The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has released a draft statement of requirement (SOR) for "Special Purpose" VIP transports to replace its two Boeing 707s and five leased Dassault Falcon 900s. Payload specifications for the intercontinental requirement for two aircraft rule out the Global Express and Gulfstream V, and will be met either by Boeing Business Jets or Airbus Industrie A319s.
The RAAF wants one of the aircraft configured for 40 passengers, including VIP seating for four, the other for 20 seats with the same VIP requirement. It also wants the capability to change configurations according to mission needs. Range specifications list Darwin-Beijing and Brisbane-Pago Pago as "essential" route capabilities; Brisbane-Honolulu and Sydney-Beijing as "important," and Canberra-Honolulu as "desirable".
For domestic operations, the requirement has been cut back to three medium-sized business jets with at least eight passenger seats, with the preference being for nine or more. The minimum specified payload/range, altitude and airfield capabilities correspond with those of Bombardier's Challenger 604. Bombardier confirms it will offer the Challenger, Gulfstream will propose the Gulfstream IV, and Dassault will offer its Falcon 2000. All three types were on display at the show.
The intercontinental aircraft are expected to be in service by March 2000. Acceptance of the three smaller aircraft will be dovetailed with the expiry of two leases in two years, and the other three a year later. All five, which will be under military certification, will be leased for 10 years. The SOR does not address an earlier proposal to add a small fleet with a shorter-field capability and a one-stop transcontinental range. All maintenance and logistic support will be contracted to the supplier, with only flight and cabin crew provided by the RAAF.
No teaming arrangements have been announced, but Ansett and Qantas are likely to be among the prime bidders.
Source: Flight International
