Australia is to begin its Air 8000 future airlift project in February, along with consideration of a preliminary capability options document.
Australia's Department of Defence has informally advised Lockheed Martin it does not intend to exercise its 1996 options for the C-130J Hercules. But Australia will consider additional C-130Js, alongside the Airbus Military A400M and Boeing C-17.
Air 8000 supporting studies are accompanied by an examination of the Royal Australian Navy's emerging sealift capabilities, with a view to developing an integrated of Australian Defence Force transport master plan.
The preliminary capability options document is understood to recommend that the Royal Australian Air Force acquires a heavy airlift capability equivalent to 30 C-130Js. The RAAF has 12 C-130Js and 12 C-130Hs.
The project is also intended to co-ordinate the RAAF's planned C-130Hupgrade and its light tactical airlift need, as well as the Army's fixed-wing requirements.
Source: Flight International
