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Phase 1A Lead-In Fighter Capability Assurance Program
Phase Scope
This phase is intended to ensure the Lead-In Fighter Training System (LIFTS) remains effective, efficient and supportable until the Hawk planned withdrawal date. Capability improvements and obsolescence mitigation will be harmonised to the greatest possible extent, resulting in an affordable, high quality training system which can adapt to meet future ‘fast-jet’ training requirements.
Background
The LIFTS, comprising the Hawk Mk 127 and ground based training support equipment, including flight simulators, will be upgraded to address identified obsolescence issues and provide capability enhancements. A number of project definition activities will be undertaken to scope obsolescence mitigation and capability requirements, including the associated engineering effort, schedule implications, cost and risk.
Australian Industry Opportunities
Acquisition
The acquisition approach for the aircraft modification has yet to be determined, but the project intends to procure an essentially ‘off-the-shelf’ solution with minimal non-recurring expenditure (NRE), technical risk and certification overheads. Military- or Commercial-off-the-Shelf (MOTS or COTS) components will be utilised wherever practical.
The simulator component is likely to be competed between manufacturers who are able to provide solutions with minimal NRE.
Through‑life Support
The industry requirements will be based around developing and maintaining sufficient capability within Australian industry to undertake through-life maintenance and support activities associated with the systems introduced into service by this project.
Industry Capabilities and Activities
Capabilities and related activities that may provide opportunities for Australian industry in this phase include:
| Activity | Capability | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Rotary & Fixed Wing Aircraft | System Life Cycle Management | Facilities & Infrastructure | |
| Assemble / Install | D | D | |
| Education / Training | D | ||
| In-Service / Through-life Support | D | D | |
| Logistics Support | D | ||
| Repair and Maintain | D | ||
| Systems Integration | D | ||
| Test and Evaluate | O | ||
Acquisition Category (ACAT)
| ACAT Attribute | Complexity Level Assessment |
|---|---|
| Acquisition Cost | Level 3 Moderate $100m-$500m (Towards the middle of the band) |
| Project Management Complexity | Level 3 Moderate |
| Schedule | Level 3 Moderate |
| Technical Difficulty | Level 3 Moderate |
| Operation and Support | Level 3 Moderate |
| Commercial | Level 3 Moderate |
The ACAT Level assessed for this Phase is ACAT III.
Planned Schedule Highlights
| First Pass Approval | FY 2009-10 to FY 2010-11 |
|---|---|
| Year-of-Decision | FY 2011-12 to FY 2012-13 |
| Initial Operating Capability | 2015 to 2017 |
Point of Contact
Capability Staff:Deputy Director Firepower (02) 6265 2520 |
Defence Materiel Organisation:Director Lead-In Fighter Management Unit (02) 4034 9906 |
