Australia has ended industry hopes that it was about to launch a competition for a new fighter by announcing plans for a A$1.2 billion ($710 million) avionics and sensor upgrade of its Boeing F/A-18A/B Hornets, extending the fighter's operational life out as far as 2015.
The upgrade will bring the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) 71 fighters up to a US Navy equivalent F/A-18C/D standard, including the installation of the improved Raytheon APG-73 radar to replace the APG-65 system.
The project is divided into two phases, with Boeing to be awarded the first prime contract in March 1999. The initial $250 million package covers upgraded Rockwell Collins ARC-210 UHF/VHF communications, General Dynamics XN-8+ mission computer and interim electronic warfare software improvements, a new combined interrogator transponder, embedded global positioning system and a sixth multiplex bus.
Other modifications will include wiring provision for air combat manoeuvring instrumentation, and upgraded training and ground support systems. Work will begin mid-2000 and last for 12 months.
A $200 million radar contract is expected to be signed by mid-1999 and installation work will follow phase one, with the remaining second phase systems to be fitted by 2004-05. This includes a radar warning receiver, jammer and counter measures dispenser, helmet-mounted cueing system for the new Matra BAe ASRAAM air-to-air missile and datalink.
The RAAF plans to retain the F/A-18s in service until 2010-15. The air force says it had "been looking at the business and capability case" for replacing the Hornets in 2005, but has "-decided to proceed with an upgrade."
The RAAF is expected to defer any early decision and adopt a wait-and-see approach to finding a fighter replacement. By 2010, the Boeing/Lockheed Martin F-22 combat aircraft and Joint Strike Fighters should be available to compete with rivals like the Eurofighter EF2000.
Source: Flight International
