Training days

But both projects are striving for so much more than just new aircraft. In all likelihood the ADF will purchase or perhaps lease an entire training system, one that provides not just the aircraft but also the flightline maintenance and deeper through-life support of those aircraft; the training, flightline and any on-base accommodation facilities; simulators and other synthetic training devices; and possibly even the courseware.

That way, the ADF can focus right in on its core competencies of training, coaching and mentoring student pilots through to the high levels for which it is renowned, and leave the upfront capital costs of aircraft and the management of facilities to industry.

No doubt the model currently in place at BFTS is likely to be closely scrutinised.

Another such system that has been and is still being assessed by Air 5428 project staff is that operated for the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF) Basic Wings Course (BWC) at RAAF Base Pearce near Perth, of which the ADF was an official observer of the definition and selection phases. Lockheed Martin, in partnership with Hawker Pacific and Pilatus, is providing a fleet of PC-21 advanced trainers as well as all the maintenance, training systems and courseware, and classroom and accommodation facilities required to conduct training on the aircraft, while the RSAF only has to supply the instructors and, of course, the students.

In the Australian context, industry is currently playing its cards very close to its chest. While the ADF has already revealed its desire to explore a ‘turnkey’ solution similar to that currently in place at BFTS, the overall strategic direction won’t be revealed until after the contents of the White Paper are revealed, while the DCP, which is expected to be released in the second quarter of next year, will further detail the project’s requirements, funding levels and timings.

Prime players are likely to include incumbent BAE Systems Australia with an enhanced variation of its BFTS model; Lockheed Martin, possibly in conjunction with its BWC partners, with an adaptation of that contract; Raytheon with its CT-4F and T-6B based basic and advanced solutions; the recently announced tie-up between Boeing Australia and Alenia; local Eurocopter subsidiary Australian Aerospace; and possibly an as yet undefined partnership involving Embraer.

The HATS project is a little further down the road than Air 5428, although not by much. And with both projects likely to require similar levels of support and falling under the same branch within the ADF’s Capability Development Group, there are opportunities for industry to offer an all-encompassing solution for both projects, albeit in separate bid proposals.

Australian Aerospace is already well placed for a potential Air 9000 Phase 7 bid after it placed two VH registered EC 135 helicopters in Darwin for the exclusive use of Tiger ARH pilots for the next two years prior to that aircraft achieving operational release, in lieu of penalty payments on the delayed Air 87 Tiger project. This shrewd but expensive move will no doubt be offset in part by a reduced requirement for expensive marketing of the military EC 635 version of the EC 135 for both the 40+ aircraft Phase 7 requirement, as well as the gestational Phase 9 requirement for as many as 20 light utility helicopters for the Army.

But again, Phase 7 will comprise more than just aircraft, with HMAS Albatross near Nowra to become the central helicopter training establishment for the ADF, and a high degree of industryrun facilities and support is expected. Other players for Phase 7 are expected to be the already announced partnership of Boeing Australia and AgustaWestland with their A109 based proposal; and Bell, possibly in a tie up with Raytheon with the new 429 light twin. Look also for a left field tie up with Perth-based ship builder Austal as it seeks to provide the helicopter training vessel component of the project.

The outsourcing of higher performance elements of the ADF’s training establishment is a big cultural step to take, one that goes much further than that of BFTS. But if the ADF is to maintain its quality edge without breaking the bank with huge upfront capital costs, it’s a step that must be taken.