Newsdesk – Military Aviation

Norfolk is also actively bidding for the Sydney to Ballina, Lismore (which would get its own dedicated service), Albury and Cooma routes though Ansett Airlines would continue to run snow charters to that port during the peak winter ski season. Lord Howe Island apart, the Dash 8 will be used on any or all of the above listed services if Norfolk should be successful in winning rights to serve these NSW ports.

Raaf Wastage Rates Improve:

Figures released to the Defence Correspond ents Association in late September reveal that the RAAF is at last winning the battle to stem the tide of Do de resignations of recent years. Data shows that o only 100 100 plots left the RAAF in 1988/89 as against 123 the previous year. Overall Army Navy Air Force officer resignations meanwhile were down from 939 in 87/88 to just 794 last year, a decrease of 15% out of an officer population of nearly 10,000. Major problem areas though still exist within the project management, engineering and computer and electronics specialist areas. While the attrition rate is down a cynic might suggest, either rightly or wrongly, that this is principally because almost everybody that was eligible to go has already left. It is also of concern to the RAAF that just prior to the pilots dispute several airlines (not Ansett or Australian) had recontacted RAAF pilots who had previously been unsuccessful in achieving employment with the airline suggesting that they consider resubmitting their applications Also of concern is what will happen in the aftermath of the pilots dispute. If the majority of pilots do not seek re-employment with Ansett, EWA and Australian then obviously job opportunities will rapidly become available to RAAF pilots that perhaps weren’t there six months ago. It is presently too early to tell what will happen though for many within the higher echelons of Defence Central the pilots dispute was the last thing that they wanted at a time when finally the RAAF pilot drain appeared to have been slowed.

 Farewell No. 5 Squadron:

As reported elsewhere this issue in Rotor Torque, No. 5 Squadron RAAF is to disband Canberra based No. 5 is, or was, responsible for the Services helicopter pilot training and has been disbanded twice previously, once in 1936 and again in 1964. To fly the flag and ensure that the unit departs in style the Squadron will hold a final gala farewell this December 9 at its Fairbairn base. Anyone who has either served or been associated with No. 5 invited to attend. For further details contact Flying Officer Richard Moth (what a great name for a pilot! Ed) on 062-67. 6276

Japan Looks at Harrier:

By the time these words are read the Japanese Defence Agency should have announced plans to purchase BAe McDonnell Douglas Harrier VISTOL aircraft to form an evaluation squadron initally land based but later deployed to frigates and destroyers tasked to defend Japan’s offshore sea lanes.

The Japan Maritime Self Defence Force is planning to build an aircraft carrier, on which the Hammers will ultimately be based. Between 8 and 12 aircraft are required initially and the most likely variant to be ordered is the Harrier Il-Plus with upgraded radar and a more powerful RR Pegasus 11-61 engine. Delivery slots for Japan are being reserved in 1993.

Lighter Fighter:

Boeing and Lockheed plan to jointly carry out a 24 month programme to study designs for a lightweight fighter successor to the General Dynamics F-16 with the emphasis on battle management and manoeuvrability using 1995 technology and tailoring the aircraft for the perceived early 21st century close in combat scenario.

Extreme manoeuvrability has suddenly become an area of intense interest for the Americans, some of whom were stung by the startling ‘Pougachev’s Cobra’ manoeuvre by the Soviet Sukhoi Su-27 fighter at this year’s Paris Air Show. In this stunning manoeuvre, the large Su-27 was rapidly pitched up from level fight to a 110-120 degree (ie, well past the vertical) attitude before lowering the nose and recovering with minimal apparent airspeed loss and a consistently smooth recovery.

The manoeuvre looks like a Cobra rearing up to strike and is not able to be performed by any Western fighter. It’s existence implies great agility at less extreme conditions and therefore a probable tactical advantage in combat. By comparison to the Su-27’s demonstrated maximum angle of attack of 110 degrees, the F-14 Tomcat can get to 50 degrees, the F-15 Eagle to 40, the F-18 to 54 and the F-16 to 25. These aircraft also demonstrate a notably slower maximum pitch rate than the Sukhoi. Sounds like it’s just as well the Soviets are becoming friendlier

Land Attack Derivative of Harpoon Makes Successful First Flight

The first development free flight test of a standoff land attack missile (SLAM), a weapon that provides US Navy camer based aircraft with surgical strike capability, has successfully been completed at the Pacific Missile Test Centre Range off the coast of California.

The first SLAM flight test was a pre-planned mission against a simulated tactical missile communication site. The SLAM was launched from an A-6E aircraft.

The SLAM was controlled during its fight from an F-18 aircraft by the pilot, Lieutenant Commander Dale Williams, using the Walleye Data Link for man-in-the-loop control. Both aircraft remained outside the tactical operating range of surface-to-air missile sites while launching and controlling the SLAM to a direct hit on its intended target. The success of the flight test is the first step in a flight test program consisting of nine additional fights.

SLAM is a derivative of the McDonnell Douglas Harpoon missile system, the mainstay anti-ship weapon of the Navy. Designed for deployment from carrier-based aircraft, SLAM allows the launch and control aircraft to attack high value, fixed land targets, ships in port, or ships at sea from long standoff ranges. SLAM combines the airframe, propulsion and control systems of the Harpoon missile with existing guidance systems: the Maverick imaging infra-red seeker, the Walleye data link and a Global positioning system receiver processor. This use of proven, off-the-shelf components helped make SLAM available much sooner, and at a lower cost, than other comparable standoff weapon systems.

While the missile is in fight, the Global positioning system receiver/processor updates the missile’s inertial navigation system. This helps to ensure that the missile’s Maverick imaging infra-red seeker is pointed directly at the target. When the infra-red seeker is active- ted, it sends a video image to the pilot, who selects a specific point on the target. After the pilot locks the seeker onto the specific target or target feature, the missile makes an autonomous precision strike that minimizes damage to surrounding areas.

SLAM is of specific interest to the RAAF and may later be acquired for use from F-18 and F-111 aircraft

Wagga’s Golden Years:

In order to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the RAAF Base at Wagga, NSW on 1 July 1940, a celebration is being planned for that same date next year with a flying display and numerous ground exhibits combined with an open day, a Freedom of the City March and various Mess and Club functions.

Anyone connected with RAAF Wagga over the years or who might have some photographs or other memorabilia which could be borrowed for use in the displays is invited to contact the organising committee chairman, Wg Cmdr Ray Whitton on (069) 23 3201.

 Carriers on and Off:

While China has shelved long established plans to acquire an aircraft carrier in an effort to reduce spending, the Soviet Union has confirmed in it is bulding a third aircraft carrier for its Navy.

as a The new camera is designed primarily to carry air defence fighters rather than strike aircraft, a function of of its main protector of convoys and transport ships. It wil displace 75,000 tonnes which puts it in the same general category as campers such as the USS John F Kennedy and America (ships of the ‘Improved Forrestal’ class) which are capable of carrying 80-90 aircraft but is slightly lighter than the Nimitz’ class careers.

Interestingly, China bought the HMAS Melbourne from the Royal Australian Navy in 1985, but only for scrap. However, subsequent requests for manuals and other information from the RAN indicates the Chinese have dismantled the former Australian flagship very carefully and examined it in considerable detail

Rolls-Royce Bid for Us Military:

Rolls-Royce has offered its RB211-535E4-B turbofan as an alternative powerplant for the USAF’s forthcoming fleet of McDonnell Douglas C-17 heavy transports and as a possible candidate for reengineering the service’s remaining Boeing B-520 and H strategic bombers.

The proposals to fit the 43,100b thrust engines are being made in conjunction with Allison, the idea in the case of the C-17 being to offer a ‘second source powerplant for the airfter, covering half of the 194 aircraft on order and resulting in the sale of about 400 engines. The Pratt & Whitney PW2040 turbofan has already been selected for use in the C-17 although RR/Allison is hoping the USAF will open a competition to power 50% of the fleet, along the lines of the Fighter Engine competition which h h has in the past resulted in both General Electric and Pratt & Whitney power- plants being installed in F-16C and D fighters over the past three years.

British Aerospace Dynamics in Sea Mine Airship Studies:

Britsh Aerospace have been engaged by Airship Industries Limited as Mine Countermeasures (MCM) Authority in the assessment of an airship as a MCM platform.

The study is aimed specifically at the United States where demonstrations and a technical evaluation trial are expected to be carried out in 1990.

Airship performance in terms of transit speed, endurance and low speed operation will be compared to that of an MCM vessel and a helicopter. It has been shown in practice that an airship can deploy a small vehicle with sonar and visual sensors to carry out search and detection operations. The resulting data would be processed in the stable and vibration free gondola of the airship.

Subsequent identification of the contact and its disposal would be made from an underwater vehicle depending upon the type of explosive disposal charge carried. A variety of MCM programs and computer models are being used in the assessment and results to date show the concept has promise.

Further development work between the two companies is already being planned, particularly in the area of slow speed navigational trials

More Sea Harriers:

The Royal Navy will order 16 new BAe Sea Harrier FRS. 28 to supplement its existing fleet of FRS. 1s in addition to upgrading the earlier aircraft to the new standard.

A contract will be signed with deliveries of the new Sea Harriers are scheduled to begin in late 1992 or early 1993 and will enable the Royal Navy to maintain operational strength while the older aircraft are being upgraded. The Sea Harrier FRS. 2 differs from the original version in having a redesigned cockpit, a new nose shape housing Ferranti Blue Vixen pulse-Doppler radar with lookdown/shootdown scan and multiple target capability, a slightly lengthened rear fuselage, role change wingtip extensions, enhanced weapons capability and improved weapons management.

The programme modifying the RN’s existing fleet of more than 40 Sea Harrier FRS. 18 to FRS. 2 standards will be carried out between 1991 and 1994.

 Orion Esm Upgrade Approved:

An all important Electronic Support Measures (ESM) upgrade for the RAAFs P-3C Orion long range maritime patrol fleet has been approved in the 1989/90 budget.

Two Australian led teams are bidding for the contract which will see the first 10 modified aircraft operational by 1991/92. AWA has teamed with Tadiran of Israel while Thom EMI, which is now AWA Defence Industries, is teaming with Elta, also of Israel. While Israel does not operate Orion ASW/LAMP aircraft it does have a highly successful background in developing surveillance sensors and systems second to none.

Super Harpoon Launched:

McDonnell Douglas has been awarded a SUS9. 8 milion fixed price contract by the US Navy to implement major improvements to the Harpoon and ship missile.

Software and guidance system modifications will allow the improved Harpoon to re- attack a target by flying cloverleaf shaped search patterns. In addition, the improved version will have approximately twice the aero dynamic range of the current Harpoon missile The improved Harpoon will be about two feet longer and 150 pounds heavier than the current production unit. The current Harpoon is an all weather, antiship missile with an over the horizon range in excess of 67 nautical miles. The improved Harpoon is scheduled to be available in two years for deployment on aircraft and large surface ships. McDonnell Douglas Missile Systems Company has been producing the Harpoon missile since 1975. In June 1982, the US Navy took delivery of the first advanced version, designated Block 18. After the completion of a comprehensive test programme, a still more advanced version, Block 1C, is currently in production.

More than 5,000 Harpoon missiles have been delivered to the Navy, the US Air Force and 20 international customers. It can be launched from aircraft, surface ships, submarines and land based units. The RAAF uses the Harpoon with its F-111, F-18 and P-3C force while the RAN operates the missile from its FFGs and Oberon class submarines.

 Jindalee Bids In:

Final bids have now been submitted for the last stage of the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN).

Three Australian companies have selected their international partners and will now await news of the winning bidder which is due for announcement by the Department of Defence during the first quarter of 1990. AWA has teamed with Transfield, CSA and GE. BHP has teamed with Raytheon, Andrew, Logica and Computer Power while Telecom has selected GEC Marconi, Technology Australia and Lockheed as its international partners. It is interesting to see Telecom at last entering a major Australian defence project.

The three primary bidders have all successfully completed project definition phase studies on meeting the requirements of JORN and as a consequence were invited by the DoD to submit a full tender for the final phase the JORN project.

JORN will comprise the upgrading to operational status of the present experimental Jindalee station located near Alice Springs plus the establishment of three new bases, one in Western Australia, one possibly in the north west sector of the Northern Territory and one in Queensland, the eventual JORN chain of over the horizon radar stations will cover Australian air and sea space out to a minimum of 1,000nm beyond our shores stretching from near Geraldton in the west to Townsville in the east. It is expected that the entire system will be operational by 1996 with a considerable surveillance capability being achieved by 1993/94.

 Tornado Cancellations:

Middle East Sultanate Oman has cancelled its order for eight Panavia Tornado fighters following revision of air defence plans due to, it seems, declining oil prices.

Oman’s cancellation was the second for the Tornado in the space of six weeks. Jordan’s $1,064m purchase of eight Tomados has also been cancelled due to the country’s huge foreign debt, while one of the surviving customers – Malaysia – has reduced its order from twelve to eight.

Saudi Arabia still has 120 currently being delivered while the countries which make up the Panavia consortium Britain, Germany and Italy-between them have nearly 1,000 on order.

 Sea Harrier MK. 2 on Way:

The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded British Aerospace a £170m (approx $A350m) contract to upgrade the Royal Navy’s Sea Harriers to the more capable FRS. 2 configuration Work on the 42 surviving Sea Harriers is scheduled to begin in October 1990 and included in the extensive avionics and systems up- date is the replacement of the existing Blue Fox radar with the more advanced Blue Vixen which will allow lockdown/shootdown multi targeting using AIM-120 advanced medium range air to air missiles. This combination will give the Sea Harrier beyond visual range capability for the first time