MEDIA RELEASE
MIN 039/97 Wednesday, 19 February 1997
TRACOR INC SIGN NEW AERIAL TARGET SYSTEM CONTRACT
The Minister for Defence, Mr Ian McLachlan, today announced that Tracor Inc has signed a $47m contract to provide a new Aerial Target System for the Australian Defence Force.
Known as Kalkara - an aboriginal word meaning storm bird - the new aerial target system will replace the Jindivik which ceases operations at the end of this year after more than 30 years of service.
Developed by Tracor Inc, Kalkara is based on a high performance, recoverable, jet powered drone aircraft, which will tow aerial targets.
Kalkara will be used by the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force for exercising and evaluating surface-to-air-missiles, and air-to-air-missiles, as well as ship-borne anti-air and anti-missile defence systems.
Minister McLachlan said "The $47m Kalkara contract with Tracor Inc, covers nine years of target system operation and includes 20 target aircraft, two ground control stations and associated ground support equipment.
"Kalkara will be an important capability for Australian Defence Force training and operational readiness".
Australian Industry, principally through ASTA Defence (now part of Boeing Australia), will be involved in operating and technically supporting the system.
Kalkara is expected to enter service on the east coast of Australia in early 1998, and will be available later that year for west coast operation.
Further Information:
Ministerial - Jim Bonner 0419 438 490 (mob)
Departmental - Captain Brian Rowe 06 266 4980 (b/h)