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• AIR 9000 Phase 8 Future Naval Aviation Combat System

Phase 8 Future Naval Aviation Combat System

Scope

This phase is intended to provide an organic combat aviation capability to Navy’s surface combatant fleet. This includes the acquisition of multi-role naval combat helicopters, weapons, synthetic training, infrastructure, logistics and other support systems.

Background

The Navy’s current tactical helicopter capability is provided by the Seahawk S-70B-2. A surface warfare strike capability was to have been provided by the cancelled Seasprite program. The White Paper indicated that as a matter of urgency the Government would acquire at least 24 new naval combat helicopters. The new aircraft will possess advanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities along with an ability to fire air-to-surface missiles.

Australian Industry Opportunities

Acquisition

In order to minimise technical, schedule, and financial risks it is envisaged that a Military-off-the-Shelf (MOTS) solution will be sourced from overseas. There may be some opportunity for Australian industry in aircraft assembly, and development of some support systems.

Through‑life Support

The retention of an off-the-shelf configuration is considered important for cost effective Australian based deeper level maintenance, engineering and through-life support.

Industry Capabilities and Activities

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

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

Acquisition Category (ACAT)

ACAT Attribute	Complexity Level Assessment
Acquisition Cost	Level 1 Very High> $1500m
Project Management Complexity	Level 2 High
Schedule	Level 2 High
Technical Difficulty	Level 2 High
Operation and Support	Level 1 Very High
Commercial	Level 2 High

The ACAT Level assessed for this Phase is ACAT II.

Planned Schedule Highlights

First Pass Approval	FY 2009-10 to FY 2010-11
Year-of-Decision	FY 2010-11 to FY 2011-12
Initial Operating Capability	2014 to 2016

Points of Contact

Capability Staff: Project Manager AIR 9000 Ph 8 (02) 6265 6435

Defence Materiel Organisation: Director Emerging Aerospace Projects (02) 6265 6298