News Review: November 2007 | ADM Nov 2007

New JSF work for Australian companies
Australian companies have won new work on the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Program, once again demonstrating the international competitiveness of Australian industry, according to the Minister for Defence, Dr Brendan Nelson.

Some 23 Australian companies have contracts for work worth about $160 million on the JSF System Development and Demonstration (SDD) Phase, with major additional opportunities in prospect, he said.

GKN Aerospace Engineering in Melbourne has continued its JSF success story with well over one million hours of JSF design work under contract.

Melbourne-based Marand Precision Engineering’s existing ground support equipment and tooling contracts with Lockheed Martin have recently been extended with substantial additional work in the offing.

“It is not just larger Australian companies that are proving their competitiveness on JSF,” Nelson added.

“Partech Systems, a small company based in Nowra, NSW, has secured additional JSF test equipment work from Northrop Grumman. More recently, and in its first JSF contract, Adelaide’s Levett Engineering will machine specialised components for Lockheed Martin.”

Production Parts in Melbourne has won additional work with JSF prime contractors and Parker Aerospace for airframe and engine components.

And in a major development, BAE Systems in the UK has welcomed bids from both Marand and Aerotech International - a joint venture between Melbourne and Sydney based engineering companies Metaltec and Broens - for the supply of specialised JSF tooling. BAE Systems is about to begin discussions on the specific tool types required from each company.

Cubic wins Air Combat Training system contract for JSF
Cubic Corporation has received a US$50.3 million development contract from Lockheed Martin to design and integrate an embedded version of its latest-generation air combat training system for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF).

This new training system is based on Cubic's successful pod-based P5 Combat Training System/Tactical Combat Training System technology, now operational in several locations.

Cubic is scheduled to deliver five prototypes consisting of airborne instrumentation and ground station planning and debrief software systems as part of F-35 System Development and Demonstration.

The airborne training instrumentation will be installed in all F-35 stealth fighters, which are destined to replace multiple aircraft types in the US and UK, as well as Australia, Canada, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway and Turkey.

The F-35 Internal Subsystem will be integrated in the aircraft as an embedded feature, like an avionics system. The subsystem is interoperable with P5 training systems now being produced, so fighter pilots using pod-based or embedded P5 systems will be able to train with F-35 pilots.

It will be the first air combat training system installed in a fifth-generation aircraft that has the airborne components for tracking and recording weapons engagements placed in the aircraft itself.

Thales to refit HMAS Success
Thales Australia has signed a contract with the Defence Material Organisation (DMO) for Phase 2 of the Type Refit of HMAS Success.

Norman Gray, Managing Director, Thales Australia said, “This is an important contract for us as it is the first of the Navy’s new Modified Procurement Model (MPM) approach to refit contracting for Major Surface Ship Repair and is being evaluated for Navy-wide implementation.”

Under Phase 1 of the project, Thales Australia conducted scope definition and the planning of the refit over a three month period earlier this year.

Phase 2 will consist of a four month production period followed by two months of trials.

Major tasks to be undertaken during the Phase 2 Refit of HMAS Success include refurbishing the main engines and diesel generators, and overhauling the shafting and Replenishment At Sea systems.

“Thales Australia is delighted to assist the Royal Australian Navy and the DMO in developing this new approach to contracting,” Gray said.

FFG Upgrade - Successful Missile Test
The Navy’s FFG Upgrade Project passed a significant milestone in August when HMAS Sydney successfully carried out the first of class Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) firing.

This firing represented the culmination of detailed development and integration of the FFG Upgrade Baseline Build 2 software, including the Thales Australia Distributed Architecture Combat System (ADACS), Mk92 Mod 12 Fire Control System and the Mk41 Vertical Launching System (VLS).

The firing was conducted by the ship’s crew supported by Thales Australia, and achieved a direct hit on the target.

Thales Australia has now successfully demonstrated the key Anti-Ship Missile Defence (ASMD) capability contracted by the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) and required by Royal Australian Navy.

Norman Gray, Managing Director Thales Australia said “Thales continues to meet its commitment to the FFG Upgrade Project and achieving this milestone sends a clear message that the project is on track.

“As a company we are very proud of this latest success on the FFG program. The successful missile firing is a clear demonstration of the great work being performed by Thales, DMO and Navy on the FFG program,” Gray said.

Thales has now completed the upgrade of hardware on two FFGs with the third currently in the final stages of production. The fourth and final Ship, HMAS Newcastle is planned to commence its upgrade in October 2007. 

Lockheed Martin wins FCS upgrade contract
The Commonwealth of Australia has awarded Lockheed Martin a US$20.6 million contract to upgrade the MK92 Fire Control System aboard the RAN’s four FFG frigates to support the introduction of the Standard Missile 2 (SM-2) capability. The upgrade is part of Project Sea 1390 Ph.4B.

The MK92 system, originally developed by Lockheed Martin, provides integrated X-band radar surveillance, target tracking and weapon fire control capability for naval gun and missile applications.

The Mk92 has been upgraded by Thales Australia to Mod12 standard as part of the RAN’s FFG Upgrade Project to handle the ESSM missile and other fire control tasks.

Under the contract, Lockheed Martin will provide Mk92 alterations and related support services for the design, development and integration of the new system features supporting the new missile capability.

The work will be performed by Lockheed Martin Australia in Sydney, as well as Lockheed Martin’s business in Moorestown, NJ.

The Mk92 upgrade represents the very first introduction of SM-2 into an FFG-class surface combatant anywhere in the world. More than 125 shipboard Mk92 systems have been produced and are currently deployed in nine different navies around the world.

It has been installed on more than 70 guided missile frigates, as well as a variety of other surface ships including coast guard cutters, corvettes and fast attack craft.

Taranis UCAV takes shape
BAE Systems has begun work on the physical build of the Taranis airframe - a £124 million unmanned combat aerial vehicle demonstrator aimed at helping the UK MOD determine the future balance of assets within the Armed Forces.

BAE Systems Australia at Abbotsford, Vic, is a key player in the Taranis command and control system element.

Named after the Celtic God of Thunder, Taranis will help inform the UK MoD’s approach to the future capabilities needed for deep target attack and intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR).

About the size of a Hawk Lead-In Fighter, it will have low observable features and autonomous systems which will allow it to think for itself for much of its mission.

Ground testing of Taranis is scheduled to begin in early 2009, with the first flight trials due to take place in 2010. The program brings together a number of technologies, capabilities and systems to produce a UCAV technology demonstrator based around a fully autonomous intelligent system.

Taranis is part of the UK Government’s Strategic Unmanned Air Vehicle (Experiment), or SUAV(E). BAE Systems was appointed the industry lead on the Taranis technology demonstration program in december last year, working with Rolls-Royce, QinetiQ and the Systems division of GE Aviation (formerly Smiths Aerospace) as well as a range of UK-based suppliers.

RAN takes lead role in ME
A Royal Australian Naval officer has been appointed to one of the most senior Coalition navy positions in the Gulf.

Commodore Allan du Toit is in charge of several Coalition ships from the United States, the United Kingdom, Iraq and Australia (including HMAS Anzac) and about 1000 personnel as commander of Combined Task Force (CTF) 158.

CDRE du Toit has taken over command from Rear Admiral Garry E. Hall and is responsible for Maritime Security Operations (MSO) around the Al Basrah and Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminals (ABOT and KAAO), in support of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1723.

CDRE du Toit said maritime security was important for Iraq’s economy and protection against terrorism.

“Maritime Security Operations are aimed at setting the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment. It is the single most significant component of the conventional maritime effort against terrorism,” said CDRE du Toit.

“The Coalition helps the Iraqis protect their sea-based infrastructure because these oil platforms account for about 90 per cent of the country's gross domestic product.”

Adacel wins voice-activated avionics contract
Australian company Adacel has been selected by Rockwell Collins to develop a Voice Activated Cockpit (VAC) interface for its next generation Pro Line avionics suite.

Adacel will provide a modified version of the system it is currently developing for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter that will provide pilots with the capability to interact with avionics functions using voice commands.

VAC will operate cooperatively with the avionics suite as an alternative to manual input. The system is expected to begin flight testing in 2008 leading to DO -178B certification.

“An accurate and consistently reliable voice recognition system reduces pilot workload and enhances operational efficiency,” said Denny Helgeson, Vice President and General Manager for Business and Regional Systems.

“Rockwell Collins is pleased to work with Adacel for speech recognition technology to provide industry leading capabilities to our customers.”

Adacel’s Voice Activated Cockpit system is speaker independent, eliminating the requirement for individual voice training. Basic features include radio frequency selection and display interaction.

Adacel’s plan for future versions of VAC include voice input to Autopilot, Flight Management System (FMS), Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) interfaces and command macros for executing a series of inputs using a single voice command.

“Adacel has demonstrated that accurate and reliable voice control in a high noise, high stress environment is achievable,” said Fred Sheldon, Adacel’s CEO North America.

“We expect that voice interfaces in civil aircraft cockpits will become a common feature in the very near future,” Mr Sheldon said. “The VAC system has significant potential to improve flight safety and Adacel intends to be at the forefront of this exciting innovation.”

High in the Sky
The Australian Government will enter into a $927 million partnership with the US to access a world-leading communications capability provided by the new Wideband Global Satellite Communications (WGS) constellation.

Under the partnership arrangement, Australia will fund one satellite plus associated ground infrastructure to extend the constellation to six satellites and the US will fund the remaining five.

Access to the WGS constellation will build on the ADF’s ability to conduct multiple and simultaneous military operations independently or as part of a coalition force. Secure and reliable satellite communications will be available to deployed forces, operational command and Australian headquarters.

“WGS also will allow the ADF to realise the full potential of Network Centric Warfare within the next decade. WGS will enable the next generation of military capabilities, such as Air Warfare Destroyers, Amphibious Ships, Multi-mission Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Land platforms to achieve their full potency,” said Defence Minister Dr Brendan Nelson.

The WGS constellation of six satellites will provide a world-class capability in terms of global coverage, operational flexibility and bandwidth. It will support multiple simultaneous high-tempo operations and provide a high level of redundancy.

The first WGS satellite is being prepared for launch and will be operational by early 2008. The complete constellation of six satellites will be fully functional by 2013 and will comfortably handle the increase in ADF communications requirements over this time and out to at least 2024.

Achieving full operational WGS capability by 2013 also will coincide with the predicted capability drawdown of the SingTel/Optus C1 satellite. The SingTel/Optus C1 satellite will be an important element of Defence’s satellite capability until its end of life and will be maintained in parallel with WGS.

Dr Nelson expects to finalise the arrangement through the signing of a government-to-government Memorandum of Understanding shortly after the 30 day US Congressional Notification Period.

DSpace to help new-generation satphone design
Atlanta-based EMS Technologies Inc has won a contract from Inmarsat Global Ltd to design Inmarsat’s next-generation dual-mode satellite and GSM mobile phone. The contract, which expands EMS’s market focus beyond aeronautical broadband, is for approximately $26 million.

The new phone will support both terrestrial GSM and GMR-2+ satellite operation, and using an omni antenna will detect whether a user is in a cellular coverage area and, if not, automatically switch to the global satellite network.

EMS recently acquired Adelaide-based DSpace and in a major boost for the local industry and for Australia’s high-tech reputation, the new Australian subsidiary will play a critical role in this global project, applying its high-performance satellite-modem expertise; it is actively recruiting additional satellite modem specialists now as it expands the local business.

“When we were recently acquired by EMS, we noted it promised significant future opportunities for growth,” said DSpace general manager Paul Weiss.

“This new contract begins to deliver on those projections, leveraging core skills and further expanding our resource base here in Adelaide. The global nature of the project - to design Inmarsat’s next-generation dual-mode satellite and GSM mobile phone - will also further expand the horizons of the DSpace team as we integrate with our Ontario and UK offices.”

As part of Inmarsat’s phased rollout of the service, the design will also allow Inmarsat to better manage Inmarsat’s I-4 spot-beam allocations.

“EMS’s proven expertise in satellite communications technology made them the best choice to develop this second-generation product. says Andrew Sukawaty, Chairman and CEO of Inmarsat.

“The combination of the third I-4 satellite launch in early 2008 and this dual-mode handset will allow us to continue our planned roll-out on a global scale.”

Using state-of-the-art technology developed and integrated by EMS, the phone will be built around a core module that can be incorporated into other terminals for mobile applications.

Offering global reach, low cost, a small form-factor, GPS functionality, and both GSM and satellite modes, the core module is expected to be ideally suited for maritime, land, military and possibly even aeronautical applications, EMS says.

The new phone will offer voice, 2.4 kbps data services, and text messaging. The current phase of Inmarsat’s satellite phone service is focused on the Asia, Middle East and Africa regions.

First flight for Turkish Wedgetail
Boeing has conducted a successful first test flight of 737 Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft for Turkey's Peace Eagle program.

The two and a half hour flight from Boeing Field in Seattle concentrated on functional tests that verified the airworthiness of the aircraft's systems and structures. The flight follows major aircraft modifications, including the installation of an advanced antenna, ventral fins and mission system equipment.

Additional functional test flights are planned in the coming weeks, leading to mission system flight testing in the fall.
The Peace Eagle program includes four 737 Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft plus ground support segments for mission crew training, mission support and system maintenance.

Modification of the first aircraft is under way at Boeing facilities in Seattle. TUSAS Aerospace Industries in Ankara, Turkey, will modify the remaining three aircraft.

RAAF C-130s rotate in ME
The RAAF’s C-130 fleet in the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO) has been rotated from J to H-model Hercules. Three C-130H aircraft and their crews took over duties from the C-130Js during September. The C-130J Hercules have been rotating through the Middle East since 2005.

The C-130 detachment of about 160 personnel will continue to provide vital intra-theatre combat airlift support for ADF and coalition elements in the Middle East. One of the C-130 Js returning from the Middle East will undergo repairs after sustaining damage to the rear underside of the fuselage during a landing.

The aircrew detected the damage, which was not caused by enemy action, after completing a day’s tasking in Afghanistan in late July.

The aircraft underwent inspection and initial repairs in the Middle East and has returned to Australia for permanent repairs. Due to the phased aircraft rotations, there has been little impact on RAAF’s support to operations in the Middle East.

Since 2003, RAAF Hercules air and ground crews have maintained a very high work rate in the MEAO. Australian C-130s have airlifted more than 38 million pounds of cargo in the Middle East, as well as transporting 73,000 passengers and more than 2200 medical patients.

No more calling for Huey
The Army has farewelled its venerable UH-1H Iroquois ‘Huey’ helicopter, with a farewell flypast by three aircraft over Brisbane.

The ‘Huey’ has become emblematic of the Vietnam War and it has served Australia domestically and around the world in warlike conditions, peace keeping, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance since its introduction in 1962.

The Iroquois was initially operated by the Royal Australian Air Force before the capability was handed over to the Army in 1989. The Royal Australian Navy also operated Iroquois from 1967, with the type being withdrawn from Navy service in 1989.

Brigadier Nick Bartels, Commander of Army’s 16th Brigade (Aviation) said it was a day of mixed emotions. “The Iroquois has enabled the Australian Defence Force to serve the community in many different ways and although it is being retired today, the capability will not be lost.

“Towards the end of the year we will take delivery of the first of our multi-role helicopter, the MRH-90, which will take over all the duties of the Iroquois as well as providing important new capability.”

Half century for SAS
The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Peter Leahy, has congratulated the Special Air Service (SAS) Regiment on its 50th Anniversary.

The SAS has served the Australian Defence Forces (ADF) and nation with distinction over its proud history and he wished the Regiment’s officers and soldiers a long and equally impressive future.

“Over the past 50 years the SAS has established itself as a unit with few equals amongst the international Special Forces community. This did not just happen, it’s the result of the dedication of generations of outstanding young soldiers singularly committed to excellence,” said Lieutenant General Peter Leahy.

The Australian Special Air Service Regiment, with its famous motto ‘Who Dares Wins’ was formed on 4 September 1964, although its predecessor, the 1st Special Air Service Company, which was part of the Royal Australian Infantry, had been in existence since 1957.

The Regiment’s formidable reputation was confirmed when it was SAS invested with the Unit Citation for Gallantry for acts of extraordinary gallantry in action in Afghanistan by the Governor-General, His Excellency Major General Michael Jeffery, AC, CVO, MC, himself a former SAS commander.

Special Operations Commander, Major General Mike Hindmarsh said the 50th Anniversary was clearly a time to celebrate and to say to the thousands of officers and troopers who have stood in the ranks of the SAS over the past 50 years, ‘congratulations and well done’.

Tenix defence business up for sale
By Gregor Ferguson

Tenix Pty Limited has put its defence and infrastructure businesses up for sale. The company called for expressions of interest in acquiring some or all of these businesses on 8 October; the deadline for submissions was 19 October, after this edition closed for press.

A statement from the company said it would “offer to interested parties participation in the ownership of its defence and infrastructure businesses as part of the next generation of growth and development.”

The announcement came just 24 hours before the company signed the $3.1 billion prime contract to build two Canberra-class amphibious landing ships, or LHDs, for the RAN.

Tenix is Australia’s second-largest defence contractor, turning over some $680 million in 2006 and employing 2,700 personnel. It has major ship construction, electronics systems, aviation and military vehicle businesses in Melbourne, Adelaide, Fremantle and Albury-Wodonga.

ADM understands that, although all potential options remain open, the expectation is that most of its key business groups – including Tenix Marine; Tenix Aerospace & Defence and Tenix Alliance – will be sold.

So also will Tenix Datagate and the company’s 50 per cent shareholdings in RLM Systems, Australian Marine technologies and TenixToll Defence Logistics.

The portions of the group which will not be sold are Tenix Aviation, Tenix LADS, the Tenix Solutions business group and Tenix’s interests in the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, Saltbush Parking Services and Spur (UK).

Tenix was formed in 1997 when the two principal shareholding groups in the Transfield Group, the Salteri and Belgiorno-Nettis families, decided to part company.

The Salteri family retained the former Transfield defence businesses, including the contract to build 10 Anzac-class frigates for the Australian and New Zealand navies, and renamed the business Tenix.

Under the stewardship of the Salteri family, Tenix has grown to become one of the largest privately owned companies in Australia, diversifying from defence into infrastructure services, traffic management and other investments.

“An internal review process to determine the strategic direction of the businesses has recently been completed. This review has focussed on positioning Tenix for future growth, concentrating on defence and infrastructure services,” said Tenix Chairman Mr Paul Salteri.

“The review confirmed that the current footprint and business prospects for Tenix in defence and infrastructure are strong.

“However, the review also found that future growth opportunities and value creation will be superior when combined with the operations, scale and market strengths of leading companies with a global focus in these sectors.

“These opportunities for growth include access to technology, greater and research and development spend, improved market penetration through an expanded distribution base, enlarged career development for staff, consolidation of skills in the sectors to meet customer requirements and access to capital,” Mr Salteri said.

“Considerable interest has been shown by multiple parties in participating in the growth of Tenix’s defence and infrastructure businesses and it is expected this interest will result in a positive outcome,” said Tenix Group Managing Director & CEO Mr Greg Hayes.

“The success of the Salteri family has largely been due to our ability to adapt to a changing environment and respond positively to meeting the needs of our customers,” said Mr Salteri.

“The time is right for us to evaluate the ownership structure of our defence and infrastructure businesses to position them for continued success. The ongoing involvement from the existing shareholders will be determined after all the proposals have been examined.”

Tenix has appointed UBS as financial adviser. Estimates of the worth of the Tenix Group vary, but most value the defence business at around or slightly over $1 billion.

It’s not clear yet whether the company will sell its defence business as a whole, or divest itself of specific elements to different buyers. Any decisions will follow registrations of interest and an assessment of these and other specific proposals.

It has been widely assumed that Tenix closely-held ownership structure was a potential obstacle to the purchase of ASC Pty Ltd when this comes up for sale in late-2007 or early-2008.

The sale of its defence and marine businesses provides a vehicle for the creation of a new defence industry entity with a broader ownership base which could be a bidder in its own right for ASC, or part of a joint venture with Australian and overseas naval and technology companies to bid for ASC.

The timing would enable such a development. In May 2007 the Minister for Finance, Senator Nick Minchon, announced the appointment of legal firm Sparke Helmore as process adviser for the sale of ASC.

“It is the Government’s current intention that, if it is re-elected at the 2007 Federal election, ASC will be returned to private ownership through a competitive tender trade sale starting in late 2007 and concluding in the second half of 2008,” Minchin said.

“A range of sale preparation activities are currently being undertaken by Finance and the other advisers to the sale, Carnegie, Wylie & Company and Freehills, before the sale process starts later this year.”

Companies expected to show an interest in acquiring all or part of Tenix’s infrastructure and defence business include Leighton Holdings, United Group and US ship builder Northrop Grumman.

CSC wins JCSE contract
CSC Australia has been awarded the contract as the System Integrator for the Joint Command Support Environment (JCSE) to assist in the provision of joint solutions and integrated systems to deliver capabilities for the ADF under Phase 9 of JP2030.

This component of work, announced on 12 October 2006, is the first phase to deliver a single integrated command support system, leveraging from existing command support systems developed for the individual services and for the higher headquarters.

The DMO says it will utilise an evolutionary acquisition approach for the Project whereby the capability will be incrementally defined and approved by Government before delivery.

The benefits to the ADF will be the delivery of a cohesive and integrated command support environment for the efficient and effective conduct of operations. Joint and Allied interoperability will be high priorities.

The first order contract to achieve the defined outcomes is valued at approximately $20 million and will commence immediately.

Copyright - Australian Defence Magazine, November 2007