By
Andrew Stackpool
FURTHER upgrades to AP-3Cs and C-130s are
being investigated as a result of experiences in the Middle East.
Studies are being completed into the potential acquisition of
MIC 934 explosive suppressant foam, ballistic matting and an electronic
warfare self-protection package for the Orion fleet.
Electronic warfare self-protection is already in place for the
C-130 H and J models (the latter is currently operating in the
MEAO).
Air Force Director of Combat Capability Management Group Captain
Mike Bennett said the Air Force was funding aircraft manufacturer
Lockheed Martin to undertake preliminary work into the viability
of fitting the explosive suppressant foam and funds had been allocated
to conduct a study on the feasibility of ballistic matting.
“We are anticipating Government approval for the project
later this year and to fit the first aircraft early in 2005,”
GPCAPT Bennett said.
The MIC 934 foam is a new capability for the RAAF, although it
is in service with Hercs and Orions in some other air forces.
The foam is put in the wing cavities and fuel tanks of the aircraft
and acts to suppress the explosion and subsequent fire from a
missile hit.
“We would be putting foam in both Hercules types but the
immediacy is for the C-130J,” GPCAPT Bennett said.
“[Lockheed Martin] will provide the necessary clearance for
our C-130 types. We didn’t buy the aircraft with the system
and we need to ensure it doesn’t interfere with other components
and also that we know how to operate it competently.
“It will alter the way we do maintenance on the aircraft
and systems (fuel gauges etcetera) will need to be maintained
differently.
“Both air and ground crews must understand what the aircraft
is telling them, so we shall need changes in that respect.
“We shall need training for both air and ground crews. This
training will probably be done in Australia but these are aspects
that Lockheed Martin will investigate to ensure optimum value.”
The ballistic matting is intended as a protection against small
arms rounds that might penetrate the aircraft, as occurred in
an incident earlier this year when a US civilian died in a Hercules
hit by small arms fire. The matting acts as a form of armour,
similar to the underfloor and seat armour fitted to helicopters
in Vietnam.
Funds have also been allocated for preliminary work on progressing
a rapid acquisition proposal to fit electronic warfare self-protection
to the AP-3C fleet. It is designed to protect the aircraft against
missile attacks.
GPCAPT Bennett said the upgrades were largely a result of lessons
in the MEAO. “Iraq has taught us a lot about operations in
a combat environment,” he said.
