A new blueprint for its defence force, a host of aviation projects looming and airline fleet changes, the airshow stage is set for some hotly contested orders
Paul Phelan/CAIRNS
As Flight International closed for press, over 40 groups from 19 countries, covering a wide spectrum of trade, military and government interests, had registered for the six-day Australian International Airshow, running from 13-18 February (trade days 13-16 February). The People's Republic of China alone will send four delegations - separate trade groups from AVIC 1 and AVIC 2 (China Aviation Industry); one from aerospace conglomerate China Great Wall; and a high-level government and diplomatic mission.
The UK and USA will field several separate delegations, while other countries strongly represented include Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Poland, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand and Turkey.
Military aviation will dominate the airshow, with programmes and issues raised in the country's new defence white paper taking centre stage (see PP40-42).
One of these issues is the relaunch of Air 87 - the armed reconnaissance helicopter project for the Australian Army - now re-opened for a decision in September and signing by December. The shortlist now comprises Agusta's A129 Mangusta attack helicopter, Bell's AH-1Z Viper and Boeing's AH-64D Apache.
The Royal Australian Air Force is considering its larger airlift needs, including more heavylift helicopters. Airbus Military Company will be hoping to promote its A400M turboprop-powered airlifter in the region while the Air 5190 surviving bidders - Lockheed Martin Alenia Tactical Transport Systems (C-27J) and EADS CASA (CN235) - will be hoping that their efforts so far have not been in vain.
The Australian Government is interested in replacing its Boeing F/A-18 Hornet and General Dynamics F-111 fleets - the Air 6000 programme - with a single type. It is considering alternatives to manned platforms including missile systems and unmanned combat air vehicles (UCAVs), a subject which will be hotly debated at the Flight International/Australian Defence Studies College Unmanned Air Vehicles conference to be held in Melbourne on the eve of the show.
Civil aviation
Civil aviation products attracting strong overseas interest include a growing range of training, sport and utility general aviation (GA) aircraft, now matured to Federal Aviation Regulations, some also to Joint Airworthiness Requirement certification. While Australia has long been a leader in innovative GA aircraft design, production costs and regulatory obstructions have seen the export of manufacturing rights to designs such as the Victa Airtourer and the all-composite Eagle 150.
With minimal government support, the Seabird Seeker specialist spotter plane and Gippsland Aeronautics' GA-8 eight-seat utility transport offer powerful potential for the rebirth of an Australian export GA manufacturing industry. Avalon may be its catalyst.
Asia Pacific airline growth is forecast to grow from 24 to 29% of world seat sales, making the commercial pilot training industry in Australia and New Zealand a sleeping giant. Trade visitors are in for some surprises in the field of pilot training technology.
A Qantas review of its single-aisle Boeing 737 domestic fleet and regional jet requirements and the replacement of ageing aircraft was foreshadowed by CEO-designate Geoff Dixon when he announced the carrier's major fleet initiatives last November. Having selected Airbus for the bulk of its widebody requirements, attention at the show will focus on major upcoming narrowbody purchase decisions.
Another product with high export potential is The Advanced Australian Air Traffic System (TAAATS), already a world leader in the exploitation of Future Air Navigation Systems (FANS). Many official delegations, including the US FAA, have already closely evaluated Airservices Australia's system and Airservices is now competing with New Zealand's Airways Corporation for the provision of major air traffic systems in US oceanic airspace.
Source: Flight International
