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• AIR 9000 Phase 7 Helicopter Aircrew Training System

Phase 7 Helicopter Aircrew Training System

Phase Scope

Phase 7, the Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) is intended to provide a rotary wing training capability for Navy and Army, to meet the future rotary wing training needs of the ADF. The project aims to deliver a system that encompasses elements of live, synthetic and classroom aviation instruction, to overcome the broadening gap between the current rotary training systems and the advanced operational helicopters in the current and planned future ADF inventories. There are a broad range of options under consideration which could involve a direct capital acquisition or privately financed lease, or elements of both.

Background

Initially, an improved rotary wing training capability was to be provided under two projects – Phase 7A for Navy and Phase 7B for Army. Under the AIR 9000 rationalisation programme these projects were combined to form a joint training system.

Australian Industry Opportunities

Acquisition

The helicopters are likely to be Commercial- or Military-off-the-Shelf (COTS or MOTS). There is potential for Australian industry involvement in assembly of the aircraft and the development of the training system. The training system potentially includes an Aviation Training Vessel which would have significant potential for Australian industry involvement in design and construction.

Environmental Working Groups and industry briefing sessions have been conducted and more are planned to coincide with significant milestones moving toward second pass approval. Adequate notice of these events will be promulgated by Defence.

Through‑life Support

Through-life support for the HATS will include, but not be limited to, the ongoing operation, maintenance and support of the HATS aircraft, potentially an Aviation Training Vessel, simulation and training systems and devices, and all associated facilities. These activities are intended to be conducted in Australia.

Industry Capabilities and Activities

Capabilities and related activities that may provide opportunities for Australian industry in this phase include:

Activity	Capability
Assemble / Install	O	O	O		O					O	O	O	O
Design		O			O	O		O		O	O	O
Education / Training	O		O		O				O	O	O	O	O
In-Service / Through-life Support	O	O	O	O	O	O	O	O	O	O	O	O	O
Logistics Support	O	O	O	O	O	O	O	O	O	O	O	O	O
Manufacture / Construct	O	O	O	O	O	O		O	O	O	O	O
Modelling / Simulation	O		O						O	O	O	O	O
Project Manage	O	O	O		O	O		O	O	O	O	O	O
Refurbish / Upgrade	O	O	O	O	O			O	O	O	O	O	O
Repair and Maintain	O	O	O	O	O	O	O	O	O	O	O	O	O
Research and Development					O		O			O	O	O
Software Development / Support			O	O	O		O	O		O	O	O
Systems Definition / Development			O	O	O	O	O	O		O	O	O
Systems Integration	O		O	O	O	O	O	O	O	O	O	O	O
Test and Evaluate	O	O	O	O	O	O	O	O	O	O	O	O	O

  Acquisition Category (ACAT)

ACAT Attribute	Complexity Level Assessment
Acquisition Cost	Level 2 High $500m–$1500m (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 2 High

The ACAT Level assessed for this Phase is ACAT III.

Planned Schedule Highlights

First Pass Approval	Complete
Year-of-Decision	FY 2011-12 to FY 2012-13
Initial Operating Capability	2014 to 2016

Points of Contact

Capability Staff: Deputy Director Maritime Aviation (02) 6265 5518

Defence Materiel Organisation: Project Manager AIR 9000 Phase 7 (02) 4424 1676