Defence Update

The need for AEW&C aircraft, apart from the now much vaunted, but still to be demonstrably proven Jindalee Over-theHorizon long-range surveillance radar network currently nearing the contract stage, was much in evidence as shown by a clear deficiency during the major Kangaroo Defenceexercisein northern Australia last August-September. RAAF units were assisted by a sole USAF Boeing E-3A AEW&C aircraft and to a great degree their intercept capabilities would have been severely hampered without it.

It is accepted that we cannot afford to go down the US road, as even four E-3 Sentry AWACs would push the price into the mega dollars region.

So what the RAAF is seeking approval for this year is a Proof of Concept agreement whereby it would trial an AEW&C system on one RAAF aircraft type – either a 707, a P-3 Orion or a C-130 Hercules.

Five companies are offering the right solution. They are Lockheed (USA), Israeli Aircraft Industries (IAI), Grumman (USA), Thomson CSF (France) and Ericsson (Sweden). These companies have not actually been asked to bid by Defence/RAAF; not yet anyhow. Lockheed and IAI put in unsolicited bids separately late last year, while Grumman E-Systems and Thomson CSF followed up by expressing their interest early this year. Ericson have been quietly beavering away with their own bid. Initially, they advanced a US Fairchild platform, but it is now accepted that this is unsuitable for Australian conditions and the huge distances involved. So the Swedes are looking at a bigger platform, probably a P-3 Orion which is the platform currently used for a GE system operated for the US Customs service. (The RAAF has 20 P-3Cs based at Edinburgh, SA, and although they have been heavily used for maritime surveillance duties, it seems most likely this is the airframe the RAAF could opt to use if its proposals gain favour. )

The new RAAF approach came after it was clear in ADF headquarters and Defence Central that the priorities were such that the AEW&C project was continually stuck at about Year Four in the Five Year Defence Programme. What the RAAF is now suggesting is that interested companies with AEW&C capabilities should be asked to express their interest in staging an AEW&C Proof of Concept trial on one platform.

This one-off operation would be designed to prove the system would work in the Australian environment and would have to come in at a flyaway cost below $50m to have any chance of a go-ahead. The RAAF believes it can find such funds. To cut down on risk, the system would either have to be developed by now, or be under active development. In other words, the Research and Development (R&D) costs would not be part of Australia’s obligation.

The current state of play is that apar t from the US Customs operating a GE system on a P-3, IAI is believed to be closing a deal on a phased array system using 707s (thought to be Chile). Grumman is also talking about putting in a system for the US Coast Guard on a C-130 and Lockheed also may put a system on a C-130 as it believes a considerable market exists for this capability worldwide.

Earlier this year Air Vice Marshal Richard (Dick) Bomball, then Assistant Chief of Air Staff – Development and now Commandant of the Australian Defence Academy, said the RAAF “was most attracted to the Proof of Concept idea. It has advantages like allowing us to define extremely accurately the capability we would require in a mature system. In terms of system capability it would assist in defining the numbers of the type of aircraft considered most suitable,” he said. “It would allow the RAAF to develop the procedures, doctrines and integration of AEW&C with the NADAC (National Air Defence and Control System).

Other advantages are seen as what operational procedures would be required overall and how to provide for air defence of the RAN Fleet.

If the timing is right, the Proof of Concept phase could also provide verification and validation of the Jindalee OTHA system. The experimental site at Alice Springs has now become the test bed for attaining operational status with stations in northern or central Queensland and in south-west Western Australia. Announcement of the contract to construct these stations is expected to be announced any time now.

“When the OTHA system comes fully online (about 1994/95) there will be a need for verification and validation,” AVM Bomball said. “It may not be possible to acquire the full suite of capabilities including, for example, passive systems in a single platform,” he said. “But complete capability may not be required in the Proof of Concept phase. The main thing is to have the various components sufficiently representative of the full capability.

This would then enable definition of the mature system requirement. ”

The aircraft type used in the trial though might not be the aircraft actually selected for a mature system, although it would be of some advantage if that were so, as it would assist local industry in deciding how to react. Bomball describes the proposal as a meaningful and affordable first step rather than looking at more costly alternatives. It is planned to put the options through the Defence Committee process during the year. If the green light was given, tenders would then be sought. AEW&C aircraft would then take another three years to be available. The aircraft types available within the RAAF have advantages and limitations. While the 707 offers the widest operational scope, it cannot use many of the more isolated airfields inAustralia.

The C-130 Hercules can operate from most airfields throughout Australia but has some airborne limitations while the P-3 Orion offers range capability and airfield performance somewhere in the middle of the other two types.

Tour leader

David Prossor is your 1990 Oshkosh Tour Leader. A pilot and experienced Airshow Announcer he ls a keen aircraft photographer, spotter and aviation writer. His special interest is Australian aviation history particularly antique, classic and warbird type aircraft. He has had numerous articles published here and overseas and writes the regular Warbirds column for Australian Aviation magazine. David was the popular leader of the 1988 Oshkosh tour. He is looking forward to this year’s tour being just as successful and invites you to join.

Tour Itinerary

The tour departs Sydney on 24th July by Qantas Airways 747-400 direct flight to Los Angeles, where you will board your connecting flight to glittering Las Vegas, for a Night Club Extravaganza and a breathtaking flight over Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and the ruggered Grand Canyon. Special entry is being obtained for our visit to Nellis Air Force Base, home of Red Flag.

Onto Oshkosh ’90, the World Headquarters of Sport Aviation and a must for all aviation enthusiasts. Organised by the Officers and Directors of the Experimental Aircraft Association and EAA Aviation Foundation, it is the world’s most significant and spectacular aviation event. The 38th Annual International EAA Convention and Sport Aviation Exhibition will include thrilling air shows, exciting exhibits and thousands of aircraft, an unforgettable experience and a must for all active, innovative and committed aviation enthusiasts.

Whilst the enthusiasts spend four days engrossed at the Oshkosh Airshow, accompanying spouses and friends will be given a sightseeing programme taking in the many attractions of this Lakeland area.

Our next call is Dayton, Ohio, the very birthplace of aviation. See the world’s first practical aeroplane and visit the famous US Air Force Museum at Wright PattersonAir Force Base, the largest military aircraft museum in the world – exhibiting military aircraft from the time of the Wright 1909 Military Flier to the most modern supersonic jets including the XB-70 Valkyrie. No other military aviation museum contains such a comprehensive and unique display of US military aircraft.

Onto New York and 3 nights to enjoy this great and vibrant city. A sightseeing tour of lower New York includes an exciting helicopter ride over Manhattan for a bird’s-eye view of the city and skyscrapers. Visit the unique Air-Sea-Space Museum aboard the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid, and enjoy a highlight of your tour, the Airshow and unique and magnificent collection of aircraft at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome.

We travel to Washington DC via the picturesque city of Philadelphia, “the birthplace of the Nation”. In Washington a sightseeing tour introduces you to this historic city, before spending a day at the National Air and Space Museum, part of the great Smithsonian Institution. The museum offers visitors a dazzling array of flying machines and spacecraft never before assembled in one place and is the world’s most visited museum. A tour of the incredible Paul E Garber Preservation, Restoration and Storage Facility has also been specially arranged.

We crossed continent with United Airlines to the Emerald City – Seattle. Visit the giant Boeing 747/767 factory, Museum of Flight and experience an exciting float plane flight during your three night stay.

A short flight to Los Angeles and a visit aboard one of the world’s greatest luxury liners, the Queen Mary. Experience the technological wonder of the Spruce Goose, the biggest US aircraft ever built, and which remains today as a unique achievement in aviation history. MarchAir Force Base have also arranged a special tour of the Base for you ending with a tour of the March Field Museum.

Visit one of the major warbird airfields in the USA – Chino and the Planes of Fame Air Museum, one of the richest collections of famous warbirds ever assembled, including over 70 unique and rare planes such as the only remaining flyable Japanese Zero.

An inspection of the McDonnell Douglas plant, home of the Douglas DC series aircraft and MD-80, MD-90 and MD-11 range of jetliners is an extremely interesting and informative morning. Ample time is also allowed for browsing and sightseeing in this exciting city.

A special attraction will be the visit to the arrival port for earthbound space shuttles – Edwards Air Force Base.

Two days to relax in Honolulu, unbroken by any specific arrangements other than a delightful farewell sunset dinner cruise.

Finally Qantas returns us to Sydney on Monday 20th August. Hotels

Hotels

throughout the tour will be Holiday Inns, Ramada or equivalent. These hotels are comfortable, secure and well situated. * In Oshkosh, accommodation will be single or double rooms at the University of Wisconsin. These rooms are not comparable with our normal standard of hotel but are clean and comfortable. Transfers from airports in all cities are included.

Toor Operator

Torii Study Tours (TARS 1154) specialise in finding the most interesting and inspirational points of call for their fellow travellers. Their extensive travel expertise, coupled with David Prossor’s aviation background, ensure your Oshkosh ’90 experience wm be one you will remember for many years to come.

Acumpaaytag Members

A programme of optional tours will be available for accompanying spouses/ friends etc who do not wish to partake in the outings of specific aviation interest.

Cost

The price of this fascinating trip is $5,5 5 0. 00 sharing twin rooms. Single supplement is $1,600. 00. Cost includes round trip group airfares from Sydney, hotel accommodation, transfers between airports and hotels, and sightseeing tours as specified. The tour is also available from other Australian centres. Please contact Torii Tours for additional costs .

Cancellation

Up until 24th May refunds will be made on cancellation less a $1 00 administration tee. Refunds after that date will be made at the discretion of Torii Tours. We strongly recommend you take out cancellation insurance which we can provide.

Itinerary Amendments

If you are unable to join us for the entire 28 days, please refer to our 12 Day Direct Oshkosh Tour or contact Torii Tours for details of alternate travel arrangements which can be made for you subject to the availability of accommodation in Oshkosh.