Royal Australian Air Force [RAAF] News, Discussions and Updates

[ADMk2]

Apologies for getting off-topic. At the time of delivery, were RAAF Super Hornets fitted with a missile approach warning system and a laser warning system?

I don't believe so, no. As far as EW and EW Self-Protection is concerned they appear to be equipped with:

AN/ALR-67v3 - Digital Radar Warning Receiver.

AN/ALE-47 Counter-Measures Dispensing System.

AN/ALQ-214 - Digital Self Protection Jammer (IDECM Block IV).

AN/ALE-55 - Fibre Optic Towed Decoy.

 

[SpudmanWP]

The notional F-18 Block3 upgrades include a MAWS and laser warning.

 

[gf0012-aust]

The notional F-18 Block3 upgrades include a MAWS and laser warning.

Weapons upgrade in 5 years time for us -

 

[SpudmanWP]

You actually have a budget set aside for F-18 Blk3?

 

[gf0012-aust]

You actually have a budget set aside for F-18 Blk3?

TIC

the 5 year reference is an oblique swipe at what else Growler will cost - and wasn't factored in to any budget.

Something, somewhere, across the services, will have to take a hit.

 

[Todjaeger]

TIC

the 5 year reference is an oblique swipe at what else Growler will cost - and wasn't factored in to any budget.

Something, somewhere, across the services, will have to take a hit.

Out of curiousity, does the funding for the Minister, and related offices come out of the Defence budget? If so, I have a few ideas on where that cost hit could land...

-Cheers

 

[gf0012-aust]

Out of curiousity, does the funding for the Minister, and related offices come out of the Defence budget? If so, I have a few ideas on where that cost hit could land...

-Cheers

always out of defence

and don't you BPC think that this is a top country...

 

[fretburner]

The notional F-18 Block3 upgrades include a MAWS and laser warning.

Is that part of this sensor fusion thing being described here? And/or maybe this digital moving display? Boeing is also pushing for a DEWS on F-15s. Neither the USN or USAF is biting though

 

[SpudmanWP]

The notional Blk3 included your linked moving map display but the sensor fusion is a pre-Blk3 upgrade.

 

[MickB]

Is the RAAF locked into a purchase of the P8.
I know that several defence projects have be delayed in the name of budget surplus, is this one of them.

If the project is on hold would the MPA version of the C130 be a more economical option given our C130 transport fleet, leading to large savings in training and spares.

 

[Milne Bay]

Is the RAAF locked into a purchase of the P8.
I know that several defence projects have be delayed in the name of budget surplus, is this one of them.

If the project is on hold would the MPA version of the C130 be a more economical option given our C130 transport fleet, leading to large savings in training and spares.

Looks like we are pretty keen ........
Australia signs $73.9 million deal to participate in P-8A development

10 Oct 2012

Defence Minister Stephen Smith and Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare have signed a new agreement with the United States Navy to participate in the third P-8A development stage, contributing $73.9 million towards the project.

The signing formalises Australia’s participation in the development of the Increment 3 P-8A Aircraft and marks Australia’s continued commitment to the $5 billion project to acquire a new manned Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

The P-8A is a fundamental element of Australia’s future maritime patrol and response strategy in replacing the current AP-3C Orion fleet, due for withdrawal around 2019. The RAAF currently operates 19 Lockheed AP-3C Orions, with two having been on operational deployment in the Middle East.

The Increment 3 Project Arrangement is the first planned upgrade to the Australian P-8A fleet and aims to provide a range of new upgraded capability to the Increment 2 aircraft, including a networked maritime strike weapon, air-sea rescue kit and enhanced target tracking.

This Project Arrangement represents the first real opportunity for Australia to influence the future capability of the P-8A, as Australia will be involved in the Increment 3 upgrade from the requirements determination phase.

Australia signs $73.9 million deal to participate in P-8A development

 

[Todjaeger]

Is the RAAF locked into a purchase of the P8.
I know that several defence projects have be delayed in the name of budget surplus, is this one of them.

If the project is on hold would the MPA version of the C130 be a more economical option given our C130 transport fleet, leading to large savings in training and spares.

If memory serves, the P-8 is not expected to reach IOC with the US until ~2018, there is still test and development working being done on the Poseidon IIRC.

Also the problematic area in an MPA is with the weapons fitout and avionics suite. I suspect that the avionics would be more of a problem, given how advanced and capable the MPA is desired to be.

As for costs associated with the P-8 airframe, those should be relatively minimal. The P-8, like the E-737 Wedgetail, is using what is essentially a B737, with parts being from the -BBJ2 and some from the -800 IIRC. Given the worldwide B737 fleet size, airframe support should not be as much of an issue.

-Cheers

 

[fretburner]

This link actually says, Australia intends to buy 8 P-8 Poseidons to replace the P-3s.

 

[ADMk2]

This link actually says, Australia intends to buy 8 P-8 Poseidons to replace the P-3s.

8x P-8A's + 7x BAMS UAV's (likely Global Hawk).

The P-8A's aren't taking on the whole AP-3C job...

 

[Volkodav]

8x P-8A's + 7x BAMS UAV's (likely Global Hawk).

The P-8A's aren't taking on the whole AP-3C job...

With the additional ISR roles the RAAFs P-3s have been conducting since 2001 we could probably justifiy more than 8 airframes although the money is unlikely to be made available.

 

[aussienscale]

With the additional ISR roles the RAAFs P-3s have been conducting since 2001 we could probably justifiy more than 8 airframes although the money is unlikely to be made available.

Agree, I understand we will have a new capability in the UAV's/Hawks, but I do think we will be a bit lite on airframes, any thoughts on this thinking ? Do they believe the combination of the 8's, UAV's and 12 x Rudd Subs it the mix ? It is a big drop from 20+ 3's.

I realise the P8's will be a step up in tech etc, but are we a bit short ?

Cheers

 

[ADMk2]

Agree, I understand we will have a new capability in the UAV's/Hawks, but I do think we will be a bit lite on airframes, any thoughts on this thinking ? Do they believe the combination of the 8's, UAV's and 12 x Rudd Subs it the mix ? It is a big drop from 20+ 3's.

I realise the P8's will be a step up in tech etc, but are we a bit short ?

Cheers

It seems that way to me. I can't believe RAAF and RAN combined aren't pushing for at least 12 P-8A's, in addition to the BAMS UAV.

I know the P-8A has much improved capability, especially in cruise speed, range etc but numbers count and with the vastly increasing regional sub threat, one would think P-8A numbers and capability would be a massive priority given we're in the "Asian" century now...

 

[aussienscale]

given we're in the "Asian" century now...

Is that a hint of sarcasm at today's highly incitefull policy announcement by our illustrious leader ? What a Frecking joke that is !! Way to try and make international and foreign policy look like it ties in with their agenda and try and justify everything they have stuffed up ! Do they seriously think the public will look at that and say "Hey Julia and Wayne actually got it right"

Political rant off

 

[t68]

Is that a hint of sarcasm at today's highly incitefull policy announcement by our illustrious leader ? What a Frecking joke that is !! Way to try and make international and foreign policy look like it ties in with their agenda and try and justify everything they have stuffed up ! Do they seriously think the public will look at that and say "Hey Julia and Wayne actually got it right"

Political rant off

What have they done now, on second thoughts don’t answer that I have turned the Julia and wayne show of till election time. No sense reading about them, they would not be able to lie straight in bed anyway.

 

[ADMk2]

Is that a hint of sarcasm at today's highly incitefull policy announcement by our illustrious leader ? What a Frecking joke that is !! Way to try and make international and foreign policy look like it ties in with their agenda and try and justify everything they have stuffed up ! Do they seriously think the public will look at that and say "Hey Julia and Wayne actually got it right"

Political rant off

Bingo!