Five Airbus A330-200s on order, with country's industry set to reap benefits
Australia's Department of Defence has signed a A$1.4 billion ($1billion) contract with EADS Casa to supply five Airbus A330-200 multi-role tanker transports from early 2008. The Australian industry and technology transfer component of the deal is worth A$500 million and will include "design work, project management, and production of aircraft components and engine parts for export", says Australian Defence Minister Robert Hill.
The Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) first aircraft will be modified in Europe by EADS, with the rest to be converted in Australia by Qantas Defence, EADS subsidiary Australian Aerospace, Thales subsidiary ADI and GKN Westland. Qantas will also be responsible for through-life support of the fleet, which is expected to achieve initial operational capability in 2009.
Powered by General Electric CF6-80E1 engines, the aircraft will have a refuelling suite comprising both wingtip pod and boom systems, including Flight Refuelling's 905E hose-and-drogue pod also selected by the UK for its Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft project. The Australian aircraft will also be equipped with Northrop Grumman's AAQ-24 directed infrared countermeasures system, with a decision still to be made on whether to install one or two turrets per aircraft. The electronic warfare self-protection suite excludes chaff and flare dispensers, despite an original tender requirement for a suite baselined on the system being fitted to the RAAF's Boeing 737-700 Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft.
Meanwhile, the DoD also plans to award Tenix Defence Systems and Australian Aerospace a A$950 million contract to provide in-service support for the RAAF's Lockheed Martin AP-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft. This work will be supported by L-3 Communications Australia, prime contractor for an upgrade to 18 of the aircraft - the last four of which are set for delivery. The DoD plans to finalise an agreement in early March, although preparation of key contract documents is running one month behind schedule.
The arrangement will see Tenix given sole responsibility for AP-3C mission system support, with Australian Aerospace to provide airframe maintenance. Tenix already holds orders to provide software support services for the AP-3C fleet, having acquired the business from the former RLM Holdings company in May 2004. Australia plans to retain the AP-3C in operational service until 2015.
Tenix and L-3 are also negotiating separate contracts with the DoD to undertake integration of the Eurotorp MU90 lightweight air-launched torpedo with the AP-3C. The deal will also include options to integrate the RAAF's planned long-range cruise missile with the aircraft, following a weapon selection later this year.
PETER LA FRANCHI / CANBERRA
Source: Flight International
