The Australia/NZ Defence Industry & Aerospace Report On-Line

24/12/2003

Welcome to Vol 5, No 50 of the Weekly DIAR.com e-Newsletter - 'Serving the national Defence, Internal Security & Border Protection communities'

Each Monday the DIAR.com e-Newsletter provides an up-to-date listing of all Australia's major Defence and National Border Protection corporate press releases, speeches, reports and other defence business news items. Each news item is summarised by headline and a brief extract, with full digital copies of press releases/source material available by request through the DIAR.com website, using the 'Services' button. Alternatively, you can contact us directly with your hard copy information requests on the numbers below. DIAR.com is provided on either a single-user or group subscription basis. On-forwarding of the e-Newsletter is strictly prohibited in the absence of subscribers having first concluded a copyright authority with the publishers.

Editor, DIAR.com
Ph: +61 (0)2 6260 5944 Fax: +61 (0)2 6260 3977
Email: busicom@ozemail.com.au
Website: www.diar.com

BEST WISHES FOR XMAS AND 2004 TO ALL DIAR.COM READERS: This is the final edition of 'Defence Industry & Aerospace Report' (DIAR.com) for 2003, taking in all news releases up to 11.50pm on 23 December 2003. The first edition of DIAR.com for 2004 will be published overnight on 11 January 2004, taking in all major news releases and announcements in the intervening weeks. DIAR.com will also again be publishing a paper-based version of the e-Newsletter for distribution each day at the forthcoming 'Pacific 2004 International Maritime and Naval Exposition', being held at Darling Harbour (Sydney) from 3-6 February 2004. Material for publication in the pre-show edition of DIAR.com should be emailed to busicom@ozemail.com.au by 28 January 2004. Material for publication in each daily 'Pacific 2004' edition of DIAR.com should be lodged by 4.00pm each afternoon at our stand (A6), in Hall 6 at the exposition. [24.12.03]

EH101 DROPS-OUT OF SECOND ROUND AIR 9000 EVALUATION: Having evaluated industry responses to the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Air 9000 project, the Department of Defence has advised AgustaWestland that it has formally declined its proposal of the EH101 helicopter for acquisition of an additional squadron of troop lift helicopters, and related project phases regarding upgrade/replacement the existing fleet of 36 'Black Hawks' and subsequent overall rationalisation of the ADF helicopter fleet. According to Defence, "the responses from Australian Aerospace and Sikorsky will (now) be subject to a further process of competition." Evaluation of Air 9000 RFP responses has recently been the subject of a Defence Inspector-General's inquiry to assess the validity of allegations of undue duress in the constitution of evaluation models used to rank the three RFP respondents. [23.12.03]

CONTRACT SIGNED FOR CEA-FAR ACTIVE PHASED ARRAY RADAR: Canberra-based CEA Technologies has signed a $6.2m contract with the Australian Government for the development of a high powered version of its CEA-FAR active phased array radar, part of a new family of scalable radars (called 'Auspar'), which are said to provide capabilities well beyond those currently available in modern radar systems. Government funding will enable further development of the CEA-FAR radar technology so that it can be used in medium-to-long range anti-air warfare, and potentially - upon successful demonstration - for meeting theatre ballistic missile defence requirements. Development of the 'Auspar' radar family is also expected to enhance CEA Technologies' export prospects. [23.12.03]

MORE WORK FOR AUSTRALIAN FIRMS FROM JSF/SDD CONNECTION: In the 10th award of a contract to local industry arising out of Australia's US$150m commitment to the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) SDD phase, prime contractor Lockheed Martin has selected Lovitt Technologies Australia to manufacture and supply several precision-machined structural wing components for the F-35 over the next 10 years. Prime contractor, Northrop Grumman, has also extended the scope of its existing (June 2003) contract with Melbourne-based GKN Aerospace Services in respect of the design of JSF centre fuselage structural parts, with engineers working both in Melbourne and El Segundo (California). Melbourne-based Production Parts, has also been the first Australian company to ship components for the JSF, in this case, for the prototype F136 engine. [23.12.03]

NEW AWARD STRUCK FOR SERVICE IN THE SOLOMON ISLANDS: Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel taking part in Operation 'Anode' (the Solomon Islands) are to receive a new award in recognition of their service. The Australian Service Medal with Clasp 'Solomon Is II' will be awarded to ADF personnel who rendered service and completed operational sorties over a period of 30 days, continuous or aggregate, in the area of operations. Operation 'Anode' forms part of the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI), called Operation 'Helpem Fren'. Operation 'Anode' is a separate operation to Operation 'Trek', the initial mission to the Solomon Islands that ran from 4 November 2000 to 15 March 2002, the relevant award for which was the ASM with Clasp 'Solomon Is'. [23.12.03]

FIRST OF TWO MAJOR 'KINNAIRD' APPOINTMENTS CONFIRMED: Defence Minister Hill has announced that the current Land Commander Australia, MajGen David Hurley, is to be promoted to Lieutenant General - and appointed as the Head of the new Capability Development Group - one of two key appointments coming out of the Government's consideration of Malcolm Kinnaird's 2003 Review of Defence Procurement. Hurley has been appointed for an initial period of three years, during which he is to establish the new Capability Development Group, and assume overall responsibility and accountability for assessing and defining what military capabilities the ADF should have now and in the future. Acknowledging Kinnaird's recommendation that the position could be filled by either a civilian or a military officer, Senator Hill said, "LtGen Hurley was selected on merit by the Secretary and the Chief of the Defence Force." [22.12.03]

DEFENCE MINISTER LAYS DOWN NEW CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT STRUCTURE: Following confirmation of LtGen Hurley's appointment at a ceremony at Victoria Barracks in Sydney, Defence Minister Hill said the new Capability Development Group would comprise the following divisions: Capability investment and resources; Capability systems; Military strategy and preparedness; Cost assessments; Interoperability; Test and evaluation; and Fundamental input to capability. Hill added, the new group "will be responsible for taking future capability proposals from initial Government consideration and financial endorsement right through until final approval by Government. It will have a close relationship with the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) and oversight of a number of the Kinnaird recommendations. Defence's current Head of Capability, AVM Kerry Clarke, is scheduled to give a lecture on 'The Defence Capability Plan' to USI of the ACT at the Australian Defence College at 8.00pm on 4 February. [22.12.03]

WHISTLE-STOP TOUR OF THE SOLOMONS PRIOR TO XMAS BREAK: Prime Minister Howard has undertaken a brief visit to the Solomon Islands in order to convey the thanks and Christmas greetings of the Australian people to all those members of the ADF, the Australian Federal Police, Australian Protective Service and Australian civilian advisers currently deployed to the Solomon Islands. During the visit, Howard reviewed continuing progress being made by the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI), and was briefed by Solomon Islands Government representatives and RAMSI Special Coordinator, Nick Warner. Howard also met with Prime Minister Kemakeza and senior ministers of the Solomon Islands government to discuss consolidating and extending the gains made under Operation 'Helpem Fren'. [22.12.03]

HOWARD CONFIRMS REGIONAL INTERVENTION POLICY SHIFT: On the ground in Honiara, Howard told troops and non-military participants in the RAMSI force, "this is our patch, this is our part of the world in which the countries of the Pacific have a particular responsibility. If we're not willing to help our friends who need help, nobody else will. And it's the proper obligation, the proper intervention by Australia and other countries and it does properly carry the code expression of operation 'Helpem Fren' - you don't need any translation to know what that means. And it conveys in that one expression what it is all about, we're not trying to throw our weight around, we're trying to help. And we have brought law and order to the people of the Solomon Islands, and they appreciate it." [22.12.03]

STRONG UK INDUSTRY SHOWING SET FOR PACIFIC 2004 EXHIBITION: The UK’s maritime industry will again be well represented at Australia’s largest maritime exhibition, with nearly 20 companies exhibiting within the UK Group at the show. The British Naval Equipment Association (BNEA) is organising the group in conjunction with the UK Defence Export Services Organisation (DESO) and UK Trade & Investment (UKTI). Alan Garwood, the Head of DESO, will head the UK delegation, supported by a DESO military and civilian team. Companies/organisations participating in the UK Group include: BMT Defence Services Ltd; British Naval Equipment Association; BAE Systems; DESO (part of the UK Ministry of Defence); DT Media; GeoAcoustics Ltd; Inmarsat Ltd; Man B&W Diesels Ltd; QinetiQ Ltd; Rolls-Royce Ltd; Somers Forge Ltd; and Caird & Rayner Ltd (a division of Brackett Green). [22.12.03]

NEW CENTRE TO IMPROVE ADF MEMBERS'/VETERANS HEALTH RESOURCES: The Australian Government is to provide $1.9m to establish a new military medical centre to address in a better fashion the health care needs of defence force members during and after their service. The Centre for Military and Veterans' Health (CMVH) initiative involves a collaboration between the Departments of Defence and Veterans' Affairs, and a consortium led by the University of Queensland (UoQ), together with the University of Adelaide (UoA) and the Menzies School of Health Research. The CMVH will be located at the UQ's Mayne Medical School in Brisbane, with a 'satellite' facility to be located within the School of Medicine at the UoA. [22.12.03]

CSIRO INNOVATION SET TO DRIVE UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES: Australian scientists have claimed a major technological breakthrough with the development of a 'brain' which enables an intelligent small helicopter to undertake many difficult and dangerous tasks currently undertaken by humans. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), custom developed by the Commonwealth Science and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), uses low-cost MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) sensors and is fabricated from magnesium alloy and weighs only 75g. According to CSIRO officials, "the 'Mantis' UAV can simply be told where to go and what to do, and it will go off, do the job and find its own way home, unassisted." The UAV's inertial sensing system is said to behave somewhat like a human inner ear, providing balance and indicating the orientation of the helicopter in the air. [22.12.03]

TESTS COMMENCE ON FULL-SCALE MODEL OF JSF WEAPONS BAY: In an effort to improve the operational effectiveness of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), Northrop Grumman and the Lockheed Martin (LM) development team have undertaken a demonstration of the loading of weapons by military ordnance personnel with a full-scale model of the aircraft's internal weapons bay. The involvement of operational users at such an early stage in the design of aircraft components is said to be 'unprecedented' for a military aircraft program. The demonstrations were designed to ensure that the F-35 weapons bay can accommodate a variety of internally carried ordnance, and that ground crews can load it easily. The weapons represented were the joint stand-off weapon (JSOW), joint direct attack munition (JDAM), wind-corrected munition dispensers, laser-guided bombs and the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile. [22.12.03]

ROCKWELL COLLINS TO SUPPORT NORTHROP/RAYTHEON KEI TEAM: Rockwell Collins is to support the Northrop Grumman Corporation/Raytheon Company team selected 3 December by the US Missile Defence Agency to develop and build a kinetic energy interceptor (KEI) to destroy hostile missiles at their boost/ascent phase of flight. Rockwell Collins is to supply both the air and ground portions of the communication system for the interceptor, along with interceptor communications unit sub-system located within the missile, and the RF transceiver modem communications subsystem, to be located in the KEI in-flight communications system. Officials estimate the contract has potential to generate approximately $100m in revenues for Rockwell Collins over the eight-year contract term. [22.12.03]

SAAB TO FOLD ITS UCAV TECHNOLOGY INTO FRENCH-LED PROGRAM: Saab has confirmed it will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with French-based Dassault Aviation, with the aim of defining a program for developing an Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) demonstrator. Saab is looking to the collaboration to further develop high level of expertise within the company in the field of aerial vehicles, to the benefit of its 'Gripen' fighter and unmanned aerial vehicle programs raised in Sweden to date. According to Saab, "the purpose of the demonstrator will be to develop cutting-edge technology for the advanced UAVs of the future, including: advanced aeronautics; unmanned flight technology; stealth technology and adaptation to network based defence. Dassault is to manage the project (as first commissioned last June by the French defence materiel agency - DGA - with Euros 300m in funding), with Saab as principal partner. [22.12.03]

NAVY RESPONDS TO CORONER'S FINDINGS ON HMAS 'WESTRALIA': Responding to the findings by the West Australian State Coroner into the 1998 fire on-board the underway replenishment ship, HMAS 'Westralia', Commodore Michael Deeks (the RAN's Senior Naval Officer, WA) has said the Navy hopes the Coroner's findings "may help the grieving families and others affected by this tragedy to reach closure. Navy profoundly regrets the loss of four young lives." Deeks adds, "the Navy has learned a lot from this tragedy and has taken extensive measures since the fire to reduce the chances of this type of tragic accident happening again. This includes significant improvements to Navy's safety management systems, certification, operations, training, education and equipment. The Navy will now thoroughly examine the Coroner's findings." [19.12.03]

BILLION DOLLAR CONTRACT TO RAYTHEON FOR 'COBRA JUDY' UPGRADE: The US Navy has awarded Raytheon a US$1.04b letter contract to replace its current integrated, computer-driven surveillance and data collection radar system (used to support US missile treaty monitoring activities), with a dual-band radar suite consisting of X-band and S-band active phased array sensors and other related mission equipment. Raytheon will use existing technology from its open architecture-based family of radars - which includes the DD(X) dual-band radar, the sea-based High-Power Discrimination radar, and the Theatre High-Altitude Area Defence radar - to replace the existing 'Cobra Judy' system and the USNS 'Observation Island'. This vessel, fielded by Raytheon in the early 1980s, provides the strategic community, the new Missile Defence Agency, and related communities with a long-loiter, foreign ballistic missile data collection capability in support of international treaty verification. As the principal teammate, Northrop Grumman Corporation is responsible for the design, manufacture, integration and test of the S-band array antenna for the new ship. [19.12.03]

GENERAL DYNAMICS TO UNDERTAKE SSBN TO SSGN MODIFICATION WORK: The US Navy has awarded General Dynamics Electric Boat a US$222m contract modification to convert the USS 'Ohio' (SSBN-726) from a 'Trident' ballistic-missile submarine to a 'Trident' SSGN, a multi-mission submarine optimised for tactical strike and special-operations support. This award modifies a five-year, $443m contract announced in September 2002 for design and related support work to convert the first four 'Trident' ballistic-missile submarines to an SSGN configuration. Under the terms of the modification, Electric Boat will continue the conversion of USS 'Ohio' (SSBN-726) at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (Washington), concurrent with a refuelling overhaul. Additionally, the contract modification provides for future conversions of the USS 'Michigan' (SSBN-727) at Puget Sound, and USS 'Georgia' (SSBN-729) at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (Virginia). [19.12.03]

BOEING FIGHTS-BACK WITH STUDIES TO RESOLVE ETHICS DILEMMA: Boeing has released the initial findings of two independent reports commissioned to explore the ethical state of the company in the wake of its ban from competing for USAF satellite launch contracts after it secured a lucrative deal using material illicitly procured from rival, Lockheed Martin. The first report (authored by former Senator Warren Rudman) concludes the company "has gone to great lengths to establish, maintain and continually improve upon an ethics program. Clearly, however, there are areas requiring improvement and our recommendations address these with the objective of strengthening the entire program." The Boeing board has also asked Senator Rudman to conduct an additional review to examine the company's procedures and practices on hiring government employees, which is now expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2004. Additionally, Boeing has released the executive summary of a separate review conducted by the Ethical Leadership Group to assess the structure of the company's ethics program, with emphasis on communications, training, integration and corporate culture. [19.12.03]

UK MOVES INTO PHASE 1 OF GROUND BASED AIR DEFENCE PLAN: The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed contracts that mark the start of the Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) Phase 1 Assessment, set to integrate and enhance the existing Rapier Field Standard C and High Velocity Missile (HVM) air defence systems with an overarching Air Defence Command, Control, Communication, Computers & Intelligence structure. The new GBAD initiative is to facilitate interoperability within the joint UK force and those of its principal allies, whilst providing the UK with network-enabled, air defence protection designed to counter emerging airborne threats (such as attack helicopters and UAVs) expected to develop over the next 10 to 20 years. Lockheed Martin (LM) UK Ltd Integrated Systems (teamed with LM UK Ltd Integrated Systems, LM Naval Electronics & Sensor Systems, Alenia Marconi Systems, EDS, Westland Helicopters, INSYS Ltd, System Consultants Services Ltd and Advanced Systems Architectures Ltd), and European Aeronautic Defence and Space (EADS) - teamed with EADS (UK) Ltd, EADS (N&G) and MBDA - were selected to undertake the Phase 1 competitive assessment. [19.12.03]

BALL AEROSPACE TO PROVIDE ANTENNAS FOR MISSILE DEFENCE: Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp has been selected by a Northrop Grumman Corporation/Raytheon Company team to provide (for Northrop Grumman) the Command and Control Battle Management Communications (C2BMC) mobile S-Band Transmit/Receive phased array antennas, and to provide (for Raytheon) the Interceptor Antennas in support of the US Kinetic Energy Interceptors (KEI) program. KEI will complement other boost, midcourse and terminal defence interceptor programs currently under development while providing a land-based capability that can be adapted quickly and easily to sea-based platforms. The US Missile Defence Agency awarded 3 December a Northrop Grumman-led team the prime contract for the KEI program, to provide the USA with the ability to destroy hostile missiles at their most vulnerable stage, the boost/ascent phase of flight. The team is now moving forward with developing and testing this critical boost phase element of the Agency's global layered missile defence system. [19.12.03]

NEW ACOUSTIC SENSORS FOR FUTURE US SUBMARINE FLEET: Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems & Sensors has been awarded a US$60m subcontract by Northrop Grumman's Newport News shipyard to design and manufacture Lightweight Wide Aperture Array (LWWAA) acoustic sensor systems for the fifth and sixth US Navy 'Virginia'-class submarines - SSN 778 and 779 - being built by submarine builder, Electric Boat. The LWWAA system is a set of large array panels mounted on either side of the submarine that provides major sonar sensor input to the submarine's combat system. Instead of traditional ceramic hydrophone sensors, the LWWAA uses fibre-optic and laser technologies to convert an enemy vessel's acoustic energy in the water into information that can be used to track or shoot. [19.12.03]

SIKORSKY OUTLINES AIR 9000 AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURING PLAN: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation has outlined a plan to manufacture major components of new generation 'Black Hawk' helicopters in Australia as part of its bid for the Air 9000 program. Sikorsky is proposing to create an entirely new helicopter manufacturing base in Australia - initially worth up to $500m, and creating some 200 jobs - which will be integrated into the company's global supply chain, resulting in locally produced 'Black Hawk' components being exported to fulfil orders in the international market. Up for grabs as part of the offer are Australian manufacturing opportunities in airframe composite and high speed machined components such as the aircraft cabin, the tail boom, the tail fin and rear stabilator, as well as a range of electrical and other mechanical components. Sikorsky's General Manager Australia Programs, Graeme Breen, says the work "will be geographically dispersed to capitalise on the specialised skills of local engineering and component manufacturing companies." [18.12.03]

TOWNSVILLE AND NOWRA FOR 'BLACK HAWK' CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation has nominated the Townsville region as the likely base for its proposed 'Black Hawk' re-manufacturing program, a solution proposed for Phase 4 of project Air 9000 (upgrading the Army’s current fleet of 36 'Black Hawk' helicopters to the latest UH-60M standard), to complement a purchase of 12 new 'US Army-like' aircraft for Phase 2 of the project (additional troop lift helicopters). Sikorsky says its plan proposes bringing "world-class aerospace industry capabilities and new skills to North Queensland," and will create around 80 new jobs. Sikorsky also confirmed the location of Software Support Centre activity for the new generation 'Black Hawks' would be Computer Science Corporation Australia’s (CSC) facility in Nowra (NSW), involving the creation of 50 additional high technology jobs in the Shoalhaven region, set to service both Army and Navy helicopters. CSC is also proposed by Sikorsky to play an important role in the planned upgrade of the 16 'Seahawk' helicopters under Phase 3 of Air 9000. [18.12.03]

DEFENCE RELEASES STANDARD OFFER FOR GOODS CONTRACTING TEMPLATE: Defence has released a new contracting template for the ASDEFCON (Standing Offer for Goods), which is designed for use when establishing a standing offer arrangement with a supplier or a panel of suppliers for low value, low risk procurements of goods up to an aggregate value of $5m. Standing offer arrangements are used where the Commonwealth has an ongoing requirement for Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) supplies to be delivered on an as required basis, including: spare parts; office supplies and equipment; and food supplies. The format should not be used to acquire spare parts for equipment required as part of a project that has established its own arrangements for the acquisition of spare parts, and is not suitable for use when procuring services or software. [18.12.03]

UPGRADE TO CONTRACTING TEMPLATE FOR COMPLEX MATERIEL: Defence has officially released Version 1.2 to ASDEFCON (Complex Materiel), a proforma Request For Tender (RFT) for use in acquisitions of complex non-software intensive systems by the military. The document is a flow-down of the policies and principles outlined in ASDEFCON (Strategic Materiel). The new template consists of two volumes, each addressing a different level of complexity and risk. Volume 2 is the standard template, and is aimed for use in medium to high risk procurements which do not justify the use of ASDEFCON (Strategic Materiel). Volume 1 has been developed as the shortform version of the standard template, and is aimed for use in lower risk complex procurements where the supplies being acquired are commercial-off-the-shelf items and do not require any design, development or integration activities to be undertaken. The DMO Materiel Renewal Branch is currently developing a Statement of Work for completion in March 2004, along with a handbook providing guidance on the interpretation and selection of appropriate clauses. [18.12.03]

COMMERCIALISATION DEAL FOR OPTICAL MODULATOR TECHNOLOGY: The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) and the RMIT University are to further develop and commercialise optical modulator technology under a new collaborative agreement which could help establish an Australian export industry. Optical modulators convert high speed electronics signals (representing data) into light for transmission on optical fibres. The modulator behaves like a simple switch, allowing the transmission of incident laser light when the electronic signal is in the 'on' state while no light is transmitted through the modulator in the 'off' state. Under the DSTO/RMIT agreement, both organisations will work: to ensure that photonics design and manufacturing capability built up over many years of collaboration with RMIT is maintained and enhanced for the ongoing benefit of the ADF in electronic warfare systems; and to help create new Australian industry opportunities in photonics. [18.12.03]

SENIOR DFAT OFFICIAL TO HEAD OFFICE OF NATIONAL ASSESSMENTS: Prime Minister Howard has named his current Senior Adviser (International), Peter Varghese, as the next Director General of the Office of National Assessments (ONA), commencing from 12 January 2004. Varghese has had a twenty four year career with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and has held several senior policy positions. Prior to service with the PM's office, he was a DFAT Deputy Secretary with diplomatic experience spanning Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, Minister (Political) in Japan and postings to Washington and Vienna. He headed the Secretariat responsible for drafting the first ever White Paper on foreign and trade policy in 1997, and has also headed the International Security and Public Affairs divisions in DFAT. From 1998-99, Varghese was seconded to head the International Division of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. [18.12.03]

NO FIXED END TO EAST TIMOR DEPLOYMENT FOR AUSTRALIAN TROOPS: Having nominated Anzac Cove at Gallipoli (Turkey) as part of his new 'peoples choice' approach to the nomination of National Heritage listings, Prime Minister Howard has told media "we'll keep forces in East Timor while ever it is necessary. We made a very big investment of people, a very strong investment in terms of taking a political stand in East Timor, and we don’t intend to leave until we are confident that we are leaving behind a stable united country that has a strong future. Part of that process is for the East Timorese themselves to be confident and involved, and part of our role is the training of their police and the like. So I’m not going to put any time on it (the ADF's retention), except to restate the principle that we will continue to be part of a stabilisation process in East Timor while ever it’s necessary." [18.12.03]

UPGRADED RAAF AP-3C 'ORIONS' A WORLD-LEADING DEFENCE ASSET: AP-3C 'Orion' long range maritime patrol aircraft modified by L-3 Integrated Systems are said to have brought acclaim to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in both the recent 'Fincastle' international competition, and as part of the work of the international coalition to rebuild Iraq. The RAAF recently extended deployments of its AP-3C 'Orion' maritime patrol aircraft and personnel for an additional six months after the detachment had completed a one-year assignment to conduct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions in the Arabian Gulf, and over Iraq. Since deploying, the Orions have flown more than 2100 hours, comprising more than 250 sorties, with a successful mission launch rate of 99.6 percent. L-3 is continuing the work of modernising the tactical mission systems in the P-3Cs under Project Air 5276 Phase 2A (called 'Sea Sentinel'), whereupon they are re-designated AP-3Cs to reflect the Australian-specific upgrades. [18.12.03]

INK FINALLY SET ON DEFENCE LOGISTICS (DIDS) CONTRACT: The Commonwealth and TenixToll Defence Logistics have signed a 10-year (up to $920m) contract for the provision of Defence's national warehousing and distribution services, and the maintenance support of selected land materiel and electronic equipment. After two rounds of tendering and political intrigue, the final Defence Integrated Distribution Systems (DIDS) arrangement is now said by Defence "to represent savings of $40m against current costs and savings of $250m against the original baseline for the project. TenixToll has met or exceeded the Government's mandated employment levels in rural and regional locations, and has also undertaken to deliver the services from existing Defence sites." The project has allowed Defence to reassign around 500 military personnel to higher priority activities. [18.12.03]

NO LET-UP IN COMMONWEALTH PLAN FOR POINT NEPEAN LAND: The Australian Government has confirmed the entire 90 hectare site of defence land at Point Nepean will be retained in public ownership for community use with no provision for commercial development. All of the land and buildings is to be vested into a $15m not-for-profit charitable trust to be called the Point Nepean Community Trust, with an intention to transfer the site to the Victorian Government as a national park in five years. Following the termination of the lease process for the 90 hectares (because the Commonwealth could not reach a satisfactory outcome), the new proposal to establish a Community Trust will ensure: no commercial development; preservation of all heritage buildings; preservation of the natural environment; prohibition against sale of any land; and the land becoming national park conditionally in five years. Agreement has previously been given to the transfer of 205 hectares of bushland to Victoria for a national park, and 17.6 hectares to the local Council for public open space and community use. [18.12.03]

REQUIREMENTS SPELT OUT FOR NEW PRESIDENTIAL HELICOPTER: The US Department of the Navy has released a long-awaited RFP for a VXX platform to replace the current fleet of Sikorsky VH-3D (Sea King) Presidential helicopters. According to the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), the new helicopter is scheduled for initial operational capability in 2008, and will need to provide increased performance, improved maintainability and survivability. As anticipated, the VXX competition has been limited to Sikorsky's S-92 'Superhawk' and Lockheed Martin's US101 (teamed with AgustaWestland and Bell Helicopter Textron), a derivative of the EH-101. With the Presidential transport having been a Sikorsky product for decades, the acquisition having such strong political significance, and a 100% home-grown US industry product (S-92) competing directly with a European industry product (EH101), the source selection process has been, and is likely to remain, highly charged. [18.12.03]

CANADIAN MARITIME HELICOPTER CHOICE A BLOW TO NH90 CAMPAIGN: The Canadian Defence Ministry has released its Request for Proposals (RFP) for the oft delayed, and much maligned Maritime Helicopter Project (MHP), set to replace its current fleet of 'Sea Kings'. Not wishing to miss the opportunity to cause further controversy, the Ministry has surprised many by revealing that one of the three competing teams - a consortium led by Lockheed Martin Canada/NH Industries, and offering the European NH-90 - has failed to make the grade. Two helicopters, the Sikorsky H-92 and the AgustaWestland EH-101, accordingly remain to vie for the C$3.1b (approx US$2.3b) contract, which will be awarded to the lowest bidder. The RFP (which calls for 28 aircraft plus a simulation and training suite, integrated logistic support, ship modifications, and 20-years of in-service support), will close at the end of April 2004. [18.12.03]

DANISH/PORTUGESE EH101s MAKE THEIR MAIDEN FLIGHTS: The first production EH101 helicopters for Denmark and Portugal have made their maiden flights from AgustaWestland's plants at Yeovil (UK) and Vergiate (Italy). The aircraft will be cleared to operate at 14,600 kg (32,186 lb) all up mass with an alternative all up mass of 15,600 kg (34,392 lb). The aircraft has the new generation EH101 cockpit display system, consisting of six large integrated display units (IDUs) and two integrated standby instrument systems (ISIS). Portuguese and Danish pilots will begin flight training on the EH101s before the first deliveries to Portuguese and Danish Air Forces in 2004. A Danish Government contract for 14 EH101s for search and rescue and utility roles was let in September 2001, followed in December 2001 by Portugal's decision to purchase 12 EH101s for SAR, Combat SAR and fishery protection. [18.12.03]

EUROPEAN DEMAND FOR UAVS TO RAMP-UP OVER THAT OF AMERICA: A new study from Frost & Sullivan (F&S) reveals that due to recent military developments and the United States' use of UAVs, the global market for unmanned aerial vehicles is expanding and accelerating the development of similar specialised weapons in Europe. Over the last two decades, F&S says the propensity for small-scale, low-intensity conflicts (LIC) has increased dramatically world-wide. As various armies participate in more expeditionary roles in overlapping geographic areas and use interoperable systems, seamless information sharing has become vital. The report estimates the European aggregated military UAV budget is expected to reach around Euros 5.5b between 2003 and 2012. The UK, France, Germany and Italy will invest most heavily in UAVs. France, Germany and Israel already host some of the leading UAV manufacturers such as Elbit, IAI, Sagem SA, EADS and Dassault Aviation, and is gearing up for the next generation of UAVs. [18.12.03]

ROBERT WALMSLEY TO HEAD SPEAKERS LIST FOR SIMTECT 2004: Sir Robert Walmsley, KCB FREng, the former Chief Executive of the UK's Defence Procurement Agency, is to address "Simulation: the Business Case", at the forthcoming simulation technology and training (SimTecT) conference and exhibition, to be held at the National Convention Centre in Canberra from 24-27 May 2004. Other keynote speakers include: MajGen Jim Molan, Commander - Australian Defence College and Professor Michael Zyda, Director of the Moves Institute, US Naval Postgraduate School. Abstracts for papers expected to be published/delivered at SimTecT 2004 in the areas of Defence, Manufacturing and Transport are due by 19 December. Surf www.simtect.com for further details. [17.12.03]

'ARMIDALE'-CLASS PATROL BOAT BUILD TO START IN THE NEW YEAR: Production of the first of the Royal Australian Navy's new 'Armidale'-class patrol boats is to start early next year after the Government's signature of a $553m - 19-year contract - with Defence Maritime Services (DMS). The contract covers construction of 12 boats, plus 15 years of integrated support and maintenance for each boat. The first boat, to be named HMAS 'Armidale', will be delivered in May 2005, with the second and third six months later. The new boats will have an overall range of 3000 nautical miles, a 20% increase over the current 'Fremantle'-class boats, and will be equipped with two large seaboats for patrol, surveillance and boarding operations. Canberra-based CEA Technologies is to supply communications and its 'Warrlock' direction finding system to Austal Ships in a separate $40m contract. [17.12.03]

UPGRADE OF SOUTHERN OCEANS ARMED PATROL CAPABILITIES: Prime Minister Howard has announced a major upgrading of Australia's capacity to deal with illegal fishing operations within Australian waters and Australian territory, with a decision to commit $40-50m over the next two years for the Australian Customs Service to lease an ice strengthened vessel, which will carry a deck-mounted 0.50 calibre machine gun, an armed Customs boarding party and Australian fishery officers, to patrol the remote and ecologically sensitive southern ocean. Howard added, "a longer-term patrol program will be developed to take over at the end of a two-year period. The program will provide the capacity to board vessels and use force if necessary, and will help avoid the need to undertake long pursuits of illegal vessels in the future." [17.12.03]

TREATY OBLIGATIONS BEHIND PATAGONIAN TOOTH FISH PROTECTION: Speaking on the decision to lease a new ice-strengthened and armed patrol vessel to police the Heard and MacDonald Islands, the Minister for Justice and Customs, Chris Ellison, said the chartered Customs vessel "is expected to be released for other Customs and Fisheries tasks when not on station in the Southern Ocean. When combined with the existing Customs National Marine Unit fleet of eight purpose-built patrol vessels operating around the Australian coastline, this will significantly boost Australia's overall maritime border protection." The new initiative complements the treaty recently signed with France on cooperative surveillance in the Southern Ocean in the Australian Exclusive Zone (EEZ) around Head and McDonald Islands, and France's EEZ around Kerguelen Island. [17.12.03]

OPPOSITION SAYS HOWARD 'REACTIVE, NOT PROACTIVE' ON BORDER SECURITY: The Shadow Minister for Homeland Security, Robert McClelland, says the Government's fisheries vessel announcement shows John Howard "is reactive, not proactive on border security. Every time there is a crisis, as with the illegal fishing boat 'Viarsa 1', the Howard Government simply reacts with a short-term fix." McClelland says Australia needs a proactive approach to border security like Labor's plan to establish a full-time dedicated 'Coastguard', under a unified Federal Department of Homeland Security. He adds, "Labor's 'Coastguard' will unify and strengthen the current patchwork of coastal surveillance arrangements, providing new armed 'Coastguard' vessels, professionally-trained 'Coastguard' officers, a network of 'Coastguard' volunteers, and a new and better coordinated intelligence capability." [17.12.03]

ENGINE MANUFACTURERS LINE-UP FOR PACIFIC 2004 NAVAL EXHIBITION: The world's leading marine power-plant manufacturers are expected to be widely represented at next February's Pacific 2004 maritime and naval exposition in Sydney. US-based Caterpillar will be displaying for the first time, as will leading outboard maker, Mercury. Other engine companies making a return visit to the Pacific 2004 expo include: MTU Detroit Diesel, Man B+W, Rolls-Royce, GE Marine Engines, and Italian-based Fraschini Motori. Many of the world's leading shipbuilders will also be represented at Pacific 2004. Exhibition starters include: WA-based ferry and patrol boat builder, Austal; Tasmanian high-speed catamaran manufacturer, Incat; and Newcastle-based shipbuilders and repairers, Forgacs. Warship builders ADI, Tenix and the ASC will also be exhibiting, along with Blohm+Voss and the UK's Vosper Thornycroft. [17.12.03]

TERRORIST NAMING REGULATIONS WELCOMED BY DEFENCE ASSOCIATION: The Australia Defence Association (ADA) has applauded the agreement between the Labor and Coalition parties concerning the Attorney-General finally being given the authority to ban terrorist groups by regulation, subject to the normal processes for Senate disallowance of such regulations. According to the ADA, this is a measure "very much in the national interest and includes adequate safeguards against potential abuses that are really theoretical rather than likely anyway. The current convoluted process for proscribing terrorist groups and their myriad front organisations is unworkable. It is a hindrance to Australia's international responsibilities in the campaign against trans-national terrorism by Islamic fanatics." [17.12.03]

LOCKHEED MARTIN CONFIRMS TEAM FOR NEW MARITIME AIRCRAFT: Lockheed Martin (LM) has chosen Pratt & Whitney and Hamilton Sundstrand to provide the propulsion system for its entry in the US Navy's Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA) competition. The LM entry is an updated derivative of the P-3 'Orion' maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft currently in service, but equipped with four turboprop engines and propellers. LM officials say the combination "is optimal for the mission profile, giving the aircraft a 60% shorter takeoff roll. It will burn 27% less fuel than a turbofan, and provide 50% faster thrust response while loitering on station - important when flying at heavy weights, slow speeds and at very low altitudes." LM is to use the Pratt & Whitney PW150A turboprop engine variant, which develops 7,000 shaft-horsepower (shp), and is part of the PW100 engine family which has accumulated more than 80 million operating hours on more than 1,900 aircraft. [17.12.03]

RAYTHEON WINS FULL-RATE PRODUCTION OF F/A-18 ATFLIR POD: Raytheon has been awarded a US$298.2m contract from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) for full-rate production of the AN/ASQ-228 Advanced Targeting Forward Looking Infrared (ATFLIR) pod to equip the US Navy and Marine Corps’ F/A-18 fleet. The Navy plans to procure up to 574 ASQ-228 ATFLIR pods for deployment on every F/A-18 configuration in the fleet. Current production schedules call for delivery of eight to 10 pods for each F/A-18 squadron in the Navy and USMC. The ASQ-228 ATFLIR is said to provide 'a significant leap' in target recognition range via the most advanced laser designation performance now available, and EO/IR imagery that is 3 to 5 times better than any other targeting pod currently in production. All ATFLIR functions – third-generation mid-wave infrared targeting and navigation FLIRS, electro-optical sensor, laser rangefinder and target designator, and laser spot tracker – are integrated into one pod, freeing weapons stations to serve other mission requirements. [17.12.03]

ELEVENTH 'ARROW' ANTI-BALLISTIC MISSILE TEST SUCCESSFUL: The Israel Ministry of Defence has confirmed the eleventh 'Arrow' Interceptor test, and the sixth test of the complete weapon system, which is already fully operational under Israeli Air Force operation. The test objectives focused on improving system performance against a higher altitude incoming target set against the state of Israel. The 'Arrow' program is managed by the Israeli Missile Defence Organisation in close co-operation with the US Missile Defence Agency (MDA). Israel Aircraft Industries/MLM is the prime weapon system contractor, with the Fire Control Radar developed by ELTA, the Battle Management centre developed by TADIRAN Systems, the Launcher Control Centre developed by MLM, and the operational launcher and interceptors developed by MLM. The target was a 'Black Sparrow' developed by RAFAEL. [17.12.03]

THALES TO UPGRADE AVIONICS ON MALAYSIAN SUKHOI-30 MKM's: Thales has been awarded a Euros 120m contract to provide the avionics for 18 Sukhoi 30 MKM aircraft ordered by the Malaysian government, and expected to be in-service by 2007-2008. Under the contract, the Malaysian Air Force is to oversee the integration of the aircraft in Russia, which will be carried out in partnership between Sukhoi and Thales. The avionics package will boost the capacity and operational performances of the SU-30s, notably in the domains of avionics, navigation, identification and optronics, thus providing a real capability for both day and night-time combat. Thales now has permanent offices and subsidiaries in 12 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. [17.12.03]

NO EFFECT ON IRAQ TROOP DEPLOYMENTS FROM HUSSEIN CAPTURE: Prime Minister Howard says that even though Saddam Hussein has been captured, ADF personnel will remain in Iraq/the Middle East "while ever there (is) a job to be done. It would be wrong of any of the coalition forces to overenthuse or overreact to the capture of Saddam Hussein. It’s a very important psychological victory but it doesn’t mean the violence is going to disappear, it doesn’t mean the problem is solved, it doesn’t mean that we can prematurely withdraw our forces, and we don’t have any intention of doing that. Work is still going on (on the weapons of mass destruction) front, and the book is not closed. The jury is still out, and I’d counsel people to bear that in mind." [16.12.03]

AUSTRALIAN TECHNOLOGY MOVES FUTHER INTO THE US MILITARY: Austal USA reports it has been awarded a contract to build a high speed catamaran that will be used to demonstrate advanced hull form technology to the United States Office of Naval Research (ONR). The 31.2m vessel will be built for American Marine Holdings, which has been awarded a master contract to deliver and demonstrate its 'SeaCoaster' military vessel design to the ONR. The 'SeaCoaster' catamaran design features cavities in each hull into which air is blown with the aim of reducing resistance, and thus allowing higher speeds to be obtained. The vessel is to be built in Austal USA's specialised aluminium shipbuilding facility in Mobile, Alabama. [16.12.03]

AIR SECURITY OFFICERS FOR AUSTRALIA-SINGAPORE FLIGHTS: Air security officers will be deployed on flights between Australia and Singapore following the formalisation of new air security arrangements between the two countries. The agreement represents the first time Australia has struck a deal with a foreign country to deploy such officers, and is said to recognise the fact that both Australia and Singapore "have world best practice aviation security officer programs that have been operating for some time." Deploying air security officers is part of a comprehensive approach by the Australian Government to improving aviation security, and includes measures to secure cockpit doors, an increased Australian Protective Services (APS) presence at airports, and the deployment of canine explosive detection teams. [16.12.03]

MAJOR CONTRACTS ISSUED FOR FUTURE COMBAT SYSTEM: Boeing has handed out separate US$2b contracts to both General Dynamics (GD) Land Systems and United Defence Industries for the engineering and development of manned ground vehicles for the US Army's Future Combat Systems (FCS) program. The two companies have formed a limited partnership to develop a family of eight vehicles, which share common components and sub-systems, and are designed to fit into a C-130 aircraft. GD is tasked to design and build prototypes for three vehicles used for reconnaissance, infantry fighting and command and control, while United Defence will work on five vehicles with a variety of uses from infantry transport to medical care. GD is also responsible for the development and integration of the Mounted Combat System, Command and Control Vehicle, and Reconnaissance and Surveillance Vehicle through to 2009. [16.12.03]

FIRST FLIGHT OF FULL 'FLY-BY-WIRE' NH90 HELICOPTER: NH Industries reports it has flown a full fly-by wire (FBW) - without mechanical back-up - NH90 helicopter from its facility in Marignane in France. The Number PT3 NH90 is the first of four prototypes to have the mechanical back up removed. Originally all the prototypes were equipped with a mixed system, FBW on the pilot station and mechanical back-up on the co-pilot station (fitted in the development phase for safety reasons). The PT3 that has been converted to the full FBW configuration (representative of serial production models), was flown for 50 minutes. Under the NH90 program schedule, aircraft PT3 will be dedicated to system qualification flights planned to mature the FBW program. Aircraft PT4 will be the next to be converted to full FBW. [16.12.03]

HOWARD RESPONDS TO NEWS OF SADDAM HUSSEIN'S CAPTURE: Speaking on radio in response to news of the capture of former Iraqi dictator, Saddam Hussein, Prime Minister Howard says, "I believe that this will lift an enormous psychological burden off the Iraqi people, there'll be a great shadow of fear taken away from them and although I say that, I also caution against the belief that suddenly the fighting is going to stop and that suddenly there'll be no more terrorist attacks, I think that's unrealistic. But over time, this is the single most decisive thing that can begin to further improve the situation in Iraq, and I know that the world will rejoice with the Iraqi people that this loathsome man has finally been captured." [15.12.03]

PRIME MINISTER'S PREFERENCE FOR TRIAL BY IRAQIS IN IRAQ: The Prime Minister added, "my preference would be for him (Hussein) to be tried in Iraq. I'm not particularly attracted to the idea of him being tried at The Hague. I think it would be better if he were tried in Iraq." On potential sentences, Howard said in response to questions regarding the death penalty, "it's a matter of Iraqi law. If it's judged by the Iraqi people, then I won't raise any objection." Hussein was captured - without a shot being fired - by 600 troops from the US 4th Infantry Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team under Operation 'Red Dawn', all said to be working under circumstances of close coordination of intelligence, and rapid, skillfully-executed, action by US forces. [15.12.03]

CLEAN REPORT CARD FOR AIR 9000 TENDER EVALUATION CHARGES: The Secretary of the Department of Defence, Ric Smith, has received reports from the Inspector General of Defence and the Air 9000 Probity Adviser regarding their conclusions in terms of a review of issues raised concerning aspects of the evaluation of responses to the request for proposals on the project. The Secretary advises, he has "accepted the findings that there was no evidence of improper conduct, bias or unethical behaviour during the evaluation process." Air 9000 initially seeks to equip the Australian Army with additional troop lift helicopters, whilst also contributing to a longer-term rationalisation of the overall number of helicopter types operated by the Australian Defence Force. [15.12.03]

SOUTH AUSTRALIA JOINS THE LIST OF EXHIBITORS AT PACIFIC 2004: South Australia has announced it will support a major exhibition at the forthcoming Pacific 2004 maritime exhibition at Darling Harbour, with a pavilion double the size of its Pacific 2002 showcase. Companies being represented on the SA stand include: Sydac, the Australian Submarine Corporation (ASC) and the State's umbrella defence-industry group, the Defence Teaming Centre (DTC). According to the SA Office of Economic Development's Chief Executive Defence, Ms Donny Walford, participation in Pacific 2004 provides "an opportunity to display our wares and technologies. It's also indicative of the manner in which Government and industry are working together for the benefit of our State and the nation." [15.12.03]

NEW BRISBANE RECRUIT NAMED FOR SUN MICROSYSTEMS: Former Silicon Graphics (SGI) Business Development Manager for Defence/Government in Asia Pacific, Mick Martin, has joined Sun Microsystems as its new Industry Director - Defence Asia Pacific. Martin has previously worked for Communications Design and Management Pty Ltd (as a Project Manager and ACT Branch Manager), Texas Instruments, and ASPECT Computing. His move into Defence Industry, and rise through senior management ranks, followed twenty years of service as an Army Officer up to his retirement from the Defence Force in 1994. He holds BA, BBus and Grad Dip Management Studies. [15.12.03]

EADS AND LUFTHANSA TO WORK ON AIRCRAFT SELF-PROTECTION: EADS Defence Electronics and Lufthansa Technik have agreed to cooperate on the integration of electronic self-protection systems in VIP aircraft to lessen the threat posed by terrorists equipped with man-portable missiles. As a provider of maintenance and overhaul services for commercial aircraft including their engines and components, Lufthansa Technik has also looked after VIP aircraft of governments and private individuals for more than 30 years. EADS Defence Electronics is also collaborating with AVISYS Inc, a reputed US company in the area of self-protection of VIP aircraft. [15.12.03]

BELL FORMS NEW 'XWORX' VERTICAL AIRCRAFT DEVELOPMENT UNIT: Bell Helicopter CEO, Mike Redenbaugh, has confirmed the formation of a new organisation within the company - Bell XWORX - which will assume responsibility for the rapid development and prototyping on new vertical solutions for emerging and changing requirements. The new entity will bring together several organisations that have been developing new ideas and products at Bell Helicopter for many years, in order to focus on addressing all aspects of the industry, including manufacturing processes, cost containment and new technology integration. Located in Arlington, Bell XWORX has already begun work on numerous projects, including the full-scale flying prototype of the HV-911 'Eagle Eye' UAV. [15.12.03]