Fighting It Out

AUSTRALIAN PROGRAMMES Australian Army soldiers board an MRH90 Taipan aircraft during a training exercise at Cultana Training Area, South Australia. (Photo: Australian DoD)

FIGHTING IT OUT

Australia’s Tiger acquisition One of the most revealing insights into under Project Land 4503, which the the current state and future direction of Australian DoD has said ‘could include was fraught with difficulties. Australian military programmes is provided manned or unmanned systems, or a Shephard looks at possible by the DoD’s 2016 whitepaper. Not only combination of both’. does the document address priorities and Currently, the programme is in the early candidates and potential new capability requirements through to stages of risk mitigation and requirement permutations of the nation’s 2035, but it gives a firm indication of how setting, during which the DoD will be replacement programme and the global order in the Asia-Pacific region assessing various options to be eventually continues to be dominated by China and presented to the government for approval. explores the lessons that the the US. Of the 22 aircraft making up the DoD might learn from its past As a US ally, Canberra clearly has Australian Army’s current Tiger fleet, 17 are a strong level of protection from with 1st Aviation Regiment in Darwin and experiences. By Tim Martin aggression, and the DoD has little doubt that five are at Oakey Army aviation centre for threats to its borders are highly unlikely. training purposes. Indeed, the paper goes as far as stating that By objective standards, the previous ustralian military rotary ‘there is no more than a remote prospect of acquisition and in-service activities of those programmes have not a military attack by another country on platforms were particularly problematic – A always run as smoothly as Australian territory in the foreseeable future’, more so than the minor hiccups or teething expected, with the Tiger ARH (Armed while emphasising that domestic security issues that often characterise industry and Reconnaissance Helicopter) saga often will continue to be a top priority. end-user partnerships. held up as a case study for misjudged and A full critique of those troubling aspects miscalculated procurement. Despite this Bad report of the programme was provided by the adverse publicity, there are signs of On the helicopter front, the white paper Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) in a improvement as the DoD prepares to buy confirms that a Tiger ARH replacement September 2016 publication that assesses light attack aircraft for the Special will be sought from mid-2020. This armed the progress made by the DoD since 2007 Operations Command. reconnaissance capability will be sourced in its bid to introduce a fully capable

WWW.DEFENCEHELICOPTER.COM VOLUME 38 NUMBER 1 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 DEFENCE HELICOPTER 21 AUSTRALIAN PROGRAMMES

Tiger fleet and develop ‘cost-effective by June 2014. By June 2016, cost per flying sustainment arrangements’. hour of the Tiger fleet had reached over Most concerning within the report is a A$30,000, more than 50% over target, the suggestion that the government misjudged ANAO noted. the acquisition, allowing it to proceed On the issue of capability, there is also because the Tiger option was a ‘low-risk off- much cause for concern for the army. There the-shelf platform’, whereas the ANAO take are ‘76 deficiencies’ relating to current and the view that the aircraft was ‘more future requirements for the service, ‘60 of developmental than off-the-shelf’. That initial which were deemed by defence to be decision by the DoD is looked upon as one critical and requiring resolution’, according that ‘heightened exposure to schedule, cost to the report. Shipborne operations, pilot and capability risks, both for the acquisition numbers, flying hours, interoperability and of the aircraft and its sustainment’. communications, airworthiness, rocket There is more compelling evidence from launchers and roof-mounted sights are all the ANAO that points to the programme’s listed as capability shortcomings. foundations being unstable. This includes the The report also contains attributions size of the Tiger’s international fleet, listed as from the Australian DoD and Tiger 119 aircraft at the time of publication, with manufacturer Airbus Group Australia France, Germany and Spain making up the Pacific and parent company Airbus wider customer network. Helicopters, with the former agreeing to In this case, the relatively small collection two key recommendations that focus on of customers created a ‘niche capability’ sharing project review lessons with internal which meant that aircraft sustainment stakeholders and providing the government based on a ‘limited supply chain’ caused with a ‘value-for-money’ assessment Australian Army soldiers of the RAR 8th/9th the programme to suffer. ‘The Chief of Army pertaining to future investment in the Tiger Battalion board a CH-47 Chinook during declared Final Operational Capability for the fleet, ‘for only a short period of improved a non-combatant evacuation operation at Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Queensland. Tiger on 14 April 2016, allowing the performance, against other alternatives’. (Photo: Australian DoD) helicopter to be operationally employed. The result of the second recommendation The declaration was seven years later than was a value-for-money analysis conducted planned, and was accompanied by nine in late 2017, according to the DoD, under operational caveats,’ the report states. the Land 9000 ARH Capability Assurance continue until the ARH Tiger is withdrawn Figures also show that the A$571 million Programme, designed to replace ‘essential from service,’ a spokesperson said. outlined in the original contract for components’ of the Tiger and cover its sustainment costs and set aside for a 15-year sustainment until mid-2020. ‘Obsolescence Superior capabilities period from 2004-2019 had been spent treatments have commenced and will Those from industry vying for the replacement include Bell, who is set on offering its AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter. An Australian Army Tiger ARH performs a demonstration of its countermeasure dispensing system A company spokesperson said the focus is at the Port Wakefield proving ground, South Australia. (Photo: Australian DoD) on the platform’s multi-mission capabilities being beneficial to Australia. ‘It is designed specifically for sustained operations at sea, expeditionary bases ashore, in the littorals and in desert and tropical environments,’ a Bell spokesperson said in a statement. ‘Additionally, the AH-1Z offers significant savings of tax payer dollars due to both a lower cost per flight hour as well as lower total life-cycle costs. The cost savings over the life of the programme can actually save Australia billions.’ Making a case for the Viper as a Tiger replacement is complicated by the fact that the aircraft does not hold a strong export record, and its production could come under pressure before Australia approaches a final decision on the programme. ‘The

22 DEFENCE HELICOPTER JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 VOLUME 38 NUMBER 1 WWW.DEFENCEHELICOPTER.COM AUSTRALIAN PROGRAMMES

management that has been lacking on the Tiger. Davis gave the example of these manned-unmanned assets and their associated data links providing Apache aircrew with a direct feed from the Reaper to control weapons on the UAV. Despite this obvious capability increase, however, he voiced concern over a series of issues that have yet to be resolved by Boeing on the Guardian. The Apache’s air dominance in theatre is beginning to be eroded, for example, meaning that it is becoming even more challenging for the aircraft to survive in ‘contested aerospace’, especially with adversaries using ‘sophisticated’ short-range air defence capabilities, said Davis. Furthermore, Boeing is yet to come up with a unit cost for Australia on the AH-64E – an obvious issue that would need to be corrected sooner rather than later. Moreover, the 64E model is not ‘marinised’, thus ruling out ship-based helicopter take-offs and landings. Given Australia’s location and surrounding geography, the ability to operate an attack platform from naval carriers would appear to be a priority for any future acquisition. ‘Boeing have indicated that they could try and marinise an Apache, but so far no one has given a clear indication of how long that would take,’ Davis explained. Viper’s longevity in production is not The AH-64E can provide an ISR capability Certainly, the recent AH-64E US Army assured,’ said Dr Malcolm Davis, senior integrated with weapons carriage and has programme difficulties do not appear to analyst in defence strategy and capability at advanced networking and interoperability support the cause of a marinised Apache the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. ‘It potential, including Link 16 and VMF data being developed easily. Issues concerning could be by the time we get to the point of links, according to Boeing Defence salt water corrosion of strap pack nuts – deciding on the Tiger replacement – the Australia (BDA). large bolts holding the rotor blades onto the Viper is out of production and a decision is According to Davis, since it is imperative helicopter – led to the US Army stopping out of [decision-makers’] hands.’ that Tiger pilots remain in contact with deliveries of Guardian aircraft in April. Such One other candidate that is likely to be friendly assets or ground stations, they are was the scale of the problem and the put forward is Boeing’s AH-64E Apache having to use tablet computers in the impact on the programme that Boeing Guardian, which Davis claimed is the cockpit – a clear indication that better data explained in October that the need to invest preferred option for Tiger pilots and links are required for future missions. time and effort on fixing the problem meant aircrew. The type is able to provide that only 34 of 48 planned deliveries of the superior communication links compared to Mixed modes aircraft could take place in 2018. the Tiger. ‘The Apache is more than just an The manned-unmanned element of future The army has since accepted redesigned attack helicopter – it’s an information requirements is one that bodes well for the strap pack nuts, but potential new AH-64E node, just like the F-35 strike fighter,’ AH-64E too, with Australia committing to customers, including Australia, will not Davis explained. buy an undisclosed number of General be impressed with such a troubling ‘[A replacement] has to be able to plug Atomics Aeronautical Systems’ medium- development, and Canberra will be less and play with all our combat command and altitude, long-endurance MQ-9 Reapers in enthused by the apparent lack of clarity control systems. The Australian Tiger, for November 2018. from the company regarding a time frame example, doesn’t even connect with [the Should the acquisition eventually be for a marinised version. US] blue force tracker [GPS tracking control complemented by an Apache fleet, pairing system], nor does it really connect with the the two for manned-unmanned missions Hard lessons Australian battle management system for would certainly create a level of joined-up Any number of lessons from the original Tiger the Australian Army,’ he continued. communication and weapons system acquisition can be learned ahead of the

WWW.DEFENCEHELICOPTER.COM VOLUME 38 NUMBER 1 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 DEFENCE HELICOPTER 23 AUSTRALIAN PROGRAMMES mid-2020 programme, but it is worth ISR equipment and weapons are also with 24 AH-6i aircraft under an FMS contract mentioning two key areas that will most likely required for the light attack programme, with originally awarded by the US in August 2014. be at the forefront of decision-makers’ minds. CASG explaining that the project is at an BDA claims that the AH-6 has the highest Firstly, opting for a developmental exploratory phase – its acquisition strategy payload of any aircraft in its class, with the aircraft proved to be a costly error for is considered ‘developmental’ and subject to helicopter’s small rotor diameter and which Australia still seems to be paying government approval. ‘The initial phase is to ‘outstanding performance characteristics’ dearly, despite capability improvements identify major systems which can form the optimised for operations in urban and the mitigation of earlier issues due basis for the capability and is the primary environments. ‘Its fully integrated and to Airbus support. For example, Tony Fraser, focus of this engagement,’ the RfI states. qualified mission system, weapons and former MD of Airbus Group Asia-Pacific, At the time of issue, CASG made clear sensors provide heads-up, eyes-out, told Shephard in March 2017 that the that funding has not been approved for the hands-on control. Its integrated digital aircraft availability rate stood at 50%, project, and the DoD declined to comment cockpit leverages AH-64E Apache software,’ with another 25% available within 4h. on a potential or approximate budgetary a BDA spokesperson claimed. Unfortunately, the DoD was unable to allocation for the acquisition. A timeline for Separately, no comment was available provide a current availability rate, with a delivery of the aircraft is listed in the RfI as from Bell on a specific proposal, as the spokesperson saying that ‘operational ‘approximately 2023’. An RfP is expected to company looks to finalise its plans before security and commercial-in-confidence be issued to industry in Q4 2019. sharing associated details publicly, according reasons’ prevents any such disclosure. to a spokesperson. However, a Bell Australia The second lesson is that any new Special platforms spokesperson has previously indicated to platform’s sustainment should be budgeted Currently, the Sikorsky-made S-70A-9 Black Shephard the benefits of an armed 407, for accordingly and managed appropriately. Hawk is used for special operations rotary noting its reliability and proven pedigree. ‘That didn’t happen with Tiger, and as a missions but is set to be withdrawn from Airbus has been promoting its new plug- result, [the DoD] had to do an awful lot service in 2022 and replaced by the MRH- and -play HForce weapons management of work afterwards in order to get the 90 Taipan, which will be introduced into the system to potential customers recently, sustainment support from Eurocopter Australian Army’s 6th Aviation Regiment including an Australian delegation who [now Airbus] correct,’ Davis said. ‘Project from February 2019. attended Bakony Combat Training Centre, managers gave the false impression to ‘In the coming years, Project Land 2097 Hungary, for a firing demonstration of the the government that this was a mature Phase 4 will further enhance army’s special system in July. platform when it clearly wasn’t.’ operation aviation capability,’ a DoD In light of weapons systems requirements spokesperson said in a statement. ‘However, for the light attack programme, there is Going light it is not a direct replacement programme for certainly reason for Airbus to believe it could Regarding other acquisitions currently in the Black Hawk or MRH-90 Taipan.’ edge a decision in its favour by providing motion, an undisclosed number of special There are a variety of likely Australia with further evidence of the operation light attack aircraft are being manufacturers that will bid for the light qualities associated with HForce, potentially called for under terms of an RfI issued attack opportunity, with potential platforms through additional demonstrations. by Defence’s Capability Acquisition and including the Airbus H145M, Bell 407, As the launch customer of HForce, Serbia Sustainment Group (CASG) in September Boeing AH-6 Little Bird and NorthStar is to receive four H145Ms equipped with and in accordance with Project Land 2097 Aviation’s 407 Phase 4. multirole aircraft. Being procured for the Australian ‘Boeing and BDA The Airbus H145M is likely to compete in a light attack helicopter Defence Force (ADF) Special Operations continue to provide programme for Australian Special Operations Command. (Photo: Airbus Helicopters) Command, the 4t platform can be either information to the commercial- or military-off-the-shelf and Commonwealth of is required to be ‘capable of being rapidly Australia on the AH-6 deployed by air transport in ADF Boeing special operations C-17A Globemaster III aircraft’. light helicopter,’ a The new helicopter is to be ‘optimised for BDA spokesperson operations within dense urban environments, said in a statement, allowing it to complement the existing adding that any such MRH-90 Taipan and enhance the output future contract of the combined formation’, a DoD would ‘likely’ fall spokesperson explained to Shephard in under an FMS. a statement. ‘The rapid deployability of Boeing has the helicopter will provide new options for supplied Saudi the government to quickly respond to Arabia, its only export contingencies within Australia and the region.’ customer to date,

24 DEFENCE HELICOPTER JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 VOLUME 38 NUMBER 1 WWW.DEFENCEHELICOPTER.COM AUSTRALIAN PROGRAMMES

The Australian Army’s Tiger ARH is set to be replaced under Project Land 4503 in mid-2020. (Photo: Australian DoD)

In reality All things considered, the impact of the Tiger acquisition has left the Australian DoD in a difficult position, which military aviators have struggled to adjust to, on account of the deficiencies of the aircraft and its availability throughout its lifetime. Improvements in capability and availability rates point to continued progress, but in order for any new replacement to be considered a success, more diligence will be expected before a contract with industry is signed, while the system as part of a total order of nine [aviation review] programme includes sustainment calculations will surely be aircraft. Under the 2026 Zrinyi military looking at options for government and value examined more closely prior to a modernisation programme, Hungary has for money of new capabilities based on replacement being found. ordered 20 helicopters with HForce, with current and future environments,’ the The Apache AH-64E is rightly viewed as an Airbus spokesperson confirming that statement reads. ‘Defence has commenced a leading successor to the Tiger, but it deliveries are set to begin in 2019. an Unmanned Aerial System [UAS] remains unclear if Boeing are able to fully Similarly, the NorthStar Aviation 407 programme and is currently the largest commit to offering the aircraft at a price MRH Lightning uses a Cantine Armament operator of UAS in Australia. Defence is within the DoD’s budget and should a weapons management system that is working with industry and academia on UAS marinised concept not materialise, a deal capable of controlling a range of munitions, and counter-UAS technology, payloads and could be thrown out altogether, with some including the GAU-19 Gatling gun, M-134 trusted autonomy.’ form of unmanned asset potentially being mini gun, Hydra 70 and laser-guided rockets, Nevertheless, it’s highly likely that sought as an alternative. as well as Griffin B and Hellfire II missiles. Australia will look to attack aircraft being For the SF light attack programme, developed under the US Army’s FVL industry prospects will become more Future programmes programme, with a potential acquisition obvious as the Q4 2019 RfP approaches, Beyond light attack developments, the based on an FMS taking place several but the evolution and sophistication of Australian Army is working on a programme years from now. In fact, it is this kind of newer weapons management systems to define its future rotorcraft plans and scenario that Davis anticipates unfolding in could play a key role in determining which assess how aviation will look from now the long term. ‘It looks like Australia could aircraft wins the competition. until 2040. be stuck with legacy capabilities for the Like other countries, Australia is looking During a Land Forces event held in moment [on the Tiger replacement], which closely at FVL developments in the US, as Adelaide in September, Brig Scott Benbow, could be Apache and then moving into FVL the flagship programme appears to have director general of aviation at Forces by the late 2030s, early 2040s,’ he said. set the standard in next-generation Command, laid out a number of key areas What is more certain are plans for rotorcraft ambition. that the programme would be focusing Australia’s two other main rotary assets, Once the US Army and industry are able on: increasing aircraft availability and the Chinook CH-47F and the MRH90 to give more of a firm insight into when personnel; improving digital interconnectivity; Taipan. Ten of the former type are currently attack variants will be available to allied harnessing rapid advances in technology; operational with the Australian Army, and nations through FMS, decision makers can and reducing the cost of ownership. are due to fly beyond 2040, while the then begin to determine if an investment Asked about its main plans concerning Taipan is expected to receive an upgrade will fit with their own acquisition timelines. next-generation helicopter procurement, before a replacement is sought around the Any delays to current FVL schedules, the Australian DoD said that it will ‘continue same year through Project Land 4501. particularly where capability set 3 is to monitor the international market and Interestingly, BDA’s sustainment support concerned, would risk legacy aircraft inform government on aviation capability role on the CH-47F includes the use of having to be procured instead. Lastly, the options’, while acknowledging that it is industry subcontractors as part of the preference for, and growth of, unmanned investing in an ongoing programme to international supply chain for all new-build systems within Australia’s military portfolio review aviation capability. models of the aircraft, as the company itself shows that it is preparing for an age of air However, such plans are seemingly less does not have any rotary-wing manufacturing, power less dominated by rotary assets and focused on helicopter platforms. ‘This production or MRO facilities in Australia. more by UAVs. ■

WWW.DEFENCEHELICOPTER.COM VOLUME 38 NUMBER 1 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 DEFENCE HELICOPTER 25