Just before Le Bourget, Australia's National Audit Office revealed that a six-month delay in the delivery of the Royal Australian Air Force's first 11 BAE Systems Hawk 127s in October 2000 had resulted in substantial payment adjustments.
From the original June 1997 contract for 33 aircraft, valued at A$850 million ($650 million), the RAAF received liquidated damages of A$8.7 million and "payments in kind" of free deliverables worth A$4.2 million.
The delay was caused by production problems, which in turn flowed from the delayed availability of the Hawk's sophisticated radar simulation and emulation systems, after the Defence Material Organisation was unable to provide contracted government-furnished equipment.
Its radar simulation and emulation systems will now be delivered by early 2006. This will further enhance air-to-air training and strike simulation, especially in the maritime environment.
The RAAF has already integrated its Hawk 127s and says: "The Hawk has proven to be a highly capable and reliable platform for Air Combat Group's fast jet training requirements, which is very popular with students and experienced instructors alike for its high performance and mission adaptability.
"The similarity of the Hawk's cockpit displays to those of the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet has made the transition for aircrew to the F/A-18 easier and some training has been 'downloaded' from the OCU to the Hawk.
From the original June 1997 contract for 33 aircraft, valued at A$850 million ($650 million), the RAAF received liquidated damages of A$8.7 million and "payments in kind" of free deliverables worth A$4.2 million.
The delay was caused by production problems, which in turn flowed from the delayed availability of the Hawk's sophisticated radar simulation and emulation systems, after the Defence Material Organisation was unable to provide contracted government-furnished equipment.
Its radar simulation and emulation systems will now be delivered by early 2006. This will further enhance air-to-air training and strike simulation, especially in the maritime environment.
The RAAF has already integrated its Hawk 127s and says: "The Hawk has proven to be a highly capable and reliable platform for Air Combat Group's fast jet training requirements, which is very popular with students and experienced instructors alike for its high performance and mission adaptability.
"The similarity of the Hawk's cockpit displays to those of the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet has made the transition for aircrew to the F/A-18 easier and some training has been 'downloaded' from the OCU to the Hawk.
Source: Flight Daily News
