Projects

AIR 5416 - Project Echidna Electronic Warfare Self Protection for ADF Aircraft

EWSP Media Release

Defence Minister Robert Hill announced on 16 February 2005 the awarding of a $135.5 million contract to BAE Systems for the design, development, integration and installation of an Electronic Warfare Self Protection capability for the Army’s fleets of Black Hawk and Chinook aircraft. This announcement follows the announcement of the recent award of a $25 million contract to Tenix Defence for the integration and installation of an Electronic Warfare Self Protection capability to the fleet of C-130H Hercules aircraft.

Project Description

Project Echidna will enhance the Electronic Warfare Self Protection (EWSP) capabilities of selected ADF aircraft and thereby improve the survivability of these aircraft in combat. In addition to the modified aircraft, Project Echidna will introduce a comprehensive EW mission support system and provide modifications to the applicable simulators and other support systems necessary to fulfil operational and training requirements.

Project Aim

Underpinning the acquisition concept for Project Echidna is achieving the best overall value for money while meeting the capability, contractual and other requirements of the Project. In addition Echidna promotes:

Maximising equipment commonality across aircraft types,
Minimising through-life support costs,
Minimising project overheads and schedule, and
Maximising quality Australian Industry Involvement (AII), including the introduction of an indigenous EW capability, the ALR-2002.

Project Background

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Following a high level review of ADF EWSP capability in 1998, two projects, AIR 5391 (F/RF-111C EW Upgrade) and AIR 5394 (EWSP for ADF Transport Aircraft) were restructured to create AIR 5416. Short term action to upgrade the EWSP suites on C-130H and F-111 aircraft to meet extant operational needs continues outside the scope of the restructured Echidna. Project Echidna is planned to occur in phases as detailed below. Phases 1 and 2 have been approved by Government.

Phase 1 Stage 1 is the full scale engineering development (FSED) by BAE Systems of an indigenous Radar Warning Receiver, the ALR -2002. The ALR -2002 will become a key element of the Echidna EWSP suite. It has also been selected, pending successful negotiations, for the RAAF’s F/A-18 aircraft under Phase 2.3 of the Hornet Upgrade project. An addition to the ALR -2002 FSED program has been the establishment for a Pre-planned Product Improvement (P3I) Program. The P3I Program will provide for additional capabilities needed to ensure the operational effectiveness of the ALR -2002 to 2015. Currently a production and support Contract is underway to produce four ALR -2002 units and prove the production process. This contract will be used to provide for the production of the ALR -2002 for both the Echidna and Hornet Upgrade projects.

Phase 1 Stage 2 involved an Initial Design Activity (IDA) conducted concurrently by Tenix Defence Systems and BAE Systems for a period of 18 months. The focus of the IDA was the design and costing of a common EWSP suite that can be tailored for installation in the range of Echidna aircraft. The IDA was completed in December 2002.

Phase 1 Stage 3 involves the provision of ballistic protection measures for the Black Hawk helicopter. An ITR process conducted in the first half of 2004 resulted in the selection of a shortlist of companies, comprising Helitech, Raytheon and Tenix, to contest an RFT for the provision of 12 Black Hawk ballistic protection kits and initial logistics support. Tenders for the capability closed mid 2004 and negotiations are underway with the preferred tenderer.

Phase 2A will materialise the design commenced in Phase 1 for the Black Hawk and Chinook. With an approved budget of $241.185 (Dec 05), Phase 2A will deliver an integrated Electronic Warfare Self Protection Suite consisting of the EADS AAR-60 Missile Warning System, the Thales VICON 78 Countermeasures Dispensing System, and the Commonwealth owned, BAE Systems produced ALR -2002 Radar Warning System. The heart of the Suite is the EW Controller that consists of a hardware box provided by SBS and EW Controller Software (SIIDAS - Sensor Independent Integrated Defensive Aids Suite) developed by BAE Systems. Also being developed under Phase 2A is an Integrated Electronic Warfare Mission Support System, which will include a EWST RF Stimulator, to be located at JEWOSU. A Prime contract was signed with BAE Systems on 4 February 2005 . Further Commonwealth scope includes upgrading of the Black Hawk Simulator, Simulated Maintenance Trainers and Maintenance Training Aid. The Initial Operating Capability (IOC) dates for the modified Black Hawk and Chinook aircraft will be determined by AASPO and based on the aircraft availability for modification.

Phase 2B will build on the design undertaken during the previous Air 5401 Phase 3A legacy project by upgrading the system and extending it to the complete C-130H fleet. The acquisition contract was signed with Tenix Defence Aerospace Division on 22 December 2004.

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Mr Laurie Bode
Director, Airborne Self Protection Systems Program Office
Department of Defence
R2-6-A082
Russell Offices,
Canberra ACT 2600
Tel: (02) 6265 1615
Fax: (02) 6265 3142
E-mail: Mr Laurie Bode

Mr David Gosman
Project Manager, Project Air 5416 Phase 2A
Department of Defence
R2-6-A161
Russell Offices
Canberra ACT 2600
Tel: (02) 6265 1224
Fax: (02) 6265 3142
E-mail: Mr David Gosman

Mr Peter Edwards
Project Manager, Project Air 5416 Phase 2B
Department of Defence
R2-6-A133
Russell Offices
Canberra ACT 2600
Tel: (02) 6265 2337
Fax: (02) 6265 3142
E-mail: Mr Peter Edwards

Mr Lyell Wedd
Project Manager, Airborne Self Protection Development
Department of Defence
R2-6-A154
Russell Offices
Canberra ACT 2600
Tel: (02) 6265 1967
Fax: (02) 6265 3142
E-mail: Mr Lyell Wedd

Last updated: 24 November 2008