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• AIR 8000 Phase 1 Battlefield Airlift - Additional C-130J / Phase 2 Battlefield Airlift - Caribou Replacement

Phase 1 Battlefield Airlift - Additional C-130J

Phase 2 Battlefield Airlift - Caribou Replacement

Phase Scope

Phase 1 is intended to rationalise the capability delivered by the C-130 fleet.

Phase 2 is intended to replace the RAAF DHC 4 Caribou transport aircraft to provide a light tactical fixed wing airlift capability.

Background

Phase 1 is intended to rationalise the C-130 fleet, noting the acquisition of C17 and planned withdrawal of C-130H aircraft, by acquiring an additional two C-130J aircraft.

Phase 2 is intended to enhance the ADF’s intra-theatre and regional airlift capability. This capability will focus on the provision of an intra-theatre airlift solution with some inter-theatre application. This capability will be able to operate from a wide range of rudimentary airstrips with useful payload, range and in-theatre survivability. Phase 2 may also provide appropriate training support, which could include the provision of a Full Flight Simulator. Notably, the capability will require careful consideration of the interaction between rotary-wing assets and light / medium fixed wing platforms in the tactical environment and the total airlift fleet mix.

Australian Industry Opportunities

Acquisition

For Phase 1 it is anticipated that the additional C-130J purchase will be sourced from the original equipment manufacturer with few Australian industry opportunities.

For Phase 2 it is anticipated that a Military-off-the-Shelf (MOTS) light tactical fixed wing airlift capability will be sourced from an original equipment manufacturer or through government-to-government (Foreign Military Sales) arrangements with few Australian industry opportunities.

Through‑life Support

Deeper maintenance and other through-life support activities are likely to be provided under contracts within Australia.

Industry Capabilities and Activities

Capabilities and related activities that may provide opportunities for Australian industry in these phases include:

Phase 1	Capability
Activity	Rotary & Fixed Wing Aircraft
Assemble / Install	O
In-Service / Through-life Support	D
Logistics Support	D
Repair and Maintain	D
Test and Evaluate	O

Phase 2	Capability
Activity	Rotary & Fixed Wing Aircraft
Education / Training	D
In-Service / Through-life Support	D
Logistics Support	D
Repair and Maintain	D
Test and Evaluate	O

Acquisition Category (ACAT)

Phase 1

ACAT Attribute	Complexity Level Assessment
Acquisition Cost	Level 2 High $500m-$1500m (Towards the lower end of the band)
Project Management Complexity	Level 3 Moderate
Schedule	Level 4 Low
Technical Difficulty	Level 4 Low
Operation and Support	Level 3 Moderate
Commercial	Level 4 Low

The ACAT Level assessed for this Phase is ACAT III.

Phase 2

ACAT Attribute	Complexity Level Assessment
Acquisition Cost	Level 1 Very High >$1500m (Towards the lower end of the band)
Project Management Complexity	Level 2 High
Schedule	Level 2 High
Technical Difficulty	Level 3 Moderate
Operation and Support	Level 2 High
Commercial	Level 3 Moderate

The ACAT Level assessed for this Phase is ACAT II.

Planned Schedule Highlights

First Pass Approval	Phase 1 Phase 2	FY 2010-11 to FY 2011-12 FY 2010-11 to FY 2011-12
Year-of-Decision	Phase 1 Phase 2	FY 2013-14 to FY 2014-15 FY 2012-13 to FY 2014-15
Initial Operating Capability	Phase 1 Phase 2	2015 to 2017 2014 to 2016

Points of Contact

Phase: Phases 1 and 2

Capability Staff: Deputy Director Combat Mobility (02) 6265 1073

Defence Materiel Organisation: Project Manager New Airlift Program Office (02) 6127 2597