Armée Australienne/Australian Defence Force (ADF)

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NAVANTIA SYSTEMS gets a new contract with the ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY


One more success for Navantia, that has not only consolidated in naval Construction, but also in systems área. The Royal Australian Navy has contracted an extension of the supply of the Integrated Platform Management System, with the target of incorporating an advanced training system on board: On Board Training System (OBTS).



The OBTS consists of a software of simulation that provides to the crews a training facility, thanks to the simulation of the equipments and systems connected to the IPMS, as well as his dynamic response to the actions of the operator.

The software implements a dynamic coherent real time simulation and allows the operators of the IPMS consoles, to connect to a virtual ship with the same behavior that the real one, for individual and in-groups training.

The OBTS is a complement of the IPMS that provides a high degree of training to the crews in order to respond to any possible situation in real navigation.

The OBTS is implemented on the basis of the technology COMPLEX/SIMPLEX developed by Navantia Sistemas.

The value of this extension of supply is of approximately 3,1 million Euros, and will be developed during a term of 24 months.

Australia has a strategic importance for Navantia, country where besides the successes obtained in the area of the naval construction, it has managed to be a reference in the Systems area, as the supply of the Integrated Platform Management System of the ships.

Navantia is also initiating activities in the area of Life Cycle Support, where it foresees to be a relevant actor, not only in the maintenance of the supplied ships, but also in the maintenance of the systems and equipments integrated in the platforms: ALHD, LLC and AWD.

http://www.navyrecognition.com

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RAN acquires Damen vessel for aviation training


The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) is to acquire a 90 m vessel, built by Damen Shipyards, for naval aviation training.
Speaking to IHS Jane's at the Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) Asia Pacific 2014 conference on 17 March, Piet van Rooij, Damen's manager for Design and Proposal, Offshore and Transport, said that the vessel will be based on the company's OPV 2400 platform.
The full-functional vessel is expected to be used for training RAN aviators on rotary aircraft such as the MH-60R.
A contract with Australian company Defence Maritime Services, which will manage the acquisition for the RAN, is expected to be signed towards the end of March.

http://www.janes.com/article/35581/ran-acquires-damen-vessel-for-aviation-training

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Australian maritime patrol vessels taken out of service due to cracks

At least six Armidale-class patrol boats used by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) for maritime security tasks have been docked at Darwin Naval Base amid concerns over structural cracks. The large cracks were found near the engine room of one of the patrol boats about three weeks ago. Further details on the vessels being docked are currently not available.



According to a statement released by Immigration Minister Scott Morrison's spokesperson, the matter is currently being addressed by Australia's Defence Materiel Organisation.
This is not the first time cracks have been found in the boats. In August 2012, the RAN ordered a review of the Armidale-class vessels to assess whether the cracks were part of a fleet-wide design problem.

http://www.janes.com/article/36121/australian-maritime-patrol-vessels-taken-out-of-service-due-to-cracks

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DRS Technologies awarded RAN Anzac frigate subcontract




A Canadian subsidiary of DRS Technologies has received a subcontract to provide communications systems for the Royal Australian Navy's (RAN's) Anzac-class guided-missile frigates. The subcontract was awarded in support of a communications upgrade contract awarded to defence electronics and information technology company Selex ES.
Both Selex ES and DRS Technologies are owned by Italian company Finmeccanica.
Under the subcontract, DRS Technologies Canada will provide internal tactical and secure voice switching systems and terminals for all eight RAN Anzac vessels. The systems provided include the SHINCOM 3100 central switching unit, a wideband audio network data switching system, dual-screen consoles, consoles which can be used outdoors, and jackboxes and other ancilliary equipment.
SHINCOM 3100 is the company's latest generation of shipboard communications switch technology. According to a statement released by the company, a similar communications system is currently operated by the Royal Canadian Navy and the US Navy. The contract with the RAN opens up opportunities to improve interoperability between these navies.
The RAN's first Anzac-class frigate was commissioned in 1996.

http://www.janes.com/article/36119/drs-technologies-awarded-ran-anzac-frigate-subcontract

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Austal lays keel for Australia's sixth Cape-class patrol vessel




Australian shipbuilder Austal held a keel-laying ceremony on 31 March for the sixth Cape-class patrol boat being built for the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS).
The ceremony was presided over by Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Scott Morrison at Austal's Henderson shipyard in Western Australia.
ACV Cape Leveque is the latest vessel to be built under a design, construction, and in-service support contract valued at approximately AUD330 million (USD304.5 million). First-in-class ACV Cape St George was delivered in April 2013, while the second vessel, Cape Byron , is undergoing sea trials prior to expected delivery in the next two months.

http://www.janes.com/article/36364/austal-lays-keel-for-australia-s-sixth-cape-class-patrol-vessel

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HMAS Canberra Landing Helicopter Dock gets set to hit the ocean



It's the biggest warship the Royal Australian Navy has ever had. And the HMAS Canberra Landing Helicopter Dock is nearly ready to put to sea.

The 230-metre long, 27,000-tonne amphibious assault ship is being put through its paces in Sydney Harbour by builder BAE Systems and the ship’s new crew, led by inaugural commanding officer, Captain Jonathan Sadleir.

"The builders are on board, making sure everything is in good working order. And we have navy ship’s personnel standing beside them to learn the ropes as it goes," a Defence spokesman said.


"She’ll then go down and conduct sea trials around Victoria and Gippsland, after which there’ll be a handover to Defence some time in the third quarter."

The Canberra, one of two LHDs being built for the navy at a cost of about $3 billion, is bigger even than Australia’s last aircraft carrier, the HMAS Melbourne, which was retired in 1982.

Once commissioned in the second half of the year, she will carry up to 1600 soldiers, effectively marines who can be deployed to troublespots around the region, particularly for disaster relief and peacekeeping operations.
Massive flight deck: HMAS Canberra has the capacity to carry 16 helicopters.

Massive flight deck: HMAS Canberra has the capacity to carry 16 helicopters. Photo: Christian Pearson

The massive flight deck, measuring more than 200 metres long and 32 metres across, can carry 16 helicopters, including Blackhawks, Chinooks and Tiger armed reconnaissance choppers.

The lower decks will be able to hold more than 100 trucks and other vehicles and up to a dozen Abrams battle tanks.

Four mechanised landing craft will be able to ferry the troops and their equipment to shore.

A new aspect for the navy is the Canberra’s pair of azimuth thrusters - propellers that can be rotated in any direction, meaning the ship doesn’t need a rudder.

It’s a new way of steering that makes the vessel far more manoeuvrable, but which hasn’t been used by the navy before.

Though it will be based at Garden Island, the Canberra will spend much of its time up at Townsville, where the 2nd Battalion Royal Australian regiment will provide the Army manpower.

http://www.smh.com.au

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Australian DoD completes final review of Collins-class submarines


The Australian Department of Defence (DoD) has completed its fourth and final review into the Royal Australian Navy's Collins-class submarines.
The review, released by expert John Coles, confirmed that submarine maintenance and availability have improved.
Currently, two, and sometimes three, submarines are available for deployment, a significant increase compared to the recent past when the crew was often reliant on a single boat.
Australian Defence Minister David Johnston said that the final report outlines notable progress in several areas.
"This includes greater availability of spares, less planned maintenance overruns, fewer breakdowns and faster repairs to operational boats when problems occur," Johnston said.
The report also confirmed an enhanced collaborative effort by all partners, including the navy, the Defence Materiel Organisation and the submarine maintenance contractor, ASC.

Australian Finance Minister Mathias Cormann said the Collins-class submarines are sophisticated platforms capable of operating in a demanding environment, although he added that 'there are still risks ahead with more work needing to be done'.
"We are particularly pleased with the improvements in submarine productivity from ASC, which has meant better support of the navy's submarine capability," Cormann said.
The study into the business of sustaining the Royal Australian Navy's strategic Collins-class submarine capability is part of the government's effort to improve the reliability and the availability of the navy's submarine fleet.
The navy currently operates a fleet of six 78m-long Australian Submarine Corporation-built Collins-class submarines, which are designed to carry up to 22 missiles and torpedoes, as well as six 533mm forward-torpedo tubes with air-turbine pump discharge.

http://www.naval-technology.com/news/newsaustralian-dod-completes-final-review-of-collins-class-submarines-4211646

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Lockheed Martin, BAE square off for Australian trainer contract

Industry teams led by Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems in Australia have met the 31 March deadline to bid for the Australian Defence Force’s AIR 5428 pilot training system, which aims to replace the Royal Australian Air Force’s fleet of 63 Pilatus PC-9/As from 2018.

The successful bidder will provide the aircraft along with flight-line support, training facilities, campus accommodation and facilities, courseware, simulators and other synthetic training devices.

The ADF will provide flying training instructors, and the aircraft will be purchased by the Commonwealth and placed on the military register.

The Lockheed Martin Australia-led “Team 21” bid includes Pilatus and is offering the PC-21 advanced trainer, while partner Hawker Pacific provides simulation and maintenance, repair and overhaul services to multiple civil and military organisations in the Asia-Pacific. The Team 21 bid effectively mirrors that of the 20-year arrangement the group has with Singapore for that country’s Basic Wings Course, which is located at RAAF Pearce.

The other bid is from a BAE Systems Australia-led team, and is based around the Beechcraft T-6C. BAE will draw upon its experience operating interim basic flight training system (IBFTS) for the ADF, and its involvement in the UK’s military flying training system. BAE also provides in-service maintenance support for the RAAF’s Hawk 127 lead-in fighter trainers and the Army’s Boeing CH-47D Chinook fleet. Bid partner CAE Australia also operates multiple simulators under its Management and Support of ADF Aerospace Simulators contract.

The aircraft to be replaced are operated by the Central Flying School based at RAAF Base East Sale in Victoria, the No 2 Flying Training School at RAAF Pearce and the 4 SQN forward air controller development unit at RAAF Williamtown.

Also to be replaced is the industry-operated IBFTS at Tamworth, New South Wales, which performs flight screening and basic flying training for RAAF, Navy and Army pilot candidates on the Pacific Aerospace CT-4B.

The successful bid is expected to be selected by the end of 2014. A “second pass” contract signature is due to follow in 2015, with service entry in 2018.

http://www.flightglobal.com

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Johnston reiterates Australia's Collins replacement will be an evolved or new design



Australian Defence Minister David Johnston has declined to comment on speculation that the government may be considering a cut in the number of so-called Future Submarines that will be built to replace the Royal Australian Navy's (RAN's) six-strong Collins-class fleet.

However, speaking outside an Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) conference on 9 April, he quashed unconfirmed reports that Military-Off-The Shelf (MOTS) and Evolved MOTS options from Europe "and elsewhere" for the Future Submarine had been reinstated. It was thought that this was a possibility being considered alongside the previous government's decision to pursue the two options of an 'Evolved Collins' or a completely new design.

"Our requirement is very, very different to European or even Japanese requirements", he said.

"We're progressing Option 3 [Evolved Collins]; there are some issues with that and we'll need to engage a design house, and we need to undertake substantial work on Option 4 [a new design] which is ongoing right now. A 2,000-tonne submarine does not fulfill our purpose".

Johnson described Japan's 4,200-tonne Souryu-class submarine as the platform closest to Australia's requirements and repeated earlier remarks about Australia's interest in the Souryu class' drive train.

"There's no other diesel-electric submarine of that size, it's extremely impressive that they can get a submarine of 4,200 tonnes through the water with diesel-electric power.

"Obviously we must talk with them, and we are, on what they can do to help us going forward with our programme. We would be foolish not to ask", he said.

Johnston dismissed speculation about whether Australia needed the 12 Future Submarines specified in the 2009 Defence White Paper.

"Let me be clear on this subject - my primary focus is not on numbers but on the capability and availability of boats required to meet the tasks set by government", he said in his speech.

The strategic objectives of the Future Submarine programme, including operational concepts, the number of submarines required to be operationally capable, and therefore the total number of submarines, would be examined as part of the Defence White Paper, which is due early in 2015, he said.

Praising a turnaround in Collins availability that has seen two and frequently three boats available to go to sea on any one day, Johnston revealed that between October 2009 and February 2010, Australia was effectively without any submarine capability whatsoever.

A fourth and final report into Collins-class sustainment headed by John Coles, a former head of the UK Warship Support Agency, was released yesterday (April . It said the programme was on track to reach the international benchmark of three submarines being available for sea at all times by 2017.

http://www.janes.com/article/36535/johnston-reiterates-australia-s-collins-replacement-will-be-an-evolved-or-new-design

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Snipers from the 2nd Commando Regiment (2 Cdo Regt) travelled to Canberra to practice advanced sniper techniques and stalking skills at Majura Range on 9 April 2014. The training covered the tactical aspects of sniper training with a focus on stalking skills.

The stalking activity included initial patrolling, reconnaissance of the target, development of firing positions, and engaging the enemy. The sniper teams had to achieve all of this without being detected by enemy spotters. Depending on firing positions, snipers engaged their target at ranges up to 900 metres.

2 Cdo Regt is a Special Operations Commando unit under direct command of Special Operations Headquarters (SOHQ). 2 Cdo Regt maintains an integral ability to conduct discriminate offensive Special Operations within complex environments. 2 Cdo Regt is a scalable organisation capable of operating from Team to Commando Company Group level.

Spoiler:

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Lockheed Martin delivers MH-60R EWSS to RAN


RAN MH-60R in Owego Acoustics Bay.

Lockheed Martin Australia has confirmed delivery of its MH-60R electronic warfare support system (EWSS) to the Royal Australian Navy.

Built in its Adelaide facility, the EWSS will provide the Navy with the ability to generate and test unique Australian mission data loads for the 24 aircraft MH-60R Romeo naval combat helicopter fleet.

Lockheed Martin Australia has worked with in-country companies to procure the component parts, fabricate cabling and assemble the EWSS.

Australian suppliers were issued subcontracts for a portion of the metal fabrication.

Work on the project began in 2012 and has now ended in April 2014, with system demonstration and training at the Joint Electronic Warfare Operational Support Unit in Adelaide, South Australia.

http://www.australiandefence.com.au

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Joint Strike Fighters: Government to spend $12 billion on 58 more next-generation F-35s

Australia will buy 58 more F-35 Joint Strike Fighters (JSF) at a cost of more than $12 billion after the Federal Government gave the go ahead for the purchase yesterday.

The extra aircraft will bring Australia's total Joint Strike Fighter force to 72 aircraft, with the first of them to enter service in 2020.

The $12.4 billion price tag makes the Joint Strike Fighters Australia's most expensive Defence asset.

The Government says it will also consider the option of buying another squadron of the next-generation fighter jets to eventually replace the RAAF'S F/A-18 Super Hornets.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott, who formally announced the purchase today, says the JSF is the most advanced fighter in production anywhere in the world and will make a vital contribution to Australia's national security.

"Together with the Super Hornet and Growler electronic warfare aircraft, the F-35 aircraft will ensure Australia maintains a regional air combat edge," he said before the announcement.

"The F-35 will provide a major boost to the ADF's intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

"The acquisition of F-35 aircraft will bring significant economic benefits to Australia, including regional areas and local defence industry."

First fighters to enter service in 2020, with new air bases in NSW, NT

The first Joint Strike Fighters will arrive in Australia in 2018 and enter service in 2020.

As part of the announcement, more than $1.6 billion will be spent on new facilities at air bases in Williamtown in New South Wales and Tindal in the Northern Territory.

The F-35 has been billed as the smartest fighter jet on the planet, designed to strike enemies in the air and on the ground without being detected by radar.

But the plane's development has been beset by delays and cost overruns.

The head of the JSF program, US Air Force Lieutenant General Chris Bogdan, visited Australia earlier this year and declared the reliability and maintainability of the aircraft was not yet "good enough".

In late March the US House Armed Services Committee was told the planes were not affordable to use at the moment.

The committee heard software problems could delay the fighter's production, and foreign buyer delays could see countries like Australia paying millions of dollars more per aircraft.
.....

www.abc.net.a

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MK 41 Vertical Launch System installed in first Royal Australian Navy Hobart Class Destroyer

Six strike-length missile modules for the Hobart Class Vertical Launch System (VLS) were this week installed into Ship 1 Hobart, marking a significant Combat System load out achievement for the Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) project. The VLS MK41 modules are a critical part of the Hobart Class Combat System which will enable the Navy’s new DDG guided missile destroyers to execute air warfare and ship self-defence tasks. It is the first major Combat System element to be loaded into the ship following consolidation.




Each ship will be fitted with six VLS modules, each containing eight cells, giving a total of 48 cells per ship. Each cell is capable of accepting, storing, preparing for launch, and launching either a single SM-2 Missile or four Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles.

AWD Alliance CEO Rod Equid said the VLS load out is the first multi-module VLS load out and has built on the in-country expertise developed through the Navy’s FFG Upgrade Project which involved installing a single-module VLS.

“Whilst the Anzac Class and Adelaide Class frigates have a single-module Vertical Launch System, the new Hobart Class destroyers will have a multi-module configuration that will provide more capacity for air warfare. It will also be the first configured to fire SM-2 medium range weapons and has the flexibility to support multiple missile types within a single weapon launching system,” said Mr Equid.

“Complex installation work, such as VLS, involves different groups working together to get the job done and has drawn on the technical expertise of the Commonwealth of Australia, United States Navy and Thales. It has been a true representation of how the Alliance operates.”

“The installation has been a coordinated activity between the AWD Alliance’s Production and Test and Activation teams for the preparation of the VLS compartment and providing the subject matter expertise for pre-staging work.”

The modules were taken out of storage from an Adelaide warehouse facility earlier this year and moved into the purpose-built Mobile Staging Platform located alongside the ship on the Common User Facility at Osborne for pre-staging work prior to installation. Following installation, the system will be operationally tested during the upcoming Combat System Light Off period.

The acquisition of the VLS modules was made by the Commonwealth of Australia, through the United States Foreign Military Sales program.

http://www.navyrecognition.com

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RAAF Super Hornets conduct Harpoon trial flights



The F/A-18Fs of the RAAF’s 82WG based at Amberley have been conducting trial flights with Boeing AGM-84J Harpoon anti-surface warfare (ASuW) missiles in recent weeks.

The trials are part of the development of systems, procedures and training to employ the Harpoon with a full operational clearance, and are based on those used by the US Navy.

A Defence spokesperson told Australian Aviation that the Harpoon will complement the Raytheon AGM-54C-1 JSOW precision weapon in the Super Hornet’s ASuW arsenal. In a written response to questions, the spokesperson said: “The choice of weapon used would be subject to the tactical and threat scenario,” adding that the two weapons “have different navigation and target sensors and different launch envelopes making them complementary weapons for maritime strike.”

The Harpoon missile has a range of more than 100km and can attack ships or fixed land targets. The JSOW is a low observable glide weapon with GPS guidance with a mid-course update capability via datalink and, when launched from altitude, can fly more than 50km to hit moving surface vessels or land targets.



The ADF’s entire inventory of Block 1 Harpoons is able to be configured for air launch, or for rail or canister surface, or for submarine launch systems.

http://australianaviation.com.au

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Air Force wants to buy deadly Reaper drones



The Chief of the Air Force says he would like Australia to buy armed Reaper drones – the kind used by the US to kill insurgents in Afghanistan and its neighbourhood – as soon as five years from now.

Air Marshal Geoff Brown has told Fairfax Media he is an enthusiast for unmanned planes, including the notorious Reaper – and its forerunner the Predator – that have been used to kill thousands of militants in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia.

The drones, which would likely cost at least $12 million each, are effective for surveillance but can also carry weapons such as Hellfire missiles. Air Marshal Brown, a former fighter pilot, said Australia would “definitely” acquire some sort of armed drones in the future.
'Absolute fan': Air Marshal Geoff Brown.

'Absolute fan': Air Marshal Geoff Brown. Photo: Simone De Peak

“I’m a great fan of capabilities that have a very multi-role aspect to them, and I think Predator-Reaper does have that,” he said. “I think the combination of a good...[intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance] platform that’s weaponised is a pretty legitimate weapon system for Australia.”
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The Royal Australian Air Force has previously operated Israeli-made, unarmed Heron drones in Afghanistan and will get up to seven Triton maritime surveillance drones in the coming years.
But the purchase of Reapers would take Australia a significant step further forward into the drone era.

Declaring himself an “absolute fan” of the technology, Air Marshal Brown added: “I’d love to have Triton tomorrow…I’d certainly like to

have Predator-Reaper capability as well, and I’d like to bring Heron back so we build on those skills that we’ve got.”

He declined to say under what scenarios Australia might use armed drones but stressed that they were well-suited to surveillance. They could be used for everything from spying on behalf of ground forces to helping fight bushfires and providing real-time information on natural disasters.

He added any purchase of Reapers would need to be considered by the forthcoming Force Structure Review – a blueprint of Defence’s future needs – but also said it could happen within five years.

The Pentagon and Central Intelligence Agency’s drone campaigns in the Middle East and South Asia have attracted controversy both in the region and in the US. Critics say the strikes have killed too many civilians and constitute remote-controlled killing often in areas that are not actually war zones. While the numbers are unclear, the US Bureau of Investigative Journalism, which tracks media reports of drone strikes, says there were more than 1000 drone strikes in Afghanistan from 2008 to 2012. The bureau also says up to 4225 people including 1042 civilians have been killed by drone strikes in Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia.

Air Marshal Brown expressed frustration with what he called the “skewed” public perception about drones. “The collateral damage issues around UAVs are absolutely no different to manned aeroplanes,” he said. “In some respects…[they] are somewhat better.”

He said drone pilots usually had a better view and more time to consider their actions than pilots in the cockpit. “I don’t think the decision [to launch weapons] is any easier at all. I think it’s probably harder.”

The Reaper is a larger and more modern drone than the earlier Predator. According to Time magazine, a 2012 purchase of Reapers by the US government carried a price tag of more than $12.5 million per aircraft.

http://www.smh.com.au

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WASHINGTON, May 13, 2014 – The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia for AIM 9X-2 Sidewinder missiles and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $534 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on May 13, 2014.

The Government of Australia has requested a possible sale of up to 350 AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Tactical Missiles, 35 AIM-9X Special Air Training Missiles (NATMs), 95 AIM-9X-2 Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs), 22 AIM-9X-2 Tactical Guidance Units, 19 CATM-9X-2 Guidance Units, 3 DATM-9X, containers, test sets and support equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documents, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance, and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated cost is $534 million.

Australia is an important ally in the Western Pacific that contributes significantly to ensuring peace and stability in the region. Australia’s efforts in peacekeeping and humanitarian operations have made a significant impact on regional, political and economic stability and have served U.S. national security interests.

This proposed sale will improve the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) air to air capability and ability to defend its nation and cooperate with allied air forces.. These missiles will be used on the RAAF’s F/A-18 aircraft (and eventually F-35 aircraft) and will maintain the RAAF’s air-to-air capability to defend its extensive coastlines against future threats. The proposed sale will enhance RAAF’s ability to operate with coalition forces in bilateral and multilateral exercises and potential air defense operations. Australia will have no difficulty absorbing these missiles into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be Raytheon Missile Systems Company in Tucson, Arizona. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this sale may require the assignment of additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives in Australia to provide technical and logistics support for two years. U.S. Government and contractor representatives will also participate in program management and technical reviews for one-week intervals twice annually.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Bureau of Political Military Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, pm-cpa@state.gov.

http://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/australia-aim-9x-2-sidewinder-missiles

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Romeos packing a new punch



The Royal Australian Navy’s MH-60R Romeo helicopter has had another system added to its arsenal, with the commencement of dipping operations off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida on 13 May.

After five months of flying operations from Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville, NUSQN 725 received its first Airborne Low Frequency Sonar System (ALFS) and with the complex process of installation, calibration and test flying behind them, the team eagerly put the ALFS through its paces in the local exercise areas.

The system consists of a number of moving parts and processing equipment, including a transducer (commonly referred to as the dome) which is lowered (dipped) into the water. A reeling machine which houses the lengthy cable is also installed in the cabin with raising and lowering functions which are operated by the Sensor Operator.

“This is what it’s all about,” said Chief Petty Officer Aircrewman Nathan Minett after completing the first ‘dipping’ sortie. “This is one of the primary roles of the aircraft and it’s great to see the system operating as advertised,” he added.

Also in the crew was Executive Officer, Lieutenant Commander Todd Glynn, who spoke of the return of this warfare capability to the Fleet Air Arm.

“I was lucky enough to be part of 817 Squadron when they had a dipping capability and it’s incredible to see how the systems have developed over the years,” Lieutenant Commander Glynn said.

“This system, in concert with others, will give the Romeo a tactical anti-submarine advantage and I look forward to seeing it doing the business for the Fleet,” he said.



The Commanding Officer of NUSQN 725, Commander David Frost said that the delivery of the first ALFS has capped off an incredible array of weapons and sensors in the MH-60R, the likes of which the Fleet Air Arm, and the wider Navy, have not seen before.

“This aircraft packs an incredible punch and we can’t wait to bring it back home and pass on our new found knowledge. Every day we’re reminded of the level of technology and war fighting capability designed into the Romeo, and I’m incredibly impressed with the way our men and women have not only soaked it all in, but go that extra mile every day,” Commander Frost said.

The Squadron has now turned its attention to building on the knowledge taught in the United States Navy training system, while maturing their warfare skills in preparation for deploying to a weapons range later in the year.

NUSQN 725 will commence a phased return to its home base at HMAS Albatross from October this year, with current plans having all members of the squadron and support personnel back on deck before to Christmas.

http://news.navy.gov.au

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Jump jets on Defence radar



Australia could buy "jump-jet" Joint Strike Fighters to base aboard new landing ships, giving the nation its first aircraft carrier since the early 1980s.

Defence Minister David Johnston told The Weekend West _the Government was considering buying the "B" model of the F-35 - a specialised variant of the stealth jet being built to operate from aircraft carriers.

Last month, Australia committed to buying 72 of the conventional model F-35s from US aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin at a cost of almost $20 billion.

But the Government has left the door open to buying more F-35s and the minister says the F-35B will be considered.

"Now that aircraft is more expensive, does not have the range but it's an option that has been considered from day one," Senator Johnston said.

The F-35B has a shortened take-off distance and can land vertically, just like the legendary Harrier jump jet.

The British Navy and the US Marines are buying the F-35B to station aboard aircraft carriers.

Australia is soon to bring into service two large ships called landing helicopter docks. Though they resemble small aircraft carriers, the Government has maintained until now they would be used only to deploy helicopters and troops.

Senator Johnston said stationing the F-35 aboard an LHD would be costly and technically challenging, but it could be done.

"The deck strength is there for such an aircraft," he said.

The Hawke government mothballed Australia's last aircraft carrier, HMAS Melbourne, in 1982.

Commissioning an aircraft carrier is considered a significant strategic statement of military might by a country.

China recently launched its first aircraft carrier. The sea trials are being watched closely.

The F-35B has less range than the conventional F-35 owing to the complex systems of jets used to allow it to land vertically.

The B variant has been the most trouble-plagued of the three F-35 models. Testing was stalled this year after cracks were discovered in the aircrafts' bulkheads.

The F-35 will replace Australia's fleet of F/A-18A/B Classic Hornet aircraft, due to be withdrawn in 2022.

https://au.news.yahoo.com

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ALHD delivery to Canberra Australian Navy is delayed six months




Sydney - The delivery of ALHD Canberra , whose construction was initiated by Navantia in Ferrol, the Navy Australia will be delayed another six months for "minor issues" and labor circumstances, local press reported.

Official sources said that the decision to reduce the rate of work of employees of the shipyard Williamstown in Melbourne , the firm BAE Systems has delayed making the vessel when completed will be the largest the Australian Navy will have to move around 27,000 tons.

The owner of the shipyard, BAE Systems , which faces fines of up to $ 10 million, denied that there has been such a reduction in the rate of production have emerged but acknowledged that "small problems", the local newspaper reported Pertch Now .

"We work in both LHD in Williamstown as planned during the Easter and Anzac Day, "a company spokesman. "We make every effort to deliver within the timetable," he added.

The first of the two vessels should have been delivered to the Navy in Australia in June but now that date has been delayed to December this year.

The date for the provision of vessel Materiel Organisation Defense (BMD acronym) should have been in February.

In recent weeks, the union leaders have expressed concern about the potential loss of jobs until 3800 due to the planned cuts in the federal budget due to the crisis and spending cuts.

Spokesmen for BAE Systems declined to comment on the second LHD under construction - the Adelaide - which according to the original timetable, should be completed in late 2016 to be made ​​available to the Navy.

In October 2012, the Canberra ALHD came to Australia after two months at sea and manufacturing in the shipyards of Navantia in Ferrol Fene- started in 2008 and it was launched in 2011.

The amphibious assault ship can carry up to 1,000 troops, 100 combat vehicles, 12 helicopters and four landing craft.

http://www.infodefensa.com/es/2014/05/21/noticia-entrega-canberra-armada-australiana-retrasa-otros-meses.html?aleat=7535#googtrans(es|en)

Citation :

Australian Navy to Follow US Biofuel Move

The Royal Australian Navy will be converting its ships to be biofuel ready within six years in response to the US Navy’s move to biofuel use.

The Australian newspaper reports that this will ensure the Australian navy can continue to cooperate with the US, which is expected to have its fleet converted by 2020. A common approach is seen as critical for joint operations involving Australian and US warships and aircraft, as fuel is exchanged if required.

Under an agreement with the US, revealed in The Australian almost two years ago, Australia is able to take advantage of the technologies developed by the US for biofuel use.

The Royal Australian Navy plans to send a frigate and helicopter running on biofuel to the US navy’s Great Green Fleet demonstration in 2016.

http://www.maritime-executive.com

Citation :

Minister for Defence – Jindalee Operational Radar Network achieves Final Operational Capability

28 May 2014

The Jindalee Operational Radar Network, provided by Joint Project 2025 Phase Five, has achieved Final Operational Capability (FOC) Defence Minister David Johnston said today.

Senator Johnston said the successful delivery of JP 2025 Phase Five has improved JORN’s over-the-horizon-radar performance and its integration with the wider Defence command and control and intelligence networks.

“The Jindalee Operational Radar Network contributes to Australia’s security environment by providing wide area surveillance of Australia’s northern approaches, Senator Johnston said.

“Achieving Final Operational Capability means the system’s components are now fully operational and fully developed and they meet the final standards required by Defence to operate effectively.

“FOC takes into account all elements required to sustain and operate a capability with the necessary support, maintenance, training, personnel and operational arrangements in place.”

The enhancements to JORN under JP 2025 Phase Five have provided greater integration and connectivity between the JORN radar sites, its control systems and wider Defence command and surveillance networks.

JORN consists of a network of three radar sites located at Longreach, QLD, Laverton, WA, and Alice Springs, NT, and is operated by 1 Radar Surveillance Unit (1RSU) located at RAAF Edinburgh, SA.

The prime contractors for JP 2025 Phase Five were Lockheed Martin and British Aerospace Systems – Australia.

http://www.minister.defence.gov.au

Citation :

Minister for Defence – JASSM achieves Final Operational Capability

28 May 2014

Minister for Defence, Senator David Johnston, today announced Final Operational Capability (FOC) had been achieved for Project AIR 5418, the AGM-158A Joint Air-to-Surface Stand-Off Missile (JASSM).

“The Joint Air-to-Surface Stand-Off Missile is now fully in service and is an extremely capable, long range missile that meets the future requirements of Air Force,” Senator Johnston said.

“Successful JASSM integration forms a key piece of the strike capability and ensures that Air Force can meet future operational demands.”

Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Brown AO, said the JASSM was designed to attack high-value, heavily defended targets such as hardened bunkers, or pinpoint objectives such as radar and communications sites.

“This is a great achievement for Air Force and is a major milestone for our air combat capability,” Air Marshal Brown said.

“This long range, highly accurate missile can be released far from enemy targets, keeping RAAF aircrew out of harm’s way without compromising mission objectives.”

JASSM is a ‘military-off-the-shelf’ long range guided missile developed by the United States Air Force, with a 1000-pound penetrator/blast fragmentation conventional warhead, capable of precisely striking targets from over 300 kilometres away.

The Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for JASSM was declared in 2011, following successful test firings at the Woomera Test Range in South Australia.

http://www.minister.defence.gov.au

Citation :

Brand new $1.5 billion pride of Australia's fleet crippled after electrical meltdown during sea trials




A civilian crew damaged a $1.5 billion 27,000 tonne warship to be known as HMAS Canberra, when they took it out on a test cruise between Sydney and Melbourne, it has been reported.

The hull of the Landing Helicopter Dock was damaged and its electrical systems melted down during the ship’s first 'shakedown cruise', which tests a ship’s performance before it enters service.

The crew from Teekay Shipping Corporation who crewed the vessel encountered two problems, both of which were the result of user error, reported The Daily Telegraph.

A source said the first issue occurred when the electric powered pods at the stern of the ship were operated independently in low-speed mode when the ship was travelling at high speed, when they should have been operated in tandem, which caused serious vibrations across the ship.

A source told The Daily Telegraph: 'It was like the shaking floor in an amusement park house of fun.

'Once the pods were back in the correct mode the vibration ceased.'

The vibration caused paint to be stripped form the ship’s hull, though damage was minimal.



The HMAS Canberra also reportedly suffered an electrical power failure when the crew forgot to disconnect the emergency power, resulting in the circuit breakers melting.

The error resulted in the vessel losing steerage and forced the crew to drop anchor for four hours.

The source told The Daily Telegraph that 'There were no major design errors during the trials and both issues were operator errors.'

A spokesperson for Teekay Shipping Australia, who supplied the crew for the sea trial denied the claims that any problems occurred during the sea trial due to user error.

'[C]laims that the hull of the HMAS Canberra was damaged and that an electrical system melted down are fallacious,' he said.

'The claim that Teekay seastaff were negligent resulting in damage to the vessel is completely false.'

The Canberra is the first of two Landing Helicopter Docks being built for the Australian navy.

Other problems detected during the shakedown cruise were corrosion in propeller nuts and a small crack in the hull of the ship, caused by the long barge journey made by the ship from Spain, where it was built.

The next round of sea trials for the ship will be in July and she is due to be handed to the navy later this year.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk

Citation :

Japan, Australia to finalise submarine deal, strengthen military ties

http://www.firstpost.com/world/japan-australia-to-finalise-submarine-deal-strengthen-military-ties-1560907.html