Projects
AIR 7000: PHASES 1B and 2B
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Introduction Expenditure Points of Contact |
Phase Scope
Phase 1B - Multi-mission Unmanned Aerial System (MUAS) - is intended to acquire High Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Systems for maritime patrol and other surveillance.
Phase 2B - Maritime Patrol Aircraft - is intended to provide the manned component of the ADF maritime patrol capability that may involve upgrade or replacement of the AP-3C Orion aircraft.
Introduction
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The life-of-type for the AP-3C is being driven by the increasing cost of addressing airframe fatigue and corrosion, aircraft system supportability and mission system obsolescence. The airframe and aircraft systems, including engines, hydraulics, electrical and fuel systems will become more costly to support as the aircraft ages. Although mission system obsolescence is being addressed under Project AIR 5276, a further upgrade may be required to extend its useful life. Either a major refurbishment or replacement of the AP-3C capability will be required by its planned withdrawal date.
AIR 7000 will consider the future of the AP-3C in the context of future ADF requirements for maritime patrol and response. This will include the exploration of a broad range of options including aircraft refurbishment/re-manufacture or replacement, and the use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) as an adjunct to manned platforms. While the project will be focused on the acquisition of a capability centred on maritime patrol and response roles, it will also support electronic and land surveillance roles.
Phase 1B is intended to consider and further develop options leading to the acquisition of a high altitude long endurance unmanned aerial system that can perform all-weather, long endurance surveillance and reconnaissance tasks over maritime and land environments. The Phase 1 capability is an essential adjunct to the manned capability acquired under Air 7000 Phase 2B.
Phase 2B is intended to ensure that the ADF has a manned Maritime Patrol Aircraft system capable of performing maritime patrol and response tasks.
Estimated Phase Expenditure
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Phase 1B – $1000m to $1500mPhase 2B – $3500m to $4500m
Points of Contact
| Capability Staff: | Defence Materiel Organisation: |
| Deputy Director Maritime Patrol | Project Manager AIR 7000 Phase 2B |
| and Response | |
| (02) 6265 3852 | (02) 6265 1628 |
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Last updated: March 2010Publications
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Defence Capability Plan 2009 |
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Defence Response to ASPI Report |
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Defence Industry Policy Statement 2010 |
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Defence Strategic Reform Program |
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Inside the DMO |