Australia Launches F-35 Review
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- Elite 5K
- Posts: 28404
- Joined: 05 May 2009, 21:31
- Location: Australia
Australia Launches F-35 Review By NIGEL PITTAWAY 27 Oct 2011
http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=8075152&&s=TOP
"FORT WORTH, Texas -Australian government officials have begun auditing the F-35 program because of concerns that the first tranche of aircraft would not be delivered on schedule, Lockheed Martin officials confirmed.
The review, rare in Australian defense programs, could lead officials to defer the planned order for the first aircraft....
...Australia has a requirement for up to 100 conventional takeoff and landing F-35As, and plans to sign a deal for the first tranche of 14 in 2012. Under the current plan, it wants to take delivery of the first two aircraft in 2014 for training in the United States and delivery of all 14 to Australia in 2017.
The aircraft are scheduled to come from Low-Rate Initial Production lots Six (two aircraft), Eight (four) and Nine (eight).
...The review follows Defence Minister Stephen Smith's promise to launch an "exhaustive risk assessment of the schedule" by year's end...."
http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=8075152&&s=TOP
"FORT WORTH, Texas -Australian government officials have begun auditing the F-35 program because of concerns that the first tranche of aircraft would not be delivered on schedule, Lockheed Martin officials confirmed.
The review, rare in Australian defense programs, could lead officials to defer the planned order for the first aircraft....
...Australia has a requirement for up to 100 conventional takeoff and landing F-35As, and plans to sign a deal for the first tranche of 14 in 2012. Under the current plan, it wants to take delivery of the first two aircraft in 2014 for training in the United States and delivery of all 14 to Australia in 2017.
The aircraft are scheduled to come from Low-Rate Initial Production lots Six (two aircraft), Eight (four) and Nine (eight).
...The review follows Defence Minister Stephen Smith's promise to launch an "exhaustive risk assessment of the schedule" by year's end...."
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- Elite 5K
- Posts: 28404
- Joined: 05 May 2009, 21:31
- Location: Australia
I guess no more Super Hornets required then?
Hornets can keep flying until JSF arrives BY DAVID ELLERY 22 Dec, 2011
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/na ... 02021.aspx
"Defence sources are confident it will be possible to fly sufficient RAAF "classic" Hornet jet fighters long enough to avoid an air defence capability gap at the end the decade.
The RAAF has 24 brand new F/A-18F Super Hornets and 71 of the F/A-18A-B "classic" Hornets dating back to the 1980s.
The 71 "Top Gun" era fighters were due to be retired in 2018 but, as a result of delays in the Joint Strike Fighter program, some are now expected to be kept in service until 2021.
All of the "classic" or "legacy" Hornets are undergoing a major capability upgrade as part of the AIR 5376 program.
This includes the installation of an electronic warfare modification program which includes a new radar warning receiver, an extra countermeasures dispenser, electronic countermeasures systems and more computer memory. Full delivery of the work is scheduled to occur in 2013.
The "classic" Hornets are also well on the way to getting an even more lethal sting following the successful test firing of a Joint Air to Surface Stand-off missile at the Woomera range in July...."
Less interesting stuff at the JUMP url.
Hornets can keep flying until JSF arrives BY DAVID ELLERY 22 Dec, 2011
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/na ... 02021.aspx
"Defence sources are confident it will be possible to fly sufficient RAAF "classic" Hornet jet fighters long enough to avoid an air defence capability gap at the end the decade.
The RAAF has 24 brand new F/A-18F Super Hornets and 71 of the F/A-18A-B "classic" Hornets dating back to the 1980s.
The 71 "Top Gun" era fighters were due to be retired in 2018 but, as a result of delays in the Joint Strike Fighter program, some are now expected to be kept in service until 2021.
All of the "classic" or "legacy" Hornets are undergoing a major capability upgrade as part of the AIR 5376 program.
This includes the installation of an electronic warfare modification program which includes a new radar warning receiver, an extra countermeasures dispenser, electronic countermeasures systems and more computer memory. Full delivery of the work is scheduled to occur in 2013.
The "classic" Hornets are also well on the way to getting an even more lethal sting following the successful test firing of a Joint Air to Surface Stand-off missile at the Woomera range in July...."
Less interesting stuff at the JUMP url.
- Elite 1K
- Posts: 1066
- Joined: 27 Apr 2007, 07:23
Maybe, maybe not. Depends on a couple of things. RAAF is pushing to get a Growler capability to be operated as a squadron minus capability.
If approved by Government as seems likely, the strike role of 1 Sqn and 6 Sqn will have to be reduced to accomodate it, or an additional purchase of Rhinos made to cover up the difference.
An additional purchase of 12 extra airframes has therefore been mooted in some areas to full equip 1 and 6 Squadrons with 18 aircraft a piece (on paper. Daily maintenance schedules won't see that many aircraft generated regularly) and thus allowing the operation of a Growler sub-unit, whilst not diminishing our strike capability and also allowing the Super Hornet / Growler fleet to take the majority of our exercise and deployment schedules (the "hard flying" alluded to by CAF in recent interviews) from the legacy Hornet fleet to help preserve their remaining fatigue life.
Other than that possibility, I can't see too many more Super Hornets. RAAF has made clear any number of times that JSF is it's future, only the numbers are variables at this point...
If approved by Government as seems likely, the strike role of 1 Sqn and 6 Sqn will have to be reduced to accomodate it, or an additional purchase of Rhinos made to cover up the difference.
An additional purchase of 12 extra airframes has therefore been mooted in some areas to full equip 1 and 6 Squadrons with 18 aircraft a piece (on paper. Daily maintenance schedules won't see that many aircraft generated regularly) and thus allowing the operation of a Growler sub-unit, whilst not diminishing our strike capability and also allowing the Super Hornet / Growler fleet to take the majority of our exercise and deployment schedules (the "hard flying" alluded to by CAF in recent interviews) from the legacy Hornet fleet to help preserve their remaining fatigue life.
Other than that possibility, I can't see too many more Super Hornets. RAAF has made clear any number of times that JSF is it's future, only the numbers are variables at this point...
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- Elite 5K
- Posts: 28404
- Joined: 05 May 2009, 21:31
- Location: Australia
Conan, is there an inference from your text above that a Growler Squadron will remain in service when the other Super Hornets are gone (with a full complement of F-35As in service at same time)?
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- Elite 5K
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- Joined: 05 May 2009, 21:31
- Location: Australia
The Auditor - General | Report No.20 2011–12 | Assurance Report
2010–11 Major Projects Report
Project Data Summary Sheet [24 Dec 2011]
http://www.anao.gov.au//~/media/Uploads ... %20MPR.pdf ( 10.3Mb)
Project Name NEW AIR COMBAT CAPABILITY
Project Number AIR 6000 Phase 2A/2B
Capability Type Replacement - Service Royal Australian Air Force
Government 1st Pass Approval Nov 06
Government 2nd Pass Approval Nov 09 (Stage1)
Total Approved Budget (Current) $2,666.8m
2010-11 Budget $78.3m
Project Stage Enter Contract - Complexity ACAT 1
Section 1 – Project Summary [pp 259-62]
1.1 Project Description
The Air 6000 New Air Combat Capability (NACC) Project aims to introduce a new air combat capability that will meet Australia’s air combat needs out to 2030 and beyond. On current plans, AIR 6000 Phase 2A/B program will acquire no fewer than 72 Conventional Take Off and Landing (CTOL) Joint Strike Fighter (JSF)
aircraft to establish three operational squadrons, a training squadron and necessary supporting/enabling elements to replace the F/A-18A/B Hornet capability.
AIR6000 Phase 2A/B Stage 1 of the project will acquire an initial tranche of 14 CTOL F-35 JSF aircraft and associated support and enabling elements. Ten aircraft will remain in the United States (US) for a number of years for pilot and maintainer training and operational test activities. The remaining four aircraft are planned to arrive in Australia in 2017 to allow commencement of operational test and evaluation activities with other ADF systems.
Lockheed Martin is contracted to the US Government for the development and production of the F-35 JSF. The aircraft and associated support systems are being procured through a government to government cooperative agreement with the US and JSF partner nations, including the United Kingdom (UK), Canada, Italy, Denmark, Norway, Netherlands and Turkey.
1.2 Current Status - Cost Performance
The Project remains within approved budget guidance for Stage 1 (first 14 aircraft and support).
Schedule Performance
A Technical Baseline Review (TBR) of the US JSF Program was completed in November 2010, which has led to the JSF Program undergoing a Schedule Risk Assessment (SRA) and a Integrated Baseline Review (IBR). The outcomes of the SRA/IBR, including any changes to program scope and any associated cost and
schedule impacts are expected to be known by late 2011.
In October 2010, the Commonwealth formally submitted a Partner Procurement Request (PPR) to the US Government for Australia’s first two aircraft and associated support systems. The Commonwealth expects the US Government to enter into a contract with Lockheed Martin, on its behalf as part of the sixth Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) contract in third quarter of 2012. Ongoing reviews and restructuring of the US JSF Program have resulted in significant delays (6 months plus) to the annual JSF contracting cycle. Current guidance from the US Government is that this delay will not impact delivery plans to have two Australian
aircraft in the US ready to support training in 2014.
Materiel Capability Performance
As a consequence of the TBR conducted on the US JSF Program, the US has extended the development and operational test schedules. A key element of materiel capability performance and a major schedule driver is software development. The current planned Block 3 version of software is considered sufficient for Australia’s Initial Operational Capability (IOC) performance requirements. Potential changes to software scope, development and/or releasability constraints could threaten this consideration. Correspondingly, the NACC project office is closely monitoring software development and examining contingency plans whereby initial training and test aircraft may be operated with an earlier software version....
Project Background
...In the 2009 Defence White Paper, Government confirmed that it plans to equip the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) with around 100 F-35 JSF aircraft. AIR6000 Phase 2A/B Stage 2 will acquire at least 58 CTOL JSF aircraft and enabling elements to achieve a proposed IOC in 2018 and Final Operational Capability (FOC) in 2021. Government consideration of AIR6000 Phase 2/AB Stage 2 approval is currently scheduled for 2012. The remaining tranche of 28 aircraft is identified against AIR6000 Phase 2C and is planned for Government consideration in the 2014-15 timeframe.
The staged approach provides time for refinement of costs and more detailed definition of support requirements prior to the Government’s decision on buying additional aircraft....
Uniqueness...
...Due to strict US export restrictions imposed on the JSF Air System, direct commercial sale is not permitted. JSF aircraft and associated supporting systems will be acquired by Australia under the PSFD MOU arrangements. Key factors are:
• The US Government will contract with Lockheed Martin and engine manufacturers on Australia’s behalf in accordance with US contracting laws, regulations and procedures....
...• The Joint Program Office (JPO) acquisition strategy is for 11 annual LRIP contracts, transitioning from a Fixed Price Incentive Fee to a Firm-Fixed Price at the appropriate time.
• Each contract will require a separate PPR from each partner nation defining their requirements for that buy. PPRs are submitted two years ahead of contract and four years ahead of delivery.
• Aircraft to be delivered under Phase 2A/B Stage 1 will be acquired under four separate annual contracts commencing with LRIP 6....
Major Challenges....
...• Appropriately manage JSF misinformation in the media....
1.4 Linked Projects
Project Description of Project Description of Dependency
AIR 5402 Air to Air Refuelling Capability
Provision of five new generation Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft. Air to Air refuelling support for extended range/duration missions.
AIR 5077 Airborne
Early Warning and Control Aircraft - Provision of six Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft. Increased radar detection and communication capabilities to enable large force coordination between JSF and other aircraft."
2010–11 Major Projects Report
Project Data Summary Sheet [24 Dec 2011]
http://www.anao.gov.au//~/media/Uploads ... %20MPR.pdf ( 10.3Mb)
Project Name NEW AIR COMBAT CAPABILITY
Project Number AIR 6000 Phase 2A/2B
Capability Type Replacement - Service Royal Australian Air Force
Government 1st Pass Approval Nov 06
Government 2nd Pass Approval Nov 09 (Stage1)
Total Approved Budget (Current) $2,666.8m
2010-11 Budget $78.3m
Project Stage Enter Contract - Complexity ACAT 1
Section 1 – Project Summary [pp 259-62]
1.1 Project Description
The Air 6000 New Air Combat Capability (NACC) Project aims to introduce a new air combat capability that will meet Australia’s air combat needs out to 2030 and beyond. On current plans, AIR 6000 Phase 2A/B program will acquire no fewer than 72 Conventional Take Off and Landing (CTOL) Joint Strike Fighter (JSF)
aircraft to establish three operational squadrons, a training squadron and necessary supporting/enabling elements to replace the F/A-18A/B Hornet capability.
AIR6000 Phase 2A/B Stage 1 of the project will acquire an initial tranche of 14 CTOL F-35 JSF aircraft and associated support and enabling elements. Ten aircraft will remain in the United States (US) for a number of years for pilot and maintainer training and operational test activities. The remaining four aircraft are planned to arrive in Australia in 2017 to allow commencement of operational test and evaluation activities with other ADF systems.
Lockheed Martin is contracted to the US Government for the development and production of the F-35 JSF. The aircraft and associated support systems are being procured through a government to government cooperative agreement with the US and JSF partner nations, including the United Kingdom (UK), Canada, Italy, Denmark, Norway, Netherlands and Turkey.
1.2 Current Status - Cost Performance
The Project remains within approved budget guidance for Stage 1 (first 14 aircraft and support).
Schedule Performance
A Technical Baseline Review (TBR) of the US JSF Program was completed in November 2010, which has led to the JSF Program undergoing a Schedule Risk Assessment (SRA) and a Integrated Baseline Review (IBR). The outcomes of the SRA/IBR, including any changes to program scope and any associated cost and
schedule impacts are expected to be known by late 2011.
In October 2010, the Commonwealth formally submitted a Partner Procurement Request (PPR) to the US Government for Australia’s first two aircraft and associated support systems. The Commonwealth expects the US Government to enter into a contract with Lockheed Martin, on its behalf as part of the sixth Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) contract in third quarter of 2012. Ongoing reviews and restructuring of the US JSF Program have resulted in significant delays (6 months plus) to the annual JSF contracting cycle. Current guidance from the US Government is that this delay will not impact delivery plans to have two Australian
aircraft in the US ready to support training in 2014.
Materiel Capability Performance
As a consequence of the TBR conducted on the US JSF Program, the US has extended the development and operational test schedules. A key element of materiel capability performance and a major schedule driver is software development. The current planned Block 3 version of software is considered sufficient for Australia’s Initial Operational Capability (IOC) performance requirements. Potential changes to software scope, development and/or releasability constraints could threaten this consideration. Correspondingly, the NACC project office is closely monitoring software development and examining contingency plans whereby initial training and test aircraft may be operated with an earlier software version....
Project Background
...In the 2009 Defence White Paper, Government confirmed that it plans to equip the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) with around 100 F-35 JSF aircraft. AIR6000 Phase 2A/B Stage 2 will acquire at least 58 CTOL JSF aircraft and enabling elements to achieve a proposed IOC in 2018 and Final Operational Capability (FOC) in 2021. Government consideration of AIR6000 Phase 2/AB Stage 2 approval is currently scheduled for 2012. The remaining tranche of 28 aircraft is identified against AIR6000 Phase 2C and is planned for Government consideration in the 2014-15 timeframe.
The staged approach provides time for refinement of costs and more detailed definition of support requirements prior to the Government’s decision on buying additional aircraft....
Uniqueness...
...Due to strict US export restrictions imposed on the JSF Air System, direct commercial sale is not permitted. JSF aircraft and associated supporting systems will be acquired by Australia under the PSFD MOU arrangements. Key factors are:
• The US Government will contract with Lockheed Martin and engine manufacturers on Australia’s behalf in accordance with US contracting laws, regulations and procedures....
...• The Joint Program Office (JPO) acquisition strategy is for 11 annual LRIP contracts, transitioning from a Fixed Price Incentive Fee to a Firm-Fixed Price at the appropriate time.
• Each contract will require a separate PPR from each partner nation defining their requirements for that buy. PPRs are submitted two years ahead of contract and four years ahead of delivery.
• Aircraft to be delivered under Phase 2A/B Stage 1 will be acquired under four separate annual contracts commencing with LRIP 6....
Major Challenges....
...• Appropriately manage JSF misinformation in the media....
1.4 Linked Projects
Project Description of Project Description of Dependency
AIR 5402 Air to Air Refuelling Capability
Provision of five new generation Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft. Air to Air refuelling support for extended range/duration missions.
AIR 5077 Airborne
Early Warning and Control Aircraft - Provision of six Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft. Increased radar detection and communication capabilities to enable large force coordination between JSF and other aircraft."
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