Asian Military Review - June 2011

VOLUME 19/ISSUE 4

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Contents JUNE 2011 VOLUME 19 / ISSUE 4

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Asia Pacific looks to the future Richard Gardner Today, the Asia Pacific “Tiger” economies, led by India and China, are now emerging as the main drivers of future growth in the increasingly global economy. What will this mean in terms of planning the air assets needed by air forces throughout the region?

Front Cover Photo: The F-22 Raptor remains the world’s premier air dominance fighter. It is nonetheless experiencing problems as it enters service with a fleet wide stand down in May due to oxygen-system malfunctions, a fatal crash in November which is still under investigation and low mission-capable rates associated with its low-observable ‘stealth technology’ © DoD

Soldier Survivability

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Adam Baddeley The goals for soldier survivability remain intact; the search for modular, scalable solutions using lighter, flexible materials and new design approaches to provide greater protection

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18 Asian Submarine Operations Ted Hooton In the past 50 years the role of the submarine has expanded as its capabilities have increased, to such a degree that for some 30 years the Bible of the naval community, Jane’s Fighting Ships, has rated them as the modern capital ship superior even to the aircraft carrier

Tactical C4I Systems Adam Baddeley Militaries in the Asia-Pacific want the same things any other military wants from its Tactical Communications Systems, namely to share data and integrate command structures and enable high-speed, largecapacity, long-distance wireless relay transmission systems

38 Airborne Refueling: Increasing Endurance John Mulberry The might of an air force is greatly dependent on the capabilities of its Air-to-Air Refuelling aircraft.

The requirement for aerial refuelling tankers capable of providing true force multiplication and mission range enhancement is ever-increasing

Asian Maritime Patrol Aircraft

Substitute for another Guy

Martin Streetly With the vastnesses of the Pacific and the Indian Ocean, it would be surprising if the air forces and navies of the Asia-Pacific region had not invested heavily in airborne maritime patrol. Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Pakistan, the Russian Federation, Singapore, Taiwan and New Zealand all operate or are acquiring maritime patrol aircraft

Adam Baddeley Unmanned Ground Vehicles continue to add to the spectrum of roles they are called upon to undertake, some far removed from their original explosive ordnance disposal duties, dating from the 1970s

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With the country’s political, administrative and political centre and the bulk of its population being in Europe a focus there is perhaps inevitable but at the very least, recent changes in policy under both Putin and Medvedev indicate a balance is being sought between East and West although the policy and strategy to pursue this has been inconsistent and patchy.

Germany/Austria/Switzerland/Italy/UK Sam Baird, Whitehill Media Tel: (44-1883) 715 697 Mobile: (44-7770) 237 646 E-Mail: sam@whitehillmedia.com India Vishal Mehta, Media Transasia India Limited Tel: (91) 124 4759625, Fax: (91) 124 4759550 E-Mail: vishal@mediatransasia.com Israel Liat Heiblum, Oreet - International Media Tel: (97 2) 3 570 6527 E-Mail: liat@oreet-marcom.com ME Asia/ Pakistan/Turkey Kamran Saeed, Solutions Inc., Tel/Fax: (92 21) 3439 5105 Mobile: (92) 300 823 8200 E-Mail: kamran.saeed@solutions-inc.info Russia Alla Butova, NOVO-Media Ltd, Tel/Fax : (7 3832) 180 885 Mobile : (7 960) 783 6653 Email :alla@mediatransasia.com, allbbo@online.sinor.ru Scandinavia/Benelux/South Africa Tony Kingham, KNM Media Tel: (44) 2081 445 934 Mobile : (44) 7827 297 465 E-Mail: tony.kingham@worldsecurity-index.com

USA (East/South East)/Canada Margie Brown, Margie Brown & Associates.

Tel : (+1 540) 341 7581 Email :margiespub@rcn.com

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Russia’s economic and political focus remains in Europe but could this change?

France/Spain Stephane de Remusat, REM International Tel: (33) 5 3427 0130 E-Mail: sremusat@aol.com

South Korea Young Seoh Chinn, Jes Media Inc. Tel: (82-2) 481 3411/13 E-Mail: jesmedia@unitel.co.kr

USSIA IS rarely if ever seen as an AsiaPacific power, unusual since most of its territory is actually in Asia. Despite the Russian Far East neighbouring China, Japan and in close proximity to South Korea, there has been a difficult relationship with this global economic powerhouse.

Insulated from their neighbours during the Soviet era, the potential for political and economic integration with their Far Eastern neighbours remains largely unrealised.

Australia Charlton D'Silva, Mass Media Publicitas Tel: (61 2) 9252 3476 E-Mail: cdsilva@publicitas.com

Singapore Constance Lee Tel: (65) 9181 4747 E-Mail: constance.lsc@gmail.com

Editorial

Trade is rising with the Far East and a preoccupation with European trade is being seen in Russia as a potential vulnerability and is seeking more diverse markets. China is Russia’s main economic partner in the region, but trade with other such as South Korea and Japan is rising. Russia also has a desire not to simply become a natural resource tap for the region and is seeking a market for its goods.

This change will see Russia begin to rebuild its status as a regional power but in recent years it was aligned itself closely with China against Japan and South Korea (and the US) in opposition to Ballistic Missile Defence, even while Russia deployed S-400 batteries in the Primorsky Krai against the same North Korean threat. It is also the primary supplier of foreign and advanced defence technology to China, both willingly and in some cases unknowingly, to some consternation in Seoul and Tokyo. But China is both a security challenge as well as opportunity and partner for Russia; long standing territorial claims by China combined with China’s growing military power and the economic wellbeing to sustain it. Russia also has to move away from the lingering perception that its policy toward North Korea has more to do with inconveniencing and embarrassing the US. If Russia is to prosper in the Far East, it has to find a balance in its security relationship with all the key members of the region. Rather than China being the favoured partner despite the potential threats it poses, Russia should move to a policy of making China primus inter pares with Japan and Korea.

USA (West/South West)/Brazil Diane Obright, Blackrock Media Inc. Tel: +1 (858) 759 3557 Email: blackrockmedia@cox.net

Adam Baddeley, Editor Editor: Adam Baddeley E-mail: adam@baddeley.net

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PERSONAL

PROTECTION EQUIPMENT

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Soldier

vivability The goals for soldier survivability remain intact; the search for Modular, Scalable Solutions using lighter, flexible materials and new design approaches to provide greater protection to include extremities rather than simply the torso and head and to do so at less weight and bulk.

by Adam Baddeley

ODY ARMOUR has previously not been designed for integration, instead it has been designed to hang equipment onto. Body armour clothing and webbing are now being sought within an integrated package into and onto which Power, Weapons Optics, C2 Devices, and Load Bearing Equipment can be integrated into a system.

Technology Advancements for plate armour are limited. It remains a largely immutable fact and typically when weight savings can be found, the materials technology used is often prohibitively expensive.

Modular armour is not a panacea either as it also carries a generic weight penalty versus a dedicated single purpose vest.

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plates by 15 to 20 percent. For helmets those capable of providing 7.62mm protection will drop 30-40 percent and those tasked with protection from fragmentation by half.

The Marine Corps are less publicly prescriptive but also emphasise integration and load reductions as key issues in their science and technology goals with their work on a Headborne System – pursuing solutions that integrate modular protection with sensors,

heads up display, and power while the Lightweight Individual Modular Body Armor (LIMBR) – pursuing lighter ballistic plates, light weight modular and tailorable soft armor for the torso and extremities, and new combat helmet designs with equal or greater protection.

In terms of fielded solutions, the US Army’s stock is now fairly static. The Soldier Plate (SPCE) Carrier System, produced by KDH Industries which in conjunction with the ESAPI plate provides Level 4+ protection began fielding with the new OEF camouflage pattern in late 2010 and is used with that other staple of US protection; the Improved Outer Tactical Vest, produced by a basket of contractors. The plates for the SPCE continue to be made on an ongoing basis. In late March, Ceradyne announced a $36 million order for XSAPI due to be delivered in the

The Marine Corps are less publicly prescriptive than the US Army in terms of protection levels but also emphasise integration and load reductions in their R&D plans © DoD

Body Armour

In the US, both the Army and Marine Corps have common goals in body armour. For the Army, work led by RDECOM in Soldier Protection materials and design are seeking a reduction in body armour weight by 30-40 percent in general by FY 2014 with specific reduction in the weight of ESAPI/XSAPI (Facing page) The FELIN programme has seen protection levels on French infantrymen rise © Armée de Terre

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Much greater emphasis is being placed on integration of body armour with load carriage © BAE Systems

next few months, part of an ongoing delivery process as part of the $2.37 billion made in 2008 and due to continue until 2013.

Other countries are reviewing their option; for example the UK is now in the assessment phase of its Virtus programme to develop a family of scalable systems with the new Osprey Mk.4 Armour deployed only last year.

Soldier Modernisation Programmes have seen additional armour being integrated. The FELIN programme has seen protection levels on French infantrymen rise. Prior to the systems being introduced they were equipped with NATO STANAG Level 2 on the side and 3 on the Torso with limited protection on the

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neck area. With FELIN, this has risen to 2 on the side, 3 on the back and 4 at the front and much greater protection around the neck.

TenCate Protective Fabrics are supplying Italy’s Soldato Futuro programme with its fire-resistant TenCate Defender for the system’s new Battle Dress Uniform through clothing and protection levels on the project Aero Sekur. Initial contracts let this year will see the delivery of the first 600 systems. A key feature is the use of Lenzing FR fibre which while fire resistant can also absorb moisture, making the fabric breathable and

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comfortable. TenCate’s Defender fabrics are also used as standard on battle dress uniforms US Army and the US Marine Corps and Norway.

Australia is now beginning to field its new Tiered Body Armour System (TBAS), produced by Australian Defence Apparel replacing either the Modular Combat Body Armour System (MCBAS) which is deemed too heavy or the lighter Eagle Marine body armour obtained in 2010 as a stop gap measure until TBAS could be fielded. TBAS has been fielded since late 2009 with a number of units over the past 18 months including Special Forces, 1st Brigade in Darwin, 3RAR in Sydney and 2 RAR in Townsville. TBAS will deploy to Afghanistan with Mentoring Task Force 3 later this year.

Every part of the body must be protected, but soldiers value some parts far more than

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others. BCB International have developed the Blast Boxers are a pair of protective shorts worn instead of underwear made from Kevlar and a special comfortable fabric. They have been extensively trialed and tested.

Ballistic trials have shown that the Blast Boxers provide significant protection of the soft groin area against some of the fragments and upward blast from an IED. These tests Recent operations have made the issue of comprehensive personal protective equipment a standard feature of military operations © DoD

demonstrated that the Blast Boxers’ doublelayered Kevlar will offer ballistic protection of 230 metres per second in the standard NIJ V50, 5.8 grain ballistic test.

A breakthrough technology in body armour has been developed by Rafael’s Manor Division using Boron Carbide. A very light and strong material, the barrier to its widespread use have been related to issues with the hitherto only available manufacturing process, known as the ‘Hot Press’ process, which requires very high temperatures and pressures and only lends itself to

small batches at a time and with high rejection rates in quality control.

To overcome these issues Rafael developed its proprietary ‘Pressureless Sintering’ process which is low cost and makes Boron Carbide products straightforward to mass produce with consistent quality and with strong edge performance. Protective products are created using a series of boron carbide tiles which may be shaped as flat, single curved or multi-curved tiles with custommade shapes and dimensions.

Against standard 7.62mm and 5.56mm rounds a ceramic thickness of only 4.5mm is needed with a weigh of 24 kg/m_, to provide NIJ Level III protection while to provide a NIJ Level IV protection against the challenge of 7.62x63 mm APM2 rounds, a ceramic thickness of only 9.2 mm with a density of 34 kg/m2 is needed.

Boron carbide products for dismounted users have been produced in Haifa for specialised domestic users over the past two years. The company has now licensed its production in the US through local company Lightflex and is now in the process of certifying the material for use by several protective gear manufacturers.

New material, Dyneema SB51 UD was publicly launched in late 2010, designed to replace soft ballistic armours in vest design for largely paramilitary users seeking to minimise weight while retaining protection level against handgun ammunition, fragments and knives. It is the first material to be designed specifically to provide protection against the prevalent threats in Central and Eastern Europe and Asia Pacific, in par-

The UK is now in the assessment phase of its Virtus programme to develop a family of scalable systems

ticular the 7.62x25mm Tokarev bullet, widely used in former Soviet states and neighbouring countries as well as the Chinese P54 pistol ammunition. Other lightweight material technology include Dyneema SB21 and SB31 UD grades. The new SB51 has been shown to outperform aramid based solutions by a significant degree and improve over SB21 designs by up to 20 percent in testing. The first manufacturer to use SB51 is Zhong Tian Feng in Beijing.

Other new materials recently launched

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The UK is now in the assessment phase of its Virtus programme to develop a family of scalable systems with the new Osprey Mk.4 Armour deployed only last year © AJB

include Spectra Shield II SA 4144, part of Honeywell’s Spectra Shield II line, which offer a offers a 25 percent improvement in ballistic performance compared with the first generation of Spectra Shield as well as reducing the weight of personal armor systems by as much as 30 percent while retaining NIJ .06 ballistic vest certification standard.

Sight

While individuals can and do continue to function on the battlefield with considerable injuries, the ability to overcome blindness or visual impairment poses insuperable barriers. In response to this militaries are taking particular interest in protective eyewear as the best means of minimising eye injuries to the eyes both permanent and/or long lasting and temporary affects which have an immediate tactical impact upon situational awareness and if not prevented could lead to death or injuries from other battlefield effects. In addition to the initial blast or fragmentation itself designs also have to deal with the

debris and dirt thrown up from the blast which can be equally harmful.

Under the US Army’s Military Combat Eye Protection Program, the strategy has been to maximize soldier acceptance of the glasses by providing a wide range of qualified eyewear and allowing them to choose according to personal taste and mission requirements. Spectacle products include the ESS Crossbow, Oakley SI Ballistic M Frame

2.0, Revision Sawfly, Smith Optics Aeglis, Uvex Genesis and XC and Wiley X PT-1, SG1 and X Talon. The Army have also under the same programme sourced a range of goggles from Arena, ESS, Revision and Smith Optics.

To date, ESS is the only approved ballistic eyewear for the US Marine Corps.

Revision won the UK’s Protective Combat Eyewear contract in February which will see the company supply their Sawfly Military

In addition to the initial blast or fragmentation itself eye protection designs also have to deal with the debris and dirt thrown up from the blast which can be equally harmful © Revision

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Eyewear System and Bullet Ant Goggles which will become standard issue to all troops in Afghanistan. At the same time, it was announced that the Canadian Department of National Defence had selected the Sawfly for Air Force’s Ballistic Eyewear requirements while supplying 33,000 kits and 40,000 additional lenses in 2011 alone.

Recent improvements to the product line include Sawfly Military Eyewear System in small size and the Asian Locust Fan Goggle a low power, near silent fan designs to significantly improve anti-fogging performance in humid environments found in Asia.

Eye Safety Systems (ESS) recently won an order to supply 30,000 ICE eyeshield units, which are compliant to a range of standards including MIL SPEC MILPRF-31013, to the French National Police. The US DoD contracted ESS in March to provide their U-Rx prescription lens carrier in existing and future DoD eyeshields and goggle products. ESS introduced the Asian Fit Goggle Series in 2007.

Selex’s WACH 900 headset provides over-ear hearing protection © Selex Communications

Hearing

Hearing protection has become vital to considerations of what protection for the soldier encompasses. Hearing damage is accumulative and irreversible. Soldiers’ needs are for protection against both temporary and permanent damage, caused by the full range of battlefield noise in both the mounted and dismounted roles.

There are two types of noise; high steady continuous noise generated by vehicles or aircraft against which Active Noise Reduction (ANR) can be used to effectively combating its effects across the range of mobility platforms.

In contrast, impulse noise is generated by weapons or explosion is present during both training and operations. Its effects are isolated from the user through the use of advanced digital signal processing and passive protection.

Both types are equally damaging in different ways. Soldiers who are exposed to these types of noise without adequate protection will suffer either temporary or permanent damage. A deaf soldier or hearing impaired can’t deploy on operations and years of expensive training can be lost for want of relatively inexpensive protection.

Esterline Racal Acoustic’s Frontier1000 communications headset deployment is continuing apace with the British Army. The Personal Integrated Hearing Protection (PIHP) programme has delivered in-ear hear-

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ing protection to troops in Afghanistan. The company recently launched their RA6000 which allows the soldier to continuously monitor four communication channels simultaneously, typically two Soldier Radios, plus an intercom and a vehicle mounted radio.

The RA6000 itself has been in trials in the US with PEO Soldier and Natick Soldier Center and has been in trials in Denmark and is

A breakthrough technology in body armour has been developed by Rafael’s Manor Division using Boron Carbide

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competing in programmes in Poland, UK and Canada.

Silynx made their name in providing advanced headsets for Special Forces notably in the US but has since seen their products be employed for more conventional programme such as in Australia.

Nacre’s Quietpro family have pioneered in ear headsets designed to protect against exposure to the negative effects continuous and impulse noise while retaining normal hearing levels and through additional features can switch to whisper mode in a covert environment as well as offer enhanced hearing in other cases. In 2008, the Quietpro was the only in-ear communications device approved for use by the US Army.

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In many ways the growing economic dominance of Asia is returning to the situation last seen five hundred years ago. Before Europe emerged as a colonizing continent, Asia was responsible historically for up to 60 percent of world trade.

by Richard Gardner

Asia Pacific looks to the

Future The JF-17 is a joint Chinese-Pakistan programme for a light supersonic multi-role fighter in the same class as the F-16 Š R Gardner

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ODAY, the Asia Pacific “Tiger” economies, led by India and China, are now emerging as the main drivers of future growth in the increasingly global economy. In the rest of the 21st Century, a gradual readjustment of the global balance of power (economic and political) will see both India and China assuming an even more dominant role, and this will undoubtedly have major implications throughout the world, but especially for others in the Asia Pacific region. What will this mean in terms of planning the air assets needed by air forces throughout the region? Will it just be a question of “more of the same” but substituting the latest aircraft and missiles for today’s equipment, or will a different approach be needed, perhaps with wider regional collaboration so that more expensive and complex defence assets can be acquired and shared?

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Mutual fears

Both India and China perceive each other as more than competitors in the rush to expand economic power and influence. There is a mutual fear of encirclement and this

explains why so much of their growing financial and intellectual wealth is being invested in aerospace and defence capabilities right across the board. Ten years ago, neither was considered a serious threat to the established technological giants of the aerospace/defence sector, and even today both still rely on key technology supplied by Western and Russian companies. But this is

Home-grown military aircraft production in India and China has a mixed history, and on the whole has not been successful, despite enormous sums of money being consumed in the process

fast changing as both seek to increase their indigenous technological and industrial capacity. This is happening through well funded research and development programmes, a huge expansion in educational effort to qualify the right engineers and systems specialists, and a rapid build up in

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expertise provided by a combination of licence-building advanced aircraft designs and equipment, and reverse-engineering.

Home-grown military aircraft production in India and China has a mixed history, and on the whole has not been successful, despite enormous sums of money being consumed in the process, but things are now changing.

In the case of India, this is being achieved by massive efforts in Research and Development activities and driving hard bargains with suppliers on technology transfer. By insisting wherever possible on local licence manufacturing and final assembly, vital systems integration expertise is also growing with every new programme.

New fighters, upgrades introducing advanced SAR radars, new cockpit avionics and weapons systems, and larger multiengine aircraft, such as AEW&C and ISR surveillance platforms, are enabling new programmes to move ahead, taking the home capability forward each time, rather than just acquiring an off-the-shelf product. With the Sukhoi T50/PAKFA combat aircraft becoming a joint Russian/HAL programme,

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India, which is investing around $25 billion, will secure regional air dominance. Together with up to 150 MMRCA medium combat aircraft (yet to be selected), continuing production of the Sukhoi-MK30I , and several hundred other upgraded and ground attack combat types, India is moving towards its enlarged goal of 60 fast jet operational squadrons. It is also planning a globallycapable new aircraft carrier fleet, more surface warships and submarines, and a mix of Unmanned Air Systems and long-range Maritime Patrol Aircraft. Historically the majority of Indian front line aircraft have faced Eastwards, to counter Pakistan, but bases to the North and East are to be strengthened as a result of China’s own defence expansion.

China’s defence ambitions

China is watchful of what is happening in India, especially regarding its growing capability to project air and sea power over the Indian Ocean and across Central Asia.

China’s J-10 and J-20 indigenous combat aircraft indicate a strong desire to develop air platforms that can challenge the best current US designs, represented by late The Boeing 737 forms the basis for the Wedgetail AEW&C and the new P-8A MR platform © R Gardner

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model F15s, F-16s, F-18s, and the F-22 and F-35. While in technology terms China is still a long way behind the West and Russia in advanced combat aircraft, and this includes the J-10 and J-20, it has previously had the advantage of threatening the use of large numbers to swamp possible Western defences – for example in the defence of Taiwan or South Korea. It also has the very real ability, using aircraft-launched, submarine, land and ship-launched missiles, to threaten the US Navy’s super-carriers, thus ensuring that they remain at a distance from the Chinese mainland. As China expands its own blue-water navy, with more submarines, surface warships and carriers, it will present even more of a challenge to the US Navy, as well as thinlyspread NATO warships in the Indian Ocean and other navies in the region. With Chinese trade currently dominating sea lanes to the Americas and Europe, the Chinese are currently in no mind to do anything likely to disrupt the status quo, but in years to come as resources in Africa and elsewhere become more scarce and China’s domestic needs continue to grow, there is ample scope for future clashes if Chinese defence and foreign policy projects a more outward and aggressive focus, as many predict it will. Perhaps the greatest threat from China, and this extends well beyond the

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Asia Pacific region, is from cyber and spacebased capabilities. The cyber warfare is aimed at obtaining as much classified and sensitive material as possible and also opening up options for attacking and crippling targeted computer systems. Asia Pacific defence forces will have to work individually and collectively to protect the functionality of key defence equipment.

This a far less visible defence issue than, for example, the selection of a new aircraft, but it must be factored in as it is becoming too important to ignore.

South Asia and Oceana

Western arms suppliers gave Indonesia a wide berth during the last decade following unrest in East Timor, and as a result followup orders for aircraft such as the BAE Systems Hawk and Lockheed Martin F-16 were not forthcoming. The government turned again to the Russians and the very capable Sukhoi Su-27/30. This was considered a potential challenge to the regional air superiority of the Republic of Singapore Air Force, Malaysia and the Royal Australian Air Force, but the Indonesian fast jet fleet has remained small and its remaining Hawks, F-16s and F-5Es continue in service with the Sukhoi fighters. Indonesia is now looking at expansion and modernisation of its ageing air force, but although a British

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government minister has talked of selling the country Eurofighter Typhoons, this would not comply with the UK’s own current defence export sales policy, and is therefore unlikely. While other supplier nations remain concerned that Indonesia’s human rights history is not repeated, Australia’s relations with Jakarta are now more relaxed, and so future military sales to that country may include aircraft that would not upset the current regional balance. This would allow the sale of training and utility aircraft, or small maritime air patrol platforms, but front-line fast-jet fighter strength enhancements may be limited to upgrades to existing types. This would seem to indicate that aircraft such as the Su-30MK could see an increase in numbers over the coming years, with small counter-insurgency aircraft, such as the Super Tucano, making an appearance, perhaps through the expedient of being supplied as advanced trainers.

Indonesia has long enjoyed a cooperative production agreement with the former CASA (now part of Airbus Military) and as

a result has a fleet of locally-built C212 and CN235 transport and maritime patrol aircraft. It also uses the Australian-built Nomad STOL light transport.

Australian air power renewed

The Royal Australian Air Force in its 90th anniversary year is mid-way through a comprehensive A$26 billion modernisation programme. This will provide for a rolling renewal programme that will take the service through to 2030. It allows for a three percent year-on-year increase in the defence budget, recognises fully the shifting regional power balance resulting from Indian and Chinese defence expansion, and has been

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The Lockheed P-3C is the most widely used maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft in the Asia pacific region © R Gardner

constructed to provide a flexible force structure that will retain a high level of defence self-reliance. It will contribute to, and be capable of leading, coalition forces, and will retain a wider strategic defence capability to help secure threatened neighbours as well as defending the land mass of Australia. Closer defence links with New Zealand, in the form of shared air transport and amphibious warfare capability will be developed, but perhaps the most significant regional defence contribution will be delivered by the acquisition and deployment of a range of advanced combat I-STAR air assets. With one of the world’s largest areas of maritime responsibility to monitor and defend, from the tropics out into the Indian Ocean and Pacific, down as far as Antarctica, Australia is investing in fleets of new generation longrange aircraft that will provide airborne early warning, command and control, sur-

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veillance, intelligence gathering, surface and sub-surface attack capability and search and rescue. At present 18 AP-3C Orions provide the MR cover, but these are to be replaced by a mix of Boeing P-8A Poseidon MR aircraft and Global Hawk UAS platforms, offering a massive increase in persistent surveillance cover over vast areas. Added to these assets are three Boeing Wedgetail AEW&C patrol aircraft. A new fleet of five EADS/Airbus KC-30A tanker aircraft will provide global reach for all suitably equipped receiver aircraft, including the fast jet combat fleet comprising F/A-18A Hornets and the new F/A18F Super Hornets. From 2018 Australia will introduce up to 100 F-35A Joint Strike Fighters. This and agile fighter/attack air fleet will give a very strong regional boost providing high quality air defence and The IAI Heron UAV is a typical MALE Unmanned Air System that is in everyday use over Afghanistan. The role of the UAV at all levels of operational activity will become more widespread over the coming years Š R Gardner

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The city state of Singapore has one of the most modern, if small, air forces in the region, reflecting its key strategic location attack capability, strategic and tactical airlift using C-17s and C-130Js, and support for ground forces using Chinooks, NH90s and S-70s. Australia will continue to exercise closely with New Zealand, Singapore and US regional forces.

The city state of Singapore has one of the most modern, if small, air forces in the region, reflecting its key strategic location. It is equipped with advanced multi-role F15SG Strike Eagles and F-16C/D Fighting Falcons as well as F-5s. Most importantly, providing airborne early warning and command and control are AEW Gulfstream G550s and E-2C Hawkeyes and maritime patrol is carried out by Fokker F50 aircraft.

Protecting shipping from piracy is an ongo-

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ing task for all air forces and navies in the region. Neighbouring Malaysia shares a strategic location, but with less stable Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand to the North it has a front line air defence strength of around 50 fighters comprising Russiansupplied Su-30MKMs, MiG-29s and F/A18Ds, with Hawk 208 light attack jets. It has been topping up its MiG-29 fleet, but reliability and availability rates have reduced the number of aircraft that are actually combatready. It currently lacks any ISTAR assets.

Other nearby air forces, including those of Laos and Myanmar have Russian and Chinese supplied aircraft, the latter operating Mig-29s, F-7s and A-5s, with heavy Chinese influence at all levels within its government. Vietnam operates Russian-built MiG and Sukhoi fighters and tries to retain good relations with China, Russia and the West. The Philippines Air Force retains a few F-5A/B jets and a handful of OV-10 Bronco COIN aircraft, but now has a very depleted air capability, which is concentrated around a mix of utility helicopter types.

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Keeping a balance

The most significant air powers in the region beyond India and China are Pakistan, South and North Korea, Taiwan, Japan and United States Air Force and Navy. Pakistan is focused on balancing its close relations with both China and the West, while at the same time countering internal unrest and terrorist activity in its wild frontier regions. Providing it remains robust supporting Western anti-terrorist measures, it will be supported in moves to modernise its forces, but this will remain a sensitive situation in view of Pakistan’s ongoing border dispute with India and its need to live alongside China to its north.

Defence-watchers see one of the biggest potential future flash-points remaining along the Korean North-South border, and in the seas surrounding Taiwan. The strategic implications spill out across a vast area of the Pacific region, encompassing Japan.

The latter remains inward looking in defence terms, but maintains significant self-defence forces. Having been refused permission to acquire F-22 Raptors, Japans Self Defence Air Force is likely to acquire F35s in due course. Japan operates extensive airborne ISTAR and early warning air assets, though its proximity to China will always attract strong US air power support.

South Korea also has grave fears concerning

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Singapore operates F-16s alongside F-15s and is a likely candidate for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, where the latter's ISR capabilities will be exploitable as a result of the RSAF's heavy investment in air and ground-based networked command and control Š DoD

aggression from the North, but is extremely well defended with full US support. Taiwan presents a greater problem as the territory remains under continuous threat from China and growing Chinese confidence in defence terms will only increase the potential danger. The role of regionally-based US air power is still pivotal, offering a credible counter to Chinese ambitions and giving smaller regional nations an effective defence umbrella for cover. As China stretches the reach of its air forces with aircraft carriers and longer-range aircraft, the balance of power will tilt in its favour. As regional air forces, and even the US, cannot match China’s expansion in terms of numbers, the quality of the air power available to challenge the growing threat will become even more vital. Superior technology, intelligence and networked interoperability can go some way to maintaining the overall balance, though as already mentioned, the impact of cyber warfare may yet become of growing importance in deciding how Asia Pacific defends itself long term.

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SUBMAR INE O P E R A T O N S

Asian Sub Operations HE SUBMARINE has helped shaped the course of Asia’s history for, as a submersible torpedo boat in the Second World War it largely annihilated Japan’s merchant fleet paving the way for that nation’s defeat and the independence of the continent from colonial rule. Yet it is those former colonial powers who have made possible a quantum leap in submarine capabilities making them even more capable of interdicting the merchant fleets upon which Asia’s commerce depends.

In terms of platforms’ improved ‘teardrop’ shaping of the hull and the sail (formerly conning tower), as well as reducing the inertial cavitation effects (the bubbles of water flowing over a surface to increase the acoustic signature), have produced much quieter boats. This has not only made them more difficult to detect but it enhances their own sensors and in some cases using towed sonar arrays they can detect and locate targets up to 1000 nautical miles (1,850 kilometres) away.

The Russian Kilo class, the Project 877 and 636 boats sold to China, the Project 877 boats sold to India and the Project 636 boats sold to Vietnam, are especially feared because they are so ‘quiet’, their single propeller reportedly computer designed with foreign technology to reduce the boat’s acoustic signature. The influence of these vessels is seen in the latest Chinese conventional submarines, the Song (Type 039) and Yuan (Type 041), especially the latter which seem to reflect a combination of Chinese and Russian

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influences.

The other factor of the ‘teardrop’ design is that it turns the submersible torpedo boat into a true submarine, one which has a higher speed underwater than on the surface. After the Second World War submarines were streamlined and given increased battery power, the US Navy’s Greater Underwater Propulsion Power Program (GUPP) being typical, but these boats such as the two which Taiwan still operates for training and the Russian-built ‘Foxtrots’ (Project 641), which India has just paid off, had underwater speeds slightly inferior to those of their speeds on the surface.

But the generation of submarines which appeared from the late 1950s were designed for high underwater speeds with ‘teardrop’ hulls and slimmer sails.

Typical is the Howaldtswerke Deutsche Werft (HDW) Type 209 which has been purchased in various incarnations by India, Indonesia and South Korea (and built by the latter) whose underwater speed is twice that of the 11 knots it can make upon the surface. The same characteristics are to be found in the FrancoSpanish Scorpène sold to Malaysia and India, the Swedish-built Challenger (formerly Sjöormen) class supplied to Singapore and Australia’s Collins class based upon a Swedish design and Japan’s domestically-designed and produced Harushios and Oyashios as well as Taiwan’s Dutch-built Hai Lungs.

Submarines no longer need to come to the surface to recharge their batteries thanks

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O P E R A T O N S

bmarine & Requirements In the past 50 years the role of the submarine has expanded as its capabilities have increased, to such a degree that for some 30 years the Bible of the naval community, Jane’s Fighting Ships, has rated them as the modern capital ship, superior even to the aircraft carrier.

by Ted Hooton

The Republic of Korea Navy submarine Lee Eokgi (071) participating in a RIMPAC exercise Š DoD

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SUBMAR INE O P E R A T O N S

to the schnorkel which is universally used which further enhances their survivability.

Underwater endurance is further enhanced by the development of Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) which either recirculates combustion products augmented into the combustion chamber or uses electrochemical devices to transform chemical energy into electrical power using hydrogen and oxygen to extend underwater endurance.

Both processes are being used in Asian waters; Pakistan is adopting the DCNS MESMA (Module d’Energie Sous Marin

The Russian Kilo class… are especially feared because they are so ‘quiet’, their single propeller reportedly computer designed with foreign technology to reduce the boat’s acoustic signature

Autonome Autonomous Sub-Marine Energy Module) recirculating system to upgrade its Khalid (Agosta 90B) class boats and India may adopt it in its Scorpènes. The alternative recirculating system is the Stirling Mk 3 which will be in Singapore’s new Västergötland (A17) class boats as well as Japan’s latest Souryu class. The chemical energy system is Siemens/HDW PEM (polymer-electrolyte-membrane) fuel cell which has been adopted in the HDW Type 214 by South Korea which is building the boats under licence to meet the KSS-2 programme as the Sohn Won-Il class.

Both China and India are reported to be

Sixth in the Collins class is HMAS Rankin shown here participating in RIMPAC 2006 © DoD

The Indian Navy submarine Sindhurakshak from the Sindhughosh class a Project 877EKM Kilo design. The vessel went to Russia for a refurbishment in 2010 © DoD

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SUBMAR INE O P E R A T O N S

developing AIP systems whose advantage is that they further enhance underwater endurance, although in all diesel-electric this is dwarfed by the nuclear-powered submarine, the ultimate underwater fighting machine. The ability of these vessels to remain under the waves depends not on mechanical but human endurance for they need refuelling only a few times in their lives so can remain underwater almost indefinitely and can develop speeds of more than 30 knots allowing them to out-manoeuvre most surface combatants.

Apart from the United States and Russia the only nuclear-powered submarine operator in the Pacific Rim has been China with the Han (Type 091) and Shang (Type 093) class attack submarines, the Xia (Type 092) and the Jin (Type 094) ballistic missile submarines.

However, India has launched the first of a domestically-designed Arihant missile-carrying submarines (it is unclear whether or not these are ballistic or cruise missiles) and has leased the RFS Nerva, a Russian Akula (Project 971) class attack submarine, as the INS Chakra which is scheduled to join the fleet by the end of this year. India has plans for two more missile and three domesticallydesigned attack submarines. Interestingly, early in 2011 Australia commentators began to suggest that Canberra purchase nuclear submarines rather than spend up to Aus$36 billion (US$33 billion) on a dozen conventional boats.

The improved performance of submarine platforms means that they are more than capable of operating covertly in foreign waters with little prospect of detection in part due to the extremely confused and difficult hydrographic conditions off Asiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coasts. Curiously, while many Asian nations have bought port protection systems none has been ready to create long range submarine detection systems such as the US static Sosus (Sound Surveillance System), now part of the Integrated Undersea Surveillance System (ISUS) together with the Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System (Surtass).

Both China and India are reported to be developing AIP systems whose advantage is that they further enhance underwater endurance

This means that there is no early warning of the presence of hostile submarines, making every Asian nation vulnerable to submarine incursion.

This is especially important for Asian security because it means that submarines can conduct Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations. This sort of mission became a traditional one, especially in Asian waters, during the Second World War and has inevitably grown more sophisticated. Images of key sites and facilities on

HMAS Waller arrives at Naval Station Pearl Harbor for RIMPAC in 2008 Š DoD

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land can be recorded at surprisingly long ranges through optical and electro-optical sensors, indeed TV cameras in mast-mounted systems can be raised, rotated, images recorded and the mast lowered within 10 seconds.

Submarines can not only provide intelligence with images but can also provide electronic information for they are routinely equipped with signals intelligence (Sigint) sensors and can also carry communications intelligence (Comint) ones. This permits the creation of a detailed Sigint picture of other countriesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; radar order-of-battle while Comint data can provide information on a wide variety of activities. Such information is useful for general intelligence but similar data can also be provided on the naval forces of potential adversaries. The last can be augmented by passive sonar which can build up a picture of the warships of other navies including their acoustic signature.

Submarines can also be used for the covert insertion of special forces for a variety of activities. Several Asian navies are to be interested in swimmer delivery vehicles, miniature submarines which can transport a party of troops many nautical miles.

Whether or not they have them, there is no sign that any Asian Navy has installed the hangers these vehicles need both for transport to the operational area and for loading and unloading the troops.

Major navies are also examining the possibility of submarines using unmanned

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underwater vehicles, both remotely operated and autonomous. Roles being considered include reconnaissance and mine detection but there remain major problems with controlling these craft as well as both deploying and recovering them and it seems unlikely that they will be used Asian navies for at least ten and possibly as many as 30 years from now.

It is likely that the more active role of Asian submarines fleets runs the full gamut from the interdiction of mercantile traffic through the attrition of enemy naval surface vessels to anti-submarine operations. The

South Korean diesel submarine Lee Sunsin (SSK 068) departs Naval Station Pearl Harbor. One of nine in the Chang Bogo class a HDW Type 209/1200 © DoD

prime weapon remains the torpedo but the Second World War ‘straight runner’ (its course could actually be modified to turn at an angle to the torpedo tube once discharged) has been replaced by far more sophisticated weapons. It is worth noting that in the past 40 years two Asian warships have been sunk by heavyweight (533mm diameter) torpedoes; the Indian frigate INS Khukri in 1971 and the South Korean corvette ROKS Chong An last year.

The loss of the latter demonstrates the effect of modern torpedoes which, contrary to the image in war movies, is not designed to strike the target’s hull. Instead they use ‘influence’ fuzes tuned to magnetic and acoustic signatures to detonate under the keel breaking the ship’s back and using its own mass to take it to the bottom. Torpedoes are usually wire guided so that the submarine can guide them, through copper or fibre optic wires for two-way signals to the submarine’s combat management system, to the target’s vicinity using the submarine’s sensors.

The weapon can then conduct the terminal phase using its own sensors and if the target is momentarily lost the weapon can conduct a search pattern until it is reacquired. Against surface ships torpedoes can make a direct approach, can circle or can follow the ship’s wake to track it down, such weapons being described as ‘wake homers.’

The other traditional weapon of the submarine is the ground mine. These are cylindrical weapons discharged from the torpe-

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do tube (although there have been proposals for external housings or ‘mine belts’) with influence fuzes. The beauty of these weapons is that they can be covertly laid in straits or the approaches to key ports and can be timed to begin and to cease operation. Their increasingly sophisticated fuzing systems can also be adjusted to initiate when a specific target signature is detected, to detonate only when the target is within range or to await another. Even more worryingly, just as aerial bombs frequently have delayed action fuzing, so the mine can be programmed to go active only after a certain number of potential targets have sailed by forcing the enemy to stop traffic into, and out of, the threatened waters. It is worth remembering that in 1986 an international task force of some 30 mine countermeasures ships was deployed when mines were detected in Oman’s waters and while they claimed success, four years later a merchantman was sunk by a mine which they had missed.

The new threat from submarines is the surface-to-surface missile. Submarinelaunched missiles, such as MNDA’s Exocet SM 39 and Boeing’s UGM-84 Sub-Harpoon, have been available since the 1970s for antiship operations. Launching these weapons neutralised the traditional surface ship shield against them, radar and surface-to-air missiles, because their sudden appearance gave the target little chance to respond. Until the late 1990s these weapons have been confined

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Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Oyashio-class submarine JS Mocishio (SS 600) one of 11 vessels in the class © DoD

to China, with the YJ-1 (CSS-N-4 ‘Sardine’) which is commercially marketed as the C-801 while the United States provided its strongest friends Australia, Japan, South Korea, Pakistan and Taiwan with the 67 nautical mile (124 kilometre) Sub-Harpoon.

Since then both the Russians and the French have sold missiles to the region’s navies and, in doing so, introduced a new dimension to submarine operations. Since 1997 India’s Kilos have been converted to accept missiles of the Novator Klub (Club) family. Initially these were 3M54 (SS-N-27 ‘Sizzler’) anti-ship missiles with ranges of 120-160 nautical miles (220-300 kilometres) but since the start of this century these boats are also receiving the 3M14 (SS-N-30) which is a dedicated 148 nautical mile (275 kilometre) land attack weapon similar in concept to the famous Tomahawk. India is also developing a submarine-launched version of its supersonic Brahmos anti-ship

weapon as well as the 400 nautical mile (740 kilometre) Sagarika land attack cruise missile, the latter possibly with Russian and Israeli technical assistance.

The 3M54 and later versions of SubHarpoon have been adapted for littoral warfare with improved guidance systems to engage ships in harbours or bays and now they are also capable of striking land targets relatively close to the coast. There is no indication that Asian Sub-Harpoon weapons have this capability but it has been introduced into the latest Exocet whose latest Block 2 version replaces a rocket motor with a turbo-jet which more than doubles the missile’s range to 97 nautical miles (180 kilometres). Exocet has been bought by India and Malaysia as part of the Scorpène package.

MBDA are developing a submarinelaunched version of their Scalp and this is likely to be marketed into the Asian region in the latter part of the decade while Australia is

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force submarine JS Uzushio (SS 592) prepares to get under way after a port visit to US Naval Base Apra Harbor in Guam © DoD

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likely to seek Tomahawks for its Collins replacement class. Domestically-produced weapons are also likely to proliferate. South Korea is set to deploy its 270 nautical mile (500 kilometre) range Cheonryong (Sea Dragon) missile in destroyers this year and has revealed it is developing a version to be used by the KSS-3 class submarines which it is also developing.

The submarine, therefore, is a key piece in Asia’s balance of power both for defensive and offensive purposes in both peace and

In the past 40 years two Asian warships have been sunk by heavyweight torpedoes; the Indian frigate INS Khukri in 1971 and the South Korean corvette ROKS Chong An last year

war. Little wonder that Indonesia talks of a fleet of 39 submarines and that both Bangladesh and Thailand now wish to join the growing list of submarine operators on the Asian continent.

There is one other factor to consider and that is raised by the sinking of the Chon An. The culprit is alleged to be a North Korean miniature submarine, a class of vessel known to have been involved in landing special forces on the Korean peninsula.

Pyongyang is the biggest operator of this kind of vessel, with some 40 craft, while Pakistan has three also used to support special forces. Although these craft have limited performance they are, as North Korea allegedly demonstrates, a new threat and might prove attractive to smaller nations further driving Asian navies to strengthen their anti-submarine defences.

MARITIME PATROL AIRCRAFT

CCORDING TO AMR’s research, Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Pakistan, the Russian Federation, Singapore, Taiwan and New Zealand all operate or are acquiring maritime patrol aircraft, with Lockheed Martin’s P-3C Orion being the predominant platform in the region. Taking the cited countries in order, Australia, Japan South Korea, Pakistan, Taiwan and New Zealand are all Orion users, with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) fielding a fleet of AP-3C platforms which are scheduled to remain in service until at least 2015. Based on the P-3C variant, the AP-3C is an upgrade of the original aircraft that has been undertaken by Raytheon and intro-

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duced a range of new equipments including the Elta EL/M-2022(V)3 search radar, a General Dynamics Canada AN/UYS-503 acoustic processing chain, a FLIR Systems StarSAFIRE III Electro-Optical (EO) targeting and surveillance system, a CAE Electronics AN/ASQ-504 Magnetic Anomaly Detector (MAD), a Unisys DDC-060 data management system, enhanced communications, an electronic flight management system, an improved navigation suite and BAE Systems Australia’s ALR-2001 Odyssey Electronic Support (ES) system. Assigned to the service’s Numbers 10 and 11 Squadrons (which are home-based at RAAF Edinburgh in South Australia), Australia’s AP-3Cs have seen service in Southwest Asia and are currently the subject of an ES system upgrade, delays to

which have caused the capability to have been added to Australia’s “projects of concern” list. At the time of writing, the Odyssey update appears to be getting back on track and it is probable that the RAAF will eventually replace the AP-3C with a mixture of Boeing P-8 aircraft and Global Hawk Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV).

Over time, the Japanese Maritime SelfDefence Force (JMSDF) has acquired at least 98 P-3C Update II.5 and Update III aircraft, approximately 80 of which were understood to remain in service with the service’s 1, 2, 3, 5 and 51 Squadrons (based at Kanoya, Hachinohe and Atsugi (3 and 51 Squadrons) respectively) prior to the 11 March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Entering service during 1981, AMR understands that the Japanese Orion fleet has been progressively

The Indian Navy is acquiring the country-specific P-8I variant of the US Navy’s P-8A platform as its next generation maritime patrol aircraft © USN

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PATROL AIRCRAFT updated with new introductions including a satellite communications system, an improved ES capability, a Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation capability and a new computer group.

Operationally, the JMSDF has deployed P3Cs to support anti-piracy operations off the Somali coast and in the Gulf of Aden and prior to the March 2011 disaster, was intending to progressively replace the P-3C with the indigenous, jet-powered Kawasaki P-1.

Launched in late 2001, the prototype P-1 made its maiden flight on 28 September 2008 and to-date, at least five such aircraft have been ordered. Powered by four 59.8 kN IHI XF7-10 turbofans, the P-1 is flown and operated by a crew of up to 10 and is equipped with an X-band (8 to 12.5 GHz) Toshiba Active Electronically Scanned

Australia’s AP-3Cs have seen service in Southwest Asia and are currently the subject of an ES system upgrade Array (AESA) search radar, a Fujitsu HAQ2 Forward-Looking Infra-Red (FLIR) sensor, a Mitsubishi HSQ-102 MAD, a sonics chain and sonobuoy provision. While Japan Fiscal Year 2011 defence budget requests a single P-1, it must be uncertain whether or not the P-1 will now go ahead in view of the devastating effect the March 2011 earthquake has had (and will continue to have) on the Japanese economy. Similar considerations must also affect Japan’s earlier interest in

the acquisition of a maritime surveillance UAV based on the RQ-4 Global Hawk.

Returning to Orion usage, South Korea has procured eight P-3C Update III+ aircraft together with a further eight P-3CKs. Of these, the P-3C Update III+s are fitted with a Raytheon AN/APS-134(V) search radar and an AN/ASQ-212 central computer, while the P-3CKs are re-worked P-3B airframes that have been produced by United States contractor L-3 Communications and Korea Aerospace Industries (six aircraft) and feature a mission suite similar to that of the country’s Update III+s. In South Korean service, the Orion is understood to be assigned to the Taiwanese 613 and 615 Heavy Squadrons based at Pohang and Jeju respectively.

Moving down the list, Pakistan has acquired a total of nine P-3C aircraft with which to

Asian

ime Patrol Patrol Aircraft Bearing in mind the vastnesses of the Pacific and the Indian Ocean, it would be surprising if the air forces and navies of the Asia-Pacific region had not invested heavily in airborne maritime patrol.

by Martin Streetly

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With as many as 80 in-service, the JMSDF is the largest P-3 Orion user in the Asia-Pacific region © JMSDF

supplement its existing Atlantic and Fokker F27 maritime patrollers. Of the three, the Atlantics and the Fokker F27 are known to have been equipped with Thales France’s DR 3000 ES system and a variant of the Thales/Cassidian Ocean Master surveillance radar. Pakistan received its first P-3C during October 2009 and expects to complete its fleet by 2012/13. In Pakistan service, all three of the cited maritime patrol aircraft are operated by the country’s Numbers 27 and 29 Squadrons based at Sharea Faisal.

For its part (and following a particularly protracted acquisition process), Taiwan is acquiring 12 refurbished P-3Cs which Lockheed Martin will upgrade with a structural life extension and new avionics prior to delivery which is currently scheduled to begin in 2012. Staying with the Chinese context, AMR notes with interest that mainland China’s dedicated airborne maritime patrol

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capability appears to reside in no more than five Y-8X and a handful of Y-8J aircraft. Here, the Y-8X is equipped with a Canadian APS504(V) radar while the J model carries the Thales UK X-band Skymaster combined surface search and airborne early warning sensor. Of the two, the Japanese Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) is on record as having intercepted the Y-8J reconnoitring Japanese air space during 2010.

Mention of the JASDF leads neatly to those Tupolev Tu-142 maritime patrol and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) aircraft operated by the naval air arm of Russia’s Far Eastern Fleet that the service has intercepted on a regular basis throughout 2010-2011.

Credible estimates put the number of Tu142M/MZs in service with the Russian Navy at around 20. Allocated the NATO Reporting Name ‘Bear-F Mod 3’ (and also known as the Tu-142MK), the Tu-142M is understood to be an updated version of the basic design that features the Korshun-K search radar, the Ladoga MAD, the NPK-142M navigation suite, the Strela 142M communications pack-

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Pakistan has acquired nine P-3Cs to supplement its existing fleet of Atlantic and Fokker F27 maritime patrol aircraft © Lockheed Martin

MARITIME

PATROL AIRCRAFT age and the ability to handle passive and active directional sonobuoys. For its part, the Tu-142MZ (‘Bear-F Mod 4’) replaces the M’s NK-12MV engines with NK-12MP turboprops and features the Korshun-KN-N-STS anti-submarine warfare ‘complex’ (mission system) and the Nashaty-Nefrit sonics chain.

Elsewhere in the region, the Indian Navy has acquired eight Tu-142MK-E platforms that are flown from Indian Naval Stations Rajali and Hansa. Taking the form (as its

The Indian Navy’s Il-38s have been subject to an upgrade that introduces a variant of the Novella / Sea Dragon ‘complex

designation suggests) of an export version of the Tu-142MK (‘Bear-F Mod 3’), the MKE’s mission suite is said to be a downgraded version of that fitted to Russian Tu-142Ms and has been the subject of an upgrade programme that was launched in 2003. Here, the update is believed to have centred around the introduction of the Novella/Sea Dragon ‘complex’ which is also a feature of India’s Ilyushin Il-38SD maritime patrol aircraft (see following).

Returning to Asia-Pacific use of the Orion,

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the Royal New Zealand Air Force operates six P-3K aircraft that have been (and are being) progressively updated under Projects ‘Rigel’, ‘Kestrel’ and ‘Guardian’. In order, ‘Rigel’ introduced (amongst other things) the AN/APS-134(V) search radar, the AN/AAS36 infra-red detection set, a new data handling system and improved navigation equipment. Project ‘Kestrel’ took the form of a life extension effort and involved re-winging, replacing the aircraft’s horizontal stabilisers and refurbishment of their engine nacelles. So configured, the fleet was expected to remain structurally viable for an additional 20 years. Most recently, the L-3 Communications-primed Project ‘Guardian’ replaces the AN/AAS-36 with the L-3 Wescam MX-20 EO sensor, the AN/APS134(V) radar with the Elta EL/M-2022(V)3 sensor, new navigation equipment, an L-3 developed data handling system and a glass cockpit. Now known as the P-3K2, the first ‘Guardian’ aircraft made its maiden flight on 11 August 2009, with the remaining examples being modified in country by national contractor Safe Air. As a final point concerning Asian-Pacific P-3s, readers should note that at one time, Thailand operated a small number of P-3T aircraft whose current status is uncertain.

Turning back to India, AMR understands that the Indian Navy has acquired approxi-

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mately 10 Do 228 and five Il-38 maritime patrol aircraft with which to support its longrange Tu-142s. In order, the service’s Do 228s are equipped with a mixture of Thales Super Marec and Elta EL/M-2022A(V)3 search radars. One of the fleet was deployed on antipiracy duties in the Seychelles during February 2011 and in the longer term, India wants to acquire a new medium-range platform with which to replace its Dornier patrollers. Most recently, the Indian Navy’s Il-38s have been subject to an upgrade that introduces a variant of the Novella/Sea Dragon ‘complex’ (comprising a new radar, an IR sensor, a new central computer system, a MAD and new ES and ASW capabilities) and the ability to carry Kh-35 anti-shipping and Brahmos cruise missiles. Designated as the Il-38SD, the Indian Navy acquired its first pair of updated aircraft in January 2006 and

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had received a third before it suspended contract payments on the programme (due to dissatisfaction with the Novella/sea Dragon system) during the following year. Such problems are likely to have influenced

Royal New Zealand Air Force operates six P-3K aircraft that have been progressively updated under Projects ‘Rigel’, ‘Kestrel’ and ‘Guardian’

India’s decision to acquire the Boeing P-8I as its next generation full-capability ASW and maritime patrol aircraft. It should also be noted that the Indian Navy has stood up two squadrons of UAVs that are equipped with

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

surveillance configured Searcher and Heron air vehicles. Looking to the future, the service is also known to have made enquires concerning available High-Altitude LongEndurance (HALE) UAVS such as the RQ-4.

Mention of the Do 228 leads neatly to the Royal Thai Navy’s fleet of seven such maritime patrol aircraft that are assigned to the service’s 101 Squadron at U-Tapao.

Equipped with a belly-mounted search radar, at least four of these aircraft have been equipped with an Optimare track-while-scan system, with at least one having also been fitted with an EO sensor. Again, at least one Thai aircraft has most recently had its surveillance radar removed. Moving south, the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s No 121 Squadron is equipped with five Fokker 50 Maritime Enforcer Mk 2 maritime patrol aircraft. Flown by a crew of eight, such aircraft

MARITIME

PATROL AIRCRAFT have (over time) been equipped with a mission suite that has included a Raytheon AN/APS-134(V)7 search radar, a Fokkersourced TMS-250V tactical computer, a General Dynamics Canada AN/UYS-503 sonobuoy processor, an Alliant M101E acoustic signals recorder, an Ultra Electronics AN/ARR-502 sonobuoy receiver, a tailored Elta EL/L-8382MPA ES system, provision for 60 sonobuoys, an EO sensor, a CAE Electronics AN/ASQ-504(V) MAD and provision for four torpedoes, depth charges or AGM-84D Harpoon air-to-surface missiles.

As of April 2011, one of Singapore’s Fokker 50 maritime patrollers had been deployed to Djibouti for anti-piracy duties over the Gulf of Aden.

The remaining cited country - Indonesia – operates up to three Boeing 737-2X9 Surveiller, three CN-235MPA and up to six

During April 2011, the Republic of Singapore Air Force deployed one of its Fokker 50 maritime patrol aircraft to Djibouti for anti-piracy patrols over the Gulf of Aden © Singapore MoD

The next generation Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol aircraft made its maiden flight during June 2008 © Kawasaki

Over time, Australia, India and Japan have all expressed interest in the acquisition of an MQ-4C BAMS-type UAV capability © Northrop Grumman

NC-212-200 aircraft in the maritime patrol role. In order, the Boeing 737s are ‘combi’ transport and surveillance aircraft that are equipped with a variant of Motorola’s SideLooking Airborne Modular Multi-mission Radar (SLAMMR) and are assigned to the Indonesian Air Force’s Air Squadron 5 at Ujung Pandang/Hasanuddin. Air Squadron 5 is also home to three Indonesian Aerospace Airtech CN-235MPA platforms that are equipped with a Thales AMASCOS mission suite that includes a Thales/Cassidian Ocean Master radar, an Elettronica ALR-733 series ES system and a Thales Chlio EO sensor. Air Squadron 5 is understood to have received its first CN-235MPA aircraft during June 2008 and both Brunei and the Indonesian Navy are understood to be interesting in or actually acquiring up to three and up to six examples of the type respectively. In the Brunei context, the specified

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mission suite is reported to include a Raytheon search radar, a Selex Galileo ES system and an AN/AAQ-21 FLIR sensor.

Staying with the Indonesian Navy, the service’s Air Squadron 800 squadron (based at Surabaya/Juanda) is reported to number the NC-212-200PATMAR maritime patrol aircraft amongst a mixed inventory of patrol and transport aircraft. Again a product of Indonesian Aerospace, the PATMAR platform is understood to be fitted with an Ocean Master radar variant, with the first example being delivered to SU 800 during May 2005.

For the sake of completeness, readers should also note that the US Navy has three line P-3 maritime patrol squadrons (VP-4, -9 and -47) based at Marine Corps Air Facility Kaneohe Bay on Hawaii and can be expected to deploy the P-8 maritime patrol aircraft and the MQ4C Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (UAV) in the region in the medium term.

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Tactical C4I Regional Situati

by Adam Baddeley

ILITARIES IN the AsiaPacific wants the same things any other military wants from its Tactical Communications Systems, namely to be able to share data and integrate command structures and enables high-speed, large-capacity, long-distance wireless relay transmission coupled with equally capable but shorter range more mobile systems with automatic routing and relay capabilities for simultaneous video, voice and data.

M India

A major part of India’s military modernisation revolves around tactical C4I with the country establishing demanding requirements but with an overall approach that is fragmented with three different organisations, taking responsibility for the three key programmes: Tactical Communications Systems, Battle Management Systems (BMS) and F-INSAS. There are many, many lessons from the digitization paths of other countries which probably number more than the lines of the Mahabharat. Number one however is the need for integration across multiple programme with a single strong authority to do that.

Perhaps the centerpiece of current efforts is Project Aren or the Tactical Communications Systems programme which will provide the links that will connect India’s Corps and Army level headquarters down to regiment and battalion level initially equipThe dismounted element to India’s BMS programme will need to be deconflicted with the C4I requirements in Phase 3 of the country’s later F-INSAS work © AJB

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Systems: onal Awareness ping seven Army Crops – three Strike Corps and four Mountain Corps although this is seen as just the start.

After multiple false starts, Expression of Interest (EoI) were sent out to eight companies: BEL, ITI, ICIL, Tata, L&T, WIPRO, Rolta and HCL with whom overseas firms will team. The requirement has not been released in detail to non-Indian firms but it is expected to be more capability led than the original 2006 requirement which was seen as prescriptive and rigid.

Although the teaming for the bids is meant to be fixed, it is expected that teaming will remain fluid even after down select.

There is no official schedule to date but responses to the Spring RFP is expected to lead to a downselect in early 2012 to two. The two will then go through an 18 month process, funded at a 80:20 government:industry basis which would total $200m. There will be trial and evaluation in order to judge that the system is compliant and then an RFP will be issued.

A contract could be let as early as mid 2013 but more likely this will be 2014 and is valued at $2-2.4billion.

In a further complication for TCS, there is still an HCLOS requirement that was awarded to PEL but the solution does not meet the requirement and it is being rebid. The requirement was due to operate in advance of TCS. India also has a Battle Management System (BMS) project, a little behind the timelines of TCS and is valued at $2.5billion.

The system is both vehicles mounted and has a dismounted requirement with the requirement for simultaneous voice data and video.

An EoI was not yet released at the time of the Bangalore Airshow but were expected by April. It is considered that India’s DUCH

intercom programme may be folded into BMS. A key omission in BMS plans to date is the absence of details of which legacy radios will be required to be integrated.

India’s BMS programme once had a communications element but this has been transferred to an independent programme. The EoI for the resulting Army SDR programme which is for a JTRS Ground Mobile Radio type solution, is expected to be issued in 1Q2011 with an RFP in 2013 with a requirement Selex Communications SWave family of SDRs is one of several advanced products being offered in the region © AJB

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for an estimated 1700 radios.

BEL and the Indian Government have been working on a tactical SDR manpack design for the past 18 months with a throughput of 1Mbps with 1MHz of bandwidth which will complete evaluation in 2011. BEL’s Chairman said all evaluations would be complete by June. BEL said that this would replace the current STARS-V VHF CNR, LUP329 UHF CNR and VPS Mk3 VHF handheld. Plans for a handheld SDR are expected to be completed in 2012.

The RFP for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) SDR programme was planned for Oct 2010 but wasn’t issued at the time of Aero India. The plan is for a no cost, no commitment evaluation trials. It will only be at that point that the IAF will release which aircraft will receive it.

A further complication lies in the F-INSAS programme, lead by the infantry. The third phase of this programme involves a C4I element whose timelines and requirement overlap but precedes those of the BMS programme.

Irrespective of traditional concerns in Indian procurement about delays in timelines, perhaps the biggest challenges in the

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procurement plan is to reconcile the integration challenge between the three critical programmes.

Australia

Elbit is the prime contractor on Australia’s LAND 125 Phase 3A Dismounted Battle Group and Below Command, Control Communication System which will 1,501 BMS-dismounted and 164 dismounted command posts to the ADF. The company is also the lead on LAND 75 Phase 3.4, which will deliver a vehicle mounted BMS. Together, the two programmes are commonly referred to as ‘Land 200’.

The contract was signed on 15 March 2010 with Elbit Systems Limited. The IOC for

Land 75 and 125 is planned for the second half of this year with the equipping and training of a combat team with a complete formation with 7 Brigade being equipped in 2013.

The first project is delivering a dismounted BMS into a Brigade Group in support of the Network Centric Warfare Milestone 2 – Networked Battle Group 2011.

Australia has chosen to integrate the BMS with communications elements. For Land 125 Phase 3A, the transport layer for Elbit D-BMS are being provided by Harris AN/PRC-152 and Raytheon EPLRS MicroLight radios.

The BMS and the communications capability for Land 75 were separated in a project in 2006 with the Mounted BMS element being taken from JP2072 Battlespace Harris’ RF-7800W is a major player in TCS programmes © AJB

Communications System-Land (BCS-L) with which Land 125 now works closely, although the former is focused on CNRs under Phase 1 Falcon III AN/PRC-152(C) multiband handheld radios and their in-vehicle adaptors, but also includes AN/PRC-117G wideband, AN/PRC-117F multi-band and AN/PRC150(C) HF manpack radios. Australia has`moved area communications to later phases such as Phase 2B which will see BCS(L) Area and Tactical Range Extension Nodes being fielded via transit cases, trailers based, vehicle OTM based and even small ISO container based communications solutions and expected to include conventional

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The Tactical Information Communication Network programme will transform how command and control are exercised on the Korean Peninsula © DoD

study contracts which have been lead by Samsung Thales and LIG Nex1 was in charge of TMMR, while Huneed was a main contractor for HCTR and has looked in detail about the application of WiBRO mobile multi-hop technology provide extended coverage that goes beyond 20km provide high data rate that exceeds 400Mbps, and enhanced cell edge performance, with elements including the High Capacity Trunk Radio (HCTR), Tactical Multi-band and Multi-role Radio (TMMR) and Network Management System (NMS). TICN will replace the legacy Spider system which is effectively limited to still images and voice data with the systems via the KAN/GRC-512(V) Electronic Count Counter Measures (ECCM) radio with its data transmission speed improved from 2Mbps to 4Mbps.

Po Sheng

Taiwan continues to aspire to extend its headquarters level Po Sheng or Broad Victory programme, down to tactical levels.

The Po Sheng programme was originally a $2.3 billion modernization effort, launched in 2003 and designed to enhance the C4ISR capabilities of the Taiwanese military, controlled by the central military command, the Joint Operations Control Center (JOCC).

Since then there has been a desire to increase the scope of the command links down to the battalion and even company level although little has come of this to date.

Brunei

Tactical Communications Systems programme which will provide the links that will connect India’s Corps and Army level headquarters GCLOS radio relays. Troposcatter solutions to replace the capability currently provided under Project Parakeet. For Phase 2B a ‘First Pass’ procurement is expected in 2011 with the Operational Concept and RFT developed with industry feedback. Phase 2A of JP2072 will provide Mobile Systems Segment of

BCS-L, whose capabilities include new combat radio systems, tactical data radio systems and tactical HF and satellite radios.

In March, Harris were awarded a $11m order for the AN/PRC-152(C) handheld and vehicular radio system and RF-300MTV Trimline Vehicular Adapters Battlespace Communications System to meet ADF's objectives, including networking the Adaptive Army.

Republic of Korea

Work began in earnest on South Korea’s Tactical Information Communication Network (TICN) in 2009 after several years of

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Brunei’s C4I network is very much a TCS waiting to happen. The order for a Joint Operations Centre (JOC) command and control capability from Northrop Grumman announced was announced in January 2010 and based on Command and Control for PC (C2PC) and Interoperable C4I Services (ICS) but is currently limited to a high level headquarters. The aspiration is to extend its reach down to the tactical level and a range of Harris CNRs were acquired at around the same time, which could cover the voice and data requirements at the lowest tactical level, there remains a need for high capability links if the competition for effective networked C2 is to be realised.

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Pakistan

Local firms Global Industrial and Defence Solutions IDS showed their Integrated BMS IBMS) at IDEX which began trial on PAF Al Khalid tanks in early 2011. The transport layer for IBMS is provided by the company’s Spread Spectrum Radio which provides data rates of 96-112Kbps at a frequency band of 416-440MHz with both point to point and Point to Multi-Point Capabilities and a line of sight range of 10km.

Rohde and Schwarz launched their new Modular Multi-role Radio System at IDEX, originally developed for the Pakistan military for Air Traffic and was fielded in 2010. It consists of two ‘cubes’ equipped with M3XR technology. The system is ready to go with four clicks. MMRS is equally suitable for use as field headquarters, a mobile ATC system, a radio station and a relay station.

SELEX Communications exhibited at the SWave radio and the WRS504 vehicular tactical radio with WiMax technology at Avalaon 2011. Thales is also active in the region, one of the first customers for its FlexNet radio, developed with Rockwell Collins is a leading military in the region. Thales’ F@stnet radio is made under license in Malaysia. A recent development in term of the F@stnet waveforms has been the introduction of the supermax waveform which offers a 21.6Kbps frequency hopping data only mode that drops

India’s BMS programme once had a communications element but this has been transferred to an independent programme

International offerings

As the market for communication systems grows, so international firms are gravitating to the region with their latest communications solutions.

In the ground tactical sector, An EoI for the Army’s SDR programme is expected in 2011 with an RFP due in 2013 with a requirement for an estimated 1700 radios © AJB

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The IDF’s digitization programme has fed into a number of Elbit’s international offerings © Elbit Systems

to 9.6Kbps when simultaneously enabling voice communications.

Elbit’s radios sell widely in the Asia Pacific with its latest radio beginning to be trialled and fielded. Elbit Systems 50W SDR7200opertes in VHF at 30 to 88 MHz an UHF in 200 to 528/700 MHz and is part of the IDF’s Digital Army Programme. The Waveform’s used include the 115kbps HDR waveform used in the CNR-9000 HDR VHF radio. In part, it builds on the contractor's earlier High Data Rate (HDR) waveform which is supplemented by a MANET waveform supporting data rates of up to 8Mbps.

Elbit launched the SDR-7200AR at Aero India which feature embedded avionics related features and supports multiple frequency bands, including VHF, UHF, L-Band, S-Band and SATCOM. The company’s Military IP Radio launched in 2010 had data rates of up to 13.3 Mbps and is designed to cope with the Doppler effects of communications to and from rotary wing aviation and has PTP and PTMP. Primarily a data solution it can also supports VoIP as well as MANET and ECCM waveforms.

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IN-FLI GH T

R E F U E L I N G

NEW GENERATION of modern tankers are beginning to gain a footing in a market that is hungry for versatile and flexible aerial refuelling aircraft that are able to perform a mixture of AAR, cargo and personnel transport, as well as aeromedical evacuation missions. With defence budgets feeling the pressure of the wider global economic troubles, a next-generation multi-mission aerial refuelling tanker that can both support the front line and combat aircraft is a highly valuable asset.

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New skies

Boeing’s KC-46A was awarded the muchanticipated contract for the US Air Force (USAF) next-generation aerial refuelling tanker. Boeing beat out competitor EADS who was originally awarded the contract before re-launch in response to a Boeing protest in 2008. The decision in Boeing’s

favour has been called into question, with EADS quick to point out that until this contract the Airbus Military A330 MRTT has won every head-to-head competition with the Boeing KC767 tanker, and is a far more mature programme than the Boeing programme. As the successful bidder Boeing will design, develop and manufacture 18 combat-ready KC-46A tankers by 2017 for the initial phase of the contract, which will eventually replace 179 of the USAF’s 400 KC-135 tankers.

The KC-46A tanker is based on the Boeing 767 commercial aircraft. It is a wide body, multi-mission aircraft with the latest technology upgrades, capable of meeting the USAF’s requirements for transport of fuel, cargo, passengers and patients; as well as state-of-theart digital flight deck, featuring Boeing 787 Dreamliner electronic displays, and a flight control systems that places aircrews in command rather than allowing computer software to limit combat manoeuvrability. For

An Italian Air Force KC-767A tanker in flight © Boeing

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refuelling the tanker features an advanced KC-10 boom with an expanded refuelling envelope, increased fuel offload rate and flyby-wire control system.

The Boeing contract means a number of things for the international aerial refuelling tanker market. The current USAF refuelling tanker fleet, the KC-135, will be phased out as the KC-46A aircraft come into service. The focus of the US military on the KC-46A will result in surplus KC-135 aircraft becoming available for purchase by customers looking to invest in proven platforms. For armed forces with the requirement but not the funds to invest in next-generation aerial refuelling tankers for their front-line aircraft this is likely to be a well-received addition to the market.

The KC-135 Stratotanker has been in operation with the US military since the 1950s. Its multi-mission capabilities, including aerial refuelling, airborne command posts, cargo and personnel transport, electronic recon-

I N-FLIGHT

R E F U E L I N G naissance and photo mapping have seen it become widely known as the workhorse of the USAF. The KC-135 is equipped with a flying boom to provide fuel transfer in flight, a drogue to refuel probe-equipped aircraft attached to the boom, and passenger and cargo deck located above the fuselage mounted tanks. Boeing has carried out a number of improvement programmes to the aircraft, including the replacement of the lower wing surfaces with an improved aluminium-alloy skin on 746 aircraft; and the replacement of the engine strut fittings. The USAF has also carried out a number of improvements to its fleet under Boeing contracts, including the addition of wingtip, hose and drogue refuelling pods; the modernisation of the cockpit; and the provision of new compasses and radar systems and the installation of GPS. Two major engine replacement pro-

The might of an air force is greatly dependent on the capabilities of its Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR) aircraft. The requirement for aerial refuelling tankers capable of providing true force multiplication and mission range enhancement is ever-increasing as governments look to strengthen their aerial strike, defence and humanitarian response abilities.

by John Mulberry

Airborne

Refueling: Increasing

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R E F U E L I N G boom receptacle equipped receivers simultaneously. Overall the system provides a 400 gallon-per-minute offloads capability.

France and Turkey also operate the KC135. The latest country to receive the aircraft from US stockpiles is Chile, who took delivery of the aircraft in January 2010 as part of a package Foreign Military Sale (FMS) from the US government.

Next generation

An artist’s impression of a Boeing KC-46A preparing to refuel an F-35 in flight © Boeing

The RAAF A330 MRTT refuels an F-16 through ARBS © Airbus Military

grammes have also been carried out by Boeing. A number of USAF aircraft had their original KC-135A engines replaced with CFM56 engines in order to increase takeoff and carrying capacity. The aircraft were redesignated KC-135R, and the programme improved fuel efficiency, reducing consumption by 27 per cent, lowered engine noise and pollution levels, reducing decibel levels 98 per cent and reducing the noise-impact area near airports from 240 to 3 square miles. The USAF and Air National Guard also carried out the replacement of KC-135A engines on some of its fleet with refurbished JT3D engines in order to increase engine power by 30 percent, reduce noise levels by 85 percent, and also refurbished struts and cowling, brakes, cockpit controls and instruments. The aircraft were re-designated KC-135E. Currently few nations other than the US operate the KC-135. Singapore received the

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first of four re-engined KC-135R Stratotankers in 1999. The aircraft had been modified with the Boeing-developed MultiPoint Refuelling System, and was the first aircraft to receive the modification concurrently with the CFM56 engine upgrade. The Multi-Point Refuelling System provides operability between USAF, US Navy (USN) and US Marine Corps (USMC) aircraft, as well as NATO. The system consists of wingmounted pods that enable the aircraft to refuel probe-equipped and standard KC-135

The KC-46A tanker is based on the Boeing 767 commercial aircraft. It is a wide body, multi-mission aircraft with the latest technology upgrades l

ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

When looking to replace the KC-135 as part of the USAF KC-X tanker competition, there was a major focus on the multi-mission capabilities and fuel-efficiency of the replacement aircraft.

In the KC-46A, Boeing’s proposal offered the USAF multi-mission aircraft that delivers advanced capabilities to US warfighters and – according to Boeing - 24 per cent lower fuel consumption than the competing aircraft from EADS. Boeing was already seeing success with its other 767-based tanker, the KC-767 that had been ordered by the armed forces of Italy and Japan.

The KC-767 is designed with a focus on operational flexibility, with the option of multiple interior configurations so that that the aircraft’s cabin floor interior can be configured for convertible freighter, convertible combination or dedicated freighter or passenger while maintaining its tanker capability. The aircraft has a maximum fuel load of 73,028 kg without auxiliary fuel, and a maximum takeoff weight of 179,169 kg. It has 19 cargo pallet positions on the main deck and three on the forward lower lobe, and can seat 200 passengers on airline-type seats mounted on military cargo pallets.

Boeing calls the KC-767 tanker a ‘right size’ solution, as it is sized for optimal fuel offload and range, and can take off and land at more locations than other current and prospective tanker platforms. The refuelling technology includes a high-tech boom operator station and advanced-design boom enabled by camera systems, new wing air refuelling pods and centerline hose drum unit, and integrated avionics and communication systems; offering maximum operational flexibility along with full European Union and NATO interoperability.

Proven capability

The EADS contender for the USAF contract was the KC-45, based on the missionequipped Airbus Military A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), which was in many ways deemed a more capable aircraft.

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A330 MRTT with ARBS down © Airbus Military

At the time of the competition Airbus Military was already flying, fully certified and delivering the A330 MRTT. The aircraft had carried out refuelling flights and was in the process of being handed over to its first operator, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

The MRTT is derived from the A330 widebody twin-engine commercial airliner, and is designed for the full range of tanker operational missions, including a transportation of a cargo payload of up to 45 tonnes or 34 standard pallets, 380 passengers, or aeromedical evacuation for up to 130 stretchers. The aircraft is able to support combat aircraft squadrons in both aerial refuelling, and in its ability to transport the squadron’s personnel and equipment while simultaneously performing refuelling escort during the combat squad’s deployment to overseas base, allowing the squadron to deploy as a unit with short turnaround time for combat-level sorties.

The A330 MRRT’s 245,000 lbs fuel capacity and high offload rate ensures that more aircraft can be accurately refuelled in shorter timescales. The aircraft features a state-of-theart under-fuselage centreline Aerial Refuelling Boom System (ARBS) from Airbus Military that is combined with a Cobham hose and drogue refuelling system; together this gives the aircraft the ability to service probeequipped and slipway-equipped aircraft during the same mission, providing greater flexibility. With the ARBS the aircraft is able to transfer fuel at a rate of 4,600 litres per minute; and the MRTT also features multi-point refuelling that enables the aircraft to refuel several receiver aircraft at the same time.

The aircraft carries two Cobham 905E hose

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and drogue underwing pods able to simultaneously refuel two probe-equipped receiver aircraft, and the Cobham 805E hose and drogue under-fuselage refuelling unit can be installed according to customer requirements for additional fuel transfer capability. Both systems are controlled by a Fuel Operator Console in the cockpit, and they render the aircraft interoperable with NATO and allied aircraft on the same mission, significantly expanding flexibility and capabilities. The MRRT is also fitted with a Universal Air Refuelling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI) on the forward fuselage above the cockpit, which enables the aircraft to receive fuel from other tankers while in-flight, increasing endurance and mission envelope.

Growing success

In December 2010 the first in-flight refuelling contacts were carried out with the fuselageASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

mounted hose and drogue refuelling system for the KC-45, part of the aircraft’s four-point refuelling system. The contacts were made with an F/A-18 fighter aircraft, and confirmed the stability of the Fuselage Refuelling Unit (FRU) hose and drogue in level flight as well as turns throughout the aircraft’s flight envelope. The FRU is used for refuelling aircraft such as the C-130H Hercules and V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, and is operated via the Remote Aerial Refuelling Operator (RARO) console in the cockpit. In January the refuelling system carried out a successful fuel transfer with two F/A-18 fighters, bringing the number of aerial refuelling contacts made with equipment for the KC-45 to over 1,500; the aircraft’s systems have successfully also transferred fuel to aircraft including the F-15 and E-3 AWACS and other tankers.

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) was the first customer to order the A330

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A RAAF A330 MRTT refuels an AWACS © Airbus Military

The first A330 to be converted into Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) for the RAF © Airbus Military

MRTT, to be known as the KC-30A in RAAF service. Australia has ordered aircraft five in total under Defence Military Organisation (DMO) programme Air 5402. The programme will significantly enhance the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF’s) aerial range, and also establish the infrastructure necessary to delivery services including engineering, maintenance, spares management, technical data, software and training support for the new fleet with the establishment of a production and outfitting centre in Brisbane by Qantas Engineering. Between them the first two RAAF A330 MRTTs have performed more than 1,300 aerial refuelling contacts with the ARBS and digital under-wing refuelling pods. The third platform was converted to its tanker/transport configuration by Qantas Engineering in-country, and the fleet will also be configured with a Link 16 real-time data link for airborne connectivity, and directional

infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) system, among other defensive systems.

The other major US ally to have ordered the A330 MRTT is the UK, with the Royal Air Force (RAF) having ordered the platform for the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) programme to replace the RAF’s Lockheed L-1011 TriStar and VC10 tankers, both of which are nearing the end of their service lives. According to the UK MOD, in looking to upgrade its AAR capabilities, the

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RAF required the ability to rapidly deploy, sustain and recover its forces and upgrade its ability to respond quickly to future crises.

Designated the A330 MRTT FSTA, the platform was selected for its ability to meet the service requirement, programme timescales and costs and for the aircraft’s ability to fulfil a passenger Air Transport capability when required.

The UK MOD has ordered 14 aircraft under a lease agreement with the AirTanker consortium (consisting of Cobham, EADS, Rolls-Royce, Thales UK and VT Group plc), which will see the provision of air transport and AAR capabilities for 27 years under a Private Finance Initiative (PFI). AirTanker will own and support the aircraft, two of which are being converted in Spain and the remainder of which will be converted incountry by Cobham. The configuration for the aircraft in transport role is for 291 seats for passenger transport; 40 NATO stretchers, 20 medical staff seats and 100 passenger seats; and a permanent lower-deck capacity of 8 standard 463-L NATO military pallets.

The refuelling equipment will be standard Cobham 905E under-wing pods and one Cobham 805E FRU on selected aircraft.

The ongoing development of the A330 MRTT and its healthy competition with its Boeing rival can only be a positive thing for the aerial refuelling tanker market. Providing armed forces with next-generation capabilities and multi-mission operational abilities will continue to drive forward the most advanced technologies, delivering force multiplying aircraft that can form the backbone of any aerial military fleet.

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ATHER THAN a dedicated, role specific UGV, the trend is to produce a generic platform that the user and industrial integrators can add and replace modules. This has required the platform to adopt an open architecture across multiple platforms, equipped to integrate for modularised payloads with common mounting points. The greater preponderance of missions are within an urban areas including physically entering the buildings to obtain reconnaissance information.

Militaries have to select between three types of role; remote control or tele-operations, semi-automatic and fully autonomous.

Opting for fully autonomous, requires three key systems; ‘The Brain’ for decision making, reactive movement control ‘The Legs’ and the perception system ‘The Eye’.

R

Mini- and Small UGVs

Despite their size, Small UGVs (SUGV) are still tasked with demanding performance specifications, including climbing steps, curbs and other obstacles, traversing steep slopes and cross significant gaps and self righting when the inevitable happens and being able to maneuver in confined spaces including turns in place such as tunnels and drains. All this despite being able to be carried in a backpack or in the case of mini-UAVs, a pocket sized solution providing a ready means of RSTA at the squad and platoon level. iRobot has recently added a throwable UGV to its product line, the 2.2Kg FirstLook 110 expected to last for up to six hours on operations, a sub-2.5Kg UGV robot which uses IR illumination to enhance low light and no light operations for its four built-in cameras. According to the developers, the robot can run more than six hours of runtime on a typical mission and up to ten hours, performing stationary video monitoring.

ReconOptical’s Recon Scout has a number of customers, including US Special Forces.

Simply put it consists of a titanium tube with urethane wheels at either end and flexible antennas with a spar to right itself. It is able to be thrown down a flight of stairs or out of second or third story window and thrown ReconOptical’s Recon Scout has a number of customers, including US Special Forces and can be used as a stick camera too © ReconOptical

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Substitute for another Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV) continue to add to the spectrum of roles they are called upon to undertake, some far removed from their original explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) duties, dating from the 1970s.

Guy over 40m, and weighs 450g. It is designed to move with just two thirds the noise of an average human whisper. The sensor consists of a black and white image in day and night and can transmit its imagery 30m indoors and 75m in the open. Operation is simple and intuitive, with the user switching it on by taking it from his jacket, pulling a pin and then controlling it with a simple joystick.

Larger platforms can carry multiple and more complex payloads. iRobotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SUGV selected for the US Army, fits in a standard

MOLLE pack, and is used by troops as point man and forward observer and is able to move at speeds of 10kmh. Imagery from the on-board thermal camera and 312X day camera and additional sensors linked via a 4.9GHz or UHF military link at ranges of up to 1km. In April, iRobot announced that the Army planned to increase its holding of SUGVs a smaller and lighter version of the combatproven PackBot from the current 45 equipping a first brigade set of BCTM Increment 1 capabilities; with a further 76 SUGV for two addi-

Elbit Systems VIPeR (Versatile Intelligent Portable Robot) equips IDF units at the platoon level Š Elbit

by Adam Baddeley

tional infantry brigade sets.

To boost the level of autonomy, the User Assist Payload has even developed for UGV in the 510 PackBot Type size. Each of the payloads consists of a GPS and a brain into which, preprogrammed behaviour can be programmed. This might include retracing steps in case communication is lost as a safety feature until links can be restored. Even if the UGV has to go over bumps the systems maintains steady hold.

Elbit Systems VIPeR (Versatile Intelligent Portable Robot) equips IDF units at the platoon level as part of the Portable UGV programme weighs just over 11kg and is able to operate for hours at a time. Operational in IDF service since 2008, there has been lot of overseas interest. The throwable Mini-Viper is a throwable, self righting solution weighing just 3.5Kg.

Surveillance

UGVs have found ready customers for those users requiring the platform to patrol fixed perimeters, unerringly and without fatigue, while linked to a command structure. The growth in the requirement for border security requirements is also a catalyst for this category of UGVs. The IDF began test and qualification of the Guardium UGV in 2008 and operational deployment in 2009 in the roles of border reconnaissance in which 100,000s of km of experience have been acquired. The next step is the Nachshon, a larger more robust UGV

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based on a Ford platform with a prototype expected to be ready by the end of 2011/early 2012 in a pilot programme.

Obstacle detection of the Guardium comprises two cameras for stereoscopic depth perception, laser and millimeter wave radar.

The General Dynamics Robotics Systems developed Mobile Detection Assessment and Response System (MDARS) began its work detecting intruders and Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) based checking of inventory protecting the nuclear Nevada National Security Site where it operates in excess of 12 hours at a time and is equipped with a number of sensors including Forward Looking Infrared and Radar and Light Detection And Ranging.

Rheinmetall developed the Foxbot UGV for this role with optronics sensors that can be raised on a 1.2m tower with data sent to and from the platform for ranges of up to 1km.

Support

With the increase in the number of sensors and systems carried by dismounted soldier UGVs are now being tasked with removing this weight from soldiers' shoulders by following them around, carrying their packs, water, ammunition as well as modular payloads such as communications relays and battery recharging.

Lockheed Martin's Squad Mission Support System UGV functioned as a recharging point in addition to carrying the soldier weight burden, working with soldiers from the 1st BDE, 1 Infantry Division in major exercise for the In the EOD role, UGVs must carry out delicate operations © DoD

Despite their size, Small UGV (SUGV) are still tasked with demanding performance specifications, including climbing steps, curbs and other obstacles, traversing steep slopes and cross significant gaps

over 500k of cargo is another US solution pursuing the Army's Maneuver Center of Excellence at Fort Benning is trialing the platform. Israel selected the vehicle for use as a base platform with 60 CaMELs being acquired. It switches between road tyres and a field deployable rubber band tracks.

Bomb disposal

Nett Warrior programme in November. A Military Utility Assessment Afghanistan is anticipated later this year.

Another option that has been developed for Guardium is the Guardium Logistics support which can carry 1.2 tonnes of supplies and automtically follows troops.

Singapore’s DSO has undertaken work on developing a prototype UGV based on a John Deere Gator type platform and has demonstrated speed of 25Kmph over terrain that could be used for the transport of logistics and casualties.

The USAF is trialing its tele-operated Battlefield Extraction Assist Robot (BEAR) unmanned ground vehicle, developed by Vecna Technologies with the goal of developing a fieldable casualty evacuation UGV by the middle of the decade. BEAR is designed to carry casualties to the rear or moving into ground under fire to drag a down soldier into cover, rather than risk another soldier to rescue a friend. A secondary role for the vehicle would be to carry supplies.

Northrop Grumman’s 6x6 JP8-burning hybrid UGV Carry-all Mechanized Equipment Landrover (CaMEL) can carry

The original role for UGVs was in the teleoperated EOD role and they continue to improve their capabilities in this area.

An innovative solution in EOD is iRobot’s AwareHead, a supervisory control systems designed to reduce mission time on target. The AwareHead equipped UGV will semi-autonomously drive to the location of the threat using a click-to drive interface allowing the personnel to use the onboard cameras to look for secondary threats and similar rather than spend time driving the UGC

in tele-operation.

Personnel from Singapore’s Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear and Explosive Defense Group participated in training on the new US Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Unmanned Ground Reconnaissance Vehicle (CUGV) based on the iRobot PackBot EOD. The SAF already use the platform in the EOD role. A DSO/DSTA Defence Science and Technology Agency launched a family of three robots in the CBR tasked with detection, solid sampling of biological and chemical hazards and mitigation performs liquid decontamination when chemical threats are present, respectively.

The latest EOD UGV from Northrop Grumman Remotec is its Mk.9 UGV which is based on its successful design for the UK’s new Cutlass EOD UGV programme can climb a 45-degree stairway; has The original role for UGVs was in the teleoperteded EOD role and they continue to improve their capabilities in this area © Allen Vanguard

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Lockheed Martin’s Squad Mission Support System (SMSS) supports low level logistic functions © Lockheed Martin

a modular telescopic arm with 7-degress of freedom and a maximum reach of more than 5m, a maximum speed of 5km/hour and a lift capability of 150kg and a 26x zoom camera.

Users have the option of range of wired and wireless links reaching out to 1000m with a COFDM link. In addition is its larger product line, Remotec is adding a smaller, backpackable platform similar to the Talon to its product line but with two sets of actuators.

Telerob, recently acquired by Cobham produces the TEODor heavy duty Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) robot is in service in over 39 countries around the world. These are complemented by the company’s highly mobile telemax for operation in constrained environments.

Qinetiq’s Dragon Runner is a lightweight, backpackable, UGV was acquired by the UK’s Royal Engineers and deployed to Afghanistan in support of EOD activity as an Urgent Operational Requirement.

Rafael has developed the Pincher RobotMounted, Micro-Weapon System to defeat IEDs. Pincher carries between 4-20, 20cm long micro rockets which can be fired from its launcher from a safe distance up to 500m in line

of sight mode and weighing just 3Kg with each rocket weighing 40g, can be integrated on the widest possible range of different UGV platforms.

Combat UGVs

Weaponised UGV and dedicated combat platforms are being seen in increasing number of battlefield Unmanned Combat Ground Vehicle (UCGV).

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G-NIUS a jointly-owned company of Elbit Systems Ltd. and Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd announced the delivery of the AvantGuard UGCV to the IDF in June last year and capable of supporting a range of missions including Counter IED, Advance Guard, Armed Sentry, Combat Logistic Support, CASEVAC and others. Based on the tactical amphibious ground support (TAGS) platform built by Dumur Industries it is equipped with

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Qinetiq’s Dragon Runner is a lightweight, backpackable, UGV was acquired by the UK’s Royal Engineers and deployed to Afghanistan in support of EOD activity as an Urgent Operational Requirement © AJB

the Ground Penetrating Radar, Counter IED Jammer, Mini-Pop cooled thermal surveillance camera, Counter Human & Vehicle Detection Radar and other payloads.

The high water mark to date for UGCVs in the US has been the Future Combat Systems programme. The US has progressively cut back its UGV requirement as the FCS programme has been folded into its Early Infantry Brigade Combat Team (E-IBCT) modernization effort. Of a number of UGV initiatives, all that is left it the MULE Armed Robotic Vehicle Assault (Light) although it cancelled work on an unmanned logistics variant or Multifunction Utility/Logistics and Equipment (MULE) in 2010 equipped with light anti-tank and anti personnel weapons.

Rather than a dedicated UCGV the trend to modularity is seeing basic platforms being

An innovative solution in EOD is iRobot’s AwareHead, a supervisory control systems designed to reduce mission time on target

weaponised. At AUSA in October, Northrop Grumman installed a CROWS (Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station) mount equipped with a .50 calibre heavy machine on their Camel UGV. The US Marine Corps entry into UGCV came with Gladiator, a tracked solution, teleoperated/semi-autonomous ground vehicle sourced from key combat requirements were the ability to shrug off 7.62mm rounds and traverse rubble and similar in a MOUT environment. And carry out scouting and direct fire missions with a variety of weapons including non-lethal solutions.

QinetiQ’s Modular Advanced Armed Rafael has developed the Pincher Robot-Mounted, Micro-Weapon System to defeat IEDs © Rafael

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The UK’s Terrier is one example of several engineering vehicles that have a remotely operated function © AJB

Robotic System (MAARS) carries a mix of lethal and less lethal weapons including four 40mm grenade launched and a M240B 7.62mm machine gun.

Manned Unmanned Conversions

Switching vehicles between ad manned and unmanned status also has its appeal as it allows platform to be easily deployed without the need for undue expense in providing universal autonomy before switching to UGV status for specific tactical reason.

The UK’s Terrier is one example of several engineering vehicles that have a remotely operated function they are joined by others such as France’s EBG in dangerous roles such as mine clearance. Israel Aerospace Industries' Ramta Division have developed remotely operated two engineering vehicles based on civilian platforms; Caterpillar’s

Mini-Cat and D9T heavy bulldozer.

Logistics are an area that is getting increasing UGV focus not least in the are of convoy automation, providing a retrofit capability to covert existing trucks to robotic status and able to following a route with semi-autonomous navigation systems.

The TerraMax self-driving, self-navigating

developed by Oshkosh and Rockwell Collins equipped the first military tactical vehicle ever, using Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR), to complete the 132mile course for DARPA’s Grand Challenge and has also been demonstrated on the Army’s Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) Load Handling System (LHS) in October.

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Asia Pacific Procurement Update AUSTRALIA Boeing Vigilare system nears service entry

The new network centric command and control system (NC3S) for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has taken a step nearer to entering service with the completion of operational testing at the RAAF Base Williamtown's Eastern Region Operations Centre (EROC).

This is the last formal operational test for the Boeing Vigilare system, with the full range of functionality demonstrated and the system now due for conditional acceptance. The latest milestone follows on from successful site acceptance testing conducted March 7-18 at Williamtown, in which Boeing demonstrated the EROC system is successful interfacing with all external systems and that Vigilare has the full range of system functionality required to provide enhanced battlespace management and surveillance operations for the RAAF. The latest tests, conducted March 28 to April 8, included complex air battle scenarios and the full testing of all operational capabilities. The second half of the tests included participating in pilot and air defence operational Exercise Aces South, in which the Vigilare system demonstrated its network centric capability with F/A-18 Classic Hornets, F/A-18F Super Hornets, Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft, Hawks, a 707 Tanker and a P-3 Orion.

The Vigilare system combines near realtime information from a wide range of platforms, sensors, tactical data links and intelligence networks to deliver tactical and strategic surveillance operations and battlespace management in the air and joint domains. The

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live inputs from these sources present a unified operational picture to the user at single or multiple operational centres. The system consists of two regional operations centres, EROC and the Northern Regional Operations Centre, which has been operational since September 2010 and is located at RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory. Both centres are equipped with operator consoles and equipment to form a recognized wide area surveillance picture that is distributed to national command and control centres.

Royal Navy Largs Bay for the Royal Australian Navy

The Australian government has announced that the Australian Defence Force (ADF) has been successful in its bid to acquire the British Royal Navy’s (RN’s) amphibious Ship Largs Bay, a Bay Class ship, from the UK government at a cost of approximately AU $100 million.

Australia’s Canberra Class amphibious Landing helicopter Dock ships will become operational in 2014, and the purchase of Largs Bay is expected to ease the transition over to the new fleet, ensuring that the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has sufficient amphibious capability for operational and humanitarian support in the lead up to the entry into service of the Landing Helicopter Dock Ships.

Largs Bay has been in service with the RN since 2006 and has since become surplus to the UK government’s 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review. The ship has a proven humanitarian relief capability, having been central to the UK’s relief efforts in Haiti following the earthquake in 2010.

Largs Bay is a Landing Ship Dock (LSD) capable of carrying two large helicopters, 150 ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW

The C-17 Globemaster III is known for its operational utility, performance, versatility and reliability. Australia is buying a fifth © DoD

light trucks, and 350 troops. At 16,000 tonnes, 176 metres long and 26 metres wide it also has a cargo capacity that is equivalent to the entire RAN’s existing amphibious fleet.

The ship is due in Australia by the end of 2011 ahead of entry into service with the RAN in 2012. The Australian government announced that comprehensive sea trials will be carried out before finalisation of the acquisition to assess the material state of the ship.

Australian Defence Force flying training contract for BAE Systems

BAE Systems Australia has won a contract to provide Interim Basic Flying Training to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) following a comprehensive bidding process that also included bids from Boeing Australia and Thales in partnership with Flight Training Adelaide and Hawker Pacific.

The contract will see BAE Systems provide basic flying training at Tamworth, where it is already running training programmes as part of the current basic training contract due for conclusion in December this year. The interim contract will cover the gap between the end of the current agreement and the delivery of a new pilot training system for the ADF under Project Air 5428 between 2015 and 2017. The six-year contract, worth a total of AU $86.6 million to BAE Systems, includes annual extension options for Defence for up to a further six years.

The CT-4B Airtrainer aircraft currently used for training, upgraded to meet contem-

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porary crashworthiness requirements, will continue to provide initial flying training for ADF personnel. Following graduation from the Tamworth training, Army personnel continue on to helicopter training at Oakey Army Aviation Airfield in Queensland, while Navy and Air Force personnel continue to Advanced Flying Training at RAAF Base Pearce outside Perth.

Project Air 5428 intends to provide the Royal Australian Air Force, Army and Navy with a new fixed wing Pilot Training System (PTS). The system will provide platforms for flight screening and cover all facets of undergraduate pilot training from basic flying up to entry into Air Force Lead-In Fighter and Operational Conversion Units; as well as being used for the initial training of Qualified Flying Instructors (QFIs) to support the PTS and fixed-wing operational training.

Fifth C-17 Globemaster for Australia

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is to receive an additional C-17 Globemaster III airlifter following the signing of an agreement between the Australian and US governments.

This will be the fifth C-17 for the RAAF and will enhance the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF’s) ability to respond to humanitarian and disaster relief missions.

The airlifter has been ordered to fill an immediate requirement and is scheduled for delivery to the RAAF in August. Australia’s requirement for an expanded strategic airlifter has increased over recent months, with Operation Pacific Assist seeing relief efforts

INDIA MTU Series 4000 engines for Indian Coast Guard vessels

The new inshore fast patrol vessels being built for the Indian Coast Guard are to be fitted with the MTU Series 4000 engine and the MTU ‘Callosum’ automation system for control and ship monitoring under a contract issued to propulsion and power solutions company Tognum.

The order, the value of which is in the range of the medium two-digit Euro range, is a follow-on order for Tognum. A total of 60 engines will be delivered to India between 2011 and 2014, with the contract forming part of a larger programme to expand and upgrade the

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carried out in Japan for two weeks in March following the earthquake and tsunami; as well as recent support to flood effected Queensland and earthquake devastation in Christchurch, New Zealand.

The new C-17 will be assigned to RAAF Base Amberley’s 36 Squadron near Brisbane.

From there it will perform tactical and strategic airlift missions, including troop, equipment and supplies transport, search and rescue and humanitarian relief missions. Boeing will continue to support the RAAF’s C-17 fleet through the C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership, a PerformanceBased Logistics program that includes an extensive support network.

The C-17 Globemaster III is known for its operational utility, performance, versatility and reliability, being able to transport large payloads across vast ranges, land on short, austere runways, and operate in extreme climates. A total of 230 C-17 aircraft have been delivered to the world’s defence forces.

Australia presses on with MRH-90 Programme for now

Following a full diagnostic review of Australia’s MRH-90 Multi-Role Helicopter Programme it has been decided that the programme will continue and the project will not be added to the Project of Concern list at this time.

Ordered by the Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and the Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare in February, the diagnostic review was carried out in order to address the severe delays the programme has Indian Coast Guard.

Almost two hundred of the type 16V 4000 M90 engines have been supplied to India by Tognum in recent years, with the engine’s reliability and high power-toweight ratio, as well as the well-established MTU service network in India making them a valuable addition to the 48-meter fast inshore patrol vessels for the Coast Guard.

The engines also have low fuel consumption enabling the vessels to remain at sea for longer periods of time without having to return to base for refuelling.

The type 16V 4000 M90 engine has an output of 2,720 kW (3,648 bhp), and in combination with waterjet drives, they can propel the vessel at speeds of up to 35

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experienced to date. As it currently stands the project has suffered 18 months delay for the Army’s aircraft and 12 months for the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN’s) aircraft.

Only 13 MRH-90 aircraft have been accepted for testing and initial crew training by the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Issues with engine failure, transmission oil cooler fan failure, and the availability of spares have been named as key to the lengthy delays experienced to date. The programme suffered a severe setback in 2010 when one of the aircraft experienced an in-flight failure of one of its two Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 engines. After a three month investigation it was determined that the failure was the result of the compressor blades coming into contact with the engine casing.

The diagnostic review, chaired by Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Defence Materiel Organisation Mr Warren King and supported by a number of independent specialists, has recommended that the remediation plan is implemented in order to improve the availability of the MRH-90 helicopters. This will address both engineering and reliability issues and will be reassessed later in the year when another diagnostic review will be carried out in order to determine whether any further action needs to be taken at that time.

A total of 46 MRH-90 aircraft have been ordered by the Australian government, 40 for the Army to replace the Sikorsky UK-60 Black Hawks; and six for the RAN to replace the Westland Sea King helicopter as part of Project Air 9000. knots (65 km/h). The MTU ‘Callosum’ ship automation system is also to be supplied, which features an integrated solution for monitoring all ship’s services and also incorporates fire detection and extinguishing systems.

The Indian Coast Guard is in charge of fishery protection, anti-smuggling and terrorism, the prevention of illegal immigration, and search and rescue operations as well as marine environment protection. Upgrade and enhancement to the organisation’s capabilities, fleet and equipment was highlighted by the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks that saw terrorists enter the country via hijacked fishing vessels.

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NEW ZEALAND

The T-50 Golden Eagle advanced trainer symbolises how far the South Korean defence industry has progressed © Gordon Arthur / Andrei Chang

First P-3K2 delivered to New Zealand Air Force

The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) has moved a step closer to an enhanced airborne surveillance capability with the delivery of the first upgraded P-3K2 Orion from the Ministry of Defence at a ceremony at Air Force Base Whenuapai.

The aircraft recently completed the Acceptance Testing and Evaluation (AT&E) at the prime contractor L3 Communications Systems facility in the US. This followed the completion of a comprehensive upgrade to replace data management, sensor, communications and navigation systems as well as the provision of associated ground systems.

Six RNZAF P-3K aircraft are being upgraded to the P-3K2 standard in total. When complete, the aircraft will return to 5 Squadron at RNZAF Base Auckland where they will be transitioned from their traditional role as a Maritime Patrol Force to an Airborne Surveillance and Response Force.

One other aircraft is scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2011. According to the RNZAF these two aircraft will be rotated through a period of Operational Testing and Evaluation (OT&E) ahead of their official entry into operation. In-country upgrades to the development of communication and mission support infrastructure is currently underway, and aircrew development, conversion courses and ground crew maintenance training are in process.

When in full operation the fleet will provide advanced long-range intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions in the protection of New Zealand’s maritime areas, exclusive economic zone (EEZ), search and rescue; as well as supporting government agencies including Fisheries and Customs, and government directed military operations.

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Indonesia may be first export customer for T-50 Training Jets

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has announced that they are the preferred bidder for Indonesia’s training jet replacement programme, bringing the first ever export sale of the T-50 Golden Eagle trainer a step closer.

South Korea has been trying to export the T-50 jets for some time, with failed attempts to both the United Arab Emirates and Singapore.

Developed between the state-run aerospace company and Lockheed Martin in a 2 trillion won 13 year project, the T-50 is currently being used in training advanced combat fighter pilots at South Korean Air Force bases.

South Korea and Indonesia still have to finalise the deal, which would see 16 aircraft purchased initially. Price and

PAKISTAN Pakistan to receive Tactical Communications’ multi-link Ground Support System

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is to receive a Tactical Communications’ Ground Support System (GSS) from the US Air Force Electronic Systems Centre (ESC) to support Link 16 simulation training and operational situational awareness on its F-16 aircraft.

The GSS will enable to the PAF to connect to airborne networks in order to conduct efficient and effective training of network operators and aviation personnel. The Commercial off the shelf (COTS) solution also offers growth options for additional data link networking for operational and maintenance training of the system and its components. The system is intended to sup-

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terms of the contract remain to be finalised, and if successful, the expected delivery date will be 2013.

Indonesia has been seeking a replacement for its fleet of training jets for some time, with its current fleet nearing the end of their service life. The T-50 Golden Eagle was shortlisted in the replacement programme last year along with Russian YAK-13 and L-159 from the Czech Republic.

KAI says that the use of the T-50 reduces both cost of training by 30 percent and flying time by 20 per cent; while pilots’ flying capabilities are enhanced by 40 percent compared to previous training jets.

If successful, South Korea will become one of only a handful of nations worldwide to have exported supersonic training jets. South Korea also has their eye on Israel, Poland and the US as potential future customers.

port training and the operational needs of end-users who work with Link 16 TDL networks. It can be used either as the first line platform training tool for new data link users or it is used as an exerciser for interoperability testing and training.

The award to Tactical Communications followed a request for proposal (RFP) issued by the US government in October 2010, for a tactical ground support system which was able to provide the capability of transmitting, receiving, and recording Link 16 network transmissions, a stable navigation source, and emulated Command and Control (C2) and non-C2 platform transmissions.

Tactical Communications will deliver the GSS to the US government, and then install and test the system in Pakistan. The system has already been introduced into service in twelve nations worldwide, including the US.

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targeting and non-traditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (NTISR) capabilities. The pods are operated via a common Sniper pod software load that allows operators to readily deploy the pods on different aircraft types in order to keep life cycle costs as low as possible.

The ROK’s first Phalanx CIWS will be fitted to the Ulsan-1 class FFX ship © Raytheon

Raytheon delivers Phalanx Close-In Weapon System to Republic of Korea Navy

SOUTH KOREA ROK receives 47th, 48th F-15K Slam Eagles

Boeing has delivered the 47th and 48th F15K Slam Eagle multi-role aircraft to the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) Daegu Air Base. The delivery is part of a contract between Boeing and the Republic of Korea (ROK) for the delivery of 61 F-15K aircraft, with a further thirteen units still to be delivered by April 2012.

This latest delivery is under the second phase of the agreement known as the Next Fighter II contract, under which six aircraft were delivered in 2010. Under the initial Next Fighter I agreement, Boeing completed delivered 40 aircraft in October 2008.

The F-15K is one of the world’s most capable combat ready multi-role fighters. It will bring the ROKAF a highly capable, survivable and maintainable platform that will form the centre of the military’s aerial strike capabilities. It is equipped with the latest technological upgrades, including Honeywell advanced display core processor (ADCP) avionics suite; BAE Systems ALR-56C(v)1 early warning receiver and Northrop Grumman ALQ135M jammer on-board protection

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systems; Raytheon AN/APG-63(v)1 radar; Air-to-air and air-to-ground modes of APG-70 radar with additional sea-surface searching/tracking, ground-moving target tracking, and enhanced high-resolution ground mapping for long-distance target identification. It features cockpit-display technologies including seven-colour liquid-crystal displays, two upfront control panels (flat-panel), joint helmet-mounted cueing system (JHMCS), and wide-field-ofview head-up display; and thirdgeneration targeting and navigation systems: forward-looking infrared (FLIR) and infrared search and track (IRST).

The F-15K is the newest variant of the F15E, and is the only US-produced fighter capable of long-range precision strikes without escort in all light and weather conditions. With improved reliability and increased maintainability than its predecessor the aircraft and will have a planned service life through to 2040.

Lockheed Martin has also recently delivered its Sniper pods for the ROKAF F15K aircraft, which are to be immediately deployed into full flight operations. The Sniper pods, originally demonstrated by Lockheed Martin to the ROKAF in 2009, will provide the F-15K fleet with updated

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The first Phalanx Close-In Weapon System for the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) has been delivered by Raytheon. The weapon will be fitted to the lead ship of the new 2,300 ton Ulsan-1 class FFX ship, bringing one of the most widely deployed ship self-defence systems to the new ROKN fleet. Over 890 systems have been deployed worldwide to date.

The delivery was part of a direct commercial sale between the ROK and Raytheon, and Raytheon has stated that they expect a follow-on order to be placed by the ROKN in the near future for five additional units.

The Phalanx Block 1B system Phalanx is a rapid-fire, computer-controlled radar and 20 mm gun system that automatically acquires, tracks and destroys enemy threats that have penetrated all other ship defence systems. A self-contained package, Phalanx automatically carries out functions usually performed by multiple systems -- including search, detection, threat evaluation, tracking, engagement, and kill assessment.

The Phalanx Block 1B is the latest upgrade to the system, with a surface mode configuration. It enhances the warfare capability of Block 1A by adding a forward looking infrared sensor and optimized gun barrels. It also provides defence against littoral warfare threats including helicopters and high-speed surface threats. Block 1B also adds new control stations with situational awareness, allowing operators to visually track and identify targets before engagement.

The Phalanx system was already fitted to INS Jalashava when it was transferred to the INS from the US Government in 2007.

Raytheon is currently supporting those systems under agreement with Elcome Marine Services PVT in Mumbai.

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