Projects

JP 2025 - Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN)

Project Background
Industry Objectives
Project Schedule
Financial Dimensions
Contact

Project Description

The JORN project arose out of extensive research undertaken by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) into over-the horizon radar (OTHR) beginning in the early 1970s. As part of the 1987 Defence White Paper, the Government placed a high priority on wide area surveillance of the north and north western approaches to Australia and OTHR was seen to be the most cost effective solution. As a consequence, in December 1990, the Government approved the design and construction of JORN.

The Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) consists of two OTHR, one near Longreach, Qld. and the other near Laverton, WA, jointly operated from the JORN Coordination Centre (JCC) at RAAF Base Edinburgh, SA by No 1 Radar Surveillance Unit. The radars are an advanced development of the Australian designed Jindalee radar at Alice Springs which is in operational use as well as being a research and development facility used by DSTO for ongoing OTHR improvement. JORN radars are capable of all weather detection of air and surface targets inside an arc of up to 3,000 km range extending from Geraldton in the west around to Cairns in the east. JORN makes a crucial contribution to broad area surveillance of Australia's strategically important northern approaches.

Project Background

Phases 3 and 4

In April 2003, Phases 3 and 4 of the JORN project delivered into operational use the QLD and WA radars, the JCC in SA, as well as the initial period of maintenance and support services for the Network until February 2007.

Phase 5

Phase 5 of project JP2025 seeks to build on the capabilities of the JORN system delivered in 2003. The specifications that JORN was designed and accepted against were established in the early 1990s. Since that time, the Alice Springs radar has been in operational service with the RAAF and has evolved significantly, though continual R&D efforts by DSTO and operational requirements derived from service use. This has enabled Defence to identify technical and operational areas in JORN that could readily be enhanced. Phase 5 will therefore introduce these developments to the QLD and WA radars, as well as further progress integration of the three radars into one national OTHR radar network, improve the distribution of surveillance information from the Network to national agencies and undertake further research and development of OTHR technology.

Industry Objectives

TOP

Phase 5

The desire for development of Australian industry and the retention of OTHR technology in Australia has created a world leading OTHR industry and Defence capability base. Defence is building on this capability with the creation of an Australian OTHR centre of excellence (COE) based at the OTHR Systems Program Office (OTHRSPO) and the Intelligence, Surveillance and radar division of DSTO (ISRD) in SA.

The OTHRSPO industry partners for JORN (RLM Pty Ltd) and the Alice Springs Facility (BAE Systems Australia) are key contributors to the CoE, supported by SMEs offering relevant niche products or capabilities.

Project Schedule and Contractor Details

Phases 3 and 4

Phases 3 and 4 of JP 2025 delivered JORN into operational use in April 2003, Final Acceptance in May 2003, and concluded with the completion of the initial maintenance and support period in February 2007. The prime contractor for delivery was RLM Management.

Phase 5

JP2025 Phase 5 was approved by Government in February 2004, with project activities commencing in FY 05/06. The enhancements under Phase 5 will be delivered incrementally over a seven year implementation period ending in FY 12/13. The intended contractors are principally those involved in the OTHR Centre of Excellence – refer to ‘Industry Objectives’ above.

Opportunity for Australian Industry in Logistics Support Arrangements

Phase 5

Logistics support opportunities resulting from JP 2025 Phase 5 will primarily be directed to the in-service support contractors. Relevant sub-contractors will be engaged through the prime support contractors.

Project Status

Phases 3 and 4

JORN was contractually accepted from RLM Management on 5 May 2003, completing the acquisition portion of Phases 3 and 4 of the project. Phases 3 and 4 were fully completed at the end of the follow-on 46 month duration Maintenance and Support period, in February 2007. Project closure is imminent.

Phase 5

Phase 5 of JP2025 was approved by Government in February 2004. Project implementation commenced during FY 05/06.