet new and emerging strategic challenges problematic. Moreover, the ‘approach may further mean that old designs are persevered with when new innovative designs from new companies should instead be embraced. Often not included in the ‘continuous build discussion is that Australia's shipbuilding industry handles not just surface warships but also submarines. New Submarine Problems Australia built sic Collins Class submarines in the 1990s, The boats have proven an ‘operational success, being popular with their crews who consider the type one of the best conventional submarines in the world, The same is not true of their maintenance {and sustainment, which by the 2010 was considered seriously failing. Driven by the findings of the 2012 Coles Report, the DMO, ASC and the Navy developed a completely new long-term maintenance approach that has already delivered major improvements in performance, cost and schedule In thinking about replacing the Collins Class, chi to cx apa aroma poer vaso os fre earccs seman ho Aamo 30 Fe Nara cs ay bo onstage a suomarie wre ‘ng “he Te 20 popes Aste ne ‘Marne based enon sige pe 22 bot the previous government had decided upon Investigating an evolved Collins Class or wholly new design. The Abbott government when elected rejected this approach, opting instead to reinvestigate either an_offthe- shelf or a modified existing design. The new strategic push to operate in distant NE Asia though means that no off-the-shelf designs are suitable; accordingly, buying a modified existing design is now favored This matter is complicated by the intense ‘governmental iritation with ASC, the builder ff the Collins Class submarine, over AWD bile problems. The issue is further obscured, in that the government has had a long- running. political campaign that asserts the Collins Clas isa failure, the boats were acquired by the Opposition when they were in power. Accordingly, the government would prefer not to award new contracts to ASC or consider an evolved Collins Class option. This is unfortunate as the Collins fon ange, endurance, combat system and weapons fit cut appears closer to the Navy’s requirements than some other alternatives being investigated Further uncertainty has arisen as the Prime Minster, concerned about the direction of Australia’s most expensive ever defence program, has become progressively more involved. This has occurred against 2 backdrop of Australia, responding toee regional geopolitical realignments, moving strategically closer to Japan. Moreover, both country’s rime Ministers have become personally close. These developments meant that by late 2014 it seemed to some that the Australian Prime Minister had decided that Australia would buy 10 Soryu class submarines off-the-shelf to be builtin Japan, thus reversing a pre-election commitment to build the Collins replacements in Adelaide This was doubly remarkable as since the Second World War Japan has not exported advanced military equipment. The matter became more complex when it was realized that the Soryuclassdid not meet the Navy's requirements in terms of range, endurance, combat system and weapons fit- ‘out, The boats would need to be extensively ‘modified and thus could not be off-the-shelf, Compounding this, with deep concerns ‘over his politcal furure growing, the Prime Minster suddenly acquiesced to opening the ‘competition up and considering a role in the future submarine program for Adelaide and ASC. The result is that early this year, the ‘government announced a new competitive evaluation process that would consider proposals from Germany's TKMS, France's DCNS and Japan while excluding Sweden, the criginal Collins Class designer. The countries ate to offer three options: one that maximizes offshore constuction, one that maximizes onshore construction and an altemative in between. The evaluation ;processis to be completed by early next year, Al the designs will be evolved versions of existing submarines. The TKMS Type 216 proposal is based on an enlarged Type 212, the DCNS is proposing a nonnuclear powered version of its large Barracuda submarine with Japan offering a mocified Soryu Class. While Germany and France are pushing hard, politcal factors appear to favor the Japanese ‘The Prime Minster in Parliament in February noted that Defence Department discussions fon the future submarine project: “have been ‘more detailed with the Japanese, because the Japanese make the best large conventional submarine in the world” Indeed,whileneedingextensivemodifications to meet Austtaian Navy requitements, the Cary Margot ah Hafan ASW vat of he FREMM European Mult Parse ate Soryu'sare very impressive, proven, in-service boats. Their propulsion system and especially ‘their advanced batteries are of great interest to the Navy. If Australia buys the Soryu class, the first two boats are likely te be bull at the Kawasaki and Mitsubishi shipyards in Japan with the next two boats built by a Joint Japanese-Australian workforce. The last four boats would then be buift in Australia by ASC. This approach should overcome the probleme with the AWD project in terms of accurate plans and tansferring construction skis, Even so, acquiring the Japanese boats has considerable technical risks given the hull design changes needed {and in integrating a new combat system and ‘weapons. Moreover, the Japanese have never exported a submarine before of provided long-term logistic backup and support to a foreign military. A Brave New Future? For the surface naval ship building industry the future looks reasonably clear, even if the beginning may be some time yet. The {government appears set to embrace a plan to build surface warships under a iong-term Continuous build program that uses proven designs. The first ships to be built using this approach are likely to be the new large anti- submarine warfare figates As patt of this project, the previous Defence Minster, David Johnston, had funded studies into an evolved AWD ‘design that would have had considerable Austallan industry Involvement. This now looks rather unlikely given the current Defence Minister's new acquisition principles. Instead the competition seems between the UK's Type 26, the European FREMM, two BlohimVoss options and the Norwegian F310 Fridtjof Nansen-class. Hopefully, with the lessons of the AWD leamed, the new frigate buile program should be as successful as the earlier ANZAC ship program. In this, the new program is almost certain to feature a single prime contractor. ‘On the submarine front itseemslikely thatthe intial boats (probably Japanese) will be built overseas. Further boats will then be built by ASCin Adelaide several years later. Whichever submarine type wins the competition though, ‘there remain real concems, Given the Navy's demanding requirements for distant NE Asi ‘operations, the modifications to an existing design needed present significant technical risks. Such complex developmental projects commonly suffer unexpected cost inereases and delivery delays, Accordingly, it would be prudent to plan on extending the Collins submarines’ life, There some talk of the first Colin's replacement being delivered as early as 2025 but this seems unrealistic A 2013 study found the Collin’s Class service life could be extended to 2031-2038, Embracing this would allow for the almost inevitable new build project slippages. Alternatively, perhaps the option of leasing boats as an interim capability to fil the aap between the Collins leaving service and the new boats arriving could be investigated. Certainly having no ‘Plan 8° seems most Lnwise given Australias recent SF acquisition project experience of suddenly having to spend several billion dollars to buy interim aircraft when technical problems caused JSF delivery delay of several years. ‘There is an old supposediy-Chinese curse about living in interesting times. It'seems that is the future of the Australian naval ship and submarine building industry. ‘Peter Layton stg Fellow ate Grn Asta ‘stat, Gen veri competion to Australis ner age ant-sutmarne arora gates soem obs botvoon tho UK Type 26 pcre, the European FREMM, hu Boh oss ‘pins and to Norwegian F370 Fj aso as.Army’s Rotary Wing Capability enhanced srs — “Austen skiers fos the 2 Cov Regt Task Soup prepare to board a US Ary CH-47FChtok hlcptraring pert In a ceremony largely unrecorded by Australia's media, the first two Boeing CH-47F Chinook heavy-lft helicopters were formally commissioned into Australian Army service during May. Seven CH-47F Chinooks are being acquired to replace si earlier CH-470 variants, expected to be in service with C Squadron of the Townsvile-based Sth Aviation Regiment by August. Mejor Mate Evert. St Auton Regiment ranstates a CH-47F Cook naicooe sinuttr ‘artinistr Defence, Kev Ares, dung te ‘emnmissoning eeerony at RAAF Base Toms 20 dofencetoday [At the handover ceremony in Townsville Defence Minister Kevin Andrews said that the CH47 ‘Foxtrot’ programme represented a Commonwealth investment of $631 milion inthe overhaul of Army's heavylift helicopter capability, which will provide modern and improved cargo helicopter. ‘in addition to this investment, following Parliamentary approval last year, $49.8 millon will be invested fo support the introduction and sustainment of the Chinook” he told invited guests ‘Construction at RAAF Base Townsville is scheduled for completion in mid 2017. This project will provide strong economic benefit tothe local community, with opportunities for Up to 800 construction industry personne! ‘Foxtrot’ Enhancements Although the aerodynamic performance and load-carrying capacity of the new Chinook is largely identical to that of the earlier Delta model, Boeing has made some significant Improvements under the ‘skin’ of the helicopter to make it easier to operate and maintain. The airframe is now constructed, in part, from machined components rather then a structure bullt up by fabricated sheet-metal sub-assemblies. According to Boeing, this reduces vibration and therefore the likelihood of structural cracks occurring through the 30 year plus life ofthe helicopter. To make the Chinook mote readily transportable by alr (aboard a C-5 Galaxy or CITA Globemaster) quick disconnect fittings in Alghanstn (Defence) have been added to the numerous fluid couplings in the aft rotor pylon, enabling the helicopter to be disassembled more rapidly and, importantly, reassembled in less time at Its deployed destination Boeing has also made major improvements to the cockpit , including the incorporation fof the Rockwell Collins Common Avionics Architecture System (CAS) glass cockpit used by contemporary US Army helicopters such a5 the MH-47G Chinook and the latest variants of the UH-60 Black Hawk. Also incorporated is the BAE Systems Digital ‘Automatic Flight Control System (DAFCS). Boeing's director of carga helicopter business development Randy Rotte, an ex Chinook pilot with the US Army, says the new equipment makes the Foxtrot a much more capable and cost-effective helicopter than its forebears “The Delta had ‘steamy’ gauges and needles and now it's an all-glass cockoit, which gets Inputs from a range of different sources: radios, a moving map display, survivability information - and you can choose which pages you want to look at and you can also customise them, *he sal ‘This provides tremendous situational awareness for the flight crew. There's no excuse for getting lost now, it's lke flying with a GPS. You can have your eyes out ofthe cockpit more and you can see on the moving ‘map where you are. It really enables you to adjust to threats and enemy locations, or to ‘change where your refuel point might be. It realy lets the pilots focus more outside andLes OTC eRe CoN RD Be part of one of South East Queensland’s most progressive cities Peon aaa eel er eaat cia LE Mo aoa Memes tae aoe] La) Se ca ea TO Pope ene Re nicer Oma Net oD een code ECs mec a) Pecrcaccmece eens Ieee eae ene imeu ner Uarae Ree couia Ermira Maes ao UMC LUT Ce sree Monica LOE CRE CMa eer Petar sR CR mae yess Coca Menara EMR La toad networks, the City of Ipswich offers companies Ce Wer on Clallam conor ala Pee Eee Men cen Ss Piet Witha proactive council, moderninfrastructure, onc ore Con Mie AC od networks, Ipswich is a major hub of activity er Re aC nT ent) caer cae hems Sag Meee ne) Pere TIC ECC Man a eernenie ne crane tien When considering your future business needs, think location, think lifestyle, think affordability, eset came FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR ASSISTANCE CONTACT: Ipswich City Councils Office of Economic Development Bs set I Se Sure Sune Mor Se CRT Website: www.ipswich.qld.gov.au IpsWichTwo stain Amy CH-470 Cook hecoplers Ny employ the helicopter in a better way.” Rotte says that it is the DAFCS which has realy revolutionised the way the Foxtrot Chinookis used, with the ability to automatically bring the helicopter to a hover over its intended landing point and allow the pilot to lower the alreraft in one foot increments (called beeping the helicopter down’ by US Army crews) without any drift. “Imagine a brown-out condition in thedesert, (oF white-out in the snow, fog. Having the Confidence that yur aircraft 6 not drifting means you can land in those areas with much more precision,” he explained. “DAFCS improves the flight profile from take off to landing and every place in between, ‘especially when carrying aslingloadasDAFCS automatically dampens any oscillation out It really isa tremendous system.” ‘According to Rotte, US Army analysis has found that Foxtrot’s operating and sustainment costs are 30 per cent less than those of the eatller Delta model Special Operations Task Srp SOTS soles ‘peraton in norern Kanaahar (Deere) 22 dofence! ‘oman cing operations nie Mle East, (ete Replacing the CH-47D, Air 9000 5C Project Air 9000 Phase SC was developed In the mid 2000s to replace the ‘analogue CH-47D with the CH-47F then entering service with the US Army, The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (OSCA) notified Congress in mid 2009 of a possible Foreign Military Sales (FMS) sale of seven Foxtrots to Australia, Equipment included 16 Honeywell T55-GA- TIAA engines, 7 Dillon Aerospace M1340 ‘mini-guns, 16 AN/ARC-201D Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radios (SINCGARS), 7 Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below Blue Force Trackers (FBCB2/BFT), plus mission, support and training equipment. [As an FMS sale, the deal leverages off the larger US Army orders, and Australia’s Foxtrots are included in a bridging contract between thelr Multi Year One (MY') and Mule Year Two (MY2) production batches, “The beauty of being on the back of the US Army negotiation for MY2 means that we ark Mor Une Sales ry Gh Ook fer have seen the price come down and we ‘also have a far ‘cleaner’ procuction process” ‘explained Rear Admiral Tony Dalton, with the Defence Materiel Organisation (MO) ‘Alot of the modifications coming out of MY were post-production modifications. That sall been rolled into MY2 production by Boeing, so we actually have afar cleaner production pprocess, with all of the modifications incorporated on the production line, and at lower price ‘Australia’s Foxtrots are almost identical to thelr American counterparts, and the aim isto maintain them as close as possible to the US configuration, to realise efficiencies in both interoperability and sustainment. Differences include a Boeing optional rotor brake, tledown adaptors to secure the helicopters when deployed aboard Navy's LHDs, ballistic underfloor protection an: mounts for the mini-guns. In the near future Australia's Foxtrots will be fitted with energy-attenuating cockpit seats ‘and later on the cabin will be upgraded in line with a future US Army modification to enhance crash protection, ‘Another element of Air 9000, the Chinook Capability Alignment Programme (CH CCAP), was announced in the 2012 Defence Capability Plan (OCP) and will buy in to the US Aimy fleet upgrade programme to ensure Australia’s Foxtrots remain aligned with the ‘American fleet. ‘Australia has also. recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Canada to work with the US Army on future developments “Together, having each of the other nations contribute will allow Australia to have some influence on the future development of the product, Rear Admiral Dalton said "Collectively, it gives us the opportunity to influence the spiral upgrade programme the US Army has in place"‘Austalan Amy sider Coporl Trent Bass Acrenman Tecnnin, Si Aran Aepment aig te ‘armissonng eorernany a tn new CH-47F Cha, (shor) Training for Foxtrot {As part of Air 9900 Phase 5C two simulators, known as Transportable Flight Proficiency ‘Trainers (TFTPs), have been acquired and delivered to Townsville over the last 12 months, the first in April 2014 and the second in February this year. Initial training of Australian Foxtrot crews will shortly begin in Townsville and will be conducted by a US Army New Equipment Training Team (NET), which has been responsible for converting American crews throughout the world to the Chinook Foxtrot since it began entering US Amy service in 2006. “The US Army NETT is getting to the end of the process of converting US Army Chinook Units and we'te tapping in to that to begin ‘our training here in Australia, The transition period from Delta to Foxtrot takes between six and eight weeks per pilot,” ADM Dalton detailed “From a pilot's perspective the helicopter handles in a similar fashion but it’s a digital aircraft's got the CAAS cockpit and digital AFCS, They ate the big issues, but in terms of weights and performance it's a relatively straightforward transition. I'e been up to Townsville and flown the trainer and it Is completely immersive and a fantastic training doviee. The trainers are designed to fit Inside ‘transport containers, which can be airlifted aboartl a C-5 Galaxy. Once deployed, they can bbe extended out to form a fixed-base CH-47F cockpit with a fll visual system, Once initial taining has been completed, the TEPTS will be operated in-house by the Australian Army Aviation Corps, but will be maintained by civilian contractors Maintaining, sustaining the Fleet Boeing Defence Australia is under contract for delivery and on-site operational support for the Foxtrots and BAE Systems, who currently hhold the deeper level maintenance for the folder CH-470 fleet, will also maintain the Foxtrot through to the end of their current contract, at which point its renewal will be competed for by industry. ‘Operational level maintenance is undertaken fon the CH-47D intemally within 5 Aviation Regiment and this will also be the case with the CH-47F. However, because the Deltas are being retired, as or before they come up for their next deep maintenance checks, RADM. Dalton said that the DMO was working with BAE Systems to have them perform some ‘operational level maintenance duting the ‘ansition period "We are working with BAE Systems to keep ‘heir workforce in Townsville together,” he said. "We have negotiated with industry to ‘maintain that skill base in Townsulle during the transition period to the Foxtrot” though Australia is ‘plugged in’ to the US Army logistics chain, it does not have a sustainment contract with them and the management of spare parts is managed Inhouse. An example of this isthe overhaul ofthe T55 engine, which is common between ‘the CH-47D and F, by Columbia Helicoptersin the United States. "We found that trying to get into the US Army system with Honeywell we ere stuck at the end of a very long queue, so we are using Columbia to do engine overhauls and things such as that.’ RADM Dalton continued. "We have our own sustainment system which does plug into parts of, the US Amy system, but effectively we are nt considered anether Us Army squadron and we're not completely Integrated into the US Army sustainment programme.” Arrival and entry into Service The first two Foxtrots were delivered to Australia aboard a USAF C5 Galaxy in early April and reassembled by Boeing Defence Australia at the Sth Aviation Regiment's homebasein Townsville. ‘The second pair arrived Major Senera Gus MLactian, Head of Modesto and ‘Sateen - Army. (Detence) in Townsville by C-5 in May: the seventh and final aircraft remains on schedule for delivery In August ‘An Airworthiness Board Special Flight Permit ‘was issued in April to support intial flying in Australia, which began in May and, following initial training, the transition to operational service ie due to begin later this yea. Initial Operational Capability (IOQ), which is Home Loans for Defence Force members Mobile Home Loan Consultants available to come to you > Investments and Superannuation > Award ing Car Loans > Home, Contents and Car Insurance Contact us today: EB) 1800 033 139, sam-spm AEST weekdays defencebank.com.au DV Visit your tocal Defence Bank branch info@defencebank.com.au @® Defence Bank We ServeDefenceAustralia Defence confuses Land 400 prime contractors With a price tag of around $10 billion, Land 400, the Army's ambitious programme to replace its armoured fighting vehicle fleet, is one ofthe largest projects ever undertaken in the Land Force domain — and certainly the most costly. Phase 2, now underway, aims to acquire around 225 Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles to replace the existing Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV). Other phases wil later replace the M113AS4 Armoured Personnel Carries and introduce an Integrated Training System (TS), Luxe contenders or LAND 400 tockurs rom tp) General Oamic Land Sysems AVE, hrnstal's Boxer and singapore Yecmoloes' Terex Bx (etece) 28 dofencet [A Request for Tender for Phase 2 released in February, with bids to close on June 25, makes for an extremely tight timeline for industry primes to study the document, form, teaming agreements, then select a vehicle upon which to place their bid, Despite Defence's claim of close engagement with industry throughout the process, there are concems that both the timeline and the fextent of requirements are difficult to meet. In the ease of the latter, concems have been raised that the requirements are too detailed ‘on the one hand, contradictory on the other and do not provide clear guidance on exactly what sort of vehicle Defence actually wants. For example, informed opinion is divided over Whether the RFT really calls for a wheeled fr tracked vehicle, a manned or unmanned turret or passive or active defence systems {oreven both)? Unfortunately, defence primes likely to bid are unwilling to speak about the project or their plans, last they suffer the displeasure fof the Commonwealth, For its part, Defence declined an interview request and only responded to written questions, attributed merely (oa ‘Defence Spokesperson’ Phase Two Requirements The Mounted Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle capability is required to deliver survivability systems and have a life of type (of 30 years. ‘Nigel Pittaway Defence clemands that the vehicles proposed. are a Military Off The Shelf (MOTS) design already established in service with the armed forces of anather western country. They must bee sourced from an established production faciity and at most, requite only minor ‘modifications to be interoperability with ADF and coalition assets The RFT requires also requires bidders to provide a copy of an executed contract or other documentary evidence to prove that the configuration of their baseline CRV (Le. the fully integrated Mission System) satisfies this definition of MOTS. In addition, Defence says that providing a bidder offers a vehicle that meets the MOTS designation it may also offer one ‘MOTS Plus’ vehicle “In the LAND 400 Phase 2 RFT, MOTS Plus means a MOTS baseline vehicle (including MOTS variants) reconfigured with a single package of upgrades in order to deliver {an Increased level of compliance with the technical, functional and performance requirements of the RFT” said the Defence Spokesperson, The tender documentation is extremely complicated andincludes aKey Requirements [Matix (KRM), which forms the basis against Which the technical compliance is assessed for the field to be narrowed down to a short- list of contenders. However, ane industry observer notes thatthe KRM requires exceptionally high levels in performance in a range of key areas, but the Commonwealth has not attached a priority tothem. “Although the Commonwealth has said that protection, lethality and mobility are the ‘most important things, thelr statements are not clear enough to drive bidders toa specific ‘operational platform,” the individual sad. To further complicate matters another document in the suite is an Operational Concept Document (OCD), which also Includes a lot of further information and desired outcomes, but the document is not Understood to be a commercially or legally enforceable document. The problem arses where there is contradiction between the two documents. According to industty sources, the OCD points to a wheeled vehicle but, because is not a legally enforceable document, it might imply that the Commonwealth may also accept a tracked vehicle ‘What that means in a sense, is that the companies wishing to prime for Land 400 hhave been placed in a position where they will have to undertake cost, capability and operational trade-off analysis themselves,” added one observer ‘There will have to be a large number of trade-offs and detailed discussions to ensure that what is finally delivered is actually what the Army wants, because if you read the KRM they want everything. | think the Commanveealth is going to be very surprised atthe size of the vehicles required to do winat they want them to do." Testing and evaluation Defence says it will conduct a detailed evaluation of the tenders against the evaluation criteria provided by the KRM. This, evaluation wil also include an assessment of the value for money to the Commonwealth and result in the production of 2 shortlist ff one or more tenderers. I says it wil also evaluate a ‘MOTS Plus’ offer as a separate tender and will advise the bidder if and when they ae shortlisted which vehicle(s it prefers. “The Commonwealth has engaged closely ith industry on Land 400 over ‘@ number of years and openly discussed the detailed acquisition strategy for Phase 2 of the programme. Drafts of the KAM, OCD and Government Furnished Materiel and Indicative Communications Fit, were publicly released on 11 Sep 14, five months prior to release of the RFT," the Defence Spokesperson said. “This early engagement and high level of transparency, coupled with the MOTS based approach, should maximise the number of competitive bids received" ‘The shortlisted contender(s) will then move to Stage 2 ofthe evaluation purpose, the Risk Mitigation Activities (RMA) which Is aimed at mitigating any significant technical and commercial risks, validating the bidders’ claims and assessing cost and capability trade-off options. ‘The Commonwealth will provide up to $25 million to each shortlisted team to assist with the RMA, but part of this process will be ballistic protection testing, which will require the rapid provision (presumably from the manufacturer's assembly line, where it Is destined for an existing customer at that point in time} and tested to destruction, Defence say this testing would occur at the Defence Proof and Experimental Establishment -Graytown (PEE-G) and will be tundertaken by the Land Engineering Agency (LEA) with support provided by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) and the Joint Proof & Experimental Unit PEW. “The vehicles that will be evaluated during the Risk Mitigation Activities - the second stage of the tender evaluation process - must reflect the configuration of the Tenderer's proposed Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle [CRV) solution,” the Defence spokesperson detailed “Where applicable, as part of acceptance, the Commonwealth would consider third party ‘test results from accredited test agencies a5 supporting evidence towards compliance Claims made against technical requirements. However, due to the safety critical nature fof requirements such as blast protection, ‘the Commonwealth Intends to conduct Independent tasting to validate claims as part ofthe Risk Mitigation Activities.” ‘The published timetable calls for the shortlisted vehicles supplied by the manufacturers in support of the RMA to be delivered in the second quarter of 2016, no later than 17 weeks after the RMA contract(s) are awarded. “This is some 20 months after Industry was it of this requirement,” spokesperson continued. "This should allow sufficient time for MOTS based vehicles to either be manufactured, or for loan arrangements with existing ‘customers to be established.” Following the conclusion of ‘the RMA in January 2017, final ‘evaluation of the shortlisted contenders will occur between ‘then and April 2017, with initial contract negotiations with the ‘winner(s) to begin the following month, Australian Industry Content Another (arguably) contentious issue is the amount of worktobe performed by Australian industry on the Land 400 programme, Defence says there is no requirement for either the manufacture or assembly of vehicles to occur in Australia, although it leaves the door open for bidders to make such offers if they so desire. This is an emotive subject across industry a5 a whole at the moment, with Land 400 being the fst major land vehicle programme after the wholesale loss of Australia’s motor Vehicie manufacturing industry. There is a political dimension too, with lobby groups pressing for assembly, at least in part, in Geelong in Victoria, or in Adelaide, “Compliance with Australian Industry Capability (AIC) requirements, including the proposed value of work performed in Australi, ‘5 one of the evaluation criteria nified in the LAND 400 Phase 2 RFT. As part of the evaluation of tenders, comparative assessment of the ‘proposed value of work performed in Australia’ will ‘occur? Defence says. ‘TheRFTalsomakescieartheCommonwealth’s intent to investigate opportunities to further maximise the Tenderer’s proposed level ff AIC, subject to there being no adverse Impacts on quality, schedule or cost, during the Risk Mitigation Activities” However, this once again puts the onus back ‘on the primes, who are now trying to decide whether to engage with the local small to medium enterprises and, if so, with whom and for what work This is also quite possibly resulting in the ‘SMEs buming up money they can il afford to lose, responding to Requests for Information from the primes that may go absolutely ‘nowhere in the not too distant future “AIC may not be important enough to make you a winner" observed one analyst. But it’s Important enough to make you a loser.” To Bid or Not to Bid ‘The problem for the primes in particular, is that if they want to be a player in the land space in Australia in the future, they need to be involved in Land 400, For some there just isn't a business case and for others the lack of claity in many of the requirements (despite the unprecedented level of engagement with industry) makes selecting a vehicle, or teaming with a partner with the right expertise, very difficult There have already been some big names in the defence industry space announcing ‘thelr intention net to bid for Phase 2 and in all likelihood there will be more by the time ‘tenders close on June 25. “The Commonwealth understands that Land 400 is too Important for primes not to be involved in” said one defence analyst “lifyou don't know what the Commonwealth wants, itis a pretty brave customer that’s ‘going to offer a solution ‘Let Pama AMY (mored Modes Yr) 20 x3 ‘muta itty vehicle pronicedby the Finish ‘etence may company Patra. eaoa