Australian Air Power Today Feb 21

Autumn 2021 Vol 3 No 1

Air Force | Air Power | National Defence | Space | Cyber

AIR FO R C E 2O21

AIR FORCE 100

CENTENARY OF THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE

A SALUTE TO TEAMWORK AND THE RAAF

Teamwork has been a core value of the Royal Australian Air Force. And for more than 60 years, Dassault Aviation is proud to have been part of the RAAF team. Congratulations and thanks for 100 years of service to Australia and the world.

WWW.DASSAULTFALCON.COM I SOUTH EAST ASIA & AUSTRALASIA: +60 12 213 2132 / +60 17 215 2474

Volume 3 No 1 Autumn 2021

index

8 Cover story ‘Look How Far We’ve Come’ The Royal Australian Air Force Turns 100

20 60 69 Women in the RAAF

Past Present Future Air Force Cadets

CYBER SECURITY

FEATURES

28 Are Australian's at a 'Turing Point' or Still Unprepared?

47 Forging a Path for Indigenous Australians in Cyber Security

15 Air Force Chief says RAAF Ramping up Preparations for 'Grey Zone' Missions 39 The AI 'backseater' in Future Air Combat 43 Next Milestones in Australia's F-35 Program.

56 The Concept of Expendable Uninhabited Aerial Vehicles

SPACE

34 Real Time Traffic Management in Space 35 Aussie Telescope Creates New Atlas of the Universe

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Digital version: australianairpowertoday.com.au Hard copy: To receive a complimentary copy email: airpower@flightpublishing.com.au Cover: Designed by Marlene Naj. Above: A B1B Lancer flies in formation with three RAAF F/A-18A Hornets and an EA-18G Growler over HMAS Stuart during a sortie for Exercise Regional Deployment. Defence image..

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Point Cook Where it all Began 74 How Australian Airports and Passports will Change for Future Travel FIXED WING

76 Defence 82 On The Radar 84 History 89 Books 91 Relocation 96 Back Page EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS Articles and photos are invited from readers who have an interest in the general aspects of air power, cyber security, space and aviation history.

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Reflecting on the past sets South Australia ahead as the leader for Air Force capabilities nationwide For many South Australians, seeing an AP-3C Orion, or more recently a P-8A Poseidon, fly over Glenelg beach on maritime patrol training missions is an iconic representation of the strong connection the Air Force has with the state.

South Australian ties to the Air Force in Australia are well entrenched, beginning with Sir Richard Williams— dubbed the ‘Father of the RAAF’—born in Moonta on the state’s York Peninsula in the late 1800s.

Williams was the first military pilot trained in Australia, and went on to command Australian and British fighter units in World War I. An advocate for an independent Air Force, Williams played a crucial role in the establishment of the RAAF and became its first Chief of the Air Staff in 1922.

Reflecting on this rich history, Defence SA Chief Executive Richard Price said South Australia has always played a critical role in air warfare, surveillance and intelligence for our nation.

“South Australia honours the decades of operations by the RAAF’s maritime patrol group and other units that have served and continue to serve our nation with distinction,” said Mr Price.

“South Australia is a hub of Defence activity, and we are known for having some of the country’s most advanced defence and space precincts and worldclass infrastructure.

“This, along with our fierce commitment to new ideas, development of cutting-edge technology, advanced research capability and highly skilled workforce means South Australia will continue to support RAAF operations in our state, as well as those of the broader Defence Force.

“We are proud to be the Defence State, and equally proud to celebrate with the RAAF in its one-hundredth year,” he said.

Home to more than 6,500 personnel and their families, South Australia’s 2

Reg Carruthers (left), a previous Commander of Aerospace Operational Support Group takes his final flight in an Aircraft Research and Development Unit F/A-18 Hornet in 2011. Defence image.

Edinburgh Defence Precinct is the state’s largest Defence establishment encompassing RAAF Base Edinburgh, Defence Science and Technology Group, Edinburgh Parks and overseeing the Woomera Range Complex, which is the largest land-based test range in the western world.

Since the 1970s, the number of units and defence organisations at the Precinct have steadily increased and since 2010 this has included Army ground forces who were relocated to be stationed at this burgeoning Defence precinct.

Over the last decade the Precinct has become a crucial intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance hub for the Australian Defence Force, with the establishment of the Air Warfare Centre, Jindalee Operational Radar Network, space capabilities, 92 Wing and 1 remote sensor residing in Adelaide.

RAAF Base Edinburgh will also be home to Australia’s new MQ-4C Triton, MC-55A Peregrine and MQ9B Sky Guardian unmanned aerial vehicles, complementing the nation’s P-8A Poseidon aircraft for maritime surveillance.

Executive Director of Defence and Space at Defence SA, Reg Carruthers (a previous Commander of Aerospace Operational Support Group) remembers well the day he strapped in for his final flight in an Aircraft Research and Development Unit F/A-18 Hornet from

Six MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial vehicles will be based at RAAF Base Edinburgh. Northrop Grumman image.

RAAF Base Edinburgh and across the South Australian coast, as he reflects on the decades of growth in the RAAF’s aerospace and space capability.

“From the 1968 arrival of the first P3 Orion at RAAF Base Edinburgh to the current fleet of 14 P-8A Poseidon aircraft currently being maintained at the site, we’re now seeing fifth-generation aircraft patrol our country’s shores,” Mr Carruthers said.

“RAAF Base Edinburgh has undergone major renovations over the years, solidifying its place as the home of maritime patrol. “ We ’ v e a l s o s e e n l a n d m a r k developments in space-derived intelligence in South Australia from the launch of WRESAT 1 in 1967 from the Woomera Range Complex to the State Government announcement that a locally-manufactured small satellite will be launched into lower Earth orbit in 2022.

“The RAAF has played a significant role in South Australia’s history. Not only is the Air Force a part of South Australia’s fabric, so too are the men and women undertaking the training, testing, research and operations for the RAAF in our state, as well as their families.”

South Australia has a long and proud partnership with the Air Force and in their centenary year, when not even the sky is the limit, we have only glimpsed into what future collaborations have in store for The Defence State.

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“This means we have our world class faculty academics, research and experience complemented with the innovation, agility and relevance of our learning designers and dedicated account managers,” says Bob O’Connor, QUT’s Executive Director, Graduate School of Business and QUTeX. This approach encourages participants to reflect on current practices, engage with new ideas and examine issues from multiple perspectives, plus challenge and extend their thinking within a supportive learning environment. eXplore your options today and get future fit, fast with QUT.

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Embraer’s tactical air mobility aircraft C-390 Millennium and the A-29 Super Tucano gain further prominence on the international stage Brazil. Additionally, FAB deployed one of their aircraft on a humanitarian mission to Beirut, Lebanon in August 2020.

In January 2021, FAB announced the KC-390s’ participation in ‘Operation Culminating’. This is a joint exercise where the Brazilian Army and the Brazilian Air Force will interoperate with the KC-390 alongside with the US Army and US Air Force.

Beyond Brazil, the Portuguese Armed Forces (FAP) ordered five KC-390s in 2019 and in October 2020, teams from the FAP and Embraer concluded the Critical Design Review for these aircraft. This step has defined the aircraft’s technical requirements and configuration according to FAP’s demands, enabling Embraer to progress with aircraft manufacture and delivery.

2020 was a challenging year, yet it was a year where Embraer’s medium sized tactical aircraft, the C-390 Millennium, and the light attack and counter-insurgency A-29 Super Tucano were able to demonstrate their value on the global stage.

Since its entry into service in 2019 with the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), Embraer’s C-390 Millennium has been proving its worth as a game-changing force multiplier. It provides unrivalled mobility, rapid mission reconfiguration, high availability, and improved flight safety in a single and unique modern platform.

The ‘launch customer’ for the C-390 was the FAB, which joined hands with Embraer to develop the C-390 project starting with a clean sheet in 2009. FAB currently operates four KC-390s, the multi-mission air mobility and air-to-air refueling (AAR) configuration of the C-390. In addition, NATO countries Portugal and most recently Hungary have contracted Embraer to supply the KC-390 variant of the C-390 Millennium.

The C-390 is capable of transporting and delivering cargo and troops by both airdrop and airland to prepared, semiprepared and damaged runways as well as performing a wide array of other missions including aeromedical evacuation, search and rescue, humanitarian aid and disaster relief, aerial refueling (fighters and helicopters), aerial firefighting and more. It features a modern cargo handling system which can transport large-sized cargo including pallets, vehicles, helicopters, troops, paratroopers, medevac stretchers, as well as mixed configurations of the these.

The C-390’s piloting is facilitated by a modern and proven integrated avionic system and a fly-by-wire flight control system. In addition, it can be equipped with selfdefense systems and ballistic protection which increases its survivability when operating in hostile environments.

The C-390 in operation FAB’s fourth KC-390 was delivered by Embraer in December 2020 and their operational fleet has been actively involved in carrying essential supplies to alleviate the pandemic in 6

More A-29 Super Tucanos in the Asia Pacific region The A-29 Super Tucano is operated by more than 15 air forces around the globe, accumulating more than 430,000 flight-hours, of which over 60,000 flight-hours have been accrued in combat operations.

In October 2020, six Super Tucanos were delivered to the Philippine Air Force. The aircraft will be operated in the roles of close air support, light attack, surveillance, air-to-air interception, counter-insurgency missions and advanced training. These new aircraft are part of PAF’s ongoing modernisation plans.

The A-29 Super Tucano has a low-wing, tandemseat, turboprop configuration optimised for light attack, reconnaissance and as an advanced training aircraft.

It is a versatile and powerful platform with a rugged and durable design that can operate from unimproved runways at forward operating bases in austere environments. Combat proven in many conflicts around the world, it combines its superior aircraft performance with the integration of 21st century weapons, sensors and surveillance systems, datalinks and sophisticated protection systems, to create a highly effective and advanced air combat platform. These capabilities have resulted in the A-29 Super Tucano being chosen by the United States Air Force (USAF) for combat operations in Afghanistan.

ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE

100 YEARS AND FLYING HIGH

EMBRAER CONGRATULATES THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE ON ACHIEVING THIS SPECIAL MILESTONE Since 1921, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has proved itself in a variety of roles and missions, thanks in no small part to the professionalism and bravery of the men and women who have served and continue to serve.

For our part, we continue to serve air forces across the globe with customised and integrated solutions, tailored to specific country and tactical needs. RAAF, our support and best wishes are with you today and for generations to come. embraerds.com

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‘Look How Far We’ve Come’ The Royal Australian Air Force Turns 100

Established on 31 March 1921, the Royal Australian Force is the second oldest air force in the world. Since this time, the Air Force and its people have played a major role in peacekeeping, humanitarian missions and disaster relief within Australia and across the globe.

The AFC unit, known as the ‘Mesopotamian Half Flight’, had limited resources and unsuitable aircraft but had an advantage over the Ottoman adversaries, who had no aircraft at the time.

An ANZAC crew flew the Half Flight’s first operational reconnaissance mission over Ottoman lines on 31 May 1915, dropping bombs on the return flight. This was the first Australian unit to see active service during WWI. Lieutenant George Merz (Australian) and observer Lieutenant William Burn (New Zealand) were both killed when their aircraft was forced down due to engine trouble.

The AFC would earn their stripes in the Middle East, Britain and France, one pilot earning a Victoria Cross in 1917,

Frank McNamara, who carried out a daring rescue mission for a squadron member, despite being severely injured by a howitzer shell prematurely exploding and embedding shrapnel through his leg.

Following the end of hostilities in 1919, the AFC and AIF was disbanded, but training continued to operate under the Army's banner until 1921, when the Australian Air Force was established as an independent branch. Later that year, King George V gave permission for the service to use the prefix ‘Royal’, and the RAAF was born.

Lobbying for the RAAF's independent status was Richard Williams, later known as ‘Father of the Royal Australian Air Force’, who would draw up submissions to create the branch. Williams would

While the RAAF wasn't officially formed until 1921, its foundation was set in 1911 when Britain decided aviation should become a part of its armed forces, which Australia followed. The Australian Flying Corps (AFC) was soon established as part of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF), and led to the formation of a flying school the following year.

World War One The first flight by the Central Flying School occurred in 1914. This would coincide with the same year World War I broke out. The AFC would subsequently get the call to aid British forces with the capture of German New Guinea.

This would prove unnecessary, with the AFC not needed during that operation, and it was almost halfway through 1915 before Australia was called upon for combat. The AFC provided a small contingent of officers and ground crew who were attached to British led forces and fought alongside other allies, including India, in the Mesopotamia Campaign.

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The AFC flew in the Mesopotamia Campaign in 1915.

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Sir Richard Williams, ‘Father of the RAAF’.

AWM image.

become the first Chief of the Air Staff in 1922, a role he would rotate in and out of over two decades.

World War Two When Britain declared war on Nazi Germany in 1939, Australia committed six squadrons to Britain for their war efforts. At this point, the RAAF had increased its personnel by 250 per cent in under five years to 3,500, and had 12 squadrons available, with a further six planned.

The first RAAF aircrew in Britain were there to collect Short Sunderland Flying Boats and return them to Australia, however they were quickly reassigned as 10th RAAF Squadron, and deployed to Tunisia, Northern Africa, where they would form a key part of Commonwealth Forces. This was the only squadron to see continuous active service during the war.

The RAAF would expand rapidly and Australia joined the Empire Air Training Scheme, training 10th Squadron was the only squadron aircrew from 1939.

Under the scheme, to see continuous 50,000 aircrew active service during WWII. would be trained

annually, with each country conducting basic training. RAAF training schools were established across Australia to support this until the scheme was suspended in 1944-45. Approximately 20,000 Australians had trained under EATS. As British manufacturing was constantly being targeted by the German Luftwaffe, Australia would soon be called upon to supply Commonwealth air forces. This would see British designed aircraft integrated into the RAAF, despite being built locally.

Seventeen RAAF squadrons would initially serve in Britain, or with the Desert Air Force in North Africa and Mediterranean, and like the Royal Australian Navy, were initially caught off guard when the Pacific War broke out and Japan was suddenly on Australia’s doorstep.

By 1941, the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF) was stood up, later to be reformed as the Women’s Royal Australian Air Force (WRAAF) in 1950. Greater employment of women at the time enabled men to be released for more operational duties. Approximately 27,000 women saw service in the WAAAF between 1941-1947.

As the RAAF considered bringing its units closer to home, this would quickly escalate following the bombing

Empire Air Training Scheme • At the outbreak of WWII, the British Government realised it did not have adequate resources to maintain the RAF in the air war in Europe.

• There was need for 50,000 aircrew annually, which Britain could only partly supply.

• Establishing a pool of trained personnel across the Commonwealth to serve with the RAF was proposed.

• A u s t r a l i a a c c e p t e d a n d a n agreement was signed in December 1939 to last for three years.

• The scheme was known in Australia as the Empire Air Training Scheme (EATS).

• Each country conducted its own basic training.

• The majority of advanced training was conducted in Canada.

• Australia undertook to provide 28,000 aircrew over three years, which represented 36% of the total number of proposed aircrew.

• The first basic flying course started in April 1940 with various RAAF schools established across Australia to support the scheme.

RAAF P-40 Kittyhawk in Papua New Guinea, 1942. AWM image.

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of Darwin by Japanese aircraft on 19 February 1942. Thirty-two RAAF aircraft defended against 188 fighter aircraft and 54 bombers from Japan. This was the largest ever attack mounted by a foreign power on Australia resulting in extensive damage and the loss of 236 lives. Efforts to acquire more aircraft and recall squadrons from the northern hemisphere to assist with the Pacific War were now increased.

The RAAF would purchase USconstructed P-40 Kittyhawks as well as designing their own, the CAC Boomerang. Kittyhawks played a crucial role in the New Guinea and Solomon Islands campaigns, including the Battle of Milne Bay and the Kokoda Track Campaign.

The RAAF's primary task quickly turned to protecting Australia and its closest sea lanes, as well as conducting operations against Japanese forces and installations around the pacific.

By the end of WWII, over 200,000 men and women had served in the RAAF, with 9,780 casualties. The RAAF had evolved into a massive force, being the fourth largest Air Force by size with over 150,000 personnel operating 6,000 aircraft by the time Japan surrendered when the war ended in September 1945.

Post World War Two Following WWII, the RAAF saw extensive involvement in the Berlin airlift (1948-49), Korean War (1950-53) and Vietnam War (1966-72).

Sergeant George Hale with his Meteor Mk 8 after a brush with MiG-15s over North Korea in March 1953. AWM image.

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35 Squadron crews and Caribou aircraft, Vietnam circa 1967. AWM image.

An F/A-18 in the skies over Iraq. Defence image.

Following the Vietnam War, the RAAF would not see combat again until the deployment of F/A-18s from No.75 Squadron. The RAAF operated in escort and ground attack roles in the Iraq War in 2003, with a detachment of AP-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft deployed across the Middle East between 2003 and 2012. Aircraft operations ranged from the Persian Gulf to Somalia, in a wide variety of roles, including surveillance patrols and operation support.

Multi Role Tanker Transport, an E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft, and support personnel, to Al Minhad Air Base in the United Arab Emirates to assist with combating Islamic State forces in Iraq.

In 2017, AP-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft were deployed to the Philippines to assist with the Marawi crisis, keeping up with Australia's intentions of contributing to global peacekeeping and humanitarian operations.

Vietnam War

Fifth-Generation Future

In 2014, the RAAF deployed an Air Task Group consisting of up to eight F/A-18F Super Hornets, a KC-30A

More recently, the RAAF has moved into improving its air-strike capability

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A F-35A Lightning II off the coast of Newcastle. Defence image.

following the procurement of the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter from December 2018. The arrival of the F-35A is the catalyst for the RAAF to be considered a fifth-generation force, boosting a fleet that already boasts the E-7A Wedgetail which serve as one of the most advanced air battlespace management capabilities in the world.

Another step the RAAF is taking towards fifth-gen capability is the procurement of the AIR 6500 program.

This is a collaboration between various organisations to develop and implement a multi domain battle management and integrated air and missile defence system to better enable a joint force structure. This will bring the Australian Defence Force’s command and control, air defence, communication and ISR capabilities together, providing a shared situational awareness.

Future RAAF strike and air combat capability could be characterised by the seamless integration of space, cyber and electronic systems into a coordinated multi domain model where a range of outcomes are generated in addition to existing air effects.

This of course would not be possible without the high calibre of its people, collaborating with Army, Navy, civilian and allied partners to provide an

Future capability could be characterised by the integration of various systems. Defence image.

enduring contribution to Australia’s regional and global security through delivery of air power, cyber and space capabilities in support of Australian Government objectives.

During this centenary year, as the RAAF reflects upon its rich history of bravery and valour, acknowledges those who established its foundations,

and commemorates those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, it also looks to the future with infinite possibilities. From humble beginnings in 1921, the Royal Australian Air Force has developed into a formative, world class organisation - the envy of other air forces around the world.

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A 21 year partnership that keeps the RAAF flying In 2021, TAE Aerospace joins many around the nation to acknowledge and celebrate the centenary of a great Australian institution – the Royal Australian Air Force.

TAE Aerospace has enjoyed a long and close association with Air Force. Over the past 21 years, we’ve been fortunate to work on 16 types of RAAF aircraft. From repair work on F-111s in 2000, to our recent agreement to maintain Hawk 127 engines in 2021, our partnership continues to strengthen each year.

Today we provide engine sustainment, wheel and brake maintenance, advanced manufacturing and fire protection capabilities to more than 70% of the RAAF fleet currently in service.

Our connection with Air Force is strong at a personal level as well. CEO, Andrew Sanderson, and company director, Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Mark Skidmore (Skates), both started their careers as Officer Cadets. Each credits the RAAF with providing an opportunity to develop leadership skills from a young age.

Shortly after graduating as an aeronautical engineer, Andrew led airframe and engine maintenance teams to keep F-111s operational.

“As a 21 year old, managing teams of experienced and skilled people is an exciting challenge. The RAAF teaches you how to lead from day one. You get to spend time with a wide variety of people all committed to delivering operational requirements for Australia.”

Skates adds: “I was very fortunate to fly F-111s straight after getting my pilot’s wings. I was able to fly for a long time here and in the US, work in the Middle East as CAOC Director and in a number of Headquarters as well – with an array of amazing opportunities in between.

“The people make the RAAF. It was like a big family with great leaders and mentors to learn from. They have come a

CEO Andrew Sanderson with an F414 Super Hornet engine.

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Air Vice Marshal (retd) Mark Skidmore, TAE Aerospace NonExecutive Director with a RAAF Super Hornet.

Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Mark Skidmore, TAE Aerospace NonExecutive Director with a F/A-18 Super Hornet.

long way and their professionalism now is outstanding. It is exciting to imagine what they can accomplish over the next 100 years.”

Skates said that after retiring from the RAAF he had the honour of flying the Bristol Boxkite replica at Point Cook in September, 2013.

“I first heard about the project to build a Boxkite replica as Air Commander and knew I wanted to fly it. I did a lot of groundwork with the team at Point Cook and in the UK to learn how the aircraft would handle and eventually managed to convince Mel Hupfeld.”

“It’s an interesting aircraft and very well built. The feeling of being up there with nothing around you is amazing – a lot different to flying a jet at twice the speed of sound. It’s probably the most scared and excited I’ve been in an aircraft.

I’d definitely do it again.”

As TAE Aerospace continues to expand globally, our long-term partnership with Defence remains central to our business. Our team includes many former Defence personnel and Andrew said that both parties benefit from the exchange.

“Those who have been in uniform really understand the demands and dimensions of what Defence needs and how we can best deliver.”

“At the same time, Defence is looking for capable Australian industry partners to meet its Sovereign Industrial Capability Priorities, and we have the knowledge and ability to deliver engine sustainment requirements right across the Joint Forces.”

From small beginnings, our relationship with the RAAF has grown into one of our most valued partnerships.

TAE Aerospace would like to thank every member of the RAAF, past and present, for your dedication, sacrifice and service. Today and into the future, you can rely on us to keep you flying.

years

and stronger than ever TAE Aerospace would like to congratulate the Royal Australian Air Force on 100 years of outstanding service.

Its record over that time has been exemplary and all Australians owe the men and women who have served with the RAAF a great debt of gratitude.

We are privileged to partner with one of this country’s great institutions.

For TAE Aerospace, it has been an honour to help keep the RAAF flying for 21 of the last 100 years.

Images courtesy Department of Defence

A C ENT EN A RY T O CELEBRATE

Congratulations to the Royal Australian Air Force on its 100-year anniversary Collins Aerospace is honoured to recognize the Royal Australian Air Force for 100 years of delivering strength, courage and power across the air, space, land, sea and cyber domains. From our F-35 Gen III Helmet Mounted Display System (HMDS) and avionics to communications, navigation and simulation solutions, we’re proud to support your mission success. We value our long-standing relationship and look forward to serving you for years to come. collinsaerospace.com © 2021 Collins Aerospace

Fe a tu r e

Air Force Chief says RAAF ramping up preparations for 'grey zone' missions Brendan Nicholson While the Royal Australian Air Force must be prepared to fight in a highlevel, state-on-state conflict, it must also be able to operate in an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific ‘grey zone’ where competing powers use influence and coercion.

RAAF Chief Mel Hupfeld says in an interview with The Strategist that since strategic goals are being won and lost in ways that avoid force-on-force conflict, the Air Force cannot afford to ignore these tactics just because they fall short of all-out warfare. ‘Choosing not to engage simply accelerates an adversary’s chances of success’, Air Marshal Hupfeld says.

Australia’s 2020 defence strategic update found that the regional security environment had deteriorated far more rapidly and in ways that could not have been predicted four years ago when the last defence white paper was produced.

The assumption that Australia would have a decade’s warning of a looming conflict was no longer valid, it said.

As the service chiefs put the measures outlined in the update and the accompanying force structure plan into effect, new weapons for the Air Force will include long-range anti-ship missiles.

To help guide the RAAF in its evolving role, Hupfeld has issued a strategy setting out how the Air Force must adapt to carry out operations in the grey zone as part of an integrated approach across the Australian Defence Force.

He says a simplistic model of ‘peace’ and ‘war’ no longer adequately describes the geostrategic environment and, in an environment of strategic competition, malign actors exploit the grey zone to avoid clear escalation points that legitimise a traditional military response.

While high-end warfighting remains a core function of air power, growing strategic competition means the RAAF

Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld at Defence Headquarters, Canberra. Defence image.

must be ready to operate with the rest of the ADF to provide the maximum strategic effect across a spectrum ranging from cooperation to conflict.

Hupfeld says that historically the RAAF has focused on high-end, stateon-state warfare, but a disproportionate focus on that level of conflict may cause the force to miss critical opportunities to contribute strategically through air and space power.

‘It is therefore necessary to broaden Air Force’s strategic aperture to encompass much greater utility than merely contributing to high-end warfighting.’

Many emerging international security challenges will not be suited to force-onforce engagement, he says. Rather, they will require the RAAF to provide an enduring contribution to statecraft.

‘To do this, Air Force must provide a suite of capabilities and effects that present strategic off-ramps and opportunities for the joint force at the lower ends of the spectrum of conflict, cognisant of the subtleties of the current strategic environment.

‘In short, Air Force must be part of Australia’s ability to synchronise and mobilise all aspects of national power.’

This whole process will require creativity on the part of personnel, and the strategy identifies an underlying tension between the clear and rational guidance and measurable boundaries required by those on air and space operations and the less prescriptive guidance for those working in other areas of the grey zone.

Hupfeld says the Air Force will empower leaders at all levels to make decisions and to succeed by removing unnecessary administration and bureaucracy and providing the framework to curate and grow ideas that bring an intellectual edge over potential competitors.

‘Platforms obviously are important, but the people that operate them are the real soul of the Air Force and indeed, the joint force. Our greatest asset is our people. We will continue to develop a skilled and intelligent workforce, a generation of air and space power leaders, and people who understand air and space power and deliver that for the joint force. It’s not just about delivering it for Air Force.

‘We recognise that we are very strongly technology based, but without 15

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Fe a tu r e

the people who know how and when to use this technology, who have strategic awareness and knowledge about the impacts of their actions at all times, this will come to nothing.’

The Air Force strategy sets the shape of Hupfeld’s intent as commander but it doesn’t tell personnel everything about how they’re going to enact it.

‘What I require them to do is to think about how we shape the Air Force to get it where we want it to be. A lot of the “how” will come from the people. I want them to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.’

A key goal, Hupfeld says, is for the RAAF to be organised in a manner that optimises effect while reducing administrative burden and unnecessary bureaucracy. ‘Air Force provides the opportunity and space for members to curate leading-edge research, honing ideas through to realisation in a safe environment that is failure tolerant’, he says.

The strategy explains Australia’s ‘shape’, ‘deter’ and ‘respond’ defence objectives as areas that support the nation’s interests by maintaining and building national cooperation and military partnerships to engage with key regional decision-makers and partners from a position of trust, deterring behaviour that is counter to Australia’s interests by contributing to wholeof-government efforts to expose and discourage grey-zone tactics and political warfare, and responding to challenges to the national interest, which includes defeating acts of aggression from malign actors and contributing to humanitarian activities.

The strategy provides two accepted methods for achieving deterrence: ‘denial’ to make it physically difficult for an adversary to achieve an objective, and the ability to impose ‘costs’ if necessary to influence an adversary’s strategic calculus.

‘Working in the grey zone is about having presence in our immediate region on a daily basis rather than sending an aircraft after a disaster and saying, “We’re here to help and this is what we can do for you.” Another key to success will be how well our people know the region and how they deepen relationships with their counterparts to

better understand what the region wants us to contribute.

‘We’d prefer to be able to operate there and, as we prepare and build for our security, we’re ready to assist and learn from and work with our partners in the region. That can help build security, prosperity and sovereignty across the whole region, which is good for all of us.’

Much of this is not new, says Hupfeld.

The RAAF has for many years been sending aircraft out to do humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. ‘But we want to give people a greater sense of what they can contribute when they do that task, when they’re on the ground at work.

‘And if we go out to support an exercise or an activity anywhere in our region, our people need to know that they are part of that engagement strategy.’

The strategy warns that in the competitive emerging environment the Air Force can no longer afford to plan to use force without considering to how that fits in with Defence’s broader strategic objectives. ‘This will require a far more nuanced approach to the planning and execution of all activities.’

Hupfeld says the RAAF does not just shape, deter and then respond if the first two steps don’t work. ‘We’re responding every day. Every time we send an aircraft out to do a task and

support our region, that’s a response, or if we’re responding to Covid or to bushfires we’re responding. We have to be ready to do that all day, every day, basically, and with all of our assets.’

Such missions include being in Japan to help monitor UN sanctions against North Korea and flying maritime surveillance missions to support Malaysia.

‘We engage in maritime domain awareness with partners in the region to help them identify activity that impacts on their security or prosperity so that they can respond appropriately to actions counter to their national interests’, Hupfeld says.

‘But we’ve got to work with them so that it’s what they want, not what we think they want. These are normal activities and while we’re doing them we watch out for any actions within the grey zone which are pushing up to, and just below, the level of conflict.

‘Our ultimate aim is to avoid moving into a conflict environment’, says Hupfeld.

‘So, in this era of competition, maintaining the right balance of keeping our awareness in place versus “shape”, “deter” and “respond” is what we will be doing all day and every day.’

Brendan Nicholson is Executive Editor of The Strategist. Defence images. www.aspistrategist.org.au

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Babcock Australasia’s emergency medical and mission-critical capability Trusted, innovative and proudly Australian, Babcock Australasia is continuing its growth as a defence, aviation and critical services company, providing agile, reliable, and responsive end-to-end solutions for customers throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Employing more than 1,300 talented people across the region, Babcock’s domestic capability is growing in the aviation and critical services sector, whilst drawing on a global pedigree that has worked in partnership with customers for more than a century.

Babcock Australasia’s Managing Director – Aviation & Critical Services, Darren Moncrieff, said Babcock is a world leader in engineering and operational support to the emergency services sector.

“We believe in working in collaborative long-term partnerships with customers to deliver cost effective management and sustainment of complex and critical assets, designing and delivering bespoke training solutions, and providing emergency and mission critical aviation services,” Mr Moncrieff said.

“Our team has maintained operations and remained committed

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to service delivery throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, providing critical services in Victoria, South Australia and Queensland.

“Babcock is responsive and adaptive, rising to the challenge to meet customer needs and community expectations.

We’re there when it counts.

“Our fleet of rotary wing aircraft play an integral role in delivering world-class emergency aeromedical response, patient care, and recovery from remote and challenging environments across Australia.”

Since entering service for Ambulance Victoria in 2016, the state-of-the-art Leonardo AW139 twin engine helicopter has been an essential component to Babcock’s growing emergency medical services (EMS) and search and rescue (SAR) capability.

Over the past five years, Babcock has supplied five AW139s, plus a service assurance aircraft, to support Ambulance Victoria’s Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) operations. This fleet has now flown more than 20,000 hours.

Chief Pilot and Head of Flying Operations (Onshore), Captain Tom House, said Babcock’s services include training and qualifying pilots, aircrew and engineers to provide a 24/7, 365-days-a-year service within on-call rapid response times. “ We a l s o p r o v i d e s p e c i a l i s t aeromedical training to Ambulance Victoria’s Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) Flight Paramedics, which enables them to conduct HEMS operations,” Captain House said.

“This training includes down-the-wire land and water winch rescue operations in addition to their medical duties.

“Babcock pilots and aircrew officers work in a close-knit team with MICA paramedics, which is critical when conducting operations at short notice at all hours of the day and night, often in challenging weather conditions and involving traumatic circumstances.

“As a result, there is a high level of professional respect between the crew

members and a close bond forged by shared experiences.”

Operating from bases in Essendon, L a Tr o b e Va l l e y, B e n d i g o a n d Warrnambool, Babcock’s AW139 crews fly more than 2,700 EMS and SAR missions each year across Victoria and Bass Strait.

Captain House said Babcock provides Ambulance Victoria with turnkey helicopter support services to maintain and fly the fleet of specialised medical emergency configured helicopters.

“This includes early adoption of new technologies, custom configuration of specialised on-board aeromedical equipment, as well as bespoke aircraft cabin designs and fitouts suitable for HEMS and SAR operations,” Captain House said.

“All AW139s are equipped with a rescue winch allowing MICA paramedics to be lowered into remote places to rescue patients, including bushland, boats and the ocean.

“Babcock’s expertise, commitment, and focus on safe practices in the most challenging of circumstances has helped saved many lives and 2020 saw almost 2,000 patients transported by HEMS. “Our long-term partnership with Ambulance Victoria and experience with HEMS continues to deliver significant benefit to more than 5.8 million people living in rural, regional and metropolitan Victoria.”

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20

Fe a tu r e

Women in the RAAF

By Squadron Leader Barrie Bardoe

Linda Cole was excited.

She was about to take to the air in a Sopwith Tabloid biplane piloted by celebrity aviator Harry Hawker. She was fortunate that her father was a great believer in the emerging technology of flight, and an even greater believer in her. It was February 1914, and there was a common school of thought that women would be unsuited to aviation. It was believed by many, that the unfamiliar sensation of rising far above the ground would make women hysterical, and there was a risk that the calm male at the controls would be distracted, or even interfered with, resulting in things ending very badly. However, Cole was having none of it. She wanted to fly.

“Miss Cole was perfectly calm and collected when entering the biplane and showed no signs of nervousness”, noted Melbourne publication, Punch.

During the flight, which took place over St Kilda, Sandringham and the adjacent bay area, she calmly conversed with her pilot and commented on the panoramic views. She made an observation that had been at the core of the decision to form a military aviation capability, namely that when able to look down into the water it was possible to see objects clearly. She speculated that this would be very helpful for locating mines, among other things. Hawker took

another woman – Mia Stutt – for a flight on that same day and just like Cole, she proved to be calm and collected.

Despite the fact that the experience of aviation clearly did not make women hysterical, pilots’ licenses would not be available to women until 1927, and it would be decades before they achieved equal pay and conditions in the nation’s military.

The history of military aviation is far longer than many people realize, beginning in France in 1794 with the establishment of the French Aerostatic Corps. The Corps played a pivotal role in French military success during the period and leveraged technology that was advanced for the age, namely portable hydrogen producing units.

On 24 September 1861, a notable first was achieved in the American Civil War, when a balloon was used to direct fire on Confederate positions beyond ground level visual range. From the Australian experience, military aviation began in earnest when the 1909 Imperial Conference in London decided that the British Empire should develop a military aviation capability. The decision had been largely prompted by Louis Bleriot’s crossing of the channel that year, which put the Empire on notice that the world’s most powerful navy may no longer be the final word in protecting the mother country.

The first flight in Australian military aviation occurred on 1 March 1914. The nation’s fledgling military aviation capability had been under immense pressure to get airborne and on the morning of 1 March, this finally happened when one of the two instructors, Lieutenant Eric Harrison, took to the air in a Bristol Boxkite. As part of what now might be termed a Public Relations exercise, the Australian Flying Corps (AFC), which was at that stage an Army formation, was instructed to take local residents and VIPs flying.

Local girl, Jo Cunningham, turned up at the aerodrome dressed in sturdy boots and clothing as stipulated, but was advised that flying was not available to women. She lived into her 90’s but never got over the disappointment.

Harrison was however clearly having none of it, and a photo dated 11 March shows him in civilian clothes at the controls of the Boxkite, with female passenger Ruby Millen.

During World War One, the AFC was exclusively male, but by war’s end the British Royal Air Force was drawing heavily upon women in technical roles.

Harrison was especially interested in the technical and engineering aspects of flight, and by the time of World War Two, women would be playing a significant role in the war effort.

By January 1919, the idea for a military aviation capability independent to the Army and Navy was already taking shape in Australian government circles.

This became a reality in March 1921, when the Royal Australian Air Force was formed, only the second such force in the world behind Britain’s RAF. For a singular moment in history, Australia’s military aviation capability had more aircraft than officer pilots – there were 21 officers and 151 personnel in total with an aircraft inventory of 164. No wonder the new force was sometimes

21

F eat ure

Aircraftwoman Marie Isabel Wilson 1944. victorharborrsl.com.au

referred to as the ‘Gentlemen’s’ Flying Club’!

In the civilian world, women started making serious inroads into aviation, once licenses were granted in 1927.

Female aviators, or “aviatrixes” as they

were known at the time, soon became commonplace. Women set important aviation records including many long distance solo flights. The media of the day was filled with stories of their exploits and some enjoyed celebrity status. Despite the very real evidence that women could be accomplished pilots, the RAAF continued with a male only policy. The pragmatic reality of world war however, meant that Australia had to draw upon a wider pool of human resources, and in 1940, the Women's Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF) was formed. The rejection of women in frontline roles was the norm at the time with only the Soviet Union using women pilots in combat roles, but the WAAAF contributed in every other area of the war effort. Many members had been in the volunteer organization the Women’s Air Training Corps (WATC), which had been established by female aviators keen to support the war effort.

By 1944, the WAAAF had over 18,000 members, making it the largest wartime female force in Australia. Women pilots flew cutting-edge aircraft to

maintenance depots and the squadrons as male pilots were in high demand for combat roles. According to the book ‘Shaft of the Spear’ (Grantham and Bushell, 2003), women dominated some technical categories making up to 90% of capability in some trades by war’s end. In December 1947, as the RAAF underwent demobilization and a radical shrinking from its temporary post war status as the world’s fourth largest air force with over 7,000 mainly cutting edge aircraft, the WAAAF was unceremoniously disbanded.

By 1950, Australia faced a new perceived threat from Communist expansion and became involved in the Korean War. In July of that year, the Australian Women’s Air Force was formed, and in November, it became the Women’s Royal Australian Air Force (WRAAF). Wing Officer Doris Carter was the organisation’s inaugural commander. It was not until the late 1960’s that the ‘marriage bar’ was lifted which had precluded married women from serving and provisions were made for unpaid maternity leave. In 1972,

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the WRAAF finally achieved equal pay with its male counterparts, although this took until 1979 for the wider ADF. Paid maternity leave began in the mid 70’s.

In 1977, the WRAAF was disbanded, and female members absorbed into the RAAF. However, in many ways the battle for equal treatment was just beginning. For example, in 1978 Air Marshal Sir James Rowland, Chief of the Air Staff, said to a joint parliamentary committee on the likelihood of women pilots in the RAAF, ‘Do you want me to spend $1M of your money producing a Mirage pilot who is going to leave in a couple of years?’.

On 1 February 1978, the Air Force appointed its first female engineering student, Pilot Officer Margaret Maxwell. It appears that she had already completed two years of tertiary education as an engineer before enlisting, because in 1980 she was posted to an Aeronautical Engineering position. On 21 August 1979, the Air Force appointed Flying Officer Rosalea Hotchkies as the first qualified engineer. She was a direct entry Radar Engineer. The first female Royal Australian Air Force pilots were Flight Lieutenant Robyn Williams and Officer Cadet Deborah Hicks. Both graduated from the same flying course (No 144 PLTCSE) on 30 June 1988.

In 1992, the Keating ALP government announced that women could serve in all ADF units except for direct combat roles and in that year, Wing Commander Julie Hammer assumed command of the Electronic Warfare Squadron at RAAF Base Edinburgh, becoming the first woman to command an operational unit of the RAAF. She was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross in the Australia Day Honours list in 1997, and in 1999 became the first woman to achieve the rank of Air Commodore.

She ultimately achieved the rank of Air Vice Marshal.

The year 2000 saw the first female officers in the RAAF to graduate to fast jets. Flying Officer Brooke Chivers and Pilot Officer Aroha Fifield became the RAAF's first women to graduate to fast jets earning their brevets as navigators in the RAAF's frontline F-111 squadrons. In 2011 Minister for Defence Stephen Smith announced the federal government had agreed to remove gender restrictions from combat roles. In April 2014, Squadron Leader Samantha Freebairn - a C-17A Globemaster II pilot - became the RAAF's first female pilot to return to operational flying after maternity leave. On December 2017, one of the last big hurdles was overcome, when Australia’s first female fighter pilots completed their operational conversion course on the F/A-18 Hornet. Defence Minister Senator Marise Payne stated: “I congratulate the six graduates of our most recent Royal Australian Air Force fast jet pilot course – including the first two female pilots to graduate from this course.” Two years later in November 2019 Warrant Officer Fiona Grasby was appointed the first female and ninth Warrant Officer – Air Force, the highest non-commissioned position in the RAAF. It has been a long road, but a century after the formation of the RAAF, women are now able to undertake all roles.

Barrie Bardoe is a widely published writer and author. He holds a senior officer rank in the RAAF Specialist Reserve and is currently finishing a PhD. barriebardoe.com Defence images.

Timeline for Women in the RAAF 1940 Women's Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF) formed.

1947 The WAAAF was disbanded.

1950 The Australian Women's Air Force was formed in July 1950 and in November became the Women's Royal Australian Air Force (WRAAF).

1977 The WRAAF was disbanded, and female personnel were absorbed into the mainstream RAAF. 1979 Equal pay achieved for women in the services.

1988 Australia's first female Air Force pilots, Robyn Williams and Deborah Hicks graduated and with the exception of the airfield defence units, there are few jobs within the RAAF barred to women.

1992 Keating Government announces women can serve in all Army, Navy and Air Force units, except direct combat units.

2000 First female officers in the RAAF to graduate to fast jets. Flying Officer Brooke Chivers and Pilot Officer Aroha Fifield became the RAAF's first women to graduate to fast jets.

2011 September Minister for Defence Stephen Smith announces the federal government has formally agreed to the removal of gender restrictions from ADF combat roles.

2014 Squadron Leader Samantha Freebairn is a C-17A Globemaster pilot and is the RAAF's first female pilot to return to operational flying after maternity leave.

2019 Warrant Officer Fiona Grasby is appointed as the first female and ninth Warrant Officer of the Air Froce

23

Israel Aerospace Industries Congratulates the Australian Air Force on 100 Years of Service: Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is excited to congratulate the Australian Air Force on marking 100 years of service, this March 2021. IAI looks forward to many more years of fruitful cooperation with the Australian Air Force and IAI’s state of the art solutions.

As a world-leading provider of aerospace, defence, commercial aviation and cyberspace systems, our battle-winning multi-domain solutions continue to meet our customer's operational needs. We deliver a wide range of technologies spanning from outer space to under the sea. IAI’s customers depend on our systems and services to empower defence capabilities, safeguard the homeland and cyberspace. IAI is now working to develop AIC solutions to meet the Australian Air Force’s needs into the future.

IAI’s OPAL net-centric warfare solution is one example of the customer focused, innovative solutions provided

by IAI. The combat proven system creates an airborne network allowing aircraft, ground forces and sea vessels

OPAL Decentralized Combat Cloud Illustration, IAI

24

to share data in real time. Two key values set IAI’s OPAL solution apart: first, by using OPAL different entities can create a Common Operating Picture, with enhanced real-time situational awareness as well as advanced application-based situation management. This ensures complete interoperability among different airborne platforms, specifically fifth generation to legacy as well as help to create a joint combat picture with naval and land forces. Second, OPAL is an open-architecture solution, meaning the customer can integrate their own data bearers, sensors and systems.

OPAL is one of the only solutions on the market that allows customers to implement operational capabilities and software applications on top of the OPAL infrastructure. This provides OPAL customers with an unprecedented degree of independence and agility to deliver capabilities rapidly to address modern combat arena challenges.

Another one of IAI’s world leading Air defence solutions, the Barak MX is an advanced air and missile defence system that provides a single integrated solution for multiple simultaneous aerial threats from different sources and different ranges. Barak MX allows you to tailor your system configuration to face any threat, in any mission and in any battle condition. Selected and currently used by leading countries world wide.

Customers can connect and utilize any combination of the three BARAK MX components. The first component, the BARAK Battle Management Center (BMC), creates and manages a unified multi-sensor aerial picture, coordinates the force operation networks and manages the launch arrays. The Barak BMC is available in naval or land-based configuration. The land-based versions are available in mobile, transportable and stationary platforms. The second component, BARAK Interceptors, all with vertical launch capabilities supporting 360° coverage, quick reactions, short minimal ranges and

BARAK MK, IAI

an active high-end RF seeker for targets with low radar cross-sections and high maneuverability. Finally, the third component, IAI’s Fully Digital Integrated Phased Array Radars, are available in a variety of sizes and configurations.

And finally, ELTA's Signal Intelligence (SIGINT) systems comprise various COMINT and ELINT solutions that can be integrated and installed on all aircraft types: UAVs, light aircraft, business jets and other reconnaissance aircraft. These systems are designed to cope with the challenges of modern, dense communications and radar environments, complex signal formats and evasive radiation patterns in order to build a real-time Electronic Order of Battle (EOB) and gather time-critical intelligence, provide early warning, and Electronic Counter Measures (ECM) cueing. ELTA offers a family of jamming pods designed to enhance the survivability of fighters and other military aircraft by providing protection against all types of Air-to-Air (A/A) and Surface-to-Air (S/A) threats in a dense, radar-guided weapons environment.

IAI provides operational experience, and the ability to transfer knowledge and experience. IAI looks forward to further cooperation with the Australian Air Force. We hope to incorporate out products into your defence solutions.

Congratulations!

IAI congratulates the Australian Air Force on achieving 100 years!

IAI is a proud partner of the Royal Australian Air Force.

Our winning collaborations include the B707 tanker program, the Heron UAV, EW for the AP-3C Orion and the E-7A Wedgetail.

Today, IAI continues to support the Royal Australian Air Force in introducing the world's most advanced fifth-generation Air Force. www.iai.co.il • corpmkg@iai.co.il

Sp a ce

Sovereign Solid Propellant and Rocket Motors now on-line and ready for launch This is a unique point in our nation’s history.

With geopolitical tensions increasing, the accelerated transition of global power, and a pandemic that has hit the reset button on many of the fundamental elements of our society – the need for sovereign supply of strategically critical products and services has not been greater within our lifetime.

Black Sky Aerospace (BSA) is proudly stepping up to do its part in on-shoring one of these strategically critical capabilities.

Through more than two years of continuous development and investment, BSA successfully commissioned the nation’s first large scale energetics manufacturing facility for solid propellant in mid-December 2020. Only one month later - BSA launched multiple rockets on the first batches, making history once again as the first Australian company to launch a rocket that was 100% designed and manufactured in Australia, as well as powered by sovereign manufactured solid propellant.

These launches represent a significant milestone for BSA as a company, but also for the nation as it is a strong and unequivocal statement that Australia has the capability to fly its own sovereign designed, manufactured, and powered launch vehicles.

This capability immediately disrupts dependencies on foreign providers of solid fuels for missile, rocketry and space applications, and further creating the opportunity to engage with international Defence primes to collaboratively provide guided munitions. BSA’s products are also ITAR-free to maximise responsiveness and agility.

Importantly, this capability is the foundation of highspeed, long-range weapon platforms, enabling our nation to progress towards sustainable capability overmatch through the sovereign development of leading-edge Defence technologies.

As a testament to the responsive nature of BSA’s technology, two launches were successfully completed within 45 minutes of each other. Two different propellant formulas were used in these 150mm demonstrator sub-orbital sounding rockets, signifying capabilities that suit both Space and Defence requirements. Both rockets carried customer payloads and were completely recovered less than two hours after launch.

In combination with BSA’s ability to rapidly develop aerospace vehicles, obtain launch approvals, and provide access to multiple private launch sites - Black Sky Aerospace now possesses a set of end-to-end capabilities that can deliver anything from energetics, launch vehicles and components, through to turn-key launch services carrying mission critical payloads. This provides a strategically sovereign capability to the nation, so the Australian Defence Force and its allies can have the confidence that comes with being backed by an increasingly sovereign supply-chain.

BSA’s mission is to enable Australia’s Defence and Space industries through the provision of responsive, reliable, and cost-effective products and services. With the critical addition of sovereign solid propellant manufacturing capability to our expanding arsenal, BSA is now delivering on this mission and is strongly positioned to deliver on the 2020 Defence Strategic Update and 2020 Force Structure Plan.

2020 proved to be a defining year for BSA, taking out five major awards including Defence Aerospace Business of the Year and Space Operations Business of the year. The credibility that comes with these third-party endorsements is recognition of BSA’s continual innovation, pushing the boundaries of launch technology.

Looking ahead - BSA has an extensive schedule planned for 2021. Through the scaling of launch vehicles and working with the Australian Space Agency, launches from Australia above the Karman Line under the new rules will commence for the first time from sites in Queensland and the Northern Territory with Equatorial Launch Australia (ELA). BSA’s energetics facility is already undergoing upgrades and manufacturing will see increased vertical integration to intensify throughput.

BSA offers a range of off-the-shelf Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) products to suit various mission profiles and BSA can design and manufacture energetics and SRM as white-label products to suit various mission profiles or rapid prototyping.

Additionally, BSA can produce energetics under license through secure transfer of IP stored on offline servers, with manufacturing conducted in secure and safe workshops.

For more information or to book a demonstration, contact BSA at info@bsaero.space

27

C yber Se cu rity

Are Australians at a 'turning point' on cybersecurity or still unprepared?

Are Australians at a 'turning point' on cybersecurity or still unprepared?

It was, according to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), the most significant and coordinated cybertargeting against Australian institutions to date.

The Prime Minister said while such intrusions on Australia's cyber network were "not new", the "frequency has been increasing".

"We know it is a sophisticated state-based cyber actor because of the scale and nature of the targeting and the tradecraft used," Mr Morrison said at the time.

sophisticated threats targeting critical networks to less-sophisticated but still damaging activities targeting small businesses and individuals.

More than one cybercrime reported every 10 minutes

Scott Morrison gave a stern warning about cybersecurity..

He did not publicly name which state, but senior sources had confirmed it as China.

Telstra boss Andrew Penn was in October appointed as head of an industry advisory committee charged with implementing the Federal Government's $1.7 billion cybersecurity strategy.

He says 2020 marked a "turning point" for cybersecurity in Australia.

The industry advisory committee has warned of an urgent need for Australia to step up its cyber defences.

To that end, the committee has provided 60 key recommendations as part of the Federal Government's 2020 Cyber Security Strategy.

These recommendations are aimed at preparing the nation against highly28

RBA assistant governor Michele Bullock is among regulators who have warned that Australian businesses and households are at increased risk of cyber attacks and it could threaten financial system stability.

An average of 164 cybercrime reports are made by Australians every day — about one report every 10 minutes — according to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC).

The agency is a subsidiary of the Australian Signals Directorate

Telstra boss Andrew Penn says 2020 marked a "turning point" for cybersecurity in Australia. Telstra

tasked with strengthening the nation's cybersecurity.

It also provides a single online portal for individuals and businesses to report cybercrime, known as ReportCyber.

Between July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020, the ACSC responded to 2,266 cybersecurity incidents and received 59,806 cybercrime reports.

The most common category of cybercrime reported was fraud, which relates to criminals obtaining benefit through deception, such as investment, shopping, or romance scams.

Identity-related crimes incorporating the theft and misuse of personal information was the second most common category, followed by cyber abuse.

While the numbers show that fraud is the most common category, the ACSC assesses ransomware as the highest threat.

ACSC head Abigail Bradshaw recently told ABC NewsRadio Drive that while phishing scams were still common, ransomware was increasingly being used by criminals to lock up people's systems and data then demand a ransom in return for their release.

And it is not just individuals who are being targeted.

C y b e r Se cu r i ty

Australian Cyber Security Centre head Abigail Bradshaw says ransomware is increasingly being used by criminals to lock up people's systems and data. ACSC.

"This year we've seen ransomware attacks on reasonably large businesses, as well as small businesses, which can cripple a business while they try and work out how to keep their businesses going," Ms Bradshaw said.

The economic cost of cybercrime As the threat of cybercrime increases, the potential cost to the economy does too: there are estimates cyber-related attacks could cost Australia's economy about $29 billion per year, or 1.9 per cent of the nation's GDP. Most Australians understand there is a greater threat of cyber attacks, particularly as more people move online during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Cyber Security Research Report prepared for Australian Signals Directorate in September 2020 and published online in December says that about one in three adult Australians uses the internet for six hours a day or more.

And three out of four (74 per cent) spend more than two hours per day connected to the internet.

But most individuals and businesses are not properly protecting themselves against more frequent cyber attacks.

While levels of concern about cybersecurity are high — the report said about one in two Australians indicate they are extremely or very concerned about it — only one in four considered themselves to have an expert or good understanding and many are failing to take basic steps to boost their security.

The need to ramp up security is heightening as criminals use more sophisticated methods to get Australians' money and data.

In 2020, BlueScope, MyBudget, Toll Group and Services New South Wales were among some of the organisations confirming they had been subjected to a cyber attack.

Ms Bradshaw said there had been almost 60,000 reports from individuals and businesses reporting instances of cybercrime, but the actual numbers of incidents could be much higher.

"I actually think that there's far more going on than actually reported and we're encouraging people to come forward and report," Ms Bradshaw told the ABC. "The reason we do that is that, aside from the fact that we might be able to assist entities, it enables us to get a better view of contemporaneous threats."

Mr Penn also believes that the list of "those who would do us harm" is growing in a more interconnected digital world.

"More abundant and betterresourced cybercriminals and cyber activists, and increasingly sophisticated and emboldened state actors, mean Australia is quite literally under constant cyber attack," he said in October.

COVID-19 pandemic pushes more Australians online, raises cyber threat Since the June state-actor incident, Defence Minister Linda Reynolds says there have been further foreign government attacks in Australia and that they are blurring the lines "between peace and war".

"At one end of the spectrum, there are opportunistic cybercriminals who target Australia and Australian companies for financial gain," Senator Reynolds said.

"And at the other end of the same spectrum, there are sophisticated and very wellresourced state-based actors who are seeking to interfere in our nation."

Mr Penn says it is now more crucial than ever for Australians to prepare against the cyber threat.

"Connected technologies are now right at the heart of the lives of most

Defence Minister Linda Reynolds says there have been further foreign government attacks. Defence image.

Australians and increasingly pivotal in shaping our economy, our society and our prospects for the future," Mr Penn said.

"Our ability to fully embrace a digital future is also central to our postCOVID-19 recovery and long-term competitiveness."

At the onset of the coronavirus crisis in Australia, cybercriminals adapted their phishing methods to take advantage of the pandemic.

Between March 10 and 26, 2020, the ACSC responded to more than 45 pandemic-themed cybercrime and cybersecurity incident reports, with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC) Scamwatch receiving over 100 reports of COVID19-themed scams.

During April 2020, the ACSC says it was operating at an elevated Australia's Cyber Incident Management Arrangements (CIMA) level in response to COVID-19-themed cybercrime.

But ACSC says of the almost 60,000 attacks that were reported, there were two notable "spikes".

One was in October 2019, in the form of a widespread malware called Emotet that targeted sensitive personal and financial information. It peaked at 4,500 unsolicited and malicious emails in one day.

Another notable spike in April 2020 related to a bulk extortion campaign, resulting in 3,876 cybercrime reports.

The ACSC said that 45 per cent of cybercrime reports in April related to this one campaign, which was not directly related to COVID-19.

Instead, the ACSC said, "one or more adversaries had emailed thousands of Australians and threatened to release 29

C y b e r Se cu r i ty

sensitive information to the recipient's friends and family unless they paid an amount in untraceable cryptocurrency".

Are Australians doing enough to defend against cyber attacks?

IBISWorld senior industry analyst Arthur Kyriakopoulos says while government support is required, businesses need to take responsibility for their own cybersecurity.

The research firm's data shows that Australian IT and telecommunications adoption has risen at an annualised 2.1 per cent over the past five years, with the COVID-19 pandemic driving the speed with which Australians move online.

"The pandemic has intensified cyber attacks, as cybercriminals have adapted to target an increasing number of Australians working, studying and connecting online," Mr Kyriakopoulos said.

At the same time as cyber attacks have risen, businesses set up to fight against it have also increased.

IBISWorld found the growing threat of cyber attacks drove the cybersecurity software services industry to grow at an annualised 10.7 per cent over the five years through 2020-21.

And revenue for industry is forecast to grow at an annualised 15.2 per cent over the next five years, to become a $3.6 billion industry.

But businesses are not the only ones who need to better prepare.

The ACSC has launched a cybersecurity campaign that provides easy-to-follow advice for all Australians online at cyber.gov.au.

It says many cyber attacks could have been avoided or substantially mitigated by good cybersecurity practices such as not responding to unsolicited emails and text messages, implementing multi-factor authentication and never providing another party with remote access to your computer.

Ms Bradshaw urges Australians to start with simple steps, such as updating their devices and software.

"Don't push 'remind me later', push 'turn it on now' — If you can, put on the

Australia is facing more frequent and sophisticated cyber attacks.

automatic updates so you don't even have to think about it," she said.

She also suggests using two-factor authentication and to always create backups of valuable data.

"That's the best business continuity plan you can have," she said.

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Real time traffic management in space North Sydney company takes up mission to tackle ‘space junk’ Industrial Sciences Group is one of ten successful grant recipients from the Australian Space Agency’s International Space Investment initiative.

They will develop a new tool to help satellite operators assess the risks to satellites from collisions with space debris.

Currently there are more than 20,000 satellites and pieces of debris tracked in orbit around the Earth.

Industrial Sciences Group is developing a new decision support system to enable satellite operators to make decisions with greater certainty and speed.

Space junk in Low Earth Orbit ‘Space junk’ consists of debris from previous space missions and whole satellites that are no longer operational.

Current tracking techniques can monitor space junk down to a size of 10cm in diameter.

These passive pieces of debris travel in different orbital altitudes at speeds of up to 28,000 kilometres per hour.

Debris is not controlled or manoeuvred. Collisions between space junk and satellites are a major concern in the space community, especially in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

There are more than 2,200 active satellites in LEO. These can move to avoid a collision, but this costs fuel, time and effort.

Operators only move a satellite if

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David Shteinman hopes to have a prototype up and running this year.

the probability of space debris collision is high.

David Shteinman, Managing Director of Industrial Sciences Group explained that collisions have a low probability of occurrence but are a high risk in space.

“We will need to actively manage the ‘traffic’ on the ‘roads’ in space, but there are no highway police up there. Even if something as small as a screw flies into a satellite, it can break the satellite apart and create more junk and debris.”

Mr Shteinman hopes a prototype of the new system will be up and running for testing by NASA this year.

Despite Australia’s relatively new nationally-funded foray into the space race, he is confident ongoing advancements in the field can be reached on home-soil.

“We’ve got a lot of high quality engineers and scientists in Australia that have been under-utilised and we also have a huge landmass that makes us ideal for space observations from the

southern hemisphere,” he said.

“We’re probably not going to be launching our own large-scale space missions but we are very good at developing a lot of support systems that can be used by agencies around the world.”

Industrial Sciences Group has previously worked on trajectory simulations and tracking data analysis for several lunar missions including the Beresheet Lunar mission that landed on the Moon in 2019.

The Australian Space Agency, which granted the company funding to develop the software in September last year, said the technology has the potential to “be a major contributor to space traffic management” and create a decision support tool for operators.

The agency said avoiding space junk was also important for national security purposes due to satellite damage which can disrupt credit card transactions, weather and climate monitoring.

Sp a ce

Aussie telescope creates new atlas of the universe The Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP), developed and operated by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, mapped approximately three million galaxies in just 300 hours.

The Rapid ASKAP Continuum Survey is like a Google map of the Universe where most of the millions of star-like points on the map are distant galaxies – about a million of which we’ve never seen before.

CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Larry Marshall said ASKAP brought together world-class infrastructure with scientific and engineering expertise to unlock the deepest secrets of the Universe.

“ASKAP is applying the very latest in science & technology to age-old questions about the mysteries of the Universe and equipping astronomers around the world with new breakthroughs to solve their challenges,” Dr Marshall said.

“It’s all enabled by innovative receivers developed by CSIRO that feature phased array feed technology, which see ASKAP generate more raw data at a faster rate than Australia’s entire internet traffic.

“In a time when we have access to more data than ever before, ASKAP and the supercomputers that support it are delivering unparalleled insights and wielding the tools that will underpin our data-driven future to make life better for everybody. ”Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Karen Andrews said ASKAP is another outstanding example of Australia’s world-leading radio astronomy capability.

“ASKAP is a major technological development that puts our scientists, engineers and industry in the driver’s seat to lead deep space discovery for the next generation.

This new survey proves that we are ready to make a giant leap forward in the field of radio astronomy,” Minister Andrews said.

The telescope’s key feature is its wide field of view, generated by new

CSIRO-designed receivers, that enable ASKAP to take panoramic pictures of the sky in amazing detail.

Using ASKAP at CSIRO’s Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory (MRO) in outback Western Australia, the survey team observed 83 per cent of the entire sky.

The initial results are published in the Publications of Astronomical Society of Australia. This record-breaking result proves that an all-sky survey can be done in weeks rather than years, opening new opportunities for discovery.

This record-breaking result proves that an all-sky survey can be done in weeks rather than years, opening new opportunities for discovery.

The new data will enable astronomers to undertake statistical analyses of large populations of galaxies, in the same way social researchers use information from a national census.

“This census of the Universe will be used by astronomers around the world to explore the unknown and study everything from star formation to how galaxies and their super-massive black holes evolve and interact,” lead author and CSIRO astronomer Dr David McConnell said.

With ASKAP’s advanced receivers the RACS team only needed to combine 903 images to form the full map of the sky, significantly less than the tens of thousands of images needed for earlier

all-sky radio surveys conducted by major world telescopes.

“For the first time ASKAP has flexed its full muscles, building a map of the Universe in greater detail than ever before, and at record speed.

We expect to find tens of millions of new galaxies in future surveys,” Dr McConnell said.

The 13.5 exabytes of raw data generated by ASKAP were processed using hardware and software custombuilt by CSIRO. The Pawsey Supercomputing Centre’s ‘Galaxy’ supercomputer converted the data into 2D radio images containing a total of 70 billion pixels.

The final 903 images and supporting information amount to 26 terabytes of data.

Pawsey Executive Director Mark Stickells said the supercomputing capability was a key part of ASKAP’s design.

“The Pawsey Supercomputing Centre has worked closely with CSIRO and the ASKAP team since our inception & we are proud to provide essential infrastructure that is supporting science delivering great impact,” Mr Stickells said.

ASKAP’s advanced technologies are providing insights for the development of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), an international mega-science project to build the world’s largest radio telescopes. CSIRO will host the lowfrequency SKA telescope at the MRO. 35

Panasonic TOUGHBOOK Reports for Rugged Duty In the heart of the action, having technology you can count on isn’t just important, it’s mission critical.

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Panasonic handheld devices such as the TOUGHBOOK N1 are designed for the supply chain worker while being rugged enough for military use. They feature a powerful quad-core processor; an angled, rear-facing barcode reader; and a long-lasting, quick-charging swappable battery.

Mobile devices are now allowing Air Force logistics personnel to conduct work accurately and not be tied down to their desk. Recently, RAAF Logistics Branch rolled out automated data capture units for 27 units across eight bases.

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The system consists of a TOUGHBOOK rugged mobile device, a mobile application, and middleware that connects to the current logistic information system through a wireless network.

The units combine mobile scanning technology with barcodes on items to enhance logistics business practices.

It also improves logistics data accuracy and transaction speed by reducing manual keyboard entries.

Improved data quality and operational efficiency The new system has drastically reduced the number of paper-based transactions and allows units to perform tasks at the point of transaction and accurately conduct supply business whilst on the move.

Several units at RAAF Base Richmond and Defence Establishment Orchard Hills have also received unique identification labels to use with their devices, consisting of a ruggedised barcode with machine readable data.

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Their use automates and increases the accuracy and speed of issues, receipts, and stocktaking.

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Fe a tu r e

The artificial intelligence ‘backseater’ in future air combat Among the myriad technological developments in airpower—including advanced propulsion, better stealth, directed-energy weapons and hypersonics—perhaps the most important will turn out to be artificial intelligence. AI has the potential to transform air combat operations and the way airpower is conceived and used.

The US Air Force demonstrated the role of AI dramatically in December last year by flying a U-2 reconnaissance aircraft, which normally carries a single crew member, with an AI algorithm as a ‘virtual backseater’. As the pilot flew, the AI system—dubbed ‘ARTUµ’ in honour of Star Wars robot R2-D2—controlled the aircraft’s sensors and navigation.

On the test flight, ARTUµ was tasked with finding adversary missile launchers and was ‘solely responsible for sensor employment and tactical navigation’, while the human pilot concentrated on finding enemy aircraft and flying.

ARTUµ ‘made final calls on devoting the radar to missile hunting versus selfprotection’.

The flight demonstrated human– machine teaming at a new level and points to the potential to integrate AI backseaters into current fighters like the F-35 and future air combat aircraft such as the US Next Generation Air Dominance platform, or NGAD. The F-35 has room for just one person in the cockpit, but with AI the pilot gets a backseater that can manage the complex process of integrating data from a multitude of onboard and offboard sensors and other information sources, freeing up the pilot to fly and fight. AI can also manage human– machine teaming between the F-35 and autonomous systems, such as the ‘loyal wingman’ autonomous platform being developed in Australia as part of the Boeing airpower teaming system.

So, AI dramatically reduces the aircrew’s workload and can process data and information faster than a human pilot, including rapidly

assessing threats. But it also boosts the operational potential of autonomous platforms in crewed–uncrewed teaming because it can ensure greater oversight and control—‘on the loop’ for the autonomous platform—while giving the human pilot the big picture of tactical operations. That eases rulesof-engagement constraints on using autonomous systems, including future lethal autonomous weapons platforms.

For fast jets like the F-35, the benefits of integrating AI are obvious—it opens up new approaches to complex and fast-moving air combat operations.

For slower, heavier aircraft such as the E-7A Wedgetail and the P-8A Poseidon, integrating AI inside the cockpit is likely to enhance the operating efficiency of the planes and their crews, particularly as they begin to exploit offboard sensors based on drones such as the MQ-4C Triton, maritime platforms or space-based capabilities.

AI can manage a diverse network of sensors and platforms and take the lead in transforming the flood of data gathered over the future battlespace into a knowledge edge—the key to getting the information advantage that’s critical for success.

The role of AI in the cockpit gives us a glimpse into the future of airpower.

The Royal Australian Air Force needs to be thinking about where airpower goes next, even as the F-35 achieved initial operational capability in December and moves to final operational capability in 2023. That future is almost certain to be a mix of crewed and autonomous systems, working together in teams to deliver a range of effects as a system of systems.

We need not wait until the late 2030s for a sixth-generation platform to emerge to replace the fifth-generation F-35 in the 2040s. It would be a mistake to delay consideration of future air combat capability by maintaining a traditional acquisitions mindset. Yet, the 2020 force structure plan pushes back the start of the F-35 replacement process to the mid-2030s. Given the pace of technological change and the rapid deterioration in our strategic environment, that notional timeline needs to be challenged and capability acquisition needs to happen faster. With the US already flying a demonstrator for NGAD and considering a ‘digital century series’ approach to acquisition, it’s time Australia shook off the slow, generational

A Joint Strike Fighter from 3 Squadron departs for a night sortie from RAAF Base Williamtown. Defence image.

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Fe a tu r e

acquisition paradigm. Investment in breakthrough technologies such as AI is part of that transformation.

A complementary next-generation air combat system spread across multiple platforms and technologies—crewed and autonomous—that has AI as a key component needs to be prioritised as an opportunity for common development with our Five Eyes partners, especially the US. The Australian Defence Force could work with its US counterparts, or with allies and partners in Europe and Japan, to develop future air combat capabilities that will complement and, ultimately, replace the F-35 sooner than the 2040s. Boeing’s ‘loyal wingman’ drone is a good first step and may be able to be evolved into a potent future air combat capability.

It’s time for the RAAF to be forwardlooking and proactive in accelerating the acquisition of the next generation of air combat capabilities. That effort should incorporate the broad application of AI—inside the cockpit and across the battlespace—to allow our military to think and act at machine speed.

Of course, there are risks in moving fast. AI is still a relatively new technology, and its complexity needs to be mastered. Networking a multitude of offboard sensors that an AI algorithm can use to inform

aircrew of the common operating picture will require significant investment in software development, supported by the establishment of research facilities and the training of personnel.

It will require a substantial boost in digital high-speed communications bandwidth to work. That’s likely to require investment in other technology areas—notably, satellite-based laseroptical communications and quantum technologies.

Nor will the ADF operate in an uncontested electromagnetic domain.

Potential adversaries such as China are already developing sophisticated capabilities in electronic and network warfare, so our tactical command and control, including elements controlled by an AI ‘backseater’, must be robust and resilient.

Meeting all of those challenges will take time, money and skilled personnel.

The US Air Force’s U-2 demonstration of ARTUµ is one step down a path towards tomorrow’s airpower, and Australia needs to proceed with determination to achieve success.

Malcom Davies https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/theartificial-intelligence-backseater-in-futureair-combat/

Right: File photos of MQ-4C Triton.

Courtesy of Northrop Grumman. Image has been manipulated.

JOINT strike fighter program takes off Australia's $65 billion Joint Strike Fighter program has been given a lift with Williamtown to be a regional hub for maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the RAAF's F-35A Lightning II fleet based near Newcastle was now 33 strong and ready to deploy on operations.

As well as servicing RAAF aircraft, BAE Systems Australia's Williamtown maintenance depot will host aircraft from Japan, Korea and Singapore.

"This is about protecting and securing Australia's interests but it's also creating jobs and driving investment right here in the Hunter and across the country too,"

"This induction demonstrates the world-leading capability of our local defence industry here in Australia." Mr Morrison said.

More than 50 companies will share in $2.7 billion worth of contracts as part of the F-35 program.

It is understood the program is on budget and on schedule, with work under way on routine structural modifications to improve the airframe.

Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said there were now 41 fully trained RAAF pilots, nine of whom trained on home soil at RAAF Base Williamtown.

"We also have more than 225 trained technicians as the RAAF's F-35A maintenance capability continues to

develop."

Lockheed Martin Australia is providing training support for more than 70 personnel to be employed at Williamtown and RAAF Base Tindal.

BAE Systems Australia recently hired 25 former Jetstar employees who had been made redundant as a result of the pandemic.

The first F-35A aircraft arrived in Australia in December 2018, with the first F-35A squadron, No. 3 Squadron, to be operational this year.

All 72 aircraft are expected to be fully operational by 2023.

They replace the ageing F/A-18A/B Hornets which have been in RAAF service since 1985.

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Happy 100th Birthday Air Force

The AOC, Australia’s Electronic Warfare, Information Operations and Cyber professional association congratulates Air Force on its achievements throughout its history upon reaching its Centenary crows.org/group/australian

Fe a tu r e

Next milestones in Australia’s F-35 program The first F-35A aircraft has been inducted into BAE Systems Australia’s (BAESA) maintenance depot as part of the next major milestone in the Joint Strike Fighter Program.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the F-35A fleet was now 33 strong and ready to deploy on operations.

“This is about protecting and securing Australia’s interests but it’s also creating jobs and driving investment right here in the Hunter and across the country too,” the Prime Minister said.

“This induction demonstrates the world leading capability of our local defence industry here in Australia.

“We want to give as many opportunities to Australian companies as possible which is why there’s already more than 50 local companies sharing in $2.7 billion worth of contracts as part of the F-35 Program.

“As we recover from the COVID recession a key plank of our Economic Recovery Plan is our $270 billion investment in Defence capability over the next decade and our $65 billion commitment in air capabilities which includes the Joint Strike Fighter Program. This investment is keeping Australians safe and secure while creating more jobs and more opportunities for businesses.”

After being selected as the maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade depot for the Southeast Asia region, the BAESA facility will host Australian F-35A aircraft and in future other nations’ F-35 aircraft.

The Program is progressing on budget and on schedule and the aircraft is undergoing routine structural modifications to improve the airframe, ensuring it reaches full life, and align it with newer aircraft.

Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds CSC said up to four Australian F-35A aircraft were expected to undergo routine maintenance at BAESA’s facility this year, demonstrating the significant boost the Program was having on the local Hunter economy.

“The Morrison Government is unashamedly committed to building a robust sovereign defence industry,” Minister Reynolds said.

“We are building our sovereign defence capabilities. We now have 41 fully trained RAAF pilots, nine of whom trained on home soil at RAAF Base Williamtown. We also have more than 225 trained technicians as the RAAF’s F-35A maintenance capability continues to develop.”

This progress is being supported through the sovereign Training Support

Services contract awarded to Lockheed Martin Australia, worth approximately $70 million. It will see more than 70 personnel employed at RAAF Base Williamtown and RAAF Base Tindal.

“This demonstrates the extraordinary opportunities this program is providing for Australians and the economy, especially as it continues to bounce back from COVID-19,” Minister Reynolds said.

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the program had helped the people of the Hunter region weather the impact of the economic impact of the pandemic.

“In 2020, job losses in the aeronautics industry due to COVID-19 resulted in the closure of Jetstar’s aircraft maintenance facility here in Newcastle, and many other regional facilities,” Minister Price said.

“BAESA recently hired 25 former Jetstar employees who had been made redundant as a result of the pandemic.

“Not only have these technical workers been retained in the local Hunter aviation industry, but they will also help Defence build its sovereign sustainment capability as the fleet continues to grow.”

F-35A Lightning II aircraft from No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit and No. 3 Squadron break formation during a flight Newcastle coast, NSW. Defence image.

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ELLIOT SPRINGS IS TOWNSVILLE’S NEWEST NEIGHBOURHOOD Townsville’s stunning new residential destination, Elliot Springs, is experiencing exciting growth with community milestones reached in 2020 including the launch of its Whites Creek address plus the opening of the central café and garden nursery. And there’s plenty more to come in 2021.

Located just 15 minutes from Lavarack Barracks, Elliot Springs is Townsville’s largest master planned community and ideal for first home buyers, families and investors alike.

Murray Sports Complex and Fairfield Central are just a short drive away.

Elliot Springs is the perfect place to come home to after a busy day on the base and the perfect place for you and your family to live, with plenty of opportunities to grow and make lifelong friends.

As the master plan comes to life, the community will offer residents the opportunity for an active, outdoor lifestyle where you can walk children to school, cycle to the shops, or spend time with friends and family in the park or at Bindal Ridge.

With more green spaces, 360-degree mountain views, big backyards and a diverse choice of homes at affordable prices, Elliot Springs is set to become one of region’s most popular neighbourhoods.

Whether you’re dreaming of easy, open plan living, a large family home or a low maintenance block near parkland, this community has a site to suit. Buyers can choose to custom build or select one of the many house and land packages available. Housing guidelines offer ideas to make the most of building for the Townsville climate and lifestyle.

More than one third of Elliot Springs will be open space with an expansive network of playgrounds, landscaped parks, sporting fields, bushland corridors and native habitat

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sanctuaries linked together by walking and cycling paths.

Located on the city side of Billabong Sanctuary just moments from Alligator Creek, Elliot Springs sits cradled between the Muntalunga Range to the east, Mount Jack to the west and The Sisters Mountains to the south, with panoramic views to Mount Stuart and Mount Elliot beyond.

Award-winning Wadda Mooli Park is the community’s first district park and a major drawcard for families. The allabilities playground that’s been designed as a destination for Townsville, offers a wide range of activities, equipment and obstacles to ensure children never get bored of climbing, riding or swinging.

Within the park you can also take an exercise class, kids can join the soccer club, enjoy mountain bike and walking trails or you can sit at The Hub café perfectly positioned within the park to provide a place to relax with family and friends.

With up to six schools planned, including two high schools, plus childcare centres and community business facilities, learning will be open to all ages.

Construction has commenced on the first service station at Elliot Springs with food outlet and small retail offering, plus the at the entry to Elliot Springs you’ll find a Visitors Information Centre for Townsville Enterprise Tourism.

Visit the display village at Elliot Springs for plenty of home inspiration and to talk to the builders about designing and building your new home. Explore thirteen homes from twelve of Townsville’s best builders in one great location; the inspiration for design, layout and styling is endless.

Current record low interest rates, plus government incentives, mean it’s never been a better time to buy and build a new home at Elliot Springs.

Speak to Meryl at the Elliot Springs Sales and Information Centre, 28 Vista Place, Julago. Call 1800 881 091 or visit elliotsprings.com.au or follow us at facebook.com/ elliotspringstownsville.

BE PART OF TOWNSVILLE’S NEXT CHAPTER At Elliot Springs, we’re about more than just houses.

You’ll find real community spirit and more ways to enjoy life as neighbourhoods grow.

Elliot Springs Sales and Information Centre, 28 Vista Place, Julago Contact Meryl Bloomfield on 0429 313 935 elliotsprings.com.au facebook.com/ElliotSpringsTownsville

Located 15 minu just from La tes vara Base ck

McMahon Services Australia (NT) Pty Ltd is a privately owned, industry-leading environmental, infrastructure and building services provider.

Territory Proud for over 20 years, we have contributed to the Northern Territory region through our commitment to 100% local employment and active community engagement.

Integrated Construction Services Established in 1990 by brothers David and Andrew McMahon, McMahon Services has proudly grown into a national award winning contractor.

With offices and workshops across the Northern Territory, South Australia, Queensland, Western Australia, New South Wales and Victoria, we employ over 750 staff delivering projects in capital cities, rural townships, isolated islands and remote outback locations.

McMahon Services Australia (NT) Pty Ltd has operated in the Northern Territory as a separate entity since 1997, with the office being established in Darwin in 2004. Growth of the NT business enabled the establishment of regional offices in Alice Springs and Katherine. Our office facilities include mechanical workshops, warehouse and storage facilities, accommodation blocks and laydown yards.

We employ 100% Territory based staff with over 50 local personnel across our three offices, enabling us to service commercial, residential, industrial, transport, utilities, Government, Defence hazmat and resource clients.

We have the capability to resource projects of all sizes with the backing of a national business, direct staff and an $80

www.mcmservices.com.au

million network of modern, company-owned plant and equipment.

In 2009, McMahon Services became Federal Safety Accredited - the first multi-disciplinary construction services company in Australia to receive this recognition.

We are experienced Defence contractors with demonstrated successful project delivery in capital works, operational capability projects, as well as ongoing maintenance and repair services across all Northern Territory Defence bases, training ranges and other facilities.

Our qualified and experienced project and construction management teams provide integrated multi-disciplinary project solutions, dedicated to excellence in delivery across multiple disciplines, including: • Commercial and industrial building construction and fit-out • Defence infrastructure projects and maintenance • Asbestos removal and hazardous materials management • Remote community construction and services • High-risk and high-rise demolition and decommissioning • Bulk and detailed earthworks • Civil and road construction • Environmental remediation • Industrial services • Mining and non-process infrastructure construction

McMahon Services NT acknowledges our Indigenous business partners Intract Australia. Together, we acknowledge that we work on the traditional lands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We recognise ongoing connection to land, waters and communities in all regions. We commit to ensuring that the land is treated respectfully and that the involvement of the local community is fundamental to our work.

C y b e r Se cu r i ty

Forging a path for Indigenous Australians in cyber security and defence More than a decade ago, researcher Aaron Corn coined the term ‘Indigital revolution’ to describe the rapid takeup of technology across Indigenous Australia. Despite continued access issues, Indigenous Australians are highly technologically literate and reportedly use some social media platforms at higher rates than nonIndigenous Australians.

Despite that, there remains significant under-representation of Indigenous Australians in technology and STEM careers, and across the country there’s a patchwork of education initiatives that attempt to increase pathways in the vocational and higher education systems. However, solutions often begin with deficits within communities— the government’s 2020 Closing the Gap report, for example, highlights the lack of maths and science skills.

In a conversation that starts from a different premise, Dion Devow, ASPI’s Indigenous engagement specialist, sat down with Major General Marcus Thompson (Ret’d) and Meg Thompson, ASPI’s first Indigenous research intern, to focus on solutions that highlight the unique perspectives and abilities of First Australians, and that see diversity as a strategic asset.

As noted by Dion, conventional views of literacy fail to account for the fact that in many communities Indigenous Australians are more literate than non-Indigenous Australians, speaking multiple languages and ‘reading’ the land and water in various ways.

Marcus’s career pathway took him to the top ranks of the Australian Defence Force—he retired as the inaugural head of information warfare in the Joint Operations Group. To understand how that became possible, he says, it’s necessary to understand that ‘the ADF is a training organisation. [It] has a core skill in taking someone out of school, off the street, and training that person with skills or a trade within the ADF.’

Head of Information Warfare for the ADF Major General Marcus Thompson gives a presentation on the Defence's cyberspace operations at Russell Offices, Canberra.

Defence image.

Marcus has long argued that working in cyber operations is about more than engineering and computer science and favours highlighting the work that can be done by arts graduates in STEM careers.

Cyber capability is often strongly associated with ‘hoodie-wearing geeks tapping away at computers in dark rooms’, he notes. However, he says working in cybersecurity requires a diverse set of skills: ‘intelligence analysts, communications specialists, anthropologists, psychologists, people with legal expertise, people who can craft a message and communicate with leaders’.

The need for diverse skills was the thinking behind the ADF Cyber Gap Program, which was launched in mid2020. The program aims to train people from diverse educational backgrounds in skills relating to cybersecurity, electronic warfare, information warfare and information operations.

‘The last thing we want is groupthink.

And the more diverse views that can contribute to decision-making, the better’, Marcus says.

In other words, diversity in organisations can deliver competitive or strategic advantages. Diversity builds resilience by ensuring that many voices shape organisational capabilities and anticipate current and future needs.

When asked why a career in cybersecurity might appeal to young First Australians, Meg explained that her pathway to working in ASPI’s International Cyber Policy Centre involved reflecting on the importance of cybersecurity in areas that we take for granted. Behind many digital systems there are hidden political and economic issues.

Many Indigenous young people share videos on online platforms such as TikTok. This offers opportunities to share their culture, humour and politics.

But those platforms also operate in a space defined by political questions, 47

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C y b e r Se cu r i ty

including how intellectual property is regulated, who has control over data, and how content is curated or even censored.

Questions of Indigenous justice are also increasingly relevant in the digital environment. Data or digital sovereignty—how data is controlled and owned by Indigenous communities— has become part of how communities are addressing their economic and social development.

There remain significant barriers to accessing technology in many parts of Australia, but there are also resilience and resourcefulness in communities.

In our research at ASPI, we’ve found many examples of achievement by First Australians in technology (both new and old) across the country. Those

examples include young Indigenous engineering students attending NASA’s jet propulsion lab in the US, Indigenous start-ups and eduTech companies exposing young people to coding.

When asked what she would say to young Indigenous Australians interested in a career in technology, Meg recommended engaging with community elders: ‘Talk to your elders and understand your culture and history—particularly because you need a sense of yourself; you need an identity within yourself in order to succeed.’

Indigenous elders are the backbone of communities and are the key to engaging communities and enabling young people to turn to non-traditional careers and pathways. In the Warlpiri community of central Australia, for

example, Indigenous elders’ centrality to community is demonstrated in the principle of Ngapaji Ngapaji (‘You give, I give’). This principle captures ‘the obligation of elders to teach younger generations their traditional knowledge and the reciprocal obligation of the young to teach their elders how to use the technology to keep their traditions.’

A person’s sense of identity, particularly as a First Australian, needs to be strong to build resilience. This will provide the catalyst for a successful career.

Visit https://www.aspi.org.au/indigicyber-anddefence-program to learn more about our IndigiCyber and Defence Program.

Huon Curtis is an analyst and project manager, Dion Devow is an Indigenous engagement specialist and Meg Thompson is a research intern with ASPI’s International Cyber Policy Centre. Defence image.

RAAF JOINS UNITED STATES AND JAPAN FOR EXERCISE COPE NORTH 21 The RAAF recently deployed two aircraft and approximately 170 personnel to Guam to enhance trilateral interoperability with the United States and Japan as part of Exercise Cope North 21.

Exercise Cope North is a longstanding combined military exercise which aims to improve combat readiness, develop humanitarian assistance procedures, and build common understanding between the United States, Australia and Japan.

Group Captain (GPCAPT) Nathan Christie, Australian Commander for Exercise Cope North 21, said the exercise had proven to be an effective way to strengthen the trilateral military partnership, and increase the complexity of combined activities.

“More than 2000 military personnel and approximately 95 aircraft from the Royal Australian Air Force, United States Air Force, United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force participated in this exercise,” GPCAPT Christie said.

“Australian personnel are drawn from across Air Force with elements of Surveillance and Response Group, Air

Mobility Group, and Combat Support Group participating.

“An E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft, KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport, and a Contingency Response Squadron have also deployed to the exercise.

“The first week focussed on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercises and strike mission training, while the second week focussed on air combat tactics and large force employment training.”

The Exercise Cope North 21 scenario developed coalition procedures in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and air power missions, including air superiority, close air support, interdiction, electronic warfare, tactical air mobility, and airborne command and control.

The health and safety of all Australian Defence Force personnel on exercise is paramount.

There are a range of measures in place that ensure the risk of contracting COVID-19 are minimised. A COVID-19 response was agreed to by all nations participating in Exercise Cope North.

Mitigation measures included all

RAAF personnel returning a negative COVID-19 test result before deploying on the exercise, restricted movements and only necessary interactions with other participants. Other COVIDSafe behaviours, such as regular temperature checks, mask wearing and physical distancing will also be implemented.

To ensure the safety of the Australian community, all ADF personnel returning from overseas are required to complete mandatory state or territory quarantine, in line with other returning Australians.

Their release from quarantine is

contingent on the testing requirements of the jurisdictions they isolate in.

The exercise was held at Andersen Air Force Base from 3 to 19 February 2021.This is the eleventh time Australia participated in Exercise Cope North.

A No. 77 Squadron F/A-18A Hornet comes in to land at, Guam during Exercise Cope North 20. Defence image.

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S pa ce

War in space would be a catastrophe A return to rules-based cooperation is the only way to keep space peaceful In 2019, US President Donald Trump declared “space is the new war-fighting domain”. This followed the creation of the US Space Force and a commitment to “American dominance” in outer space.

Other space-faring nations, and those who fear the acceleration of an arms race in space, were greatly concerned. At the latest meeting of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, states noted with alarm that “preventing

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conflicts in outer space and preserving outer space for peaceful purposes” is more necessary than ever.

Joe Biden as the current US president and Kamala Harris as vicepresident suggests there is cause for hope. The future of space may look more like the recent launch of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-1 mission to the International Space Station.

Onboard were US and Japanese astronauts, who joined Russian and US crew already living aboard the ISS. As

the Falcon 9 rocket soared into space, the collaborative, cooperative and commercial nature of space was once again clear for all to see.

Cooperation, not confrontation The Biden-Harris administration appears more interested in international cooperation, and much more cognisant of the challenges of climate change, pandemics and other global issues.

Sp a ce

A carefully calibrated space policy can do much to address “terrestrial” challenges, while still allowing for many positive space activities.

Since 1967, human activity in space has been guided by the universally accepted principles embedded in the Outer Space Treaty. This has ensured we have had no military conflict in space and required the exploration and use of space “for the benefit and in the interests of all countries”.

Any alternative vision of the future of space is dreadful to consider. Rhetoric about the inevitability of “war in space” makes such conflict more likely and risks a “tragedy of the commons” in space.

Any space war would have no clear winner. In a complex, globally shared arena such as space, it is important that states abide by accepted rules and established practices.

The US has great scientific and technological advantages and a robust and competitive commercial space sector. Instead of seeking dominance, it can better serve the world (and itself) by focusing its leadership on harnessing space for the benefit of all humankind.

In a promising sign, Biden and Harris’s NASA review team is composed of an outstanding group of space scientists as well as a former astronaut.

The current administration reestablished the National Space Council, which is chaired by the vice president, and this has reinvigorated American investment and leadership in space exploration. This includes an ambitious plan to return to the Moon under the terms of the Artemis Accords.

Respect the rules To ensure the fragile and shared domain of outer space does not become an arena for conflict, the rules that apply to any military uses of space need to be understood, respected and further developed. Failure to do so could lead to devastation, disruption and impact on civilian lives, particularly in the largest and most powerful countries like the US, whose economies and societies are heavily dependent on space infrastructure. Their access to space has given them the greatest competitive advantage, but they are therefore the most vulnerable if that access is compromised.

Space is a congested, contested and competitive area where scientific, commercial and economic interests converge, as well as military and national security concerns. In this sense space is like the radio frequency spectrum, which has been successfully regulated and managed for decades under international rules adopted through the International Telecommunication Union.

But space is also much more. As the recent Crew-1 mission demonstrated, there are significant benefits when nations come together and cooperate.

Enlightened leadership, guided by commonly agreed laws and practices and a recognition that we share outer space as custodians for future generations, is the only realistic way forward.

Steven Freeland Professor of International Law, Western Sydney University David Kuan-Wei Chen Executive Director, Centre for Research in Air and Space Law, McGill University Ram S. Jakhu Director, Institute of Air and Space Law, McGill University The Conversation.

Astronaut Soichi Noguchi is greeted by astronaut Kate Rubins as he enters the International Space Station from the vestibule between the SpaceX Dragon capsule and the ISS. NASA

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Looking to build? Look no further than a McCloy Community in Port Stephens!

Often buyers assume building a brandnew home is beyond their budget or something for later in life.

However new residential communities are providing buyers with the opportunity to build their dream home much earlier and more affordably than first thought.

Hunter based property company the McCloy Group create national award winning masterplanned communities.

They have a true passion for developing quality and sustainable environments in which people love to live and 3 are located in Port Stephens, just minutes from Williamtown RAAF base!

In Medowie, for instance, you can now find homesites up to 853 square meters, still nearby both Newcastle CBD and the beaches of Port Stephens.

The Bower is a residential community in Medowie that spans across 57 hectares, the remaining 70 hectares will be preserved as state conservation area and open space, including the Bower Reserve, a 1-hectare park and playground facility. Proving to be popular, the first two stages sold out in the first 48 hours on the market. Following suit, the community’s popularity has

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continued with more and more residents moving into the area after seeing The Bower’s modern setting that still offers a bushland outlook and plenty of space build their brand-new homes.

“We couldn't be more excited to build our forever home in The Bower. McCloy Group have given us a wonderful opportunity to raise a family on a large block of land in a beautiful, picturesque estate.” Phillip & Emma Longuet, Residents at The Bower McCloy Group’s Project Director, James Goode believes homesites have the best of both worlds in Port Stephens with untouched beaches to the north, the vineyards to the west and Lake Macquarie to the south, all within an easy hour drive to Newcastle’s CBD and other work opportunities.

“You no longer have to wait for retirement or move far away from the conveniences of city living to be able to enjoy owning your own new home.

Now you can within 20-40 minutes of Newcastle’s CBD and beaches and more affordably in some cases than purchasing an existing home” said Mr. Goode.

Also, in Medowie is The Gardens, a

boutique offering first launched in 2020.

The Gardens popularity soared with future residents so eager to secure a homesite they camped in advance. The Gardens is located closer to town and the RAAF base and is the epitome of quality, boasting manicured gardens, a statement entry feature and public art along with children’s play equipment, all of this within a 5-minute walk to local schools, shops and public amenity.

Nearby in Raymond Terrace is P o t t e r ’s L a n e a n o t h e r M c C l o y residential community which conveys affordability with a convenient location just 15 minutes to local employment opportunities, 20 minutes from the Williamstown RAAF base and 35 minutes to Newcastle. This community is growing rapidly since its launch in 2016, with local residents pleased with the progression of the community.

“The McCloy Group created a warm and inviting community environment. The inclusion of the wonderful playground, beautiful trees and grassed areas at the beginning of the development was one of the main reasons we decided to make this area our home. We would have absolutely no

hesitation in recommending the McCloy Group to anyone wishing to build a new home in one of their estates.” Karen Humphris, resident of Potter’s Lane added.

With housing affordability pricing many out of the market, especially in the cities, buyers are often pleasantly surprised at how affordable building a new home in Port Stephens can be. Potter’s Lane currently offers a 4- bedroom house land package from as low as $578,091 with renown builders Perry Homes. This home comes complete with 2 bathrooms, double garage, open plan living, dining and kitchen spilling effortlessly onto an outdoor entertaining area all set on a 637m2 block. Surprising isn’t it! Team this with impressive Government Grants, all time low interest rates and builder incentives and you have the perfect market to secure land for your own dream home.

When considering Port Stephens for your new home, a tour of the McCloy Communities is a must. Future residents can expect the highest quality of living

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to enjoy is a must within McCloy communities.

For more information about McCloy Group and their residential communities visit mccloygroup.com.au/hunter-landfor-sale

MEDOWIE STATE CONSERVATION AREA

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environments, as McCloy Group place a strong emphasis on vibrant public art and aesthetically pleasing streetscapes.

They build children’s parks, playgrounds and cycleways, and plant mature trees.

Dedicated open space for families

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Fe a tu r e

Indigenous WWII pilot Len Waters honoured at Williamtown RAAF Base Williamtown RAAF Base has been undergoing one of the biggest transformations seen since World War II - $1.8 billion works associated with 24 projects.

Some of those projects, costing $270 million, have recently been completed.

They include the two new base entrances on Medowie Road, underground engineering works, refurbishment of two buildings for No. 4 and No. 26 Squadrons, a new 250-seat auditorium and commercial area with barber, hairdresser, two banks and dry cleaners, and the Len Waters Building.

Group Captain Peter Cluff hosted the opening ceremony of the Len Waters Building, a five-storey office block providing state-of-the-art facilities to approximately 1000 staff, last October.

A Welcome to Country was performed by Worimi elder Uncle John Ridgeway. GPCAPT Cluff rated the structure, fittings, layout and the indigenous artwork and displays as "first class".

"Leonard Waters was Australia's only known indigenous fighter pilot during World War II. But Len's dreams of flying started well before enlisting in the Royal Australian Air Force in August 1942," he said.

"Len, a Kamilaroi man, initially trained as an aircraft mechanic. His long held ambition to fly was recognised in 1943 when he commenced flying training in Tiger Moths and Wirraways before earning his wings and joining No. 78 Squadron in 1944 where he went on to fly the Kittyhawk aircraft.

"During nine months of active service, Len Waters flew a total of 95 sorties before discharging from service in January 1946 with the rank of temporary Warrant Officer."

Despite the fact that Len was never based at Williamtown, GPCAPT Cluff said it was appropriate that he be recognised as the Air Force's only indigenous fighter pilot and to have his memory honoured at Defence's premier fighter base.

The 21,000sqm building comprises 26 conference and meeting rooms varying in size from six to 50 seat capacity; six dedicated computer training rooms; multiple breakout rooms on each floor; two family/breastfeeding rooms; two first aid

rooms; waste optimisation program; state-of-the-art security and fire suppression systems; drying and locker rooms; and 24 hours access.

There is also Worimi storytelling graphically represented in artwork by Melissa Lilley and Saretta Fielding, photographs of long term local residents and historical photography of the base.

Additional adjacent buildings include a brand new facility with retail tenants including Defence Bank, Australian Military Bank, hairdresser and drycleaner, a 250-seat auditorium and 800 carpark spaces. Charlie Elias

Hair Craft Salon 960 McNamara Drive RAAF Base Williamtown NSW 2314 0240347632 haircraftsalon.com.au | office@haircraftsalon.com.au CONGRATULATIONS TO THE RAAF FOR 100 YEARS OF SERVICE TO AUSTRALIA

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F eat ure

THE CONCEPT OF EXPENDABLE UNINHABITED AERIAL VEHICLES The secret of future air power lies in wireless control, that is, in electrical science. The air must wed the ether, if air power is to dominate in war; and when this union is consummated, the offensive may become so powerful and so difficult to counter, that ultimately nations may decide that the game of war is not worth the candle.’

– Major General J. F. C. Fuller, 1932 Uninhabited Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) include both autonomous systems, which are capable of completing a mission without any human input and remotely piloted vehicles, which receive human input from a central control station outside of the flying vehicle. The fundamental difference between UAVs and missiles is that the UAV is intended to be recovered after its mission for subsequent use, whereas a missile is a single-use entity.

The concept of the UAV was equally intriguing to the developers of air power capabilities and the strategists for different reasons. For the capability development agencies the concept provided an opportunity to minimise the costs— in resources and personnel required—associated with the development, operation and maintenance of airborne platforms.

Further, since a human being would not inhabit the airborne system, it was possible to do away with the lifesupport systems, thereby increasing the payload and also loiter time. From a strategic and operational perspective, it was seen that UAVs could be used to carry out the ‘first day of war’ missions that were dangerous and often repetitive, thereby avoiding the possibility of own casualties. While this has merit, a shortcoming of UAVs is that they have almost no self-protection measures and remain vulnerable in a contested air environment.

The fundamental advantage a UAV provided in the employment of air power was that in extreme conditions the vehicle or the system was expendable—it was cheap to replace and there was no fear of an 56

own casualty. Both these considerations would obviously alter the concept of operations and were laudable goals, although the reality turned out to be somewhat different. It was seen that the operating cost of a UAV was very similar to a normal inhabited aircraft and that the personnel requirement for maintenance and operation had also not reduced significantly.

In fact the per-hour cost of operating a UAV was slightly higher than an inhabited equivalent. While the strategy of employing UAVs to carry out the ‘dull, dirty and/or dangerous’ missions still holds true, a number of other factors, primarily the cost, hindered their full employment.

T h e U AV s a n d t h e i r a r m e d counterparts, while having proved their efficacy, became technologically far too sophisticated and therefore expensive, defeating the fundamental advantage that they were supposed to have brought to aerial warfare.

They were not expendable anymore.

In the cost versus capability debate, it seemed that capability requirements had taken precedence, making what was conceived as an ‘expendable’ system almost as expensive as a traditional aircraft performing the same mission. The trend so far is that both armed and unarmed UAVs are far too expensive, especially with their onboard sophisticated systems, to be considered expendable assets.

A new air power employment concept, still in its developmental stage, seems to be starting to reverse this trend. It has become necessary to exploit ‘disruptive’ technologies to off-set the advances that have

been made by potential adversaries in their anti-access, area-denial (A2/ AD) capabilities. In the past few years efforts have been underway to exploit the developments that have already taken place in the field of autonomous UAVs in order to enhance operational capabilities.

The US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) initiated a project in 2015, called ‘Loyal Wingman’ that was meant to exploit the capabilities of autonomous systems technology to enhance operational efficiency in denied and/or contested environments through combining fifth-generation fighter aircraft with UAVs. The precepts developed in this project have now been adopted by other air forces also and the term ‘Loyal Wingman’ has evolved into generic usage in air power parlance. The term itself infers control being exercised by an inhabited asset, normally considered to be a conventional combat platform.

Increased reliance on UAVs have become necessary because of the advanced integrated air defence systems and improved electronic attack capabilities have combined to augment the complexity of the prevailing A2/AD environments, which in turn threatens the safety and efficiency of strike platforms. The Loyal Wingman concept envisages teaming conventional fighter aircraft with armed UAVs to reduce the threat to the pilot by assigning the more dangerous tasks within a mission profile to the uninhabited assets.

Since the chances of their suffering attrition are high, the UAVs would have to be considerably cheaper than the current set of highly sophisticated

Fe a tu r e

ones. However, the effectiveness of this combined system of conventional fighter aircraft and armed UAVs will depend on the ability of the autonomous platforms to coordinate their activities among themselves and also to function in a highly contested environment where human interface is degraded or considered undesirable.

The primary requirements are for Loyal Wingman to be able to distinguish friend from foe autonomously and to communicate information after it has been prioritised, depending on the level of hostility of the environment.

Advocates of the concept envisage a scenario where multiple UAVs operate together, and in conjunction with, conventional inhabited combat aircraft.

This combination is expected to relieve the human aircrew to focus on broader mission management issues since the

cognitive workload of dealing with highthreat environments would be reduced.

The uninhabited autonomous platforms offer the ability to penetrate very highrisk mission environments and within the concept could be considered expendable. It is also thought that as the concept develops further and capabilities are tested and approved, the UAVs within the system would also be able to use their own sensors and embedded artificial intelligence (AI) to function autonomously, while being part of a larger ‘swarm’ of inhabited/ uninhabited aerial vehicles.

The basic premise in the development of this concept is the belief that the UAVs would be expendable—meaning that the autonomous vehicle would be inexpensive enough to not worry the commanders regarding their loss in achieving the desired objective in the employment of air power. By developing UAVs with a higher single-use failure probability and a lower total servicelife, they can be made ‘inexpensive’, although they are manufactured with the capability to be recovered and reused.

The latest initiatives in the

development of UAVs are meant to stop the current upward trend in their manufacturing costs and the resource-intensive and sophisticated nature of their embedded systems.

Almost all future combat air systems being developed across the world— currently mostly at the conceptual stages— include low-cost uninhabited capabilities as adjunct to conventional combat platforms, adhering to the Loyal Wingman concept in its broadest sense.

It is highly likely that in the next five to ten years, the concept of Loyal Wingman—a judicious combination of low-cost, autonomous, armed and/ or unarmed UAVs and conventional fifth-generation fighter platforms— will continue to mature through the development of technology demonstrators and experimentation.

However, complete operationalisation of the concept requires the continued maturation and integration of enabling technologies such as AI, sensor fusion and human-computer interface practices.

Air and Space Power Centre Image Boeing

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BUY ONCE, BUY RIGHT WITH VEGA Flexibility, versatility and customisation go a long way in any manufacturing venture. If a company is agile enough to handle the needs of its clients, that company will stay ahead of more rigid competitors.

“There is no one instrument that does it all,” says VEGA Australia managing director John Leadbetter.

This tenet is at the heart of VEGA Australia’s approach to business.

Leadbetter, a 40-year industry veteran, firmly believes that a company has to have different technologies to suit different applications in a variety of locations.

Since 1984, VEGA Australia has provided instrumentation and measurement technology to businesses in Australia and around the world.

Leadbetter says that a global clientele demands a scalable product range.

“We’re dealing with a number of industries globally, and there are a variety of applications our solutions have to suit,” he says.

“There’s no one solution to do everything, so you have different technologies to suit the variety of needs.”

Right now, many within the industry are under exaggerated time and financial constraints. For Leadbetter, this means no two customers are ever in the same boat – and that’s why a blanket approach doesn’t work.

“What we strive to do is make sure we solve the customer’s problem, whatever that may be, so that the next time they have a problem, they come back to us,” he says.

“We want repeat business, and you only get that by working closely with a customer to meet their specific needs.”

The VEGA approach, according to Leadbetter, is to sit down with a customer, understand exactly what they’re trying to achieve, and then come up with the perfect bespoke solution.

“And we like to offer alternatives,” he says.

58

“We can say here’s solution A, or solution B. They’ll both do the job, but each have advantages and disadvantages. We let the client decide.”

Leadbetter cites as an example the case of a mining company that contacted VEGA for a method of measuring levels of ore in its plant.

“We went through the process and gave them options, but then they told us they’d accepted different technology from another company,” he says.

“So we then kept in touch with them, and three months later they came back to us and said the other company’s technology hadn’t worked.”

In response, VEGA offered the miner references from other companies that had successfully employed the VEGA solutions. This convinced the miner of the VEGA solution’s viability, and the deal was done.

“They chose the other technology based on price, but their costs doubled because they bought twice. In the long run, it ended up costing them even more.”

Leadbetter says VEGA makes a point of discussing references and how the VEGA process works.

“If we come across an application we have no first-hand experience with, we ask our international partners.

Somewhere in the world, someone may have already used it and can give us a reference,” he says.

“And we can then pass it on to the customer. If you go the extra yard, you get another happy customer.”

It’s become more evident in the last five years that businesses tend to make decisions on a product based on its long-term benefits rather than price considerations, a change Leadbetter says is overdue.

“You want peace of mind, and you should basically get a lifetime of good operation at no cost,” he says.

“If VEGA offers you a unit for $5000 and someone else offers you a unit for $2000, you need to look at the cost of ownership rather than the cost of purchase.”

A ir F orce Cad ets

E H T G N I V A LE

Introduction

Since1941, tens of thousands of young Australians have undertaken training in the Air Training Corps (ATC), later (circa 1976) to become the AIRTC, and which in 2001, was renamed as the Australian Air Force Cadets.* The AAFC, and its previous iterations, form the ‘air element’ of the Australian Defence Force Cadets (ADFC) Scheme, the other two Cadet services including the Australian Army Cadets (AAC) and the Australian Naval Cadets (ANC). Operating entirely as a volunteer organization, the ADFC today boasts tens of thousands young Australians aged between 13 and 18 years, which are supervised, trained and mentored by a small volunteer, professional force of Instructors of Cadets (IOC) and Officers of Cadets (OOC).1 As of Dec. 2020, 7,229 Cadets and 1200 IOC and OOC staff comprise2 the AAFC service, which is administered and actively supported by the Royal Australian Air Force. Formed with the key aims of providing training in * Definition of the word ‘Cadet’ means a ‘trainee’, and in this context it should be noted that the ADFC is quite distinct from the ‘Officer Cadets’ of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), which are permanent fulltime members of ADF, who are in training to become military officers.

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T S E N S E L G EA

leadership, initiative, self reliance, developing an interest in aviation and history, Air Force knowledge and discipline, and in developing Australian youth into responsible young adults with good character and citizenship qualities, the AAFC continues in delivering these key aims, even today. Many famous Australians, including former Prime Minister John Howard, golfer Greg Norman, actor Russell Crowe, former Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, and the former Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Brown, have been former cadets.3 Approximately 18% of the lower ranks, and up to 50% of senior officers in the ADF began their military careers by serving in one of the branches of the ADFC.4 Despite starting from modest beginnings, the AAFC has evolved to become a highly respected organisation due to its dedication, discipline, professionalism and a sense of ‘esprit de corps’. The AAFC (and the AAC and ANC) have become important national institutions contributing much to the history of our country. I would suggest that we should be doing more to encourage the movement to grow even further, as it clearly provides an ideal way forward for the youth of today.

History of the Air Training Corps Formed with the aim of providing pre-entry training for air and ground crews for the RAAF in WWII, the ATC was officially ‘born’ in Feb. 1941, when the War Cabinet authorized the establishment of this new ‘Cadet Corps’ (Fig.2) which was then a part of the RAAF Reserve. It commenced operating on 11th June of that year, under its foundation Director, GPCAPT WA Robertson (and a few Directorate staff). Shortly afterwards, the ATC’s very first Wing was formed in Aug. of that year. By Oct. most of the states and territories of Australia had their own Wings, formed by a small group of dedicated volunteers, most of whom were WWI veterans (mostly ex-Australian Flying Corps members).

Its aims worked magnificently, in fact

by Oct. 1943, the ATC boasted 12,000 cadets in training.

There were two very important objectives of the ATC (focused on young men between the ages of 16 to 18 years) whom were looking to join the RAAF, they were (1) to inspire and impart a sense of military discipline and comradeship, and (2) to educate

A i r F o rce C a d e ts

f the o e u l a and V y r o t s i ets the H d f a o C n e alia) o r c i t r s s o s u F u A r c i n s A Di ian A ent i Austral Corps Movem adet C r e d a ro Flight Lieutenant (AAFC) Gary Martinic (& the B

3 Wing Headquarters Australian Air Force Cadets

and equip them with the training and knowledge in areas which would be useful to the inter-and post-war RAAF. A good number of ATC cadets did complete their training (Fig.3) and went off to fight as air and ground crews in the war in Europe A number did not return from the war. By Aug. 1945, by war’s end in the Pacific, the number of ATC cadets had dropped to just over 7500. A period of further demobilization followed between 1946 to 1948, and

by Dec. 1949, ATC numbers dropped to just 3,000. 5 The post war years didn’t just involve a scaling down of the organisation’s numbers, they also, redefined the principal aims of the organization, which then became an ‘air youth movement’.

In the context of its peacetime role, cadets were no longer obligated to enlist in the RAAF, but the option was there for those who desired it. The post-war years leading up to the early 1970’s were defined as a period of moderate growth, despite the fact that most of this was achieved by the goodwill of mostly volunteers with some ADF support, and with little government support. It was also a period in which school-based and non-school based cadet units became more distinct.

T h e n t h e AT C w a s o ff i c i a l l y disbanded by the Whitlam Labor Government, influenced at the time by a strong anti-war sentiment, due to the Vietnam War. Despite the drawback the ATC survived, again due to its strong base of RAAF reservists, volunteers and parents who gave generously of their time. Fortunately, the Fraser Coalition Government, which came into power after the famous ‘dismissal’ of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, did see the value of the organization, and in 1976 it completely reformed the ATC, taking the form of a largely ‘nonmilitary’ organization, and at which time it was also renamed the ‘AIRTC’.

In 1982 girls were encouraged to join, and many were admitted. Over the next decade, the numbers of cadets and staff members dramatically increased, and in 1991 a national AIRTC organization for training was created. In 2000, the first sign of enhanced government support was initiated with the Topley Review.4 This review lead to the formation of the Directorate of Defence Force Cadets (DDFC), a Tri-Service policy support directive for cadets, including a $6m ‘Cadet Enhancement Program’. In 2001, the name of the AIRTC was again changed to the ‘Australian Air Force

Cadets’. However, despite the new name change suggesting a nationally cohesive organization, there were eight separate ‘organisations’ operating based on essentially state political boundaries. Systems and standards of training across ground and air subject material varied significantly across state borders, and while cadets and staff wore identical uniforms to the RAAF, they still were not totally supported by the RAAF. This all changed in Apr. 2005 when the AAFC was reorganized into operational and functional wings. A new Office of the Chief of Staff position was created to provide national policy with command authority, and 3 functional wings were created including the Ground Training, Air Training and Logistics Support Wings. Eight wings were also created on state boundaries, and redirected to provide service delivery and focus.

These included: 1 Wing - Nth QLD; 2 Wing - QLD; 3 Wing - NSW; 4 Wing - Victoria; 5 Wing - Tas; 6 Wing - SA; 7 Wing - WA and 8 Wing - NT.6

Early History and Changing Fortunes of the Broader Cadet Movement The cadet movement has had a 61

A ir F orce Cad ets

Fig.2 Walter Lacy Jardine poster, “Join the RAAF Air Training Corps and Learn a Man's Job” (c.1943). Australian War Memorial.

profound impact on many generations of Australian men and women. Many fondly remember the time they spent in uniform learning simple skills such as field craft, navigation, survival and rifle skills, as part of a popular movement that also developed important life skills such as initiative, confidence, self-discipline, leadership, and a ‘team spirit’.3,4 During WWII, instruction to cadets was more of a military nature, in which they were taught tactics such as defence and attack drills using weapons, in the hope they would later go on to enlist into regular military service, which many did. Today, the basis of the training is aimed at character development and ‘adventure-type’ training that fosters qualities of leadership, cooperation and self-reliance.6 Originally formed with the intention ‘to train their boys for national defence in time of national emergency’ (which at the time grew out of a fear of war with Napoleon III in late 1850) in Britain, the very first cadet corps were formed at many famous English schools such as Eton, Harrow and Winchester. 7 The (army) cadet movement, focused on strict discipline, military skills, and ceremonial drill.

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Rifle shooting competitions actually helped the cadet corps to become very popular. It wasn’t long before the cadet movement was established in Australia, with the introduction of the Commonwealth Military Cadet Corps.3 The cadet movement prospered until the depression years of the 1890s, when a number of schools were forced to close their units.7 Earliest records indicate that the oldest army cadet unit in Australia belongs to St. Mark’s College in Sydney, established in 1866, though other units were similarly formed in Australia’s eastern and southern colonies. The Naval Cadets were not established until the beginning of the 20th century.8 Compulsory cadet service was introduced in 1911, and Australian youth could serve either at school or community-based units, enrolments peaked at this time to 100,000 cadets.3 However, the Cadet Corps have suffered from financial hardships which significantly impacted the movement. For instance, many cadets left the corps when the army couldn’t supply enough uniforms due to the financial constraints of the great

depression.3 Then, compulsory cadet service was abolished by the Labor govt. of James Scullin. However, the government of Joseph Lyon’s did much to enlarge the movement due to better economic times of the late 1930s. Also, under Sir Robert Menzies Liberal govt. the Cadet Corps numbers increased by 25%, for which he should be acknowledged.

The community also became increasingly uneasy about youth undertaking war-like training, which many considered a form of ‘youth militarism’ during the Vietnam War, and hence ‘relaxed’ cadet training. The Hawke Labor government withdrew financial support to school-based units in 1983. Though in 1998 full support was restored to school-based cadet units, mostly thanks to a change in government, and to them adopting the Brewer report’s recommendations.8 Despite the setbacks, many regard the ‘golden period’ for the cadet movement as the time between WWII and 1975, as the numbers of cadets that were enrolled again peaked to 38,000 members.3

A Strong Program of Formal Training Today AAFC cadets are required to undertake formal classroom instruction in a range of subjects including (military) service knowledge, aviation, aircraft recognition, fieldcraft, and drill & ceremonial. Subjects are taught at four levels, for example, recruit, basic, proficiency, and advanced. A training program is provided in Table 1. Once cadets have completed advanced training, they are eligible to undertake elective units normally undertaken as special projects. The highest ranking cadets (Cadet Under Officers and Cadet Warrant Officers) are able to accrue 2.0 ATAR points towards their HSC studies, and also towards a Cert. IV level qualification in Frontline Management, often gained during promotion courses.

Squadron training is designed to achieve the wider aims of the AAFC. In step with the AAFC Youth Development Philosophy9 senior cadets deliver much of the home training syllabus, often supervised by staff, who are trained in educational management. Part 2 of

A i r F o rce C a d e ts

Veterans Day, and Servicemen’s Day. They are also offered weekend field exercises concentrating on survival in the bush, fieldcraft techniques, navigational exercises and leadership training. Cadets can undertake and experience powered flying and gliding, firearms safety training, adventure training, aeromodelling, aeroskills engineering, leadership training, air traffic control courses, musicianship courses, and the chance to experience exchanges to overseas countries with similar air cadet organisations (via the International Air Cadet Exchange program). From a team-building perspective, they are also regularly offered ‘fun’ activities such as whitewater rafting, rock climbing, indoor parachuting, abseiling and caving, and of course team sport events.

Fig.3 ATC recruiting poster advertising the 10,000th cadet accepted into the RAAF (Sept 1944).The 10,000th ATC cadet joins the RAAF” (c.1942): Australian War Memorial.

the AAFC Manual of Ground Training10 deals with AAFC Squadron training issues. The AAFC training program (Table 1), is currently in use, however the ‘Vision 75’ report,11 which provides a future vision for cadet training in the AAFC, as well as the more recent ‘Draft Cadet Curriculum’ survey, and report,12 highlight that training in the organization is on the cusp of change, with likely syllabus changes in the near future.

Commonly offered Elective Subjects Once core subjects are completed, senior cadets are offered ‘specialist’ elective subjects to study. These include but are not limited to; air traffic control, fire safety, radio communications, field operations, hovercraft technology, motor vehicle awareness, aircraft engines, meteorology, model rocketry, air navigation, basic visual tracking, and aviation weapons.

Types of Activities Offered AAFC cadets are offered a range of remembrance services such as Anzac Day, Remembrance Day, Vietnam

Flying – a cornerstone of AAFC activities The AAFC has always provided opportunities for flying (powered and gliding) activities for both cadets and staff members. The aim being to train and test members in aeronautical skills, and to expose cadets to flying skills in general (Fig.4). First introduced in the 1950s, it was popular from the start.

Approximately 66 gliding scholarships and 20 powered flying scholarships are awarded each year, which are financed by the RAAF. Many cadets and staff have achieved their training goals and their ‘wings’ in this way, and continue to train and mentor junior members who are also wanting to gain their own qualifications. Recently, the AAFC has acquired the newest gliders to use in training programs, from the RAAF. These are the ASK21 Mi self-launching and DG-1001 Club soaring gliders (Fig.5) 11 of each type of aircraft were presented to the AAFC by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, Mr. Darren Chester, and the then CAF, Air Marshal Geoff Brown, in Mar. 2015 at the Avalon Airshow in Victoria.13,14 This provides the AAFC with 22 new glider aircraft which have been supplied on a pro-rata basis across the Wings of the AAFC. AAFC cadets of 3WG (NSW) have also been fortunate to receive new aviation

Fig. 4 Australian Air Force Cadet Corporals Declan Love and Lucy Beck in the cockpit of an Australian Air Force Cadet Diamond DA40 NG aircraft.

Defence image.

facilities in Bathurst NSW, which are regularly used by many squadrons within 3Wing NSW.

Testimonials from ex-Cadets Most ex-cadets have only positive things to say about the movement.

An often quoted remark by ex-cadets is how serving in the cadets has ‘transformed’ their lives for the better.

They remark that their ‘cadet experience’ has been extremely valuable because of the military-oriented training to build self-reliance, resourcefulness, endurance and a sense of service to the community.15 Many said they feel a part of ‘one country’, as the activities promote and build a sense of ‘togetherness’, achieved not only through fieldcraft, but also via bonding activities via various sports, and even musicianship. These experiences work to set them up for success in later life and also provide many with a sense of patriotism.

Another ex-cadet recounted how the cadets didn’t just teach him how to be competent using a rifle, and how to navigate his way in the field from point 63

A ir F orce Cad ets

experience which directly contributes to cadet activities. Quality staff can have a positive influence on cadets during their period of service.4,8,15 Many ex-cadets often cite how it was the work of the adult staff which often set high standards, and inspired them to achieve ‘greater things’ through constant encouragement and mentoring. These ex-cadets say they remain forever indebted to such ‘role model’ staff, for they probably would not have achieved as much in the cadets, and later in life, had it not been for such quality adult volunteer staff.4,8

The 'Take Home'

Fig.5 Former CAF, AIRMSHL Geoff Brown pictured with AAFC Cadets alongside a new DG-1001 glider. Defence image.

A to point B, it also taught him how to think quickly in challenging situations.

He said it set him on the ‘straight and narrow’, making him understand right from wrong, thereby instilling a sense of worth and respect for both himself, and others.15 This ex-cadet went on to work as an adult staff member for 17 years to ‘give something back’ to the cadets, which had such a positive effect on his own life.

An ex-army cadet fondly remembers the discipline, training and education he received, much of which he has used in his 30 year career in the regular army, and felt strongly that similar opportunities should be provided to teenagers of today. An ex-cadet RAAF member, said that his cadet time will stay with him for the rest of his life, concluding by asking the question, ‘which other youth organization gives you the opportunities to learn to fly, to compete in target shooting, to navigate in the field, to learn a musical instrument, or to participate in team sports?’15 Other ex-cadets recounted that the friendships that they made during their formative cadet years have remained throughout their lives.

Conversely, critics of the cadet movement often say that it is a form 64

of ‘youth militarism’, which is only being used as a way to cure youth degeneracy.3 Whether one agrees with their views or not, it is evident that cadet training generally does tend to have a significant degree of success when it comes to dealing juvenile delinquency and degeneracy.3 Moreover, with the contemporary issue of record levels of school age teenagers being suspended from schools for violent behaviour,16 or for possessing illicit drugs,17 it would seem logical that the cadet movement should be able to do a lot to improve the lot of our troubled youngsters.

The importance of quality adult staff mentors The scale and scope of cadet activities is only as good as the quality and calibre of the staff members who plan and implement them. It is of little use to have a myriad of interesting subjects which to learn, or activities in which to participate in unless you have the staff who have the knowledge and experience to teach, train and supervise it.4,15 Since 1976, the cadet movement has been fortunate to have been run mostly by RAAF reservists and (ex-cadet) non-military adult volunteers. Both groups provide a significant wealth of knowledge and

Clearly that the Cadet Corps have been an institution that has touched the lives of a substantial proportion of our population over the last 150 years. It is also clear that there have been four key areas that have been vital to its operations. These include educational and community interests, financial resourcing, and the level of both government and military support, and their inherent outlook on the cadets. Any disproportion in these areas may weaken the structure of the organization moving forward. Also, radical changes in decision-making and key government policy shifts away from support, could have disastrous effects on the movement, thus the need for an ongoing, reliable and stable platform of support, where all four areas are maintained in equilibrium, is vital.

The question of the value of the cadet movement and the contribution it makes to national, military, educational and sociological settings has prompted several studies and reviews in the past, both in Australia and overseas.18 The Brewer study from Australia8 and two earlier studies, one from Canada19 and one from the United Kingdom20 have all led to the same general conclusion, that ‘government-sponsored schoolage, military cadet systems are indeed valuable’.

A study by McAllister, which evaluated all 3 elements of the Australian Services Cadet Scheme of the time, also found that ‘by any standards, the ASCS is an important recruiting ground for the Australian military’.21 Huston22 also saw the value of the scheme, as it gave

A i r F o rce C a d e ts

a foundation of military knowledge and discipline, developed leadership qualities, self-reliance and initiative, as well as sense of tradition which encouraged cadets to continue in some form of military service. While the training wasn’t sophisticated, it provided a solid understanding of rank structure, barracks routine, discipline, fieldcraft skills and military organization, which placed ex-cadets at a significant advantage over non-cadets.

Huston reasoned that it was not only important to revive the Cadet Corps, but indeed to bolster and regularly maintain their numbers at high levels, because of the inherent value they bring to the ADF. He concluded that this policy should be considered as an investment, rather than an expense by the senior leadership of the ADF.22 In today’s ‘electronic age’ where video gaming, social media and a sedentary lifestyle have resulted in record rates of obesity 23 and other

negative lifestyle issues 24 , it has never been more important to engage Australia’s youth with the wide range of healthy activities that the Cadet Corps can offer them from a developmental, physical and mental health perspective.

The well-designed training programs of the Cadet Corps have proven over a long period of time that their systems work, and are in line with the ‘Raise, Train & Sustain’ philosophy with respect to their relevance to the RAAF.

The Future In recent years, the AAFC has been particularly fortunate in receiving a high level of financial support from the RAAF. Behind this fiscal support has been a strong commitment by the RAAF senior leadership to bring the AAFC ‘into the future’ via a number of initiatives aimed at preparing the cadets for roles in the aerospace industries of the future. These initiatives have focused on training programs in the science, technology,

engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. The material support behind these initiatives have also translated to various new acquisitions including the provision of some 3,000 drones on which to hone their skills (supplied by JAR Aerospace),25 the new DA40NG ‘Diamond’ powered aircraft, as well as the new gliders. In addition, an increased level of flying training is planned to made available to the cadets.

In the area of unmanned aerial systems the cadets now have the ability to not only fly them, but to actually construct them under the careful eye of their adult instructors. This then purposely exposes them to the many facets of these technologies (Fig.6) such as fabrication of the airframe, the engineering of the propulsion system, as well as the more complex areas of coding, electronics and basic robotics, which will be valuable skills for a career in the future aerospace industry. Aside from investment in future technologies for the

Table 1. The Four Year AAFC Training Program, from Recruit to Senior Cadet Training Program

Subject/Activity

Required Rank & Awards Rank (at completion) (at start)

Year 1 Recruit Stage

Drill & Ceremonial; Fieldcraft; Service Knowledge; Teambuilding Skills; Activities include; Field Training Camps;

Recruit

Cadet

Year 1 - Basic Stage

Drill & Ceremonial; Fieldcraft; Service Knowledge; Aviation; Aircraft Recognition; Activities include: Air Experience Flights; Field Training Camps; General Service Training (GST) Camps on ADF Bases

Cadet

Leading Cadet

Year 2 Proficiency Stage

Drill & Ceremonial; Fieldcraft; Aviation; Fieldcraft; + three electives including Aircraft recognition &/or Survival + one other. Activities include: JNCO promotion course; .22 Firearms Training; Powered Flying; Gliding; Drill Team; Duke of Edinburgh (DEA) activities at Bronze level; Engineering; Music; Aeromodelling;

Leading Cadet

Corporal Single Rifle Badge (.22); Proficiency Badge; Musician Badge (optional); DEA Bronze Badge;

Year 3 Drill & Ceremonial; Fieldcraft; Aviation; Service knowledge; + three electives Advanced including Aircraft recognition &/or Survival + one other. Activities include: Stage Training Adventure training; SNCO promotion course; F88 Steyr Firearms Training; Powered Flying and Gliding; DEA activities at Silver level; Precision Drill Aeromodelling; Engineering; Act as Cadet Staff at GST Camps

Corporal

Sergeant* Silver or Gold Steyr Badge; Advanced Badge; Solo Flying Badge; DEA Silver Badge;

Year 4 Qualified Elective Training

Sergeant

Flight Sergeant* Warrant Officer* Cadet Under Officer* DEA Gold Badge; Cadet Pilot Badge;

Senior Cadets complete a mix of elective subjects which may include: Air Power; Air Traffic Control; Field Operations. Activities include: National Fieldcraft Competition; FSGT promotion course; CUO or CWOFF promotion course; National rifle competition; DEA Gold level activities; National Flying competition; IACE trip; Powered Flying & Gliding; Advanced Aeromodelling; Act as Cadet staff at promotion & GST courses; (these cadets are also assigned Squadron duties; they also act as instructors & teach junior cadets)

*denotes that promotion will only be granted provided that the cadet has passed the relevant promotion course, that they have served a predetermined time at that rank, and that there is a vacancy for that position at their Squadron.

This is a general guide only as the training program may have changed prior to or after publication; also it only applies to 3WG

65

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A i r F o rce C a d e ts

cadets, it has also been pleasing to see the growth of the AAFC. There has been around a 25% increase in the numbers of cadets and staff since 2015.26 The year 2021 will mark the Centenary of RAAF service to the nation, as well as 80 years of AAFC service. With such important milestones coming, there is no doubt that exciting events are being planned to celebrate these anniversary’s, one can only patiently wait to see what is envisaged, as ‘the sky is the limit’, literally, in what may soon be realised..

Fig. 6 (L-R) Air Force Cadets, Josh Brewster, Stuart Morrow and Tristan Hahn conduct system checks at the Air Force Drone Racing Tournament held at RAAF Base Richmond. Defence image.

80th Anniversary Logo Competition Winner was Cadet Sergeant Charlotte O’Sullivan – No 403 Squadron Beaconsfield, VIC Description accompanying entry: This 80th Logo symbolises our Indigenous heritage “PAST” by way of the aboriginal art design on the “8” using the symbols for family, as well as clouds and stars which incorporate our aviation space.

Colours of the AAFC are represented in the “8” with the light blue background with navy highlights. Diversity, innovation and also equality are represented by the various colours in the triangles in the “0” which represents “FUTURE” and came from the original logo. The aviation/military style theme is represented by the Diamond DA40 aircraft which also symbolises “PRESENT” tying the two numbers together. *Air Force Cadets: can be displayed on top of the numbers in Navy on a white background, or white on a navy background.

References 1. Air Commodore McDermott, Committee Hansard, 21 Jun 2004, p.45 (Australian Defence Force Cadets).

2. Australian Air Force Cadet document (2021).

Adult and Cadet Numbers - Graphs. AAFC Headquarters, Canberra ACT. 3. Stockings, C. (2007). ‘The Torch and the Sword.

A History of the Army Cadet Movement in Australia, 1866-2004’. University of NSW Press, Sydney.

4. Topley, J. (2000). Section 1.14 Chap. 1 In: Cadets – the Future. Future Review. A Strategy for the Australian Services Cadet Scheme. Parliament House Canberra ACT. 5. Reserve Magazine (1949). Royal Australian Air Force Reserve Magazine. Vol 1, No. 2. RAAF Headquarters, Melbourne.

6. Australian Air Force Cadets website, see also: http://www.aafc.org.au/who-we-are/history 7. Kitney, P. (1978). The History of the Australian School Cadet Movement to 1893. ADF Journal. 12 Sep. issue.

8. Brewer, C.J. (1996). Review of the Australian Services Cadets Scheme. Chairman, Col C.J. Brewer, AM. 9. Australian Air Force Cadet document (2011).

AAFC Youth Development Philosophy. Office of the Commander, AAFC National Headquarters, Canberra ACT. 10. Australian Air Force Cadet document (2006).

Manual on Ground Training. AAFC National

Headquarters, Canberra ACT. 11. Wozniak, J., and Young, S. (2014). Vision 75: Cadet Training Needs Analysis Discussion Paper 2014 – Bringing AAFC Training from Spitfire to Unmanned Flight. Australian Air Force Cadet document, Canberra ACT. 12. Fechner, C. (2015). Survey Report: Draft Cadet Curriculum – Feedback Results, Analysis and Findings. Training Directorate, Australian Air Force Cadet document, Canberra ACT. 13. Parliamentary Brief (2015). Air Force Cadets receive new Self-launching Gliders. Report by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence.

Department of Defence, Australian Govt, Canberra.

14. Australian Aviation, (2015) Australian Air Force Cadets presented with newest glider at Avalon. Mar. issue.

15. Mackenzie, C. (2012). Pupils on parade: Militarystyle Cadet Forces to be Introduced in all Secondary Schools (in the UK). Mail Online. See also: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2083832/ Pupils-parade-Military-style-cadet…

16. Smith, A. (2014). Big Increase in Student Expulsions, Suspensions. SMH, Jul 14th edn.

17. McDougall, B. (2015). Drugged Student Crisis in NSW schools: average 20 students suspended each week. Daily Telegraph, Feb. 9th edn.

18. Jones, W.H. (2000). Measuring the Value of the Australian Services Cadet Scheme. ADF Journal. No. 140, Jan/Feb issue.

19. Canadian Forces. (1995). The DND/CF Cadet

Program. Final Report on NDHQ Program Evaluation E3/93. Jan. 1995. Director: Skippon, P.C. (Miss).

Canadian National Defence Headquarters Program Evaluation Division.

20. Lewis, C.A. (1995). The Air Training Corps Cadet and Staff Motivation Survey. RAF Research Report PTC/4961196/1/CSSB. Dec. 1995. Scientific Support Branch of Personnel and Training Command, RAF. 21. McAllister, J. (1995). Schools, Enlistment and Military values: the Australian Services Cadet Scheme. Armed Forces & Society. Vol.22.

22. Huston, J. (1991). The Australian Cadet Corps – Lost Opportunities. ADF Journal. No. 89, August.

23. Brown, R. (2015). One Quarter of Australia’s Teenagers are Overweight or Obese, New Health Survey Reveals. ABC News, Feb 19th Edn. 24. O’Brien, S. (2013). Young Australians are Fat, Oversexed and Underemployed. Herald Sun, Mar 14th edn.

25. Zupp, O. (2019). Australian Air Force Cadets – Reaching for the Stars. Australian Aviation June Issue.

26. Australian Air Force Cadet document (2021).

Adult and Cadet Numbers – Graphs. AAFC National Headquarters, Canberra ACT. Figure 1 A No 3 Wing parade held at RAAF Base Richmond on 11 June 2017 involved over 400 Australian Air Force Cadets from 36 Squadrons across NSW and the ACT. Defence image.

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The Royal Australian Air Force Museum is located at RAAF Base Point Cook, only 30km from Melbourne CBD. Point Cook is the birthplace of the Australian Flying Corps (AFC) and RAAF in 1921.

RAAF Base Point Cook was the RAAF’s inaugural base from 1912 to 1925, when RAAF Base Richmond and RAAF Base Laverton were built. To date RAAF Base Point Cook remains the world’s oldest continually operating military aerodrome.

The RAAF Museum was established at Point Cook in 1952 following a proposal by the then Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sir George Jones.

At that time little consideration was given to a formal display open to public viewing, or even to formal museological operations such as interpretation, conservation and research, rather the Museum was simply a collection agency and repository for items of historic significance such as log books, uniforms, technical equipment, aircraft and other memorabilia.

Today, the RAAF Museum’s mission is to preserve and promote Australia’s significant military aviation heritage, paying tribute to the history of the AFC and RAAF, and all who served, through its extensive collection of artefacts.

Throughout the Museum precinct, visitors can experience Australia’s Air Force in fascinating detail through the interpretation of items of memorabilia and beautifully preserved aircraft, all at RAAF Base Point Cook. Through the Heritage Galleries visitors can follow highlights of AFC and RAAF history, as well as the captivating stories of past deeds of those who have served our nation, giving visitors an understanding

Point Cook WHERE IT ALL BEGAN of the rich history and traditions of this arm of the Australian Defence Force.

The Museum’s Heritage Gallery provides the opportunity for visitors to be taken through time from World War I through to the RAAF’s peacekeeping and civil aid missions and to the present day. Moving through to the display hangars, over thirty historical aircraft are presented from the entire 100-year history of the RAAF. Viewed within the Museum’s original Bellman hangars, aircraft such as charming World War I flying machines made from wood, wire and fabric can be experienced up close, through to the more modern and technically sophisticated multi-million dollar aircraft, providing our visitors with a window into the development of military aviation which was expedited by the considerable pace of technological development through the twentieth century. Through periods of war and peace, advances in airframe design and materials, aerodynamics, engines, electronics and weapon systems have transformed aircraft from an interesting

Fe a tu r e

curiosity to a vital component of national security and power.

Significantly, many of these major leaps in capability occurred during World Wars I and II when aviation was at the pinnacle of scientific and industrial development. Technologies such as the advent of the jet engine and the development of radar, have flowed on to benefit civil aviation and shaped the modern world. The aircraft and supporting technical equipment on static display also demonstrate that evolution of modern aviation, through some of the most significant periods in the history of Australian military history.

Aircraft on static display throughout the Museum precinct include the 1915 Maurice Farman Shorthorn, Tiger Moth, Boston, Jindivik, Iroquois helicopter, F-4E Phantom, F-111G Boneyard Wrangler, Catalina and Walrus amphibians and many more.

The Museum also provides visitors the opportunity to purchase aircraft models, books, patches and similar aviation related mementos of their visit.

While the Air Force Centenary Commemorations have been designed around a digital campaign, with COVID-19 restrictions easing, a trip to the RAAF Museum allows visitors to experience a physical representation of Air Force’s history over the past 100 years.

Commemoration of the Royal Australian Air Force’s formation in March 1921 and further information about official activities may be obtained at www.airforce.gov.au/100 Due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, visitors are requested to check the RAAF Museum website for opening details https://www.airforce.gov.au/raaf-museum

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Where to spread your wings when you land in WA. If you’re being posted to Pearce Air Base, now’s the time to think about building in Kingsford.

It’s a brand new estate, just minutes from RAAF Pearce. Kingsford is a beautiful place to live. It’s nestled between the famous fresh produce and wine growing districts of the Chittering Valley and Swan Valley.

Designed to complement the natural undulations of the land and the meandering course of the tree-lined Ki-It Monger Brook, Kingsford offers an idyllic lifestyle.

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Kingsford has been designed with one simple idea in mind: To be a better place to live.

Okeland Communities planned Kingsford to offer an exceptional lifestyle for its residents. Kingsford ticks all the boxes for proximity to schools and sports clubs, connectivity to major employment hubs, walkability, public open space and neighbourly belonging.

Here’s a snapshot of the key masterplan features:

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Over 41ha retained public open space, creek lines, & manicured parklands 2,500 homesites upon completion New café at entryway The future Town Centre will include a major supermarket, specialty stores, cafés and a medical centre Brand new adventure playground Alongside Bullsbrook’s established school, community centre, shops and sporting clubs

Just 35km from the CBD. Surrounded by tranquil natural bushland and nestled in the aweinspiring beauty of the Darling Scarp foothills, Kingsford seems miles away from the hustle and bustle. But it’s just an easy drive from the Perth CBD.

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An investment in growth.

Kingsford is an ideal place to build a nest egg, too.

It is located in the sweet spot between major employment hubs. These include the Muchea industrial area to the north, the commercial offices of Midland and manufacturing district of Malaga to the south, the tourism precinct of the Swan Valley and, of course, the adjacent Pearce Air Base.

A community set to soar.

Kingsford sits alongside the established town of Bullsbrook, with all its history, thriving community and conveniences. The existing school is highly regarded and caters for students from Kindergarten to Year 12. There are many thriving sporting clubs and community groups, ready to welcome new members. Alongside the town’s sporting fields is the multi-million-dollar Ethel Warren Community Centre with a library, Bullseye Youth Centre and group meeting facilities.

With employment and population growth in the region, Kingsford will be a highly sought-after place to live.

You have the opportunity to build a new home during your posting at Pearce, and then use it as an investment rental property should your career take you elsewhere.

Adding to the existing facilities, Kingsford has built a new café overlooking landscaped gardens and the Ki-It Monger Brook.

Soon, Kingsford’s new Town Centre will add a fresh vibrancy to the region and create a social hub for the community. The Town Centre will include a major supermarket and a contemporary mix of specialty stores plus restaurants, cafés, medical services, and active community spaces.

Room for every sized dream.

Most of us dream of a more comfortable life. Kingsford gives you the rare opportunity to have space for your family to grow, be one minute from work, and live a larger life.

F eat ure

From dirt bikes to afterburners A member of the Narrabri Dirt Bike Club in NSW while growing up, Brody Peate developed an interest in challenging mechanical performance activities, leading eventually to a career in aviation maintenance.

Advice from his father led Corporal Peate to investigate a career in the ADF, where he now works as an aircraft technician at RAAF Base Tindal, working on the F/A-18A/B Hornet.

"I had worked in various jobs in hospitality and the agricultural sector around Narrabri before dad suggested I try a Defence career, and I really enjoy the variety," Corporal Peate said.

"I have found my decade in the Air Force has helped me be a part of a team that is utilised to assist people who are doing it tough through fires, floods and other natural disasters; and coming from a rural background, I understand how that help is appreciated."

Corporal Peate has gained a Certificate IV in Aero Skills (Mechanical) as a result of his training and looks forward to the new technology and specialisations ahead as the ADF moves further into operating in the domain of space.

"Not only have I gained a qualification and the ability to branch out into other areas, I have had the chance to travel throughout Australia and overseas, something that would not have otherwise happened," he said.

"The best thing about growing up and being educated in

Corporal Brody Peate, a 75 Squadron aircraft technician, with an F/A-18A Hornet on RAAF Base Tindal. Defence image.

Narrabri is that I learnt that doing what you can, with what you've got is relevant in my current work.

"I have endless opportunities ahead of me to continue expanding my knowledge in my core aircraft maintenance role and in the wider ADF, and the ability to put that knowledge to use.

"Every day is different and not knowing what may pop up today gives me all the variety I could wish for in a career."

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Fe a tu r e

Projects underway at RAAF Tindal Defence employed 25 subcontractors based in the Katherine area in 2020 to complete works at RAAF Base Tindal, and intends to hire at least 70 per cent of Territory-sourced businesses for its billions of dollars worth of projects.

Defence is currently undertaking two major projects at Tindal – the base redevelopment project and the United States Force Posture Initiative Airfield Works, totalling $1.6bn.

The combined contractor workforce is currently about 80 and is expected to peak at about 330 in 2023/24.

A Defence spokeswoman said the average workforce over the life of the seven years of construction would be about 220, with the contracted workforce accommodated in a camp near the base.

“The capacity of the camp is currently 150,” she said. “This will be increased to 250 by mid-2022.

“Depending on the type of subcontract let, individual members of the workforce will be on site anywhere from four weeks to up to three years.”

Lendlease, which is managing both projects, is aiming to hire a minimum of 70 per cent local Territory-sourced businesses on the projects.

“There are currently 43 Estate Works Program projects underway at RAAF Base Tindal, with 19 in delivery, 14 currently within the ‘approach to market’ phase, and 10 are in earlier phases of development,” the spokeswoman said.

An artists’ impression of the proposed air movements terminal at RAAF Base Tindal.

“Defence is expected to spend around $54 million on those 19 projects currently in delivery.”

She said in 2020, 25 subcontractors based in the Katherine area were employed for $9.1m worth of works.

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D efence

How Australian airports and passports will change for future travel The physical passport and boarding pass could be among the earliest casualties of the COVID-19 pandemic as the travel industry moves towards “touchless airports”.

Elevators could operate by users simply waving their hand in front of a computer panel to indicate the level and direction they require.

Just as September 11 changed airport security forever, coronavirus will have long-lasting effects on the travel industry. Certainly, things like check-in, and even going through security at an airport, will look a lot different in a post-pandemic world.

Temperature scans that often require close contact between passengers and health professionals could be done with thermal imaging cameras.

Airlines such as Qantas were already working towards biometric screening before the pandemic.

The changes aim to reduce “the risk of pathogen transmission”.

In future, passengers can expect Sydney Airport-style contactless bag checks to be rolled out around the country.

They will have their boarding pass loaded on their mobile phone and airlines will use facial recognition software to confirm their identity.

Expect biometrics Biometrics trials by Qantas in Australia in 2018 resulted in physical boarding passes being replaced by facial recognition in Brisbane and Sydney.

Although participants in the trial still had to load their boarding pass onto their mobile phone to check-in to their flight and drop off luggage, they used facial recognition to board their flight and access the Qantas lounge.

The face scan at the boarding gate brought up all the information needed on a computer used by the Qantas employees.

The airline employees could then wave the passengers through from a distance.

In Los Angeles, the company took it one step further and removed the need to show your passport.

“You won’t need your passport or boarding pass at the gate on selected flights,” Qantas said at the time.

“Instead, you’ll be boarded using information US Customs and Border Protection captured when you entered America.”

Touchless technology Airports are also experimenting with touchless technology throughout their facilities.

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Restaurants could operate on a digital ordering service to cut down on face-to-face encounters.

CT Security Screening Speaking at media briefing organised by Amazon Web Services (AWS) to discuss the future of air travel in Australia and abroad, Avalon Airport’s CEO Justin Giddings said computerised tomography (CT) security screening had been installed in both international and domestic terminals, eliminating perhaps one of the most annoying parts of going through security.

The technology basically means whatever electronics or liquids you have in your bag stays put – rather than having each passenger lug out laptops, tablets or mobile phones before going through the security screen.

Mr Giddings said the advanced technology is imperative in today’s climate, where social distancing measures are in place and people want to eliminate public touch points and congregating in crowds as much as possible.

“You can simply leave everything in the bag, put it through the system and get out of there as quickly as possible,” Mr Giddings said.

Mr Giddings said his airport has also used the lockdown period to introduce touchless check-in screens and bag drop systems supplied by Melbourne-based technology provider Elenium Automation. Mr Giddings said these new check in system “reduces critical touch points”, and allows airport personnel to let passengers through with confidence. The system also enables passengers to scan in and scan out of the airport, like at a restaurant, so they can be contact traced if necessary.

Aaron Hornlimann, CEO of Elenium Automation, said these new technologies were just the beginning of how airports – and even in-flight services – will change in the new world of travel.

Speaking of how passengers will have a different experience in the air, Mr Hornlimann said the biggest change will be how we receive entertainment and even food and drinks.

“There will be no more seat-back pockets, safety cards and food menus will be displayed on the seat-back screens and accessible digitally via your phone.”

D e fe n ce

“There will be digital toilets, where queues are managed and ultraviolet lights disinfect germs after each visit. And purchases on board will all be cashless.”

Mr Hornlimann said touchless technologies will be more pervasive during and following this global pandemic and expects airlines will eventually – like a FitBit – track a passenger’s health and vital signs.

“Like FitBit can track your sleep, an airline will be able to track your temperature for example,” he said.

“So you may well not have one when you board the aircraft, but you could develop one in-flight and the airline will be able to detect that and take the appropriate steps before landing.

“There are many applications of these types of technologies which will change our flying experience in the near future.”

Rapid tests The Centre for Aviation Australia (CAPA) held its virtual Australia Pacific Aviation Summit last September.

Addressing the summit, Qantas CEO Alan Joyce called for rapid pre-flight COVID-19 testing as a way to restart international travel.

He said rapid tests could identify COVID-19 positive travellers and remove the need for quarantine.

“There’s some great developments in testing that could resolve the issue of people needing to go into quarantine,” he said.

Rapid testing, he said, would finally allow Australia to start travel bubbles with New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, and longer routes, such as Perth to London, soon after.

Proof of health Travellers may also be required to provide a COVID-19 test certificate when they book a flight or to provide a vaccine certificate.

All that information would also be linked to a scan of your face.

Systematic biometric verified identification at each stage of the journey will replace today’s manual identity verifications…..but it would mean allowing carriers to keep a lot of personal data.

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D efence

Buzz in the air at RAAF Edinburgh $500 million dollar upgrade for RAAF Edinburgh Base brings hi-tech highflyers to Adelaide It’s going to take a thousand-strong workforce to get the most impressive overhaul Edinburgh’s seen in 70 years off the ground.

There’s a buzz in the air at the RAAF Base Edinburgh in Adelaide’s northern suburbs – and it isn’t all about the aircraft.

The base is currently undergoing its most significant change since being formed in the 1950s, with another $500 million investment in infrastructure and technology to accommodate the 6000 Defence personnel and civilian contractors who work at the base and adjoining Defence Science and Technology Group hub, the largest Defence R&D organisation in Australia.

And while much of that infrastructure revolves around the 12 Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft currently winging their way to Edinburgh, the redevelopment is also bringing new aircraft, Australian Army units and logistics and engineering jobs on site.

“It’s a really exciting time for the rebirth of the base,” says Reg Carruthers, Executive Director Defence and Space, Defence SA. 19 issue.pdf

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“There’s lots of work in cyber, systems engineering, mission analysis... there will be at least 400 more people at Edinburgh over the next five-to-seven years supporting all of these new capabilities that are flying around.”

The new capabilities include three major projects:

AIR 555 Peregrine program: an electronic warfaretype aircraft based on a Gulfstream jet, due to be operating from Edinburgh within the next three years and requiring hangar space and additional infrastructure.

AIR 7000 Triton program: an unmanned aircraft that will fly out of Northern Australia with the pilot and operators based at Edinburgh. “This is the big game-changer for what’s going to happen at Edinburgh,” Carruthers says.

AIR 7003: still in final stages of government decision, this project will see Sky Guardian armed drones fly out of Northern Australia and Adelaide with crews, mission analysts and data based at the information hub at Edinburgh.

And this doesn’t include the upgrades to the Woomera Range Complex and town, works at Cultana and upgrades to the Jindalee Over the Horizon Radar Network.

“Up to $500 million worth of infrastructure is set to go into the base just to support those platforms as they come in over the next few years,” Carruthers says. “It’s basically double the current infrastructure.”

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D e fe n ce

Defence image.

The new hub places Edinburgh at the centre of Australia’s military intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and electronic warfare, with operators – uniformed, public servants and potentially contractors – working in a highly secure environment analysing, collecting and disseminating information on a real-time basis.

“So Defence personnel can be deployed in, say, Northern Australia, but the information they are using could be coming from an asset flying somewhere else that is sending the information back to Edinburgh, where it is analysed and resent to the soldier in the field,” Carruthers says.

“That’s where Edinburgh is going to be so critical to Defence.”

The significant investment in the Edinburgh base is also an investment in South Australia’s future, promising exciting career opportunities both today and for years to come.

“It’s not only for the young men and women going through school and university now – it will definitely be an attractor for future generations,” Carruthers says.

“The base is a very large employer of people in highskilled, well-paid jobs; once the infrastructure is built, there will also be direct benefits to the local communities and the state.

“When we think about Defence we think about ships and submarines, but Edinburgh is the unsung hero of South Australia.”

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D efence

LONG RANGE MISSILE CAPABILITY ON THE WAY HMAS Stuart conducts a live Harpoon Missile firing off the coast of Hawaii during Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2020.

Defence image.

Australian Army A38 Eurocoptor Tigers. Defence image.

Royal Australian Navy vessels are set to be fitted with new advanced anti-ship missiles as part of a $1 billion investment announced by Defence Minister Linda Reynolds.

The Commonwealth Government has committed to investing $1 billion in the early development of long-range anti-ship missiles, extended range surface-to-air missiles, advanced lightweight torpedoes and land strike capabilities, in a bid to bolster the naval fleet’s defences amid growing regional instability.

The nation’s current and future submarine and surface fleets are set to be fitted with anti-ship and surface-to-air missiles with a range of approximately 370 kilometres, and maritime land strike missiles with a range of approximately 1,500 kilometres.

“These new capabilities will provide a strong, credible deterrent that will ensure stability and security in the region,” Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said.

“The planned acquisitions – when aligned with the ongoing state-of-the-art combat system development and National shipbuilding programs – represent an investment of up to $24 billion, which will build a lethal and highly responsive Navy for decades to come.

APACHE GUARDIAN TAKES TO THE SKY The Boeing built AH-64E Apache Guardian will eventually replace the current Tiger fleet. South Korean Army image.

Australia has selected Boeing’s AH-64E Apache Guardian as its next armed reconnaissance helicopter, replacing its 78

Airbus Helicopters Tiger fleet under the Land 4503 program estimated to be worth AU$4-5 billion.

The selection of the Apache follows the release of a request for information in July 2019 and was announced by Australian Defence Minister Linda Reynolds recently.

The RFI called for 29 helicopters, with 24 to be based at a single location with two operational armed recon helo squadrons, and five for training Army pilots and battle captains at the Australian Army Aviation Training Centre at Oakey, Queensland. The two operational Tiger squadrons are currently based in Darwin as part of the 1st Aviation Regiment.

The RFI also stipulated an initial operational capability, represented by 12 helicopters, in 2026; and final operational capability with all 29 aircraft two years later.

In addition to Boeing, Bell responded to the RFI with its AH-1Z Viper, and Airbus Helicopters with an updated Tiger.

“The Apache Guardian is the most lethal, most survivable and lowest-risk option, meeting all of [the Department of] Defence’s capability, through-life support, security and certification requirements,” Reynolds said. “By pursuing a proven and low-risk system offered by the Apache, [the Department of] Defence will avoid the ongoing cost and schedule risk typically associated with developmental platforms.”

The Tiger was introduced to service in December 2004 but suffered poor availability rates and high ownership costs early in its career, before a remediation plan was implemented by the Department of Defence and industry around 2016.

Reynolds said the issues with the Tiger fleet and other Australian military rotary-wing projects had informed the strategy to seek a proven and mature replacement.

The decision to acquire the Apache was made under the Australian government’s “Smart Buyer” policy, which allows for sole-source selection without a competition if there is a clear preference for a particular platform. Courtesy Defense News.

A spokesman for Australia’s Department of Defence said the government will now consider the acquisition of mission sensors and mission-relevant equipment, including the AN/APG-78 Longbow fire control radar, but no specific configuration or numbers of radars have been revealed.

“Apache is supported by an active production line and a U.S. Army modernization plan through to the late 2040s, thereby ensuring the platform remains the leading attack and reconnaissance capability through to 2050 and beyond,” a company spokesperson said.

D e fe n ce

JOINT HYPERSONIC PROGRAM UNVEILED Australia and the United States recently signed a new collaborative agreement to develop and test hypersonic cruise missile prototypes.

This agreement will take place under the Southern Cross Integrated Flight Research Experiment (SCIFiRE) to cooperatively flight test full-size prototype hypersonic cruise missiles.

Minister for Defence Linda Reynold said maintaining Australia’s technological edge and capability superiority is key to the Government’s strategic planning.

“I am pleased to see this agreement come to fruition following my discussions with then Secretary Esper during my visit to the United States in July this year,” Minister Reynolds said.

“At AUSMIN, we acknowledged the unique role of our defence partnership to maintain our competitive edge, and affirmed the value of bilateral collaboration on hypersonics.

“That’s why we will continue to invest in advanced capabilities to give the ADF more options to deter aggression against Australia’s interests including the $9.3 billion earmarked in the Force Structure Plan 2020 for high-speed long-range strike and missile defence, including hypersonic development, test and evaluation."

The SCIFiRE Program is based on more than 15 years of collaboration between Australia and the United States on

science and technology research into hypersonic scramjets, rocket motors, sensors, and advanced manufacturing materials.

Minister Reynolds said the experiment will culminate in flight demonstrations to show how the weapon performs in operational conditions, which will inform any future acquisitions.

“Developing this game-changing capability with the United States from an early stage is providing opportunities for Australian industry,” Minister Reynolds said.

Michael Kratsios, Acting Under Secretary for Research and Engineering, US Department of Defense, welcomed the new collaboration.

“SCIFiRE is a true testament to the enduring friendship and strong partnership between the United States and Australia,” said Michael Kratsios, Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.

Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld, Chief of Air Force, was excited about SCIFiRE’s potential.

“The SCIFiRE initiative is another opportunity to advance the capabilities in our Air Combat Capability Program to support joint force effects to advance Australia’s security and prosperity,” Air Marshal Hupfeld said.

“Working with our Defence scientists here in Australia and our partners in the US Air Force and across the US Department of Defense on leading edge capabilities brings out the best in our Air Force team.

1ST RAN FLIGHT WITH AN ALL FEMALE AIRCREW The first all-female crew for a Royal Australian Navy MH60R helicopter, from 725 Squadron, took to the skies on 13 January 2021, at HMAS Albatross, Nowra, New South Wales.

The training sortie was crewed by Pilot, Lieutenant Rhiannon Thomson, Aviation Warfare Officer, Lieutenant Hannah Best (Royal Navy) and Sensor Operator, Leading Seaman Clare Lassam. This was a first for the MH-60R and highlights the necessary growth of more women in Navy aviation.

Australia and the United States recently signed an agreement to develop and test hypersonic cruise missile prototypes.

Defence image.

First female flight crew for a RAN MH-60R helicopter at HMAS Albatross, Nowra. Defence image.

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AU S T R A L I A N D E F E N C E I N D U S T RY BENEFITS FROM LATEST BATCH OF GRANTS

our small businesses more competitive and our supply chains more secure.

This grant program is a key enabler of the Sovereign Industrial Capability Priorities, which are the capabilities assessed as critical to Defence, and must be developed or supported by Australian industry.

Grant applications can be made at any time and submitted through the Centre for Defence Industry Capability

TWO MORE POSEIDONS ON THE WAY

Weld Australia was the recipient of a latest grant, it is brinign a welding accreditation to supply chains for the Land 400 Phase 2 project and beyond. Weld Australia.

Eight Australian small businesses will share in more than $3.4 million in grants as part of the Morrison Government’s continued push to grow Australia’s sovereign defence industry.

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the latest round of Sovereign Industrial Capability Priority grants would provide the businesses and the wider Australian economy with a major boost.

“These grants support our bounce back from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen our sovereign defence industrial base,” Minister Price said.

“Weld Australia, based in NSW, is a great example of how beneficial these grants can be.

“It is bringing a welding accreditation to Australia, developing Australian supply chains for the Land 400 Phase 2 project and beyond, and ensuring we have the skills in Australia to deliver and sustain critical defence capabilities.”

Canberra-based Penten, Australian Performance Vehicles (Campbellfield, Victoria) and Gilmour Space Technologies (Gold Coast) will use their grant funding to upgrade their infrastructure used to test and evaluate emerging technologies and capabilities.

“Gilmour Space Technologies’ testing facility will ensure the safety and reliability of Defence platforms and vehicles across a range of domains, and enhance Australia’s sovereign ability to gain maximum benefit from our capability,” Minister Price said.

“Penten’s grant will support the construction of a secure facility fitted with information communications technology infrastructure.

“I was fortunate enough to visit Penten in Canberra in November and witness first-hand the important work it is doing to help ensure the ADF maintains its capability edge well into the future.”

The Sovereign Industrial Capability Priority grant program supports opportunities to drive Australian innovation, making

A P-8A Poseidon from 11 Squadron is refuelled by a KC-30A multi-role tanker transport from 33 Squadron. Defence image.

The government has announced it is to purchase an additional two P-8A Poseidon’s, taking Australia’s total fleet to 14.

Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said the maritime surveillance aircraft would be purchased as part of the existing “Cooperative Program” agreement with the US Navy.

The P-8A is equipped with advanced sensors and mission systems, including an advanced radar, high-definition cameras, and an acoustic system that is said to have four times the processing capacity of the Orion.

They are designed to replace the RAAF’s AP-3C Orion fleet, together with the MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system.

Minister Reynolds said, “Together, the Poseidon and the Triton will provide Australia with one of the most advanced maritime patrol and response capabilities in the world.

“The Poseidon is a proven capability that will conduct tasks including anti-submarine warfare, maritime and overland intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and support to search and rescue missions.

“These additional aircraft will enhance Air Force’s flexibility to support multiple operations and will play an important role in ensuring Australia’s maritime region is secure for generations to come.”

The purchase forms part of the Morrison’s Government’s enlarged $270 billion investment in Defence over the next 10 years.

The RAAF accepted its first P-8A after a ceremony at Boeing Field, Seattle.

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On T h e Rad ar

This year’s event, consisting of pre-recorded and live sessions, will bring together aviation professionals from regulators, manufacturers, airlines and associations to share the latest safety challenges, issues, developments and initiatives to raise the safety standards in the Asia Pacific region.

Women In Aviation International Virtual Event 11-12 March https://www.wai.org/

The program focuses on topics relating to Safety Leadership, Automation in the Flight Deck, Aviation Mental Health and Human Factors, Data Analytics, Safeguarding Public Health and Restarting Aviation.

Women in Aviation International announced that its 32nd Annual International Women in Aviation Conference will be held virtually on March 11 and 12, 2021. The all-virtual platform will allow members and industry friends to attend from the convenience of their home and/or office.

While additional registration and agenda details will be forthcoming, WAI plans to deliver all the outstanding content of its trademark conference experience through education sessions, inspiring keynote speakers, virtual exhibit hall, personal and professional development seminars and workshops, as well as 2021 scholarship awards, Pioneer Hall of Fame induction celebration, and networking opportunities.

Australian Cyber Conference

Air Force Centenary Canberra 31 March www.airforce.gov.au/100

The Royal Australian Air Force marks a special anniversary in March, celebrating 100 years since formation and recognising its ongoing service to Australia.

Air Force 2021 is planning a national series of events and initiatives to honour the sacrifices and service of the last 100 years, demonstrating today’s highly capable force and the RAAF’s continued evolution into the future.

National Convention Centre, Canberra 16-18 March https://cyberconference.com.au/canberra/ The Australian Cyber Conference 2021 will provide business leaders with insights and best practices taught by the industry’s top experts through keynotes, panel sessions and live demonstrations. Attending the conference will enable you to network with these practitioners to help you better understand and manage current threats, as well as identify and prepare to meet emerging challenges. An interactive format of workshops and plenary sessions and the opportunity to network with expert practitioners in the field of cybersecurity make this event a must for all organisations in the current business environment.

Singapore Aviation Safety Seminar Virtual Event, Singapore 23-25 March https://flightsafety.org/

The 6th annual Singapore Aviation Safety Seminar, jointly organized by Flight Safety Foundation and the Singapore Aviation Academy will take place virtually on 23 to 25 March 2021.

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Small Satellites Conference Virtual Event, United Kingdom 26-27 April http://www.small-satellites.com/

With nations around the world developing their small satellites capability at pace, governments and trans-national agencies must manage this changing domain. Small Satellites 2021 will consider best practise, regulatory principals, production and operational lessons learnt to effectively utilise this revolutionised resource.

O n Th e R a d a r

Australasia Satellite Forum

Fullerton Hotel, Sydney 22-23 June http://www.talksatellite.com/asf2020flyer.html

Bringing together key representatives from across military, government and industry to network virtually, explore the small satellite revolution and discuss its impact on future space, this is an essential date for all those in the small satellite domain.

Talk Satellite and CommsDay will once again convene the highly successful Australasia Satellite Forum 2021. A true gathering of world and domestic satellite leaders who will converge on Sydney for this two full day event at the Fullerton (formally Westin) Hotel, Sydney, Australia on the 22 and 23 June 2021. The Australasia Satellite Forum, provide's a uniquely inclusive forum to address issues of urgent concern to governments, military, telecom operators / broadcasters / enterprises, and end user entities.

Advancing Earth Observation Forum Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, QLD 23-27 August https://earthobsforum.org/

Land Forces 2021

Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, QLD 01-03 June www.landforces.com.au The biennial Land Forces exposition is a powerful forum for key decision-makers from throughout the region, enabling government representatives, defence officials, military procurement managers and senior army officers to network with defence materiel manufacturers, equipment suppliers and service providers.

CIVSEC

Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, QLD 01-03 June 2021 www.civsec.com.au International Civil Security Conference will host a comprehensive program of conferences, seminars and symposia, organised and delivered by distinguished thoughtleaders in the domains of civil security, community safety and resilience.

It will explore major topics pertinent to today’s Australian, regional and global landscape, including: Humanitarian Assistance | Disaster Relief | Critical Infrastructure Protection | Cyber Resilience

Our Earth observation (EO) community is a diverse range of people from industry, government, research, defence, not-for-profits, and educational institutions. Together, we collect and process data from a variety of platforms to create knowledge and deliver relevant information for a vast number of applications. By connecting and collaborating, we build understanding and wisdom about the Earth’s environments and communities and how they change over time.

We’ve created the Advancing Earth Observation Forum so that everyone can actively engage, contribute, learn, and connect with others in the EO community. This is a high-value experience for individuals, businesses, and organisations to build professional expertise, contribute to our collective national capabilities in support of our own Australian Space Agency, and also be an effective partner in the global “Space Industry”.

International Conference on Transportation, Aviation and Logistics Sydney, NSW 30-31 August | https://waset.org/

International Conference on Transportation, Aviation and Logistics aims to bring together leading academic scientists, researchers and research scholars to exchange and share their experiences and research results on all aspects of Transportation, Aviation and Logistics. It also provides a premier interdisciplinary platform for researchers, practitioners and educators to present and discuss the most recent innovations, trends, and concerns as well as practical challenges encountered and solutions adopted in the fields of Transportation, Aviation and Logistics.

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Hist ory

Bird Strike at Butterworth

by Charles Page Ronald Elliss Offord was a high flyer, destined for a stellar career in the RAAF. With his personal qualities, intellect, ability and ambition, he was always going to be a great asset to the Air Force. Yet, fate was to intervene on that fateful day at Butterworth.

Ronald was born in Subiaco, WA on 27 January 1935, and educated at 7th Day Adventist School, Perth Boys School, and Perth Modern School from 1951 to 1952. He captained the soccer team, and spent two years in the Army cadets, before joining the Air Training Corps at Perth Modern School, where he captained the ATC Interstate rifle shooting team, won a flying scholarship, and was promoted to Cadet Pilot Officer after topping the course.

Not surprisingly, he was accepted into the RAAF College at Point Cook on 26 January 1953, and after four intensive years of academics, Tiger Moth and Wirraway flying he was awarded his ‘Wings’ and promoted to Pilot Officer. His first posting was to 25 Squadron at Pearce, where he flew the Vampire and the Mustang. Ronald’s Commanding Officer, Wing Commander Les Reading, stated: ‘I consider that this officer has outstanding potential’.

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Ronald was next posted to No 2 Operational Conversion Unit, Williamtown, where he joined the first Sabre conversion course on 19 January 1959. The CA-27 Sabre was built in Australia by Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC) and based on the North American F-86F, but the fuselage was redesigned around the more powerful Rolls Royce Avon turbojet.

The air intake was 25 percent larger and armament was upgraded to 2 x 30 mm Aden cannons. The wing pylons could carry rockets, bombs or two AIM9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, plus drop tanks to extend the range. Final production was the Mk 32, which had an upgraded Avon engine. The CAC Sabre equipped five squadrons, No 2 OCU and No 5 OTU. Ronald graduated with an average plus rating and was posted to 75 Squadron, Williamtown on 1 June 1959. A few weeks later, he had a close call when he was detailed to fly an air defence exercise as No 2 to P/O Bannerman. While flying through an active trough line, the pair encountered severe turbulence, and turned back, but Bannerman was killed when his Sabre fell out of control. Only a week later,

Ronald returned from a sortie, and while performing his engine run up on chocks, a ground crewman on his first day at the base, got too close and was sucked into the intake and killed.

Then on 31 August 1959, Ronald was attached to the School of Air Navigation, East Sale, where he came top of the class and passed with distinction on 11 December 1959. He returned to 75 Squadron as navigation officer, and was promoted to Flight Lieutenant.

Ronald’s superiors spoke highly of his impressive personal qualities in their confidential reports. He was described as highly intelligent, loyal, with a strong forceful character, excellent mission planning, enthusiasm and energy.

Ronald’s C/O at 75 Squadron stated that with further experience, Ronald would be one of the best squadron commanders of all time.

On 10 February 1961, Ronald was posted to No 78 Wing at RAAF Butterworth, Malaya. Situated on the Malayan coast, opposite Penang Island, the airfield was originally constructed by the RAF in 1939. In 1941, the RAF based a squadron of Brewster Buffalos at the airfield, but they fared badly

H i sto r y

against the Zeros, and the airfield was soon overrun by the Japanese invaders. The RAF resumed control in 1946, and the base played an important role in the Malayan Emergency from 1950 onwards. In 1956 No 2 Airfield Construction Squadron lengthened and strengthened the runway, and upgraded the base infrastructure. Then in 1958 the RAF transferred control of the base to the RAAF. The base was to peak at almost 5,000 Australian personnel and families, along with schools, hospital, shops, and sports and social facilities.

No 78 Wing comprised No 77 Squadron and No 3 Squadron, both of which had been active in the Malayan Emergency. Ronald was made Wing Navigation Officer, and Wing Survival Officer, as well as his flying duties. In early 1962 No 78 Wing took part in the SEATO tactical air exercise ‘Air Cobra’ mounted from Korat air base in Northern Thailand. Ronald played a major role in coordination, and Air Vice Marshal Jirastitya of the RTAF sent a letter of commendation to be placed on his record. Meanwhile, Ronald had passed the ‘B’ and ‘C’ Promotion exams. By now he had logged 1800 hours flying time, and with his fine record he looked set for a promising career, as Group Captain Rose, O/C 78 Wing, stated, ‘He is a future leader’.

However, on 11 September 1962 he was detailed to fly Sabre Mk 32, A94958 to Tengah, and Changi, Singapore, for static display in the Battle of Britain Commemoration Day. Ronald would be number two to F/O Robert Murray Raynes.

At 1618 hrs he took off from runway 36, in a pairs formation with Raynes

leading, and Ronald slightly behind to starboard. Just after lifting off, they flew through a large flock of birds moving away to starboard. Raynes’ Sabre was not struck, but Ronald’s aircraft suffered multiple bird strikes, with some into the engine intake. Ronald raised his landing gear and flaps, and tried to climb, but with a compressor stall and loss of power, the Sabre sank back down to about 100 feet, and a speed of about 120 knots. Ronald was faced with a stark choice, to stay with the aircraft and crash land or to eject.

Across the airfield, an airman exclaimed, ‘He’s going in’. Then came the sound of the ejection seat firing, as Ronald made a split second decision to eject. The seat rose up well above the fin and then tumbled once completely.

Ronald separated from the seat, and his parachute streamed fully, but did not have time to develop and arrest the forward speed and descent.

Flight Lieutenant Fisher observed from the 77 Squadron hangar door: ‘the aircraft struck the ground in a slight descent, with wings level or nearly so. Red flames streaked with black appeared around the aircraft almost immediately’.

The aircraft came down 120 feet from the end of the runway, and carried on for another 1000 feet, shedding sundry components, and the dummy Sidewinder missiles, until it broke through the boundary fence and slid into an irrigation ditch. A fuel fire behind the cockpit was partially extinguished by the water, and fire crews were soon on hand. Although the Sabre looked surprisingly intact, there was substantial damage underneath and a fracture

behind the cockpit. Meanwhile, an anxious Raynes flew over the scene and circled around to burn off fuel before landing.

Sergeant Bradbury of Crash One was the first to reach the downed pilot, but there was little he could do.

Ironically, the ejection seat came down about 20 yards from the pilot and looked completely undamaged. Although Ronald had ejected, it was outside the parameters (minimum 100 feet and 140 knots) and too low and slow for the parachute to fully deploy. He died on impact from multiple fractures and internal injuries.

Four dead birds, one with a span of 20 inches, were found on the runway.

Court of Inquiry recommendations included raising the runway arrester barrier for take offs, systematic bird clearing, a clarified low level ejection procedure, and reviewing the Sabre flight manual. It was also observed that to clear a compressor stall took 12-14 seconds, and Ronald did not have that time. It is possible that if Ronald had stayed with the aircraft he may have survived, as the ‘G’ meter indicated a survivable +8.5.

Padre Sweetman drove from Butterworth to break the news to Ronald’s wife Helen at 6 Jesselton Avenue, Penang. A service funeral with full military honours was held the next day at 1430 hrs, and Ronald was interred at Penang Western Road Cemetery. Helen Offord flew to Perth with their four year old son, David Ronald, and a nine-week-old baby.

Ronald Offord is commemorated at the State War Memorial, Kings Park, Perth, and the Subiaco War Memorial.

He is also on the Honour Board at Aviation Heritage Museum, Bullcreek, and the Honour Board and Book of Remembrance at 7 Wing ATC HQ, RAAF Pearce. His untimely death at the age of 27, left a bereft family, and deprived the RAAF of a brilliant young officer with great career potential.

Sources: NAA: A12372, O52902 NAA: A703, 400/62/522. Meteor, Sabre and Mirage – Stewart Wilson Image above: CAC Sabre Mk 32, A94-958 (ADF Serials) Image opposite: CAC Sabre Mk 32, A94-958, RAAF Butterworth (RAAF neg G4906)

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Hist Hist ory ory

THE IRONY OF WAR A Personal Reflection

by Phil Hawkes

The Telegram When you’re in your eighties, you don’t remember too much of what happened when you were five. But I have very clear memories of that fateful morning on 31 August, 1944, when the doorbell rang at our modest fibro home in the outskirts of Sydney. The postman had arrived on his bicycle with a telegram. My mother signed a book, opened the letter and then all hell broke loose. My grandmother, who lived with us, joined the hysteria. My father was reported MIA...missing in action. And this is the way families found out.

Telegrams in those days were hand written by someone in the local post office, transcribed from a cable sent by the Defence Department. It was pretty brutal, but that was wartime. No time for niceties. Of course, the language was sympathetic, and later communications even more so, but it’s hard to imagine the immediate impact it can have on a young mother used to receiving optimistic, loving (and censored) letters from her husband on a regular basis.

The trajectory of our lives changed from that moment on.

We lived in hope that my father would be found, or turn up in a POW camp, or that the wrong aircraft had been reported

missing. My mother tried for many years to verify the official story…the problem with MIA is that you’re never sure exactly what happened, so there’s no closure. She never really believed he’d perished, and Frank Hawkes 1943 never remarried.

My Father’s History Frank Sidney Hawkes was born in Sydney in 1911, the elder son of working class Australians with English, Irish and, surprisingly, German ancestry. He graduated with Honours from Sydney Technical College in fitting and machining, and managed to get an apprenticeship with the railways despite the great depression. He also worked for a time in sales with Cash Orders Amalgamated, where he met my mother Jean.

From the time they met, Frank and Jean were active members of the Bankstown Opera Company and performed regularly together, Frank as leading tenor and Jean as pianist. Music became a very large part of their lives and Frank amassed a huge collection of 78 rpm records … big bulky albums of operas, concertos and musicals.

They were married in 1937 in Newtown, and I entered the world in May 1939 in Bankstown, followed by a move to a newly built home in Blakehurst. My earliest memory at age 2 was moving house, with me strapped in his backpack on a Waratah motor bike.

In Australia at that time, the war effort was well under way and the phrase “For King & Country” was like a war cry. In 1942 Frank was persuaded to enlist for “patriotic reasons” and due to his trade qualifications was accepted into an RAAF training programme for ground crew. Little did he realise what was to come, or where fate would take him.

Off Overseas It must have come as a complete shock to Jean when Frank gave her the news. He had been selected to undergo further training in Canada as an Air Observer, no doubt a great honour for him but for a wife with a 3 year old child, an equally great worry … perhaps tinged with pride. I remember his farewell together with family and friends in July 1942 and there’s a photograph of Frank, Jean and me outside the Sydney Town Hall. That was to be the last time I ever saw my father.

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H H ii sto sto rr yy

After a long trip by train and ship via Melbourne, Hobart, Auckland, Honolulu, San Francisco and Vancouver … a story in itself … he arrived at No. 3 A.O.S. Pearce, Alberta, Canada on 28 December, 1942 and his Log Book shows training commenced on 3 January, 1943. He graduated with the rank of L.A.C. on 16 April, having completed 105 hours of day and night navigation.

Of the 52 Australians on that course, 26 were selected as Navigators to join the war effort in England; they were first granted leave and made the most of it by travelling across Canada, then to New York where they were welcomed by volunteer “hosts” … film star Frederick March showed Frank around the city and took him to The Met to see the opera “La Traviata”. No doubt he would have preferred Wagner, but that composer was somewhat out of favour at the time!

Then came the dangerous passage by ship across the Atlantic, running the U-Boat gauntlet. They arrived in England at Liverpool towards the end of June 1943. Frank was assigned to No.18 E.F.T.S Fair Oaks, Surrey and commenced training on 4 July in D.H. 82 Tiger Moths. Coincidentally, he had taken my mother up on a Tiger Moth joy flight from Bankstown airport before the war, when she was pregnant with me!

Wartime Training and Missions Frank was successively assigned to No. 4 (O) A.F.U. West Freugh on Ansons; No. 29 O.T.U. Bruntingthorpe on Wellingtons; and then No. 1661 Heavy Con. Unit Winthorpe on Stirlings where he first teamed up with (then F/Sgt) McCurdy, the Australian pilot he was destined to spend the rest of his war flying with. The next move for them was to No.5 L.F.S Syerston for training on the legendary Lancaster; and then to No.619 and 97 Squadrons in Lincolnshire. My records are unclear, but by this time they had received commissions as P/O and F/O respectively.

McCurdy, Frank and their regular crew had volunteered (or were chosen) to join the elite group of aircrew known as Pathfinder Force (PFF), who led the way by dropping flares over bombing targets and consequently suffered the highest casualty rate in Bomber Command … over 50%. A story which has been told many times in books, films and memorials.

On 27 August, 1944 their Lancaster OF-P was reported MIA over the Baltic after a raid on Königsberg, a German naval base. There was one survivor … the rear gunner Sgt. Swolf, who baled out over the sea, was found on a beach in Denmark, captured and taken POW. Despite her best efforts, my mother was never able to track him down after the war but it was clear that the aircraft had crashed into the sea with all remaining crew.

Only in recent years has painstaking research by military historian Tim McGrath revealed the whereabouts of the crashed aircraft, 10 km. off the Danish coast near Sejro Island.

For the full story of the shooting down, even including the name of the German Night Fighter pilot, visit www.phfactor.space

Jean, Frank & Phillip (3 yrs old)

The Ironic Twist Life has its twists and turns, as we all know. And here’s the irony in my father’s tale. Along with many other Australian and Commonwealth airmen he was sent to help RAF Bomber Command fight the Wehrmacht, the Nazi war machine. In doing so, he was asked to fight the German people. Yet his great love for German culture and music was well known, with a collection of Wagner, Richard Strauss, Brahms, Beethoven and other records all left behind in Australia. I still have much of this library, most records warped beyond repair. Instead of bombing submarine bases, he would have been more comfortable enjoying performances at the Berlin Staatsoper.

Of that, I have no doubt.

On recent trips to Germany and Austria, I’ve been fortunate to experience many operas and concerts, and meet some really friendly, helpful people. The younger generation of Germans in particular are very cognisant of their history and if you visit, for example, the new National Socialist Documentation Centre in Munich, you get the whole unvarnished truth about the Nazi movement, Hitler, the Jewish pogroms and so on. Nothing is spared.

The irony of war. Its purposeless pursuit, its meaningless destruction of so many families, its human cost. Will we never learn? As a B.A. graduate with a major in History, I have my own opinion about that.

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GIRL WITH A SNIPER RIFLE An Eastern Front Memoir Author: Yulia Zhukova Big Sky Publishing Pages: 240, in paperback RRP: $29.99 ISBN: 9781922387424

Throughout World War II, the Soviet Union was unique in mobilizing women, enabling them to participate in various supporting roles. Approximately 800,000 Soviet women were involved in the war effort, including a small number in combat positions. Girl with a

AUSTRALIAN WOMEN PILOTS Amazing True Stories of Women in the Air Author: Kathy Mexted NewSouth Publishing Pages: 272, in paperback RRP: $27.75 ISBN: 9781742236971

Women have always played a significant part in the history of Australian aviation, but at times have not been acknowledged or well known. Australian Women Pilots is a salute to those women who reached for the sky. From pioneering and outback flights

Sniper Rifle is the enthralling and vivid first-hand account of Yulia Zhukova’s experiences as a sniper in Stalin’s Russia between November 1944 until the War ended. Persevering through eight months of rigorous training, Yulia would depart for the Belorussian Front on active duty a few days after qualifying.

Her battalion would endure life threatening encounters with German forces and witness the brutal actions of the Nazis.

She regularly suffered ill health and was wounded in battle, taking a shrapnel injury to her knee and had to be operated on without anaesthetic. Yulia was transferred to another unit where she was the only woman and would eventually see the end of the war. The memoir reflects on her youth, people she has met, her family, addressing post war demons and how these experiences have shaped her life. Girl with a Sniper Rifle provides a unique account from a women’s perspective during this part of World War II. to delivering Spitfires or tackling the jungles of New Guinea.

Paying tribute to the feats of ten remarkable trailblazers including N a n c y B i r d Wa l t o n , G a b y Kennard, the first Australian women to fly solo around the world, and Deborah Wardley, told by Ansett women couldn’t be pilots. Others may be less known, but as pilots with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Britain’s Air Transport Auxiliary, RAAF, aerial agriculture or long-range ferrying, their stories are all extraordinary.

These amazing women had a dream and pursued it, despite hurdles and battling against the odds including discrimination and being a minority. These stories, including the authors reflections - learning to fly with her father in regional Australia and gaining her licence - are inspiring and highlight the growing number of women pilots within our country.

Australian Women Pilots is a fascinating part of our proud aviation history of which women have and continue to play a key part.

PATHFINDER, ‘KRIEGIE’ AND GUMBOOT GOVERNOR The Adventurous Life of Sir James Rowland AC, KBE, DFC, AFC Authors: Peter Yule, Sir James Rowland | RRP: $34.99 Big Sky Publishing Pages: 512, in paperback ISBN: 9781922387400

Sir James Rowland led a remarkable and adventurous life.

This semi-autobiography details his early years in regional NSW, distinguished career in the RAAF between 1942-1979, serving as Governor of NSW between 19811989, appointed Chancellor of

the University of Sydney from 1990-1991 and holding other key public service positions until his death in May 1999. Sir James flew with Bomber Command as a Pathfinder in World War II, was taken prisoner by the Germans until the end of the war, later receiving a Distinguished Flying Cross for his service. He led trial programs for many of the Air Force’s early aircraft including the Meteor, Vampire, Canberra and Sabre. As a test pilot during the early years of supersonic flight, he saw introduction of the Mirage fighter. He rose to the rank of Air Marshal, leading the RAAF as Chief of Air Staff from 1975 until his retirement – the first engineering officer to do so. Awarded Companion of the Order of Australia, Knighted, Order of the British Empire and National Medal for long and diligent service to the community.

An in-depth and inspirational account of a distinguished leader and prominent figure in Australian history. Highly recommended read.

enduring history. Armageddon and Okra is the first in an air campaign series, analysing and contrasting the effects and evolution of air power during two key phases in military history – Australian Flying Corps operations during the Battle of Armageddon in 1918 and the RAAF’s role in Operation OKRA from 2014 onwards. Of great interest are the photos and diagrams, regional maps, aircraft specifications, statistics and personalised accounts from ARMAGEDDON AND these two periods. This volume OKRA is well laid out, with considerable Australia’s air exploration, attention to detail operations in the Middle and discussion around the East a Century Apart facts and figures, making it a Author: Lewis Frederickson valued resource for air power Big Sky Publishing enthusiasts, students and Pages: 224, in paperback researchers. As the RAAF RRP: $19.99 moves toward celebrating 100 ISBN: 9781922387554 years in 2021, Armageddon Conflict in the Middle East and OKRA is a must have for and involvement by Australian any military history collection. I led forces have a long and look forward to the next volume.

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THIS IS IPSWICH GRAMMAR SCHOOL Ipswich Grammar School is the oldest grammar school in Queensland and a Prep to Year 12 independent day and boarding school. Our distinctive culture, borne out of our 158-year heritage and traditions, sets us apart from other boys’ schools.

Our boys live and breathe our motto – Labore Et Honore – to work hard with honour. We challenge our staff and our boys to be exceptional performers every day and we invite you to be part of our community.

With over 150 years of experience in teaching boys, we understand what makes them tick.

Over this time we have developed and implemented innovative approaches to address the specific learning needs of boys with focused curriculum, specialist teachers and a unique approach to teaching called ‘Explicit Teaching’.

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Every day for our boys is stimulating, unique and exciting. We tap into their sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around them. By tailoring programs and activities to meet our students’ specific needs, we ensure every boy has the opportunity to reach his full academic, cultural and social potential.

Today’s world is ever-changing. We embrace innovation and the challenges it brings. We encourage our boys to explore exciting new possibilities, exposing them to different opportunities and experiences that will set them on the path to being confident, connected lifelong learners who also possess strong moral values.

We foster an encouraging environment that delivers more than exceptional academic results. Our GPS status sees boys from Years 5

to 12 take part in various activities between member schools. Whether it is sport, debating, the arts, literacy, or the sciences, our boys are given the opportunity to excel and network in any field. They are supported by staff from various backgrounds that bring world-class knowledge and experience to the classroom, playing field, and laboratories.

R e l o ca ti o n

EDUCATION AND DEFENCE FAMILIES Regular interstate transfers and deployments are all part of the job for Defence personnel, but often it’s families who are affected most by transfers, particularly the change of education system.

To help alleviate some of the impact when transferring between schools, Defence provides a first class educational advisory service and assistance schemes.

The Education Assistance Scheme (EAS) provides a range of financial support to Defence children.

Tutoring: School aged children on transfer to a new location may be entitled to 14 weeks of tutoring in any subject identified by the school as indicating a gap in the child’s learning.

Boarding School Allowances: Assistance may be available under the EAS to enable ADF families to access boarding school for a dependant in the critical years of schooling.

Special Needs Assistance: The EAS can provide assistance for assessment, therapy and additional support for students who are receiving these services. Tuition fees may also be provided for a child with special needs.

Defence Scholarships: Defence sponsors four scholarships per year for dependants of personnel working in Defence Organisation, and is managed by AFS Intercultural Programs Australia and DCO. The Defence School Transition Aide Program has two parts; Defence School Transition Aides in primary schools and Defence Transition Mentors in secondary schools nationally.

The program aims to facilitate the best possible educational outcomes for dependants of ADF members and to provide support during parental absences for Service reasons.

Defence recognises that some children of ADF members may experience some disruption to both the academic and social aspects of their schooling each time they move.

Private Luke Scott, 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment with students from Petrie Terrace State School. Defence images.

The different structures of the education systems between Australian states and territories can result in learning gaps. DSTAs support the smooth transition of mobile ADF dependants from school to school and across curriculum jurisdictions upon ADF relocations or postings.

The DSTA is a school-based position which focuses on practical support integrated into the classroom, school and school community. Activities performed by DSTAs include: • Being a point of contact for parents of ADF school children.

• Coordinating appropriate welcome and farewell activities.

• Introducing ADF parents and children to the school.

• Supporting individual children during parental absences.

• Enabling ADF families to meet other families.

• Enhancing the relationship between the school and their Defence community.

To find out which schools have DSTAs in your region, contact the Regional Education Liaison Officer at your local Defence Community Organisation Office.

For more information go to www. defence.gov.au/dco

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Reloc atio n 14 mins from RAAF Base Williamtown

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Come and play at the picturesque Windsor Country Golf Club Richard Zande & Associates Solicitors, established in 1961, has become a known and trusted law firm in the Ipswich Area.

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R e l o ca ti o n

WHAT IS THE DEFENCE TRANSITION MENTOR PROGRAM The Defence Transition Mentor Program provides support to primary and secondary students of Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and their families, particularly during their transition into and out of a school on posting or during parental absences due to deployment, exercises or courses.

Defence families can change location sometimes up to every 2-3 years and due to differences in curriculum, subject selections and intake age requirements there can be considerable differences in their educational program from one school to the next and particularly from one state to another.

Additional to these pressures, the Defence family is also required to reestablish community connections and create new friendships and support networks every time they are relocated.

The move can also impact the spouse as they may have to change jobs/ careers each time they relocate, with possible financial pressures adding to the stresses already placed on the family.

This program was implemented by the Department of Defence, through the Defence Community Organisation, as a commitment to support its members and their families. They recognise that the education of Defence dependants may be negatively impacted by their mobile lifestyle and so have sought to provide this innovative resource to facilitate a more supportive educational environment for mobile ADF families.

What does a Defence Transition Mentor do?

A Defence Transition Mentor provides assistance to students and their families.

This may include: • Co-ordinating appropriate welcoming and fare welling strategies for young people of Australian Defence Force families.

• Supporting students to develop their

Clancy, Ethan and Conner check out some of the crocodile information during the DCO Welcome to Katherine Expo. Defence images.

self-confidence and resilience.

• Encouraging young people to explore options and make the most of opportunities.

• Assisting young people manage the challenges of transitions.

• Referring students where necessary to appropriate student support services.

• Identifying the issues and needs of individual students.

• Developing and implementing programs and resources that address issues and needs.

• Monitoring students' day to day social and emotional well-being.

• Supporting young people at school during times of parental absence from home for service requirements.

• Facilitating student participation in cultural, sporting, academic and personal development programs.

What is the Defence Community Organisation?

The Defence Community Organisation (DCO) offers a broad range of targeted programs and services to support ADF personnel and their families to balance the demands of military service with personal and family commitments.

Your local DCO is staffed by a Education Liaison Officer, Social Workers, Military Support Officers, Family Liaison Officers and administrative staff who are available to assist the members and family through the provision of: • Support in the time of crisis • Information on Defence matters in general • Advice on community, recreational and interest groups • Deployment support 93

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R e l o ca ti o n

Greg Grace a Defence School Transition Aid, works with 6 year old Sydney Fry in the library of Leanyer Primary School, Darwin.

• Mobility support • Professional counselling for personal, relationship and family problems • Various courses, information sessions and support groups • Specialist education advice and assistance • Special needs recognition and review • Employment assistance • Childcare assistance

What is a Regional Education District Liaison Officer (REDLO)?

Regional Education Liaison Officers (REDLOs) are professionally trained teachers who understand both the different State and Territory education systems and the Defence lifestyle. They can advise Defence families and children on education issues, particularly related to relocating. REDLOs can assist with changing schools between the various State and Territory primary, secondary and tertiary education systems.

REDLOs provide the key link for families to access the type of support that meets the needs of their particular child. REDLOs are also linked to schools and education systems, working to raise the issues that affect Defence families

and ensure that equity of educational opportunity is available to all mobile Defence children.

of your enrolled of your child/children.

However, most schools will require one terms notice.

Our recent relocation has impacted on our child's learning. Can I get education assistance?

Parent Meetings

If an ADF member moves to a new location and has school aged children, they may be entitled to 14 weeks of tutoring in any subject that has been identified by the school as representing a gap in the child's learning.

Please remember that this, as a rule, is only available within 18 months of your relocation date, so if you think your child could use some extra support please contact the school as soon as possible. Alternatively, you can contact your Regional Education District Liaison Officer. Paperwork will need to be completed and authenticated by the school prior to submission.

A lot of schools will welcome parent involvement and are happy to arrange a meeting to discuss any aspect of the student's wellbeing and educational journey.

We will be relocating to another location. When should I notify the school?

It is advisable to check with the school and the conditions of acceptance that would have been signed at the time

FLTLT Brendon Knopke of Defence Recruiting Darwin with family at the DCO Welcome to the Top End Expo.

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B ack Pa ge

Air Force mints a flying start to 2021 with first coins The first coin of 2021, celebrating the centenary of the Royal Australian Air Force, has flown out of the Royal Australian Mint after a woman from Queensland won the first minted coin in an online ballot.

The first coin of the year event is usually a tradition that sees keen coin collectors line up outside the Mint in Canberra on New Year’s Day hoping they will get to press the first coin of the year, but the ballot went online due to COVID-19.

Lorraine Edgar of Charleville in Queensland was the lucky winner and received a unique, one-of-a-kind coin set that includes the coin pressed

by Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld, the ‘C’ Mintmark and Privy coins, a silver proof coin and a certificate authenticating the coin.

The highly anticipated theme will be featured on the coins pressed on the Mint’s public gallery press throughout the year.

The Mint’s acting CEO, Cristy

England, said that ensuring the much-loved event went ahead despite the unprecedented circumstances of 2020 was important.

“This is such an important event for the coin collector community, and after an unparalleled year, we wanted to be able to keep the first coin of the year tradition alive, in whatever way possible. Ms England said.

Air Marshal Hupfeld joined Mint staff onsite in Canberra to unveil the theme and press the first coin of 2021.

“The opportunity to have Air Force members and aircraft featured on the 2021 Royal Australian Mint coin sets is a superb way to honour the sacrifice and service of our people over the past 100 years,” he said.

“Air Force’s contribution to the Australian Defence Force is one to be

commemorated, particularly for our people serving today and as we look forward to continuing to evolve into the future.”

Three iconic Royal Australian Air Force planes are depicted on the reverse of the coin, alongside a wedgetail eagle which is also featured on the Air Force badge. The packaging of the 2021 gallery press coins includes inspirational stories from a selection of Air Force personnel from the last 100 years.

Centenar y of the Royal Australian Air Force

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HONOURING 100 YEARS OF THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE Founded in values of service, courage, respect, integrity and excellence, the Royal Australian Air Force ( RAAF ) has been defending the people of Australia for the last century. Since 1927, Boeing and the RAAF have partnered to create next-generation products and push the boundaries of air defence. Boeing also proudly welcomes RAAF veterans into our workforce, where they continue to support Australia’s defence. As enduring partners, we recognize the centenary of the RAAF and we look forward to many more years of partnership, innovation and protection.

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