Armée Australienne/Australian Defence Force (ADF)

Citation :

DMO, Raytheon sign new ADATS support contract

The Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) and Raytheon Australia have signed a new five-year, $72 million remediated follow-on support contract for the ongoing maintenance and repair of the Australian Defence Air Traffic System (ADATS).

Head of the DMO’s Electronic Systems Division Michael Aylward said the new contract will realise an estimated $14 million in savings.

The contract offers benefits to the Australian Defence Force through improved maintenance, engineering and logistics support for military air traffic management systems, at reduced cost, and better aligned to Defence’s operational requirements.

The ADATS contract will be for an initial five years with the potential for rolling year-on-year contract extensions if quality and service level requirements are met and further efficiencies are achieved.

ADATS is scheduled to be replaced in phases through Project AIR 5431 commencing in 2017, delivering the Defence Air Traffic Management and Control System. Requirements include the acquisition of a transportable and deployable air traffic control capability, replacement of the existing sensor suite of primary and secondary surveillance radars, and new air traffic management automation systems.

http://australianaviation.com.au

Citation :

Publiée le 28 juil. 2013

The aircraft were engaged in a refuelling operation with a No. 33 Squadron KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport over Queensland's Sunshine Coast, in a good demonstration of the United States and Australia working together to ensure the fighter jets continued their tasking. Exercise Talisman Saber 2013 is a biennial combined Australian and United States (US) training activity, designed to train our respective military forces in planning and conducting Combined Task Force operations to improve the combat readiness and interoperability between our respective forces. This exercise is a major undertaking that reflects the closeness of our alliance and the strength of the ongoing military-military relationship.

Citation :

Canberra’s Amphibious Department upskilling to drive new watercraft

Published on 03 August 2013 LEUT Emily Kennedy (author), LSBM Andrew Downey (photographer)



Leading Seaman Boatswain's Mate Michael Hines from NUSHIP Canberra stands on the LCM-8 directing the vessel master as they approach the dock of HMAS Choules.

NUSHIP Canberra amphibious department sailors were among the first to attend a dedicated Navy LCM-8 Advanced Marine Specialist course held at Army’s Ross Island Barracks in Townsville.

POB Shane Bellingham, LSBM Andrew Downey, LSBM Michael Hines and LSBM Clint Murphy completed the two and half month course which was the first LCM-8 Advanced Marine Specialist course held for the RAN.

The course was run by the Royal Australian Army’s Maritime Wing, (ALTC-MW), and consisted of 56 training days, the final 8 of which were in the form of a “Sailaway”.  

The aim of the course was to provide Navy personnel with the skills needed (Master V equivalent) to be licensed to drive Army watercraft, LCM-8. Leading Seaman Downey said the course is crucial for Navy personnel who will be operating the future LCM1Es which will be embarked in Canberra, the first of Australia’s two LHD ships.

“One of the most valuable things that become apparent on the course is the fact that when you are coxswain of these craft, the buck stops with you. As a Leading Seaman you have three other people to lead away from the ship and other command support – so it’s a lot of responsibility particularly in rough weather or an operational situation,” said LS Downey.

“The guys on course found ship handling challenging at times. The LCM-8s have a flat bottom, twin screws and no keel so they are susceptible to the elements. A lot of skill was required to reverse park the craft into “pens” which were in the vicinity of a tidal creek which ran quite fast,” said LS Downey.

The initial two weeks were a familiarisation on the LCM-8 and involved several days on the water around Magnetic Island conducting man overboard, fire, emergency and towing drills. During this time Canberra personnel were among the first ever to drive an Army Landing Craft into a Navy ship, (HMAS Choules) and along with the sailaway and the night beachings, this was among the highlights of the course.

The Sailaway route was from Townsville to Townsville via Herald Island, Bowen and The Whitsunday Island Group. Each Vessel Master alternated with the other one onboard, taking turns planning passages and running the boat.

“We were fortunate to have fair weather for the duration of the Sailaway. However, as it was during a full moon, there were substantial tides and currents within the Whitsundays. At one point, between Denning and Hamilton Island, we reached 15.1 knots over the ground, more the 50% greater than the hull speed of an LCM-8.”

“I cannot thank Army enough for the way we were made welcome and also the degree they were willing to assist us in the training,” said LS Downey.


NUSHIP Canberra personnel direct the LCM-8 Vessel Master as they near the dock of HMAS Choules.

http://news.navy.gov.au/en/Aug2013/Fleet/220/Canberra’s-Amphibious-Department-upskilling-to-drive-new-watercraft.htm#.Uf_EZf5OLIU  

Citation :

Bosun’s Mate excels on UK’s Royal Marine Commando Course  

This article has photo gallery Published on 05 August 2013 Ms Natasha Pine (author), Ms Natasha Pine (photographer)


ABBM Joshua Tibbles visited in training by CDF, General David Hurley, on 18 June 2013.

As part of the revised Exercise LONG LOOK program with the UK, one of the Royal Australian Navy's Bosuns Mates has just completed the demanding Royal Marines All Arms Commando Course (AACC) in the UK, and shining above the 89 course members by receiving one of the top awards.

ABBM Joshua Tibbles travelled to the UK in April 2013 to undergo preparatory training prior to commencing what is widely recognised as one of the most difficult military courses in the world. Graduating with distinction on 1 August 2013, AB Tibbles is believed to be the first member of the RAN to be awarded a Royal Marines’ Green Beret, and one of only a handful of ADF members to join this elite group since its inception in 1942.

The AACC looks to focus on Commando skills such as survival in all conditions, amphibious assault, cliff assault, helicopter, escape and evasion, urban assaults, drills and small-unit tactics. Over the eight weeks the members must pass a number of arduous field tests for them to progress to the final test week. In order to complete the course, four tests must be passed and they are conducted over four consecutive days:
•Endurance Course - 2 miles (3.2 km) of cross country and water obstacles followed by a 4-mile (6.4 km) road run in 73 minutes carrying 21 lb (9.5 kg) fighting order and a personal weapon, followed immediately by a range shoot in a 25m range simulating 200m, in which 6/10 targets must be hit.
•9 Mile Speed March - as a formed body in 90 minutes carrying 21 lb (9.5 kg) fighting order and personal weapon
•Tarzan Assault Course - in under 12 minutes carrying 21 lb (9.5 kg) fighting order and personal weapon
•30 Miler - 30-mile (48 km) cross-country march over Dartmoor in 8 hours carrying 40 lb (18 kg) fighting order and personal weapon

AB Tibbles completed a number of conditioning courses in the lead up to the ultimate challenge, the eight week AACC. The conditioning courses aim for a common standard of core military skills, including patrolling, navigation, weapons, defence and section and troop level attacks.

100 military members, made up of UK regular Armed Forces and overseas personnel like AB Tibbles and personnel from the famous Ghurkha Regiment, started the 01/13 AACC course. The Coues Commanding Officer, LTCOL Mike Geldard, RM, commented that standards have remained as high as they have ever been and he was extremely pleased with the high calibre of the course members and the high pass rate of 89.

While achieving this Royal Marines Green Beret is a remarkable achievement in itself, AB Tibbles was awarded the Commandant’s Award, given to the student who ‘displays enthusiasm and commitment to an outstanding standard, irrespective of rank’.

AB Tibbles after completing the course is looking forward to heading back to Australia for well deserved leave before starting a joining HMAS Choules where he is eager to utilise and share what he has learnt from his time in the United Kingdom.

http://news.navy.gov.au/en/Aug2013/People/228/Bosun’s-Mate-excels-on-UK’s-Royal-Marine-Commando-Course.htm#.Uf_EUf5OLIU

Citation :

Australian Tiger ARH fires Hellfire

A Tiger ARH from the Australian Army fires a Hellfire missile during exercise Talisman Saber 13

Est ce que les Tigres australiens ont subi l'intégration du Hellfire chez le producteur ou localement ?

Chobham a écrit:

Est ce que les Tigres australiens ont subi l'intégration du Hellfire chez le producteur ou localement ?

en 2001 l'Australie avait passé une commande pour 22 appareil de type (ARH), armée d’une tourelle à canon, roquettes et missiles air-sol Hellfire.

18 appareil ont était assemblés en Australie par Australien Aerospace, une filiale d'EADS

MAATAWI a écrit:

Chobham a écrit:

Est ce que les Tigres australiens ont subi l'intégration du Hellfire chez le producteur ou localement ?

en 2001 l'Australie avait passé une commande pour 22 appareil  de type (ARH), armée d’une  tourelle à canon, roquettes et missiles air-sol  Hellfire.

18 appareil ont était assemblés en Australie par Australien Aerospace, une filiale d'EADS

Je vois mieux maintenant merci ... Je ne comprends justement pas pourquoi l'AdA n'a pas opté pour la même configuration, ce qui aurait donné à ses Tigres plus de valeurs en Afghanistan et en Libye éventuellement

Citation :

Royal Australian Navy’s first MH-60R to be transferred in December

The Royal Australian Navy’s first MH-60R has arrived at Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Training in Owego where it will have the digital cockpit, integrated mission systems and sensors installed. It will be transferred to the RAN in December this year.

Citation :

70th Anniversary of No. 37 Squadron

Air Force marked the 70th anniversary of No. 37 Squadron recently. Formed at RAAF Base Laverton as a transport unit in 1943, it provided transport throughout the South West Pacific Theatre until its disbandment in 1948. In 1966, it was re-established as a C-130 Hercules transport unit at RAAF Base Richmond, and continues to serve in this role today.

Citation :

02/09/2013

La RAAF a reçu son simulateur de NH-90 !  



L'armée australienne a reçu le premier des deux simulateurs pour hélicoptère de transport NH-90.
Ce simulateur est installé au Centre de formation aéronautique de l'Armée à Oakey, dans le Queensland. Le second simulateur sera situé à Townsville où il sera installé en 2014.

Ces simulateurs vont permettre aux pilotes de l’Armée et de la Marine de pratiquer leurs compétences dans tous les régimes de vol, jour et nuit, ces simulateurs reproduisent fidèlement la sensation de l'aéronef en vol.


Ce simulateur de vol complet est équipé de la base de données dont la génération d'images visuelles et  capable de simuler tous les types d'environnements (que ce soit désertique, montagneux ou maritime), les conditions météorologiques, les effets spéciaux et les menaces du champ de bataille.

La cabine du simulateur du NH90 cabine est également entièrement compatible avec l'utilisation de lunettes de vision nocturne de troisième génération ou avec un casque muni d’un afficheur tête haute ( HUD).



Photos : 1 NH-90 RAAF  2 Simulateur @ Eurocopter

http://psk.blog.24heures.ch/archive/2013/09/02/la-raaf-a-recu-son-simulateur-de-nh-90-853732.html  

a good one

Citation :

Coalition backs away from early Triton buy


The Coalition has backed away from its earlier promise to fast track the acquisition of a Global Hawk/Triton UAV if elected to government on Saturday. In launching the coalition’s defence policy on Monday, Opposition Leader Tony Abbott said the Coalition would now “consider closely the need for unmanned aerial surveillance vehicles” as part of a new Defence White Paper, a reversal on its previous promise to fast track such an acquisition.
“The acquisition of unmanned aerial vehicles will be dependent on the advice of the Chief of the Defence Force and service chiefs, as well as a clear cost-benefit assessment that demonstrates the value of these aircraft,” the Coalition’s Defence policy document reads.
“We believe there is merit in acquiring new state-of-the-art unmanned aerial vehicles – such as the Triton or equivalent capability. Australia lost its pre-eminent position in the Triton program and delivery schedule because of Labor’s ill thought-out decision in 2009 to delay this program [AIR 7000 Phase 1B] to 2022-23.”



http://australianaviation.com.au/2013/09/election-2013-coalition-backs-away-from-early-triton-buy/

L'avancement des travaux sur HMAS Canberra ( LHD02 ) ... l'îlot est déjà installée .. et on voit bien un SMART S Mk2

Citation :

NAVANTIA Sets the First Landing Craft for Australia Afloat

The design of these ships is based on the ones built by Navantia for the Spanish Navy

Navantia has set afloat the first of the series of twelve fast landing crafts that the company is building for the Royal Australian Navy.

The design of these ships is based on the ones built by Navantia for the Spanish Navy and commissioned from 2006 to 2008.

The contract, signed in December 2011, includes the total construction by Navantia in the Bay of Cádiz, and means a workforce of 350,000 hours.

The landing crafts are destined to operate with the ALHD "Canberra" and ALHD "Adelaide", strategic projection ships, similar to LHD "Juan Carlos I", also built by Navantia.

Commissioning of the four first units is scheduled for April 2014.



The main characteristics of the ships are:

Length overall: 23.30m
Floatation length: 21.27m
Width: 6.40m
Depth: 2.80m
Propulsion: two 809 kW diesel engines, two waterjets propellers
Speed: more than 20 knots
Autonomy: 190 miles at full load
Loading capacity flexibility: Abrams vehicle, several army vehicles

Australia is a strategic country for Navantia, regarding the number of naval programmes, where Navantia presents as a solid and safe option.

Recently, Navantia has created Navantia Australia Pty, as a proof of our commitment in the country.

http://www.naval-technology.com

Citation :

Teams Form for Australia Trainer Contest

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA — BAE Systems announced on Sept. 11 that it has teamed with Beechcraft and CAE to bid for the Australian Defence Force’s fixed-wing pilot training system.

John Quaife, BAE’s general manager for aviation solutions, said the team will provide a total flight training solution, based on Beechcraft’s T-6C Texan II turboprop trainer.

“Designed to meet the needs of undergraduate pilot training for the United States, Canada and other NATO air forces, the T-6C has amassed more than 2 million flying hours and has proven its ability as a versatile, cost-effective platform,” he said.

BAE Systems has provided services to Australia’s forces for flight screening and basic flying training since 1992 and won an AUS $88.8 million (US $83 million) Interim Basic Flying Training (IBFT) contract for a further six years in 2011. It also provides flying training and support in Australia for the Republic of Singapore Air Force, Royal Brunei Air Force and the Papua New Guinea Defence Force.

The company is also teamed with Beechcraft in the US to support T-6-based pilot training for the US Navy.

The Australian pilot training system competition, known as Project AIR 5428, has been underway since 2005, but a formal request for tender was released in August.

The BAE Systems/Beechcraft/CAE team is the first to break cover in the current incarnation of Air 5428. Raytheon Australia was an earlier team member, but the company declined to provide details regarding its status.

“Raytheon Australia maintains the same active interest in the AIR 5428 program that it has demonstrated over the last decade,” was all the company was prepared to say and was not prepared to attribute the statement to an individual.

Similarly, Boeing Defence Australia is also interested in the competition, but said only “There are a number of opportunities that Boeing is focused on in Australia. For competitive reasons, however, we decline to comment on specific projects.”

The Pilatus PC-21 is the main competitor to the T-6C, but the Swiss company is yet to reveal its plans for the pilot training system.

AIR 5428 will replace the separate fixed-wing basic and advanced flying training programs with a single system that will take a candidate from flight screening to wings and will make significant use of simulation and other synthetic training aids.

The tender is due to close in February and the successful system will graduate its first students in early 2017.

http://www.defensenews.com

Citation :

The threat of no submarines

ACCORDING to a long-submerged report by the Defence Materiel Organisation, the navy's Collins-class submarines are so riddled with faults there is a high to extreme risk they will be retired before replacements can be built; the Royal Australian Navy's six submarines are becoming heavier, noisier and hotter. Reports by The Australian's Cameron Stewart suggest the nation could be undefended by submarines for a long period during the next decade. It does the previous Labor government no credit that last year's DMO report was never released. Former defence minister Stephen Smith cherry-picked its contents, announcing last December the DMO found "no single technical issue would fundamentally prevent" the vessels achieving their indicative service life - neglecting to say the DMO identified 68 major systems that posed risks to the submarines ever achieving their life expectancy (from 2024 to 2031) or an extension of seven years. Reviving and extending the life of the Collins-class boats is not impossible, but it will be difficult and costly, perhaps even futile. According to the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, there is a danger in latter years the fleet could be militarily obsolete, just like the F-111 strike bomber - "effectively useless" as a weapon of war for the last decade of its service life. The Abbott government faces three unpalatable options: a high-risk upgrade to the fleet, the expensive and messy purchase or lease of smaller interim vessels from Europe or an acceptance we will not have submarines for a period in the 2020s. The Coalition's pre-election policy was vague; it promised a final decision on the capability-gap issue within 18 months of taking office. Defence Minister David Johnston has justifiably been a critic of the vessels; he may have little choice but to prolong their service. The Abbott government has no time to waste. More daunting is a long-term commitment to 12 new submarines. The Coalition should not limit itself to the options of a more-evolved Collins-class boat or a hybrid off-the-shelf vessel from Europe. While the political imperative of building submarines locally is strong, the government should not rule out the cost and performance benefits of buying nuclear-powered Virginia-class vessels from our American ally.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/opinion/editorials/the-threat-of-no-submarines/story-e6frg71x-1226727186512

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Last Australian C-17 loadmasters leave Altus


In June of 2006, the Royal Australian Air Force sent their first group of airmen to Altus Air Force Base for pilot and loadmaster training on the C-17 Globemaster III cargo jet. Over 70 Aussie airmen have come to Altus for training since. But on Saturday Oct. 5, the last of the airmen from “down under” will be heading home.

Australian Air Force Warrant Officer Wayne Silverman and Sergeant Peter Clark have spent the last seven of eight weeks engaged in initial airdrop training to release cargo on parachutes out of the back of the C-17 during flight.In 2011, Silverman was in Altus in for three months for his initial loadmaster training, making this his second visit here. On their weekends they have visited parts of Oklahoma and Kansas, and Dallas, Texas. They’ve also enjoyed the Great Plains Stampede Rodeo.

“On some weekends we’d get in the car and go to some little town somewhere and have something to eat and come back, so we get to experience the culture,” Clark said. “We’ll miss the people the most. They are very friendly,” Silverman joined in. “Everyone loves to just talk to you, it doesn’t matter where we go. Here, Oklahoma City, Dallas, Kansas…,” Clark said.

“This is our local coffee joint,” Clark said of Confectionately Your’s. “Every morning we come here and study, and just drop by.” The two loadmasters studied operation materials stored on their Apple iPads. “Been here everyday for five weeks,” Silverman added.

“They’re paying my electric bill,” Donald Jouett joked, owner of the popular coffee and pastry shop where many pilots, Air Force personnel, and local patrons frequently visit.

Donald remembers the first pilots and loadmasters that hung out at the shop back in 2006 who shared their stories and good conversation. “Since we collect patches, they’ve all left their Australian patches,” he said. Some have even left their Australian Air Force caps to Donald and Doris Jouett. Anyone who comes into Confectionately Your’s will see military hats and patches from every era and from airmen all over the world.

“We get so many people from all around the world, they have signed the book,” Donald said. Donald has a unique World Atlas book where airmen from foreign nations sign their name and pinpoint their hometown on the map, adding to the collection of world visitors that have shared great memories over a few rounds of coffee. In 2006, the first group spent three days creating the “Confectionately Down Under” hot beverage, available on the menu.

Silverman and Clark will be flying out of Oklahoma City, landing in Brisbane, Queensland, to their sunny beaches, their beloved James Boags Australian beer (not available in the U.S.), and their Air Force’s C-17’s. “We’ve got six,” Silverman said. Silverman explained that the Royal Australian Air Force sent airmen to Altus for pilot and loadmaster training up until 2009, when they built their own flight simulators. They have sent airmen for loadmaster training up until now, as Boeing Co. announced last week their plans to end production of the C-17 Globemaster III.

Next time the last of the Australian loadmasters will be in the U.S., will be to pick up equipment, or to assist in U.S. operations.

http://www.altustimes.com

Citation :

Début d’assemblage du premier F-35 australien  

Le 04/10/2013 à 11:28  | Par Duncan Macrae



Le premier F-35 à destination de la zone Asie-Pacifique commence à prendre forme.

En effet, Northrop Grumman vient de livrer à la chaîne d’assemblage final de Lockheed Martin, le 23 septembre, le fuselage central du premier F-35A Lightning II de la Royal Australian Air Force.

Celui-ci, désigné AU-1, doit être livré en 2014 à des fins d’essais et d’entraînement. L’AU-2 – dont le fuselage central est actuellement sur la “chaîne d’assemblage intégral” de Northrop Grumman – devrait suivre en 2015.

Au-delà de ces deux appareils, qui font l’objet de commandes fermes, le cible d’acquisition de Canberra concerne à terme une centaine d’appareils.

Le dernier Livre blanc australien, rendu public au mois de mai dernier, parle de « trois escadrons opérationnels » qui devraient être progressivement mis en service à partir de 2020.

Ces trois escadrons devraient correspondre à environ 72 machines, dont les quatorze premières ont déjà fait l'objet d'une intention d'achat exprimée par le précédent Livre blanc.  A plus long terme, Canberra se réserve la possibilité d'acheter un escadron supplémentaire pour remplacer les Super Hornet, une décision qui n'est toutefois pas attendue « avant 2030 environ ».

Le chasseur bombardier de Boeing forme aujourd'hui la partie la plus moderne de l'aviation de combat australienne. Vingt-quatre F/A-18F Super Hornet ont en effet déjà été livrés à la RAAF, auxquels Canberra a l’intention d’ajouter 12 EA-18G Growler de guerre électronique.

http://www.air-cosmos.com/defense/debut-d-assemblage-du-premier-f-35-australien.html    

Citation :

BMT completes a risk management study for the Australian Government’s Rizzo Reform Program

Melbourne-based BMT Design & Technology (BMT), a subsidiary of BMT Group Ltd, has completed a risk management study for the Australian Government’s Rizzo Reform Program which involves a plan to reform support ship repair and management practices within Navy and Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO).

As a joint Navy and DMO initiative, the Rizzo Reform Program has an active project team to reform risk management. The project team was formed to understand, investigate and evolve risk management practices across all functions to achieve an Integrated Risk Management framework. BMT was contracted to advance the understanding of current practices in the raising, documenting, processing, managing and reporting of risks across all business units.

Melbourne-based BMT Design & Technology (BMT), a subsidiary of BMT Group Ltd, has completed a risk management study for the Australian Government’s Rizzo Reform Program which involves a plan to reform support ship repair and management practices within Navy and Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO).

HMAS Choules (L100) is a Bay-class landing ship that served with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) from 2006 to 2011, before being transferred to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).
(image: BMT Group)

The risk domains included Mission risk and risks to operational effectiveness, safety & environment, logistics and supply chain, training and personnel force, and materiel condition management. The study investigated official and unofficial software and data systems supporting these functions, while also providing assessment and mapping of the way in which risks were understood and reported within and between business units and the various levels of management in Navy and DMO.

Chris Luxmoore, Senior Engineer at BMT Design & Technology comments: “As part of this process it was important for us to engage with stakeholders in Navy and DMO, providing us with valuable knowledge of simple, as well as complex issues that people are facing in their daily work. Best practices were analysed and were duly considered with regards to the policy and required systems development. The study provided a snapshot of the risk management framework across the organization enabling the DMO to focus their attention on particular areas that require improvement and to see how these improvements might interact across the business.”

An overall matrix presented all of the relevant tools and software currently in use, and their effectiveness for use in risk management. A high level process map illustrated the interaction of these tools and systems across Navy and DMO and the risk escalation process through levels of management. Both tools provided a benchmark understanding from which calculated decisions could be made to support the effective integration of risk management systems across the different organizations.

www.navyrecognition.co

Citation :

MU90 torpedo enters Royal Australian Navy service

08 October 2013

The MU90 lightweight torpedo has entered active service with the Royal Australian Navy, having achieved Operational Release Status after a recent final test firing.

The entry into service has been achieved as a result of close collaboration between the Djimindi Alliance (comprising the Defence Materiel Organisation, Thales Australia and EuroTorp), the Royal Australian Navy and its RAN Test Evaluation Analysis Authority, and the Defence Science and Technology Organisation.

The MU90 is an advanced lightweight anti-submarine torpedo that delivers superior performance and accuracy in shallow waters, even in congested areas. The weapon is designed to counter nuclear and conventional submarines and associated countermeasures.

Australia’s ANZAC and FFG frigates are now fully equipped with the MU90.

Thales Australia CEO Chris Jenkins said: "The MU90 is a significant addition to the Royal Australian Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capability. This is particularly important given the strategic significance of our maritime operational environment.

"We are very pleased that the torpedo has now entered active service, and we look forward to working closely with the DMO and RAN to support the weapon over the coming years."

The MU90 was developed by EuroTorp - a consortium between DCNS, Thales and Finmeccanica company Whitehead Alenia Sistemi Subacquei (WASS). The MU90 is in service in France, Italy, Germany, Denmark and Poland.

http://www.thalesgroup.com

Citation :

First F-35 For Australia Takes Shape In Fort Worth

FORT WORTH, Texas, Oct. 8, 2013 – Lockheed Martin and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) celebrated the beginnings of the first F-35 Lightning II for Australia yesterday. The aircraft, designated as AU-1, officially began the mate process, where major components of the aircraft are joined together to form the aircraft’s structure. AU-1 will then make its way down the assembly line and roll out of the factory for delivery to the RAAF in the summer of 2014.

Jeff Babione, Lockheed Martin Vice President and Deputy Program Manager for F-35, highlighted the ongoing partnership between Lockheed Martin and Australia. “Today marks a new beginning for tactical aviation for Australia,” said Babione. “Lockheed Martin is proud of our long and storied relationship with Australian aviation, and now, the F-35 will ensure that the relationship with the RAAF and Australian Industry remains strong for decades to come.”

The global supply chain for the F-35 currently has 14 Australian companies under contract and building parts for the F-35. Australian industry is expected to gain up to $6.3 billion USD in industry opportunities over the life of the F-35 program. Every F-35 built will have some Australian parts and components.

The occasion also marked a longstanding history between Lockheed Martin and Australia’s Defence Forces, beginning with the Lockheed Vega, F-111 and continuing with the F-35. Australia’s first two F-35s, now in production, will be delivered to the RAAF next year.

The F-35 Lightning II is a 5th generation fighter, combining advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, advanced mission systems, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations and cutting-edge sustainment. Three distinct variants of the F-35 will replace the A-10 and F-16 for the U.S. Air Force, the F/A-18 for the U.S. Navy, the F/A-18 and AV-8B Harrier for the U.S. Marine Corps, and a variety of fighters for at least 10 other countries.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 116,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products, and services. The Corporation’s net sales for 2012 were $47.2 billion.

http://www.lockheedmartin.com