Paul Phelan/CAIRNS
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has begun a project-definition study in preparation for Project Air 5404, its General Dynamics F-111G optimisation programme to maximise the benefits obtained from the RAAF's recent acquisition of 15 F-111Gs from the US Air Force.
The F-111Gs, which were acquired to extend the fatigue life of RAAF F-111Cs by relieving some of their training workload, have been limited in this role by a lack of compatibility with F-111C weapons systems.
Project manager for Air 5404, Wing Cdr Roy McPhail, says that the study will determine the costs, risks, and technical solutions for upgrading the F-111G with stand-off weapons capability, and will be supported by technical studies.
A study contracted to Canberra-based Aerospace Technical Services (ATS) will consider the flight-test requirements for a suitably modified F-111G able to deliver stand-off missiles, as well as other options for integrating additional weapon systems to the F-111G, bringing it closer to training compatibility with the RAAF's F-111C fleet, which is undergoing a major avionics upgrade. (Flight International, 12-18 February).
The contract struck with ATS, following a restricted tendering process, will be completed in parallel with the F-111G technical optimisation study, "-to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the different upgrade paths available for the F-111G", says the RAAF.
Unlike F-111Cs, the F-111Gs are unable to carry Lockheed Martin/Rafael AGM-142 Have Nap stand-off weapons, McDonnell Douglas AGM-84 Harpoon missiles, and they have no anti-radiation missile or laser-designation capabilities.
The study will also consider the upgrade of the F-111G mission computer, stores-management system and programmable display generator, and the provision of a global-positioning system.
"We're looking at all the F-111C weapons capabilities, to determine what can and what cannot be done," says McPhail.
ATS managing director Michael Jones says that the F-111G upgrade investigation will be used to determine the flight-test requirements of the technical solutions which were identified in the optimisation study.
Jones adds that the work will capitalise on the lessons learned from the RAAF's F/RF-111C avionics-upgrade programme, and will provide a solid foundation for the service's F-111G fleet-optimisation proposal.
The Australian Defence Science and Technology Organisation is conducting a parallel weapons-effectiveness study. Both projects are scheduled to be presented in 12 weeks time.
Source: Flight International