Australian Air Power Today

Autumn 2020 Vol 2 No 1

Air Force | Air Power | National Defence

The Important Role of Air Power in Disaster Management

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Volume 2 No 1 Autumn 2020

index

4 Cover story The Important Role of Air Power in Disaster Management -

Operation Bushfire Assist

FEATURES

12 18 48 The Cost of Air Power FEATURE

Australia’s first locally trained F-35A pilots 24 B-21 Raider Stealth Bomber is handy, but the perfect fit?

6

SPACE

14 Strategic analyst calls for ADF to establish Aussie space command

AUSTRALIAN AIR POWER TODAY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Mark Eaton airpowereditor1@hotmail.com ADVERTISING

Sharon Pace sharon@flightpublishing.com.au Jack Davis jack@flightpublishing.com.au PRODUCTION

Kylie McQueen airpower@flightpublishing.com.au FLIGHT PUBLISHING PTY LTD PO Box 1269, Bondi Junction NSW 1355 61 2 9386 4213

australianairpowertoday.com.au

The Club Where You Have to Get Thrown Out of to Get In

Shaping a Next Gen Workforce for Air Power

28 Northern lunch site could transform Australia’s role in space 31 Managing risk from space

FIXED WING

CYBER SECURITY

44 World-class cyber security training facility opens in Perth 45 Tassie node to support tech and defence innovation

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Anthony Bergin, Malcolm Davies, David Temmpleman, ASPI.; Pathfinder; RAAF News; Max Blenki, Defence Connect; Carl Rhodes, RAND; Peter Kinne, Gilmour Technologies; Andrew McLaughlin SLDinfo; Charles Page

SUBSCRIBE TO Australian Air Power Today

Digital version: www.australianairpowertoday.com.au Hard copy: To receive a complimentary copy of AAPT call 02 9386 4213 or email airpower@flightpublishing.com.au Cover: Defence images from Op Bushfire Assist 19-20. Above: Defence has finite resources and any domestic disaster role may reduce its preparedness. SGT Bill Solomou.

DISCLAIMER... All articles in this Journal are printed on the understanding that unless stated, they are the original work of the contributors or the authors and are not necessarily those of the Editorial Staff or of the Publisher. Editorial and advertising material will be accepted for publication on the condition that it does not defame any person.

36 Defence 46 History 54 Relocation 58 On The Radar 61 Air Force Cadets 62 Transition 65 Books 68 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.

Australian Air Power Today reserves the right to edit articles submitted for content, length and format.

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The Important Role of Air Power in Disaster Management - Operation Bushfire Assist Since early January, the Federal Government has moved to mobilize a significant number of military and civilian resources to combat devasting fires which were affecting NSW, ACT, Victoria and South Australia.

A substantial number of ADF and civilian agencies have been providing ongoing support to Government, state authorities and communities being activated as far back as September to aid in the evacuation of people and animals from fire zones, transport critical supplies into affected regions, and provide movement of military and civilian personnel to bolster emergency management services into areas that needed it most.

Operation Bushfire Assist, the ADF’s coordinated response to the national bushfire situation, saw a range of air assets and personnel from Army, Navy and Air Force deployed to various regions across Australia to combat conditions that quickly became catastrophic in a number of cases. This included the activation of 3,000 Army Reservists to bolster permanent Defence Force members. Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said it was the “first time in Australia’s history” that the Army

Reserve had been mobilised for disaster relief through a compulsory call-out.

The significant and important role air power played in this crisis cannot be understated. Various civilian and Defence assets have provided, and continue to provide, a critical function in this nation-wide crisis.

Air Force aircraft including the C-17A Globemaster, P-8A Poseidon, B350 King Air, C-27J Spartan, C-130J Hercules and KC-30A have complemented and worked in with state authorities and assets to deliver a much-needed response.

This effort has continued to grow at a rapid pace and has already amounted to more than 300 flights by Air Force assets alone, transporting firefighters, military and other support personnel, evacuees and essential supplies of fuel, food, water and medical supplies into fire threatened and ravaged areas.

More than 850 flying hours across 11 aircraft, transporting more than 6000 passengers and transport of cargo in excess of 2,494,536 lbs has been expended in this immense effort to save life and community.

Army and Navy rotary wing aircraft, including other land and sea-based

defence assets, support by various independent agencies and countries including New Zealand, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Canada, the United States, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, to name a few, have made major and long-lasting contributions in the form of surveillance and mapping, provision of health support and logistics, clearing roads and construction of firebreaks.

Civilian aerial tankers and fire fighting vehicles have been able to utilise defence infrastructure for refuel and reloading, maintenance and other support services.

Members of the Joint Task Force assigned to this Operation continue to support the Red Cross, other organisations and local councils in conducting welfare checks and providing chaplaincy services throughout the regions. This has included advice and preparation in advance for predicted severe weather conditions.

Defence unmanned aerial surveillance has supported and complimented the vast array of air assets, providing timely and highfidelity surveys to assist in planning road clearance operations. Continued aerial assessment by P-8A Poseidon

aircraft has provided aerial assessment of affected communities and essential services. The Poseidon was able to provide fire spotting and mapping for improved response by ground and air forces, enhancing situational awareness and in case significant fire threats should re-emerge.

Military helicopters remained postured to support fire-mapping operations across various locations if in the event fire conditions changed.

The ADF also employed a small Wasp Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) in a number of areas to assist Emergency Services plan future operations.

A dedicated ADF team was based at Canberra Airport supporting the Rural Fire Service to replenish its DC-10 Large Aerial Tanker with fire retardant following fire-bombing missions.

At the request of the NSW State Emergency Service, the ADF established two 24-hour search-andrescue helicopters at RAAF Richmond in Western Sydney and HMAS Albatross in Nowra. These have winching capability and were maintained on a 24-hour basis until the threat of flooding from recent storms had subsided.

As of February, ADF support to the bushfire crisis has amounted to approximately 5400 ADF personnel, including more than 1400 reservists and 200 international military personnel.

Major General Justin ‘Jake’ Ellwood, the Emergency ADF National Support Coordinator, thanked Regular and

Reserve members who had acted to support this vitally important endeavour.

“I thank you for your service and I personally look forward to continuing our work supporting Operation Bushfire Assist. There is no greater honour than serving our nation.”

The ADF’s efforts were being coordinated through three Joint Task Forces, a Multinational R o t a r y W i n g Ta s k Group, two Air Mobile Response Teams, a Force Sustainment Group and various other support elements.

Tw o A i r M o b i l e Response Teams have redeployed from NSW to their home base in Adelaide to reconstitute as Army’s high readiness contingency force. They have been replaced in NSW and the ACT by soldiers from the 7th Brigade.

ADF engineers and their equipment, protected vehicles and helicopters remain in position and ready to support communities if fire conditions changed.

Recovery efforts are focused on assisting state authorities to re-open

roads, restore essential services, remediate fences for livestock control and deliver food, water and fodder to affected communities.

Defence also continues to aid emergency services’ personnel in Western Australia in support of firefighting efforts. Defence images.

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As of February, current contributions to Op Bushfire Assist: • Distance of roads cleared: 3944km • Distance of fences cleared/repaired: 501km • Distance of firebreaks cleared: 240km • Total amount of water purified on Kangaroo Island: 3,336,000 litres • Total number of ground vehicles involved: • Victoria: 250 vehicles • Water: 5,030,580 litres

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Key facts • NSW/ACT: JTF1111 is operating more than 400 vehicles • SA: JTF1110 is operating 449 vehicles • Cargo delivered: • Fuel (all types): 73,300 litres • Fodder: 1,302,075 kilograms • More than 141,000 meals have been provided on Defence bases to emergency services personnel and evacuees.

Overview • The ADF is not trained, equipped or certified to undertake ground-based or aerial bush firefighting and does not get involved in the direct act of fighting bushfires outside Defence property.

• The state and territory governments have primary responsibility for the protection of life, property and the environment, and for coordinating and planning emergency responses or recovery actions in disaster-affected areas within their jurisdiction.

• The ADF is able to support the states and territories, within resource limitations, in accordance with Defence Assistance to the Civil Community arrangements as part of a whole-of-government response, where state or territory capacity or resources do not exist, or are not available in sufficient time.

• Defence has arrangements in place to call out ADF reservists if required to supplement regular personnel.

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• Defence is working with Emergency Management Australia to identify what other ADF capabilities, such as aviation, logistics, transport, engineering and accommodation support can be provided to aid firefighting efforts in eastern Australia.

• Defence is postured to provide further airlift support and is prepared to provide assistance in areas such as aerial fire reconnaissance, logistical support (ground transport, accommodation, meals etc.) and engineering (field work) upon request from state or territory governments.

F eat ure

Australia’s first locallytrained F-35A Pilots take flight with Stealth Fighter The first Australian-trained F-35A pilots have conducted their first training mission on the stealth aircraft.

The first Australian-trained F-35A pilots have conducted their first training mission on the stealth aircraft.

Two pilots of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) have conducted their first training mission on the fifth-generation Lightning II F-35A Joint Strike Fighter after completing a transitioning course in Australia.

This marks the first time that locallytrained pilots have flown a RAAF F-35A and is another step in the service becoming more self-sufficient in operating the US made fighter jet. The pilots underwent a two-month academic and simulator training program at the RAAF Base Williamtown in NSW. The Commanding Officer of No. 3 Squadron, Wing Commander Darren

8

Clare, hailed the July 15 training flight as an important milestone in the F-35A’s introduction to service.

“Although we currently still send pilots to the U.S. for training, this shows Australia is quickly becoming self-sufficient and it all contributes to our F-35A squadrons reaching combat readiness as planned,” Clare said, according to an Australian Department of Defence press statement.

“The introduction of a fifth-generation aircraft and all of its new systems has been highly complex. It has only been since January that we started testing out how the F-35A integrated with the Australian logistics, base support and local training systems.”

The F-35A is the aircraft’s

conventional takeoff and landing variant.

The RAAF took delivery of the first two F-35As at RAAF Base Williamtown in December 2018.

The RAAF will receive a total of 72 F-35A Joint Strike Fighter aircraft, at a cost of around A$98 million per fighter jet beginning in 2018 with the entire F-35A fleet expected to reach full operating capability by 2023. At the moment, the RAAF’s fleet consists of 10 F-35A aircraft based at Luke Air Force Base and RAAF Base Williamtown.

The aircraft, “have collectively achieved more than 2900 hours across about 1750 sorties since 2014,” according to the Defence. Initial operational capability of the F-35A in the RAAF is scheduled for December 2020.

Fe a tu r e

“As a result, we do comparatively more simulator training before flying for the first time.

Squadron Leader William Grady conducts a walk around of an F-35A Joint Strike Fighter prior to his first flight following transition training at RAAF Base Williamtown.

Late last year, the Australian Defence and Lockheed Martin announced a five-year A$91 million contract which will streamline operational support for Australia’s F-35A aircraft. “This is a significant milestone towards achieving initial operating capacity for the F-35A,” Australian Minister for Defence, Linda Reynolds, said in a statement.

The RAAF has a requirement for up to 100

stealth fighter aircraft to replace the service’s aging Boeing F/A-18A/B Hornets. Consequently, a follow-up order by the Australian Defence is expected.

Today procurement cost of the 72 aircraft currently on order are estimated at A$17 billion.

By the end of 2019, the RAAF will have received 18 F-35As. By the end of the following year, 33 aircraft will have been delivered.

RAAF completes US-based F-35A training mission The RAAF F-35A Lightning II pilots, maintainers and aircraft have begun returning to Australia from Luke Air Force Base (AFB) in the US following the completion of all training milestones.

The RAAF began training at Luke AFB with the 61st Fighter Squadron and Aircraft Maintenance Unit in December 2014 with two F-35s. Since then, 34 Australian pilots and 16 instructor pilots have earned their certification,

and as of January 2020 the RAAF owns 20 F-35s.

From now, Australian pilots and maintainers will train in Australia; however, they will remain regular visitors to Luke as it is the RAAF’s F-35A delivery point, and Australian pilots will return several times a year to ferry the country’s new fifth generation fighters home to Australia. The ferrying missions will continue until the RAAF receives its last F-35A in 2023.

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Fe a tu r e

RAAF pilots undergo F-35 multi-ship simulated training

The latest F-35A Lightning II aircraft arrive at RAAF Base Williamtown. Craig Barrett

The RAAF has put in place a system to allow F-35 pilots to engage in multiship training missions using simulation technology.

A total of four full mission simulators have been established at the integrated training centre at the RAAF base in Williamtown to support realistic training needs of the pilots.

Australian F-35A pilots are undergoing multi-ship training at the integrated centre, with the programme expected to train five pilots and 100 maintainer students.

The training presents complex scenarios and prepares pilots for future operations.

RAAF seeks to establish a sovereign training capability before the F-35A achieves initial operating capability status.

F-35 Integrated Training Centre officer in charge Squadron Leader Amanda Norris said: “The simulation of four

F-35As being flown together trains pilots to lead and fight as a four-ship formation.

“This four-ship capability is a key component of our training system.

It enables four-ship qualified pilots to instruct and qualify others. This instruction and the mission complexity that can be generated is incredibly realistic. Pilots are able to experience scenarios that can be difficult to simulate outside of an actual warlike environment.

“Using a combination of their sensors and formation tactics, the multi-ship is able to train four pilots simultaneously in these roles, allowing for the very real human performance in the simulated environment.”

The full mission simulators also allow maintainers to improve engine ground operator training skills.

The F-35A – the variant chosen by the RAAF – will have a projected life of 30 years in service.

Ten nations are currently flying F-35s, including the US, UK, Italy, Norway, Israel and Japan. The first of Australia’s F-35A aircraft are now based on home soil after a period of training and development at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, plus an epic Pacific Ocean crossing in December 2018.

More than 340 F-35s are operating today with partner nations, more than 700 pilots and 6,500 maintainers have been trained, and the F-35 fleet has surpassed more than 170,000 cumulative flight hours.

Over the coming years, Australia will purchase 72 of the advanced fifthgeneration fighter aircraft as part of the $17 billion AIR 6000 Phase 2A/B program – which is aimed at replacing the ageing F/A-18A/B Classic Hornets that have been in service with the RAAF since 1985. www.airforce-technology.com

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F eat ure

THE COST OF AIR POWER Throughout history governments have protected their national interests through the investment in military hardware.

Mass aircraft delivering inaccurate weapons has given way to fewer aircraft delivering more accurate precision weapons with a greater survivability rate for aircrew.

The cost of the technology behind fewer aircraft delivering the desired air power effects will continue to challenge governments in maintaining a credible air force.

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Throughout history social commentators have claimed that war is inevitable and societies have gone to great lengths to seek victory or resolution by investing in military hardware to protect their national interests. Since its inception, air power has been at the forefront of conflict, being used in a range of roles from deterrence to delivering kinetic effects when diplomatic efforts have failed.

The measure of the effectiveness of kinetic effects has not only been costed in terms of neutralising an adversary but also the attrition rate of one’s own aircraft and the loss of aircrew. These calculations have led to the mass application of air power giving way to fewer aircraft creating the desired effect, facilitated by advances in technology.

Calculating the cost versus benefit quation of warfare is not new. It has been calculated that to kill one enemy soldier cost Caesar 75 cents and Napoleon $3 000. The World War I cost of a fatality was $25 000 which had doubled to $50 000 in World War II. The Word War II costing also saw a significant jump in the cost of aircraft manufacture, with the unit cost of a Lancaster bomber going up from 45 to 50 thousand pounds.

However, even in wars of necessity, treasure and other resources to expand on military equipment will be scarce. For this reason, during Word War II, Germany, Britain and the United States closely monitored the attrition rate of aircraft. There are a number of examples of unsustainable attrition rates, especially in World War II. In late 1943, the strategic bomber offensive against Germany was starting to take its toll and in early 1944 Germany responded by launching a series of bombing raids around the greater London region, termed the ‘Baby Blitz’.

Germany assembled and employed a fleet of 474 bombers but lost 329 of these aircraft over a five month period.

This high attrition was because Britain had learned from its experience in the earlier Battle of Britain and invested in improved ground-based air defence

Fe a tu r e

systems which reportedly included using anti-aircraft rockets for the first time. They had also developed better tactics to enhance counter air capabilities. In retaliation to the German offensive, Britain launched a raid on Nuremberg on the night of 30/31 March 1944 which ended in a great loss for the Royal Air Force (RAF) and achieved only marginal results. The attrition rate of aircraft and aircrew in this raid was the highest for RAF Bomber Command during the entire war. Of the 779 bombers that took part in the attack, 106 aircraft were either shot down or written-off after landing with the RAF suffering a loss of 545 aircrew.

The United States Army Air Force suffered a similar fate in 1943 in the attack on the Schweinfurt ball bearing plant. Lacking adequate fighter cover, only 62 of the 260 aircraft that took part were left unscathed and over 600 aircrew were either killed or taken prisoner. The P51 Mustang would later provide the much needed fighter escort duties.

The cost versus the effect arguably reached the zenith of its return with the development of the atomic bomb which was seen as a technological marvel at the time. However, the dropping of the bombs on Japan to conclude World War II would not have occurred had it not been for the heavily modified B29s that dropped the bombs. Ironically, the development and production of the B29 aircraft was more expensive than the development of the atomic bomb itself. Furthermore, of the total 3943 B29s produced, 562 were destroyed, thereby incurring a huge loss.

Such losses were unsustainable and the concept of large numbers of aircraft dropping inaccurate weapons had to change. The Vietnam War became a watershed moment in the application of air power not only in terms of improved accuracy of targeting but also in catering to the need to arrest the escalating cost of air power.

Early in the Vietnam War it was seen that the World War II strategic bombing concept did not work as this

was a different type of war. Rather than relying on mass to achieve a mission outcome, advances in technology such as the introduction of precision guided munitions (PGMs) and modified targeting techniques improved the application of air power.

As an example and to explain this progression, in World War II it would take a hundred B-17 aircraft to neutralise a ground target because poor targeting techniques resulted in very high miss rates. By the 1960s it took four F-4 Phantom fighter-bombers to successfully hit the same target.

By the 1980s, a single F-117 stealth fighter employing PGMs could obtain the same success rate while achieving an excellent self-survivability rate. It is now estimated that an F-35 could achieve the same success rate as the F-117 but at a much lower unit cost. The average cost of the F-117 variants was $111 million compared the average cost of the F-35 variants being $100 million and this price is predicted to come down. Essentially, more accurate targeting with its attendant support technology together with updated concept of operations and doctrine has meant that it takes fewer aircraft to neutralise a target.

Employment of fewer platforms also means that greater planning is required in allocating these limited

assets through an Air Component Commander in an Air Operations Centre exercising centralised control of all air assets in a theatre while permitting decentralised execution through a local commander.

While the cost of modern aircraft and associated weapon systems consumes a large portion of the Defence budgets of countries that seek to have credible air forces, it seems that this is less than the cost of operating a larger fleet of aircraft employing lower technology weapons in an effort to create mass.

Mass of attack has been replaced by precision and stealth; both products of sophisticated technology. Modern aircraft and aircrew have a much greater survivability rate than World War II and this in itself is a significant saving to a nation. A comparative study of the cost-benefit analysis and efficiency of the application of lethal force between World War II and the current operations is not readily available in the unclassified domain. However, it would seem that 21st century air power is more costeffective in the creation of ‘unit effect’, when considered in terms of resources expended and lives put at risk.

Courtesy of Pathfinder Defence image: As the sun sets an F-35A Joint Strike Fighter conducts night operations at RAAF Base Richmond.

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S pa ce

Strategic analyst calls for ADF to establish Aussie space command The Australian Defence Force needs a “space command” within the RAAF in which space operations, doctrine and capability development are managed by a group of space professionals, says Australian Strategic Policy Institute senior analyst Malcolm Davis.

Davis stopped short of suggesting Australia needed its own space force, similar to that recently formed by the US. But Australia should seize the potential offered by the US space force development to inform Australia’s defence policy future thinking on how to organise, train and sustain for space.

“Ideally, we need to reorganise Defence in a manner that recognises that space is an operational domain in its own right, just like air, sea, land and cyber. It’s not merely an enabling adjunct,” he wrote in the Canberra Times.

“Does that mean Australia needs its own space force? Certainly, the ADF needs a ‘space command’ within the RAAF in which space operations, doctrine and capability development are managed by a cadre of space professionals.

“Defence also needs an unclassified space strategy that informs those functions in an accountable way.

These would be good steps to formally embrace in the next defence white paper.”

Davis said there had been great interest in the creation of the United States Space Force by the Trump administration, and this raised new opportunities for Australia to push forward its own space capabilities to pursue tighter cooperation and integration with US and other Five Eyes partners in space.

He said the idea of a space force has promoted both informed policy debate and a good deal of amusement over more trivial matters, such as their uniforms and logo.

It had also produced much hand14

wringing on social media over the militarisation of space.

“But the reality is that space has never been a sanctuary that sits untouched above geopolitical rivalry and has always had a military role since the 1960s,” he said.

“The US Space Force is a logical outcome of the need to ensure continued access to space. Australia recognises that space is vital to our military and, more broadly, our prosperity and the efficient functioning of our society.

“So, we need to observe US developments closely and seek to embrace opportunities for closer collaboration with the US and other partners in space.”

Davis said most Australian military capabilities wouldn’t function without access to space.

GPS satellites provide essential positioning, navigation and timing functions for command and control and weapons guidance. The ADF relies heavily on satellite communications, and without access to US surveillance satellites, it couldn’t plan or carry out operational missions or deliver accurate mapping services.

“Put simply, without space capability, the ADF would be deaf, dumb and blind, unable to coordinate and control its operations, or understand the operational environment,” he said.

“The end result would be far higher potential risk of casualties and, ultimately, defeat in war. It would be a weaker, less effective military.”

Davis said A u s t r a l i a ’ s space industry could directly support Defence’s space requirements, through local

development of small satellites for defence purposes and to build the capability to launch those Australian satellites on Australian launch vehicles from Australian launch sites.

“Rather than depend on a small number of complex and expensive US satellites to support the ADF, the objective should be to build a degree of space sovereignty for Australia for the future,” he said.

“Locally developed satellites can augment US space capabilities to provide additional space capability to both the US military and the ADF.” Max Blenkin Defence Connect www.defenceconnect.com.au/

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Australian Frontline Machinery Aviation Auction

Australian Frontline Machinery offer a unique opportunity for Defence personnel, Veterans and civilians to purchase genuine ex-military vehicles, vessels, aircraft, general equipment and spare parts direct from the Australian Defence via an open unreserved online auction where bidding starts from just $1.

You can get your hands on ex-military motorcycles, ATVs, Land Rovers, Unimog’s, MAC trucks, and trailers.

Vessels including; seafaring rigid hull inflatables, barges and kayaks. Aircraft ranging from Pilatus PC-9/A ‘Roulettes’ to helicopters and gliders, and industrial equipment including machinery, forklifts, cranes and a large range of spare parts.

Most ex-military assets are in working order, come with reliable service history and have been routinely serviced. “They’re not new, but they’ve been built to meet military standards and are designed to handle the most challenging conditions imaginable”.

Colin Werner – General Manager of Australian Frontline Machinery.

Each month roughly 10 online auctions are held across most Australian States by our auctioneers ‘Pickles’.

Each auction runs for 7 days and interested bidders can choose to view items for auction during set inspection times, then place a bid online. You can sign up to Australian Frontline Machinery auction alerts and they will notify you of the types of gear available and the locations of their next auctions.

Normally only serving members

of the Australian Defence Force can get behind the wheel, helm or yoke of military equipment, but Australian Frontline Machinery now offer an opportunity for you to own unique piece of Australia’s military history.

Australian Frontline Machinery are preparing for Australia’s largest public ex-military aviation auction with the inclusion of Pilatus PC/9A ‘Roulettes’, Schleicher ASK 21 Mi Gliders, a Black Hawk Fuselage and over 100,000 spare parts and equipment going under the hammer.

The aircraft come in a range of used conditions, including near complete aircraft (avionics and mechanical components) and varying configurations with both assembled and disassembled aircraft available.

“Don’t miss this truly unique opportunity to purchase a piece of

Australian military history.” said Colin Werner, General Manager at Australian Frontline Machinery.

The Avalon Aviation Auction is hosted by auctioneers Pickles with bidding starting from $1 with no reserve.

All auctions open Friday 6th March and close Wednesday 18th March (Aircraft) and Thursday 19th March (Spare Parts and Equipment). Prospective buyers can chat with aviation experts, inspect the aircraft and spare parts at Avalon Airport from Tuesday 10th – Friday 13th of March. Get the intel and ‘Exclusive First Look’ invites here: www. australianfrontlinemachinery.com.au/ avalon-2020 For more information on Australian Frontline Machinery or their upcoming auctions and inspection dates go to: www.australianfrontlinemachinery. com.au

F eat ure

The club where you have to get thrown

t u o

to be allowed in.

18

Fe a tu r e

To become part of this truly elite association one has to have been fired out of a military plane by ejection seat.

The Ejection Tie Club was founded

by Sir James Martin and is now run

by Andrew Martin, the grandson of Sir James.

The primary objective of the Club is to provide a distinctive tie to be worn with civilian clothing which provides a visible sign of the members’ common bond. Every Club member is given a certificate, membership card, patch, tie, pin or a brooch for the women. All Tie Club memorabilia depicts a red triangle warning sign, the recognised international danger symbol for an ejection seat.

Established after the Second World War, the club has 7613 members worldwide. The first pilot to be accepted was a RAF serviceman who ejected over what was then Rhodesia in January 1957 Emergency ejections have been made under conditions ranging from ground level to the highest at 57,000ft.

The company’s first success came on 20 May 1949 when test pilot Joe

Lancaster bailed out of an AW52 research aircraft.

Thursday 6th February AAPT attended Martin-Baker Australia’s opening of their new Ejection Seat Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul and Upgrade facility at Williamtown the new facility is dedicated to the provision of spares and services in support of F-35 JSF, Super Hornet, Growler, PC-21 and Hawk aircraft.

Andrew Eden Managing Director of Martin-Baker Australia confirms that its seats had saved a 7,613 lives to date.

AUSTRALIAN MEMBERS

There are currently 76 Australian members. The latest being SQNLDR Bruce Collenette in 2011.

A MEMBER DISCUSSES WHAT IT’S LIKE TO EJECT John Hoyt, Ejectee #4279 I keyed the ICS and said ‘prepare to eject’ to my B/N. At the coastline I said “Eject, Eject, Eject”. My B/N went first. I felt the heat of his seat’s rocket and the windblast as he went through the canopy. Our jet was now in a slight descent passing 700ft AGL. I straightened my back, put my feet flat, elbows in and pulled with my left hand, taking my right hand off the control stick

and putting it on my left wrist at the last moment.

Once through the canopy I tumbled and immediately separated from my seat. I felt the opening shock of the parachute and spent the next moments going through my IROK procedures. I looked for and found my B/N’s chute approximately 100 yards downwind. I remember seeing the moon, the beach and the city lights.

Time compressed while in the cockpit. Once in my chute time returned to normal. Although I was in my chute for no more than 30 seconds I can still clearly recall the sights and sounds.

Looking down I saw roofs, roads, cars and trees. I saw the high power lines, leading from the nearby sub-station. I saw people running and pointing up at me, yelling. I passed overhead the power lines, missed the roads and rooftops and went directly through a 50ft oak tree centered in an apartment complex on the corner of Artic and 24th street. The seat pan shielded me as I broke branches on my way through the tree. My descent stopped 6 inches above the ground dangling in front of a parked car.

We both were flying again within the week. (Courtesy Martin-Baker.)

WOMEN EJECTEES The first female ejectee was Lieutenant Linda Maloney, a former American naval aviator and mother of two boys who ejected from an A-6 Intruder in 1991.

THE FLIGHT On a warm and sunny winter day in 1991, just minutes into its ascent, the

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F eat ure

vintage Northrop-Grumman EA-6A Intruder was acting sluggish and began fishtailing. Co-pilot Lt. Linda Maloney remembers the pilot saying the words she had hoped she’d never hear: “I don’t have control. Eject!” She looked at him in shock as he repeated, “Eject!”

It all seemed to happen in slow motion. Linda pulled the upper ejection handle and her seat exploded through the canopy glass. She recalls a powerful explosion and riding up the rails of the ejection seat. She’d had a pad full of paper on her lap and it was flying everywhere, giving her the sensation of yellow confetti flying throughout the cockpit. Linda lost consciousness briefly and came to when she was hanging in her parachute…drifting down towards the ocean. Her helmet visor had ripped off during the force of the ejection and her glasses were gone as well, rendering everything fuzzy. She could not see the airplane or the pilot who had ejected seconds after she did. All she could see was the ocean below and the shoreline far in the distance.

THE RESCUE “After I hit the water,” Linda recalls, “I quickly got into my raft, which is part of the ejection seat that you deploy

20

manually while in the parachute. I sat there contemplating my situation, lit off a few flares and released an orange dye marker into the water, and pulled out my radio only to find it was dead.

Then I briefly scanned my body to see if I had any injuries. Both she and the pilot had minor injures but were flying again within weeks. “Later the pilot told me that after he ejected, he saw the aircraft continue to roll and then nosedive into the water with a formidable crash. I remember feeling very grateful to be alive and glad that the ejection seat actually worked as advertised.”

Linda soon realized that a maritime surveillance aircraft had been directed to the scene to find survivors. “I knew that they saw me because they were doing a figure eight and rocking their wings. I felt so relieved! As the aircraft approached my raft, a crew member motioned to ask if I was ok. I gave a ‘thumbs up’ and saw he was very surprised that I was a woman.”

THE CLUB A few weeks after the incident, Linda received a call from a Martin-Baker representative in the UK congratulating her on a successful ejection and informing her that she was being

inducted into the Martin-Baker Ejection Tie Club. He asked if she wanted the commemorative tie that they bestowed upon all Martin-Baker ejectees or, something else since she was the first woman to ever be awarded this accolade.

“Not sure that I wanted a tie so I left it up to the company to decide,” Linda explains. “Soon after, I received a letter in the mail inviting me to England to officially receive a Martin-Baker pewter pin, specially designed for the first woman ejectee, to be presented by Diana, Princess of Wales. However, the Navy denied my request to travel to England for the presentation, stating that military members couldn’t be perceived as endorsing a company or product.”

Linda was very disappointed with the decision but respected it with grace.

Shortly thereafter, she attended a gala in Washington, D.C. paying tribute to Martin-Baker Ejection Seats saving 6,000 lives, where she was honoured and presented the commemorative pin.

OTHER AVIATION CLUBS The Goldfish Club their motto - is to keep alive the spirit of comradeship

arising from the mutual experience of members surviving, “coming down in the drink”. The rubber company, P B Cow, originated in 1826. Mr Cow was a great inventor and innovator, the company made miscellaneous articles in rubber and was fabricating hand made goods including diving suits and hot water bottles (a speciality) and later the production of dinghy under the development of Mr C.A. Robertson (Robbie).

Many ditched aircrew visited Robbie at the factory to discuss their experiences after ditching and who owed their lives to the Mae West and rubber dinghies produced by P B Cow. After hearing some of these stories Robbie had the idea of forming an official club for Airmen who had survived a successful wartime ditching. Such a club, he felt, would enable members to meet and exchange experiences.

Robbie took it upon himself to form and personally bankroll the club, naming it The Goldfish Club – Gold for the value of life and fish for the sea.

Inventor Leslie Leroy Irvin made the first premeditated free-fall parachute jump and went on to develop his own line of parachutes. He, too, was touched

when airmen thanked his company; the Irving Air Chute Co., for saving their lives when they were forced to bail out of a disabled aircraft. The Caterpillar Club’s motto is “Life depends on a silken thread” which pays homage to the caterpillar that creates the silk used in

the material for parachutes. It awards a small gold pin shaped like a caterpillar to a pilot who has bailed out and survived.

The gemstone eyes of the caterpillar pin also have meaning; ruby eyes are for the survivor of a midair collision.

Photos courtesy Martin-Baker

21

We Salute

our ADF in the line of fire.

22

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F eat ure

B-21 Raider Stealth Bomber is handy Some in the defence community have recently called for significant changes to the Australian Defence Force structure in response to changing global strategic conditions. Many of them believe that we must be prepared for high-intensity conflict in our region.

They argue, in part, that China has become more assertive on the global stage and continues to invest in an increasingly capable and technologically advanced People's Liberation Army.

A number of ideas compete on what changes the ADF must make to respond to such a threat. Most have in common a more capable and sustainable sovereign force that can defend Australia in case the United States is unable or perhaps less willing to assist.

Some have suggested that Australia needs a more potent strike capability, one that can inflict larger costs on adversaries at longer distances. Their belief is that by having long-range strike capability, Australia will be able to deter attack or significantly degrade an adversary's capabilities should conflict arise.

Of those advocating for improving the ADF's long-range strike capability, many suggest we should acquire the B-21 Raider penetrating bomber that is under development in the United States, and perhaps it is a sensible choice.

But it is interesting that the idea is being put forth given that no details about the aircraft's capability have been disclosed publicly beyond its hefty price tag—$US80 billion ($118 billion) for development and procurement of 100 aircraft. At that price, acquiring a squadron of 12 aircraft would cost about $14 billion.

Acquisition costs aside, bombers also are notoriously expensive and tricky to maintain, especially stealthy ones. While it isn't clear if the B-21 will incur the same maintenance bill or have the same challenges as the B-2, $65 million is spent by the U.S. Air Force

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each year per B-2 bomber and the result is that only half the fleet is mission capable on an average day.

Penetrating stealthy bombers have some operational strengths. They're designed to perform their mission inside heavily defended airspace. Because of their flexibility they are best suited for finding mobile and relocatable targets in such an environment.

It's a myth, however, that stealthy bombers are invisible and can operate effectively in isolation. During Operation Allied Force, NATO's air war for Kosovo, B-2s typically operated in conjunction with aircraft providing jamming and air superiority support. Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets also provided support before and during mission execution. A fleet of long-range stealthy bombers operating without that necessary support would make it difficult or impossible to survive in the airspace of a well-defended adversary.

To understand Australia's longrange strike needs, it's first important to understand what classes of targets should be prioritised and considered a risk in support of the national defence strategy.

Air bases allowing an adversary to launch attacks against Australia, such as those the Chinese have built in the Spratly Islands, seem a prime target for future long-range strikes. Naval surface combatant’s intent on disrupting commercial shipping or threatening Australia are another.

Other good options exist beyond the B-21 Raider for these types of targets.

Cruise missiles can be effective in many situations, for example, and they don't need to be delivered from an expensive stealthy bomber.

A n a l y s i s f r o m R A N D ' s To m Hamilton examines differences in costeffectiveness between cruise missiles and penetrating bombers given various assumptions about the future.

For the United States, which finds itself in protracted and high-

intensity conflict often due to its global commitments, the more cost-effective choice for long-range strike is a reusable penetrating platform.

But the Australian situation is different. This country is more likely to need a force able to effectively fight a small number of high-intensity conflicts, making expendable cruise missiles more cost-effective.

The ADF's F-111 serves as a useful historical case study. It had the capability to strike at distance and served as a

Fe a tu r e

y, but it may not be the perfect fit To understand Australia's longrange strike needs, it's first important to understand what classes of targets should be prioritised and considered a risk in support of the national defence strategy.

deterrent to adversaries but was never employed in combat by the Royal Australian Air Force. In retrospect, a long-range strike capability based on cruise missiles would have likely been more cost-effective.

Before Australia considers any new long-range strike capabilities, it needs an analysis of alternatives that examines both cost and capability. There are many ways to project military force at distance including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and air-delivered direct attack

weapons. Weapons could be fired from Australia soil or could come from delivery platforms including conventional bombers, stealthy bombers, surface ships, submarines and even forward deployed fighters if the proper basing agreements are in place.

For the United States, the B-2 has proved its worth repeatedly in projecting conventional power at intercontinental range and as a nuclear deterrent. The B-21 makes terrific sense for the needs of the United States, but it is expensive

and optimised for a missions that may not fit Australia's defence needs in 2030 and beyond.

As they say in the defence analysis business, “more study is warranted� on the issue of long-range strike for Australia.

Carl Rhodes is the director of RAND Australia, a nonpartisan organisation that helps improve policy and decisionmaking through research and analysis.

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SECURING SPACE

AUSSIES HELPING TO SOLVE THE GLOBAL SPACE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PROBLEM The space environment is becoming an increasingly contested and congested domain. Over the next decade as many as 54,000 new satellites are expected to be launched into an orbit littered with space junk (debris) starting to resemble Saturn with rings of defunct humanmade objects.

of thousands of pieces of debris, providing data for satellite operators, and preventing collisions that could damage or destroy satellites and further contaminate orbital space.

Currently each country is free to develop their own strategy and tracking system to monitor the active and inactive space objects. Australia has an opportunity to become a world leader in space environment management and be the first to market with a muchneeded, comprehensive STM system.

Australia’s geographic location in the Southern Hemisphere and strategic longitudes as well as large land mass allowing a distributed network are ideal for SDA, plus many of the components that are integral to a STM system already exist, developed by Canberrabased, Australian company, Electro Optic Systems (EOS).

SDA has been part of EOS’ DNA for over 35 years. They provide space debris and satellite management solutions with design, manufacture and installation of specialised observatories for optical and laser tracking.

Their tracking and characterisation of space objects is unsurpassed. EOS can determine a space object’s position with an absolute accuracy selectable from

SPACE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SPACE DOMAIN AWARENESS | SPACE CONTROL

Keeping operational satellites free from collision and interference hazards will be a major challenge. In the field of space domain awareness (SDA), information ‘is king’. Knowing exactly what is in orbit, where it is at a given time, where it will be, and who (if anyone) controls it, are key pieces of information for the protection of space assets.

SDA data underpins space traffic management (STM) defined by the US as “the planning, coordination and on-orbit synchronization of activities to enhance the safety, stability and sustainability of operations in the space environment.”

STM activities include tracking active satellites as well as the tens

26

EOS-AUS.COM/SPACE

a few millimetres to 1m, depending on application. No other operational space technology offers this accuracy. Their laser trackers have been externally validated for tracking objects as small as 6mm in size at a 350km range, 5cm at a 1,000km range, and 30cm at a 35,000km range. This level of sensitivity addresses over 90% of all collision risk to operational spacecraft and provides reliable and actionable information about collision risk.

EOS sensors are able to readily track all orbit heights and regimes from LEO through to GEO and beyond, something very few companies are able to do. The company is also currently fielding a new type of laser system that can deliver sufficient laser power to move certain types of space debris to new orbits to avoid collisions. The system will not damage or fragment the debris, it will apply harmless radiation pressure to move the debris over many seconds of engagement.

The EOS sensor network is in operation now, tested and validated to international standards and ready to support Australia’s contribution to solving the global space traffic management problem.

SECURING SPACE SPACE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SPACE DOMAIN AWARENESS | SPACE CONTROL

EOS-AUS.COM/SPACE

S pa ce

Northern launch site could transform Australia’s role in space The Australian continent is in an excellent position when it comes to launching payloads into space, because its north is so close to the equator.

Only Kourou in French Guiana—the European Space Agency’s main launch site—at 5 degrees north latitude and the Alcantara launch centre in Brazil at 2° south latitude (inoperative after a devastating accident in 2003) are closer to the equatorial sweet spot.

It’s Rocket Science 101 that launching close to the equator on an eastern trajectory provides a ‘ΔV’ (‘delta-V’) advantage that gives a rocket a boost in energy from the earth’s rotation from west to east. That translates into either fewer dollars per kilogram or more kilograms per dollar to launch a payload into low-earth orbit (LEO) compared with launch sites at a higher latitude, such as Cape Kennedy in Florida.

The Arnhem Space Centre near Nhulunbuy in the

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N o r t h e r n Te r r i t o r y t h a t ’s b e i n g established by Australian company Equatorial Launch Australia (ELA) is designed to exploit this natural advantage. The site is at latitude 12° south of the equator, and is one of two launch sites to be developed in Australia (the other is operated by Southern Launch at Whalers Way in South Australia, which will be ideal for launching satellites into sunsynchronous orbit).

Nhulunbuy, in the NT, is perfectly placed to deploy small satellites into equatorial LEO at latitudes between 15° south and north of the equator, as well as into all other orbits.

The equatorial LEO orbital region will be crucial for supporting the needs of Southeast Asian and Pacific nations and the rapidly developing

economies in Africa and South America.

Altogether, that’s a market of around 3 billion people, all of whom will need access to satellite capabilities.

For Australia, equatorial LEO is one of the best locations in space for observing our maritime and air approaches and monitoring sea lanes of communication. The requirement for high revisit rates in those missions implies the use of many satellites for tasks such as maritime surveillance.

The Nhulunbuy site would need to be available for nearly constant use to launch satellites, update deployed constellations of satellites and expand surveillance capability.

That’s also good news for Australian providers of launch vehicle such as Gilmour Space and Black Sky Aerospace, as well as companies like Hypersonix that are working on sovereign launch capabilities.

The establishment of space launch sites in Australia, and the growth of launch vehicle providers, will mean the end of our dependency on foreign launch providers. Australia will become self-sufficient in assuring space capability for both civil and military requirements. We’ll no longer be at the mercy of long launch schedules with foreign space launch companies.

Instead, Australia will be able to enter a potentially lucrative global launch market driven by the rapid growth of satellite megaconstellations in the 2020s. For defence purposes, it means we’ll be able to provide assured space support for the Australian Defence Force and to burden-share with key allies.

A sovereign launch capability will enable Australia to exploit the advantage of the falling cost of space launch, particularly as more commercial launch providers develop reusable rocket systems. Australia is well placed to build its own small satellites and cubesats, and exploit ‘fourth industrial revolution’ manufacturing technologies to constantly update its space capabilities

Sp a ce

through spiral development. We’ll also be able to build satellites to order for foreign customers, and thus develop a space export industry alongside a domestic one.

The Northern Territory is set to play a crucial role in this future. Although the Australian Space Agency will be headquartered in Adelaide, and a concentration of space industry players will emerge in South Australia, key elements of that industry should also emerge in the NT, and be located close to the Nhulunbuy launch site. In particular, launch vehicle integration and test facilities need to be established close to the launch site. It’s not too far a stretch to envisage a satellite manufacturing industry emerging in Darwin that exploits robotic production lines and 3D printing as well as synthetic design techniques to rapidly design, test and produce small satellite and cubesat constellations. Co-locating space industry with space launch sites would stimulate the NT’s high-tech sector.

The ELA launch site at Nhulunbuy could also offer launch services to overseas partners. Key defence partners such as the US, Japan and Southeast Asian states could conceivably launch payloads from Nhulunbuy on their own launch vehicles, and ELA recently signed an agreement with NASA to launch sounding rockets from the launch site in 2020. Looking ahead, it’s quite possible that reusable vehicles launched from elsewhere on the planet could be recovered and then prepared for a new mission launched from Nhulunbuy. With SpaceX now regularly recovering the first stages of its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy boosters, and with plans to fully reuse the ‘Starship Super Heavy’ launch vehicle, Nhulunbuy doesn’t need to be limited to small launch vehicles either.

The opportunities for growth are clear, especially if the NT can promote the launch site as a beginning of a new ‘space coast’ that international partners can support. That would also further

stimulate the growth of the Territory’s economy beyond the space sector. The emergence of space launch from the NT will create jobs for the local population and, crucially, open up employment opportunities for Indigenous Australians in a vital new high-tech sector of the Australian economy. There’s also considerable potential to grow science, technology, engineering and maths, or STEM, programs in secondary and tertiary education.

The Australian Space Agency recently updated regulatory structures for space launches to make it easier and more cost-effective to send payloads into space from Australian sites. Both the Nhulunbuy and Whaler’s Way sites are well placed to take advantage of this change to become key centres of space activity in the next decade in a way that utterly transforms Australia’s role in space at a global level.

Malcolm Davis www.aspistrategist.org.au

Space work experience program to inspire students to shoot for the stars South Australian secondary school students will have direct access to the state’s burgeoning space sector, with a new pilot work experience program being launched today.

The Space Industry WorkExperience Program is an initiative of the South Australian Space Industry Centre (SASIC) and the Department for Education’s Advanced Technology Program.

It gives students the chance to undertake short-term placements during school holidays at selected local space companies, where they can learn more about the exciting opportunities across the high-tech and high-growth industry, set to boom across the state following the announcement that the Australian Space Agency will be based in Adelaide.

The program is available to students in years 10, 11 and 12 from both public and non-government schools.

Applications are now open for, and successful students will work alongside a mentor at South Australian space organisations for two to three days

during either the Term 3 or Term 4 school holidays.

Premier Steven Marshall says the program gives students invaluable insights into the local companies now driving growth across the space industry nation-wide.

“South Australia now has such a vibrant and thriving space ecosystem, with the Australian Space Agency, SmarSat CRC, Mission Control and Space Discovery Centre all to be housed in Adelaide,” said Premier Marshall.

“The investment in this exciting highgrowth sector stimulates our economy, and will see incredible opportunities for young South Australians, encouraging them to stay here in our state.

“Building a skilled space workforce is crucial. We need to encourage students to take up STEM-related careers and we need to ensure graduates take full advantage of the exciting jobs that will be created from these incredible opportunities we’ve attracted to our state.”

Education Minister John Gardner welcomed the program announcement and said the Government was committed to skilling our students for the jobs of the future.

“This program is a valuable opportunity for students to get some real world experience as they think about being part of our future space industry workforce,” said Minister Gardner.

“It’s exciting that we already have 10 space companies registered for this program.

“Education will play a vital role in developing our space industry.

The Marshall Liberal Government is committed to ensuring our students are equipped with the skills sets that the industry needs so our young people are best placed for jobs in the future.”

For more information, visit https:// www.education.sa.gov.au/teaching/ projects-and-programs.

29

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Managing risk from space

By Peter Kinne, Gilmour Space The current extreme fire conditions in Australia has sharpened our industry focus on what more could be done in the prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery phases of emergency management.

Specifically, how can our emerging Australian Space Industry respond and scale efficiently and effectively during such natural disaster scenarios?

End users are not always cognisant of where the data comes from, but space assets have been harnessed in the past for emergency situations.

During the Sampson Flat fires in 2015, for example, high-resolution imagery was made available to a public crowd-sourcing platform, which resulted in more accurate and complete analyses and results within 24 hours, days faster than traditional methodologies. The information was then distributed through more than 25 specialised mobile and desktop applications across government response departments and agencies.

The same approach was applied later in the 2015 Nepal earthquake, which killed 9,000 people and injured 22,000 more. The resulting collections and mapping formed the basis of the

rescue and recovery program.

Today, space assets are again being leveraged across multiple applications to help emergency fire services in Australia.

Among others, geostationary weather satellites are providing short and medium-term risk modelling to assess current and future fire risk; commercial satellites like WorldView 3 are providing thermal and short-wave infrared (SWIR) images that can 'see' through the smoke to more safely locate and map the fires (see picture); communication satellites like Sky Muster are providing supplementary internet and phone services; and GPS satellites are helping to tie it all together.

Whilst attention should rightly be focused on managing the current situation, there are clearly many opportunities for our growing Australian Space Industry to provide value-added products or services to support a holistic national emergency management strategy.

Some considerations for the future: • How to better coordinate and leverage existing space assets through commercial ground stations to provide (at the least) basic realtime data access and analytics.

• Identifying, localising and improving analytics and modelling for use e.g. emergency fire response.

• Launching and managing our own satellites, designed to meet Australia's specific needs - e.g. with infrared to thermal bands for fire detection, and the right frequency of coverage over Australia.

• D e v e l o p i n g c o n s t e l l a t i o n s of satellites that include night collections, which is currently not within the commercial capabilities of available high-resolution commercial SWIR and thermal satellites.

• Exporting our expertise and capability to Canada, US and European emergency responders during their fire seasons.

With the launch of Space 2.0, more and more space-sourced data will become accessible and affordable to the 'masses'. This opens the door for individuals, researchers, companies and governments to harness new space data and technologies for solving problems on Earth, including perhaps the development and supply of specialised space assets and analytical services for managing fire risk from space. Image Maxar Technologies

The 2020 RAAF Air Power Conference will be conducted at the National Convention Centre Canberra on 24th and 25th of March.

The theme for the Conference is Air Power and Indo-Pacific Security.

The 2020 Air Power Conference will provide an opportunity for the military and national security communities to come together to explore the implications for air and space power, and air and defence forces, evolving from the rapidly changing strategic context in the Indo-Pacific.

The Conference will discuss the strategic context in the Indo-Pacific and the factors that are both driving and accelerating change.

The Conference will then explore what this means for how air and space power can contribute to Indo-Pacific security.

Venue: National Convention Centre Location: 31 Constitution Avenue, Canberra 24 - 24 March 2020 raaf.eventsair.com/2020-Air-Power-Conference

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Aussie space incubator seeks global startups Australia’s first space industry incubator has opened applications for its third intake and is looking to help international companies break into the sector.

Now in its third year, the Venture Catalyst Space program is based at the University of South Australia’s Innovation & Collaboration Centre (ICC) in Adelaide, South Australia.

The program forms part of the South Australian government’s $4 million Space Innovation Fund, which is delivered by global partners including the South Australia Space Industry Centre and the International Space University.

ICC Associate Director Jasmine Vreugdenburg said the program was designed for global startups to validate and test their products with the help of the growing space industry ecosystem in South Australia.

“Since launching the program we have supported 10 companies to build out their minimum viable product, raise funds and develop partnerships with both research and industry in Australia,” Vreugdenburg said.

“South Australia is home to a rapidly growing space industry, and we are once again seeking applications from local and international companies wanting to develop their networks and business ideas here.”

South Australia has been a significant player in Australia’s space industry and is home to the Australian Space Agency.

A $6 million Mission Control Centre for small satellite missions and an educational Discovery Centre have also been added to the Space Agency’s offices at the Lot Fourteen innovation neighbourhood in the centre of Adelaide.

South Australia also hosts major Tier 1 defence companies, the SmartSat CRC and several emerging space startups, including Fleet Space Technologies, Inovor Technologies, Myriota, and Southern Launch.

The current Venture Catalyst Space cohort includes Australian companies FireFlight, Nano Spaces

The Venture Catalyst Space Program Class of 2019.

and Aeon (by Lookinglass), as well as Astrogate Labs from India and Lux Aerobot from Canada.

Lux Co-Founder Katrina Albert said access to the program’s workshops and mentors had enabled her space robotics company to successfully build and trial its technology in a real-world setting while developing industry connections.

“During our time in the 2019 program, we completed a successful test launch of a one-storey-high aerial monitoring balloon,” Albert said.

“This launch allowed us to test our technology which is set to be rolled out at three South Australian mine sites this year.”

Lux Aerobot is now planning a fleet of atmospheric satellites 30km above Australia to capture data for mining, precision agriculture and defence.

It already has an agreement with mining company Oz Minerals to use hyperspectral technology to scope out exploration sites in remote areas and is also in talks with two other major Australian miners.

“All the mining exploration sites that were easy to find have been found on Earth so now we’re looking to find sites in more remote areas where there’s less infrastructure,” Albert said.

“A solution like our balloons can fly over these difficult areas and gather information at lower cost.”

Albert said Lux would remain in Adelaide when their Venture Catalyst Space program term ended in March and hoped to move into the Lot Fourteen

innovation neighbourhood alongside the Australian Space Agency and a number of emerging space companies.

She said the program had introduced her to the Australian space community, helped Lux achieve a “soft landing” in Australia and has exposed the business to a range of funding possibilities.

“When we decided Australia was going to be our first market we looked for programs and opportunities and that’s where the Venture Catalyst Space program came in,” Albert said.

“One of the reasons we were interested in Adelaide was because of the Space Agency here and how cool we found it to take part in this growing space community.”

International applicants are supported in applying for the Venture Catalyst Space program through a pilot visa program established to attract global seed-stage entrepreneurs to develop their ideas in South Australia.

The Supporting Innovation in South Australia (SISA) visa started in November 2018 and stipulates that applicants must also be part of an innovation ecosystem provider such as the ICC. T h e 2 0 2 0 Ve n t u r e C a t a l y s t Space program will run from June to December and international applicants have until 23 March to apply for the 2020 intake via icc.unisa.edu.au.

Australian applicants have until 23 April. theleadsouthaustralia.com.au

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Defence Mentor Program to help ease kids into new Ipswich Schools The transition to a new school can be a challenge for children of defence personnel. However, a new program at two of Queensland’s newest schools is helping to make the transition a little easier.

Located just 20 mins from RAAF Amberley in the heart of the Providence township at South Ripley, the Ripley Valley State School and Ripley Valley State Secondary College welcomed their first students in January.

Ahead of the first day of school Secondary College Principal Brendan Krueger announced that the school had been successful in obtaining a Defence Services Mentor for 2020.

“This paid position will support defence students and their families to ensure that they are able to settle in and succeed in their new school,” he said. “The Defence Mentor position will work across both the primary and secondary schools to provide a seamless transition and support program to Defence families.”

“The mentor is one of a number of positions that we are seeking to create and establish at our school to support our school community. As our school grows I am investigating a range of options to ensure that our staff and students are given the best possible start and support for their learning and development.”

Provided by the Defence Community Organisation (DCO) the program provides funding to eligible schools in order to engage a Defence School Mentor. Mentors work to minimise the impact of mobility on education and build the capability of the school in supporting Defence students and their families.

Mentors are based within primary and secondary schools across Australia for the purpose of providing support to the children of Defence families through on-site, direct and flexible assistance to students, parents, teachers and other support services.

This may include: • Assisting new children and their families to integrate into the school and local community, • Monitoring the social and emotional wellbeing of Defence students, • Assisting students develop self-confidence, self-reliance and resilience, • Referring students to services, or school and community programs that meet their needs, • Enhancing awareness and appreciation of the unique Defence lifestyle in schools and communities, and • Providing support to children during times of parental absence.

Ripley Valley State Secondary College is open for Years 7 and 8 students this year and will grow each year to offer Year 7 to 12. The school master plan identifies further staged development as the school grows to accommodate the full Year 7 to 12 enrolments.

The schools, which will cater for more than 400 students, are part of Providence’s $120 million education precinct that also includes a new childcare centre due to open this year.

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The new precinct will provide Providence families with access to a full suite of state-of-the-art learning facilities in the heart of South Ripley’s most vibrant township.

Providence Project Director Michael Khan said the new education precinct was about giving local children the best possible start in life.

“The new schools are just the first stage of a major new town centre that will include a health and wellbeing hub and extensive retail, convenience and entertainment facilities,” he said.

“Providence is the heart and soul of the Ripley Valley, Queensland’s fastest growing corridor, and we look forward to delivering a town centre that provides our community with everything they need to live their very best life.”

Spanning more than 700 hectares, around three times the size of Brisbane’s CBD, Providence is being developed

by Okeland Communities.

The town will be constructed over 20 years and will feature around 7,000 homes, providing for a population of about 20,000 residents.

On completion, the community will include extensive parklands, a town centre, an education precinct, a health and wellbeing hub and a sport and recreation precinct.

Located on 6 Amity Way, South Ripley, Providence’s Land Sales and Community Centre is open 10am – 5pm, 7 days. For more information call 1800 604 246, email info@ providenceripley.com.au or visit providenceripley.com.au.

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D efence

Former Defence chiefs call for greater level of Aussie strategic strike Retired Air Marshal Leo Davies and his immediate predecessor, Air Marshal (Ret’d) Geoff Brown, have seemingly rocked the boat with calls for the government to invest more in Australia’s long-range strike capabilities, ranging from strategic bombers and UAS to long-range strike munitions, with the Royal Australian Air Force serving as a key focus of their comments.

Long-range strike – typically conducted by strategic bombers and tactical strike bombers or smaller fighters supported by air-to-air refuelling and airborne early warning and command aircraft – serves as a complementary doctrine to air dominance, with each serving a unique yet symbiotic role in the survivability and effectiveness of tactical units and the broader strategic deterrence.

For Australia, the retirement of the F-111 platform, combined with the limited availability of the Navy’s Collins Class submarines, left the nation at a strategic and tactical disadvantage, limiting the nation’s ability to successfully intercept and prosecute major strategic strikes against air, land and sea targets that threatened the nation or its interests in the sea-air gap, as defined in the 1986 Dibb review.

While the acquisition of the Super Hornets in the mid-to-late 2000s and the acquisition of the fifth-generation F-35 Joint Strike Fighter to fulfil a niche, low-observable limited strike role has both served as a partial stop-gap for that lost capability, the nation has not successfully replaced the capability gap left by the F-111.

Australia has for the past two decades managed to rely on a small number of advanced, tactical aircraft with minimal transferable strategic capability – the nation's focus on asymmetric conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq and stabilisation or humanitarian and disaster relief operations throughout the Indo-Pacific.

This has resulted in recent announcements about Australia’s 36

pursuit of an advanced remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) as part of the AIR 7003 program and the advent of the Boeing Airpower Teaming System – designed by Boeing in collaboration with Defence Science and Technology – to enhance the air combat and strike capabilities of the Royal Australian Air Force.

Additionally, the planned acquisition of the Reaper-based RPAS, MQ-4C Triton and development of the fighterlike Boeing Airpower Teaming System all serve niche roles as part of a broader and increasingly complex air dominance, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and close-air support strike mix –neglecting the critical long-range strike capabilities once filled by the F-111.

However, the rapidly evolving period of peer and near-peer competitor contest, largely driven by the United States and China's clash of ideas has prompted many within Australia's strategic policy and defence communities to lobby government to seriously invest in the long-range strike and strategic deterrence capabilities of the Australian Defence Force.

Enter retired Air Marshal Leo Davies and his immediate predecessor, Air Marshal (Ret’d) Geoff Brown, speaking to Catherine McGregor in The Australian, who articulate the changing balance of power Australia finds itself neck deep in: "The force that we used to carry out nation-building in the Middle East cannot defend our sea lines of communication or prevent the lodgement of hostile power in the IndoPacific region.

"Everyone thought conventional wars were almost a thing of the past.

That judgment now looks rather optimistic. We need to ensure that our air, space and naval assets can impose transaction costs on those who would infringe on our vital trading interests.

That must entail investment in air power."

The options – an airborne, long-range strike capability Australia is not alone in its pursuit of these increasingly capable and reliable unmanned/autonomous systems, the US, the UK, France, Germany, Russia and China are all at various stages of development or operating such systems.

This seemingly global race, particularly the pursuit of 'optionallymanned' long-range strike systems, like the B-21 Raider, and Australia's long-range aerial strike gap presents unique opportunities for Australia.

The precedent already established by the collaboration between Defence Science and Technology and Boeing on the development of the 'loyal wingman' concept provides avenues for Australia to partner with defence industry primes and global allies to develop a longrange, unmanned, low observable strike platform with a payload capacity similar to, or indeed greater than, the approximately 15-tonne payload of the retired F-111.

The US has developed increasingly capable long-range, low observable unmanned platforms including the Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel; the highly-secretive Northrop Grumman RQ-180 high-altitude, long endurance, low observable intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft; and Northrop Grumman's X-47 series of carrier-based, low observable strike platform.

Meanwhile, BAE Systems has successfully developed and tested the Taranis unmanned platform at the Woomera Test Range as a proof of concept for future collaboration and development – each of these individual platforms provide a unique opportunity for Australia to collaborate with a global industry prime and a global ally to fill a critical capability gap for each of the respective forces.

D e fe n ce

which is being developed in response to the increasing air defence capabilities of both Russia and China, particularly the widespread introduction of the S-300 and S-400 integrated air and missile defence systems.

The options – stand-off munitions

The Reaper-based RPAS, MQ-4C Triton and development of the fighter-like Boeing Airpower Teaming System all serve niche roles. CPL Craig Barrett.

We need to look at planning our force structure, our capability requirements and spending on a number of factors. SGT David Gibbs.

Such a capability would also enjoy extensive export opportunities with key allies like the US and UK, who could operate the platform as a cost-effective replacement for larger bombers like the ageing B-52H Stratofortress, B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit, and complement the in-development B-21 Raider longrange strategic bomber.

For the UK, the co-development and participation in such a system will fulfil a unique role – complementing the air-toair and air-to-ground strike capabilities of the Eurofighter Typhoon and F-35 Joint Strike Fighter as a low observable,

long-range, heavy strike aircraft to counter the rapidly modernising bomber fleet of an increasingly resurgent and assertive Russia.

Similarly, Australia needs a credible, long-range strike option capable of replacing the lost capability of the F-111 to penetrate increasingly advanced and complex integrated air defence networks and anti-access/area denial (A2AD) systems rapidly developing in the Indo-Pacific region.

The introduction of such a system could also support the development and eventual modernisation of the US B-21,

Meanwhile, the increasingly long-arm of stand-off munitions, ranging from systems like the Naval Strike Missile, the Raytheon AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon, advanced variants of the Tomahawk cruise missile all serve as viable alternatives for integration on Australian naval and air platforms to enhance the long-range strike capabilities of the broader, 'joint force' ADF. This is articulated by McGregor, who added, "The former chiefs have added their voices to growing disquiet within the strategic defence community over Australia’s capability. Both say Australia may need to invest in a strategic bomber and drones to enhance the air force’s range and impact, along with landbased ballistic missiles."

None of this is capable without increases to the ADF budget, which is highlighted by ASPI senior analyst Malcolm Davis, who explained the need for renewed focus on the budget allocation for Defence to Defence Connect at the Avalon Airshow earlier this year (2019): "The government aspiration of spending 2 per cent of GDP on defence is simply not enough anymore. We need to look at planning our force structure, our capability requirements and spending on a number of factors, including allied strengths and potential adversarial capabilities, not arbitrary figures.

"It is time for us to throw open the debate about our force structure. It is time to ask what more do we need to do and what do we need to be capable of doing."

Courtesy Defence Connect

Background image: The retirement of the F-111 platform, combined with the limited availability of the Navy’s Collins Class submarines, left the nation at a strategic and tactical disadvantage. Defence Image.

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THE SKY’S THE LIMIT AT TOWNSVILLE’S ELLIOT SPRINGS Townsville’s largest new residential destination, Elliot Springs, is set for another year of exciting growth with community milestones planned for 2020.

Located just 15 minutes from Lavarack Barracks on the Bruce Highway, Elliot Springs will be the size of Annandale, Aitkenvale, Vincent, Gulliver and Mundingburra combined, making it Townsville’s largest master planned community.

Construction is expected to commence on the first service station at Elliot Springs with food outlet and small retail offering, plus the former sales and information centre at the entry to Elliot Springs has just been transformed into a Visitors Information Centre for Townsville Enterprise Tourism.

Milestones achieved in 2019 included the opening of the first display village at Elliot Springs with 14 homes on display by 13 of Townsville’s best builders, the arrival of dozens of new families, completion of the Elliot Springs Community Centre at the entrance to Wadda Mooli Park and the launch of regular group fitness sessions.

Elliot Springs is the perfect place to come home to after a busy day on the base and the perfect place for your family to live, move and have future opportunities to grow and make lifelong friends.

The community offers residents the opportunity for an active, outdoor lifestyle where you can walk children to school, cycle to the shops, enjoy one of our many family fun days and events, or just spend time with friends and family in the park or at Bindal Ridge.

With more green spaces, big backyards and Townsville’s most diverse

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choice of homes at affordable prices, Elliot Springs is set to become one of region’s most popular destinations.

Whether you’re dreaming of easy, open-plan family living or a low maintenance block near parkland, the community has a site to suit. Buyers can choose to custom build a new home 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 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.

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

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

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.

The new Federal Government First Home Loan Deposit Scheme could help buyers get into a first home sooner with just a 5% deposit and no Lenders Mortgage Insurance. There is also the $15,000 First Home Buyers Grant on offer from the Queensland Government.

Elliot Springs is currently offering its own great incentive with $10,000 off selected blocks in our latest release for a limited time.

To find out more, visit the Elliot Springs Sales and Information Centre at 28 Vista Place, Julago, go to elliotsprings.com.au or call 1800 881 091. You can also follow us on Facebook 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

F eat ure

Boeing completes first Airpower Teaming System UAV fuselage for RAAF Boeing Australia has completed the major fuselage structure for the first Airpower Teaming System unmanned air vehicle (UAV) ahead of a planned first flight later this year.

A total of three prototypes are planned, in partnership with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), as a part of their joint Loyal Wingman Advanced Development programme.

“This is an exciting milestone for the development programme, and the Australian aerospace industry, as we progress with production of the first military aircraft to be developed in Australia in more than 50 years,” says Shane Arnott, programme director of the Boeing Airpower Teaming System.

The 11.7m (38ft)-long aircraft was designed using advanced digital engineering tools and built with composite materials, says Boeing. That approach has helped keep the aircraft on budget, the company says.

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The Airpower Teaming System is designed to fly itself using artificial intelligence, offering “fighter-like performance”, and a 2,000nm (3,700km) range. It could be teamed with manned combat aircraft, such as the RAAF’s Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornets.

Boeing is working on upgrades to the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, as well as the derivative EA-18G Growler, to enable those aircraft to control and fight alongside loyal wingman UAVs. As part of its partnership with Canberra, Boeing has contracted work on the Airpower Teaming System to 16 Australian firms.

BAE Systems Australia is providing flight control computers and navigation equipment; RUAG Australia is suppliying the landing gear; Ferra Engineering is handling machined components and sub-assemblies; AME Systems is providing wiring looms.

Other loyal wingman UAVs, such as the Kratos Defense XQ-58A Valkyrie, have been developed firstly for the US Department of Defense, with international customers as a secondary consideration. However, Boeing says it is developing the Airpower Teaming System for the global market.

Fe a tu r e

US approves long-range anti-ship missiles for RAAF The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency has approved the US$990 million ($1.47 billion) acquisition of the Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles for the Royal Australian Air Force.

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States. Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific. The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region,” the DSCA announcement stated.

LRASM is a long range, precisionguided anti-ship missile leveraging off its Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff MissileExtended Range (JASSM-ER) heritage and is designed to meet the needs of US Navy and Air Force warfighters.

Australia intends to use the missile on its fleet of F-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft, with the DSCA identifying:

“The proposed sale of the missiles and support will increase the Australian Navy’s maritime partnership potential and align its capabilities with existing regional baselines. This is Australia’s first purchase of the missiles. Australia will not have any difficulty absorbing these weapons into its armed forces.”

The Commonwealth has requested to buy up to 200 AGM-158Cs and up to 11 ATM-158C LRASM Telemetry Variants (Inert). Also included are DATM-158C LRASM, Captive Air Tr a i n i n g M i s s i l e s ( C AT M - 1 5 8 C LRASM), containers, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, US government and contractor representatives technical assistance, engineering and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support.

LRASMs are armed with a penetrator

and blast fragmentation warhead and employs precision routing and guidance, a multi-modal sensor suite, weapon data link, and enhanced digital anti-jam Global Positioning System to detect and destroy specific targets within a group of numerous ships at sea.

Based on the AGM-158B JASSMER, the AGM-158C is also compatible with the Mk 41 Vertical Launch System fitted on RAN’s Air Warfare Destroyers.

Contact Tim Deeble t: 02 4028 0011 m: 0411 2312 536

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Located 20 minutes’ drive from RAAF Amberley, opposite Brookwater Golf & Country Club, Prema Estate is positioned on a unique site in the heart of Augustine Heights. This boutique development features architecturally designed homes, premium finishes and landscaped gardens all set within an idyllic streetscape. Our local residents include Defence personnel, neighbours deciding to upgrade and get closer to the action, as well as young couples and expanding families.

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C yber Se cu rity

World-class cyber security training facility opens in Perth Edith Cowan University has officially opened the southern hemisphere’s biggest Security Operations Centre within a university. The cutting-edge, $3 million SOC will offer Perth students firsthand experience in cyber operations and technology and responding to cyber security threats.

Included in the new facility is a 24seat training lab, designed to familiarise students with the SOC environment and introduce students to open and closed source SOC and security information and event management (SIEM) platforms.

This space also has the ability to function as an Open Source Intelligence Centre (OSIC). With the soaring costs of cyber crime threatening Australian and global businesses, the cyber security industry is set to replace the mining sector as the next jobs boom in Australia.

“The SOC will give students unique training in monitoring, detecting and responding to cyber security incidents,”

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said Professor Andrew Woodward, executive dean, School of Science, Edith Cowan University. “There are only a handful of universities in the world that offer this capability.”

It is expected the global cyber security workforce shortage will reach upwards of 1.8 million cyber security professionals by 2022. “Edith Cowan University is committed to addressing the massive skills shortage facing the government and industry in this area,” explained ECU vice-chancellor Professor Steve Chapman.

“Our investment in this SOC ensures that ECU will give our students access to the necessary skills to be work-ready graduates. We are proud to be leading the field in training the cyber security leaders of the future,” he said.

The SOC will be opened on 29 January by Australia’s Home Affairs Deputy Secretary with responsibility for our national cyber security policy, Marc Ablong PSM.

“We need to encourage more students to undertake studies in cyber security and related courses,” said Deputy Secretary Ablong. The SOC opening is unique to the Asia-Pacific region and further cements ECU’s reputation as Australia’s foremost cyber university.

The inaugural opening coincides with the Cyber 2020 Forum being held at ECU in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs.

Approximately 60 of Australia’s thought leaders in the cyber security space will attend the opening.

The forum provides a unique opportunity to shape Australia’s future cyber security policy by continuing the national conversation started by the Department of Home Affairs on the development of the 2020 Cyber Security Strategy. https://www.defenceconnect.com. au/intel-cyber/5489-world-class-cybersecurity-training-facility-opens-in-perth

C y b e r Se cu r i ty

Tassie cyber security node to support tech and defence innovation Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews has confirmed the launch of the Tasmanian Cyber Security Innovation Node in Launceston.

An initiative of the Commonwealth and Tasmanian state government has launched the Tasmanian Cyber Security Innovation Node, as the Commonwealth pushes to position Australia as a global cyber security powerhouse.

The Tasmanian Cyber Security Innovation Node launched in Launceston joins five other state and territory nodes created in partnership with the Australian government-backed AustCyber.

Federal Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the new node would help drive innovation and economic growth in the cyber security sector.

“Growing the sector in Tasmania will attract business investment, create new jobs and support Australia’s

national security through development of advanced cyber security capability,” Minister Andrews said.

“The global cyber security market is expected to be worth US$270 billion by 2026 and the Morrison government wants our local businesses to be a critical player. This node and others in the network will foster collaboration, which will help Australia seize the opportunities and meet the rising demand for skilled cyber workers and services,” Minister Andrews added.

The Tasmanian Node will have a particular focus on driving national strategy in the smart cities, internet of things and marine technology sectors.

Tasmanian minister for science and technology Michael Ferguson said the node would be an important part of protecting Tasmania from future cyber security threats.

“Linking in with national cyber security efforts will assist Tasmania to respond more rapidly to future state,

national and international threats, which are expected to become more pervasive in the future,” Mr Ferguson said.

AustCyber ’s Tasmania Cyber Security Innovation Node is a collaboration between AustCyber, the Tasmanian government and Enterprize Tasmania Ltd. AustCyber was established as part of the Coalition’s Industry Growth Centres Initiative and is designed to grow a globally competitive cyber security sector.

Photo courtesy twitter.com/austcyber

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Hist ory

Alfred Ball – Halifax ‘Spoof ’ Pilot

by Charles Page Flying Officer Alfred Ball was tragically killed just before the war ended, and one day before his 21st birthday. Yet, although he and his crew lost their lives in their counter-measures Halifax, they probably saved many aircraft and their crews.

Alfred Desmond John Ball was born in Perth on 11 April 1942, and was educated at Perth Boys School, and Senior Technical School.

After completing an accounting and secretarial course, he was taken on as junior clerk at the Chief Secretary’s Office, Perth.

With the RAAF in mind, ‘Alf’ joined Air Training Corps 75 Squadron, Perth on 5 January 1942, and was soon promoted to Corporal. On 25 May 1942, he enlisted in the RAAF (s/n 427182), and reported to No.5 Initial Training School,

Clontarf, WA, followed by training on Tiger Moths at No.1 Elementary Flying Training School, Parafield. He was next posted to No.7 Service Flying Training School, Deniliquin, where he trained on Wirraways, and was awarded his ‘Wings’ on 28 July 1943.

Alf was given pre-embarkation leave in Perth and on 12 September 1943 embarked at Brisbane, bound for UK. He arrived on 19 October and was posted to 11 PDRC, the holding unit at Brighton. His flying training continued with a posting to 14 Advanced Flying Unit at Dallachy, Scotland, where he flew the twin engine Oxford. Alf then progressed to Wellingtons at 27 Operational Training Unit, Lichfield, and was based at the satellite airfield Church Broughton. It was here that Alf’s crew formed up: navigator Flt/Sgt Neil

Group portrait of members of 462 Squadron RAAR, Alfred Ball front row third from left.

AWM P03415.001.

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Vernon Evans, bomb aimer F/O Murray Frank, wireless operator W/O Ronald Reginald Taylor, mid-upper gunner Flt Sgt John Mickle Tait, and tail gunner Flt Sgt Maxwell James Hibberd.

After Air Crew Training at Acaster Malbis, Yorkshire, Alf and his crew were posted to 1652 Heavy Conversion Unit (Halifax MkIII), Marston Moor, Yorkshire. There they were joined by flight engineer Sgt Frederick Brookes.

However, crew training was delayed when Alf suffered a bout of pneumonia, and it was not until 16 February 1945 that Alf and crew were posted to 462 Squadron, Foulsham, Norfolk.

Alf and his crew made several crosscountry training flights before their first operation on 10 March to Munster.

However, they were forced to return to base with an engine failure. Their next Op, on 13 March, was a special duties flight to Frankfurt. These flights usually involved acting as decoy or dropping ‘window’ chaff, or spoofing radar or radio. They flew a similar trip to Wiesbaden the next day, and another to Hanau on 16 March, encountering severe icing. On 24 March they flew a special duties flight to Cologne, but were attacked by a FW 190 fighter.

The fighter closed to 400 yards, but Alf eluded the fighter by evasive action and tail gunner Hibberd fired 800 rounds, claiming hits on the fighter.

During a week’s leave Alf stayed in Hammersmith, London with the Dixon family, who kept an open house for service personnel. After an early 21st birthday party at the Dixons, Alf and his crew returned from leave and

H i sto r y

were sent on their fifth operation, a special duties flight to Leipzig on 10 April 1945. One of ten aircraft from the squadron, Alf and his crew took off in Halifax NA240 (squadron code Z5-V) at 1910 hrs. They were tasked with radio counter measures for the main bomber stream, and carried specialised devices including Airborne Cigar (radio jammer), Piperack (radar jammer), Carpet (Morse jammer), and Fishpond (fighter warning). These devices were operated by a special German speaking crewman, F/O John Heggarty. The Halifax also carried a small bomb load and incendiaries. The main stream bombers were to bomb the railway yards at Leipzig, and Alf and his crew were to fly ahead and operate counter measures.

By 2200 hrs Alf had positioned Halifax Z5-V at 14,000 feet, near the front of the stream, when they were hit by heavy flak in the starboard wing, amidships, and behind the rear turret.

Tail gunner Maxwell Hibberd recalled seeing the flash behind the turret, and then being hit by splinters. The Halifax came down near the village of Zaasch, just north of Leipzig. Local farmer Herr Krone, later recalled, ‘It was on fire and exploded in the air, scattering burning wreckage over a large area.

The majority of the remains landed some 200 metres north of the village cemetery.’

Seven of the crew were killed, with only Hibberd surviving. He had

baled out and landed in a wheat field, unconscious from a head injury. He recovered next morning, gathered up his parachute, and hid in a haystack until nightfall. Only two days before, he had been dancing in the Trocadero, London, and now he was in a German haystack. In the evening he set out to evade, but was hampered by an injured leg and stopped for help at a farmhouse.

However, the farmer called local police, and he was taken to SS HQ at Delitzsch, where he saw identity discs from his crew. He recalled no other crew member baling out, and thought that the extra equipment in the fuselage may have made this difficult. Hibberd was taken to Stalag VII G and later force marched to the Elbe, where he was liberated by the Allies. He returned to Brisbane in July1945 aboard HMT Andes.

Alfred Ball and his crew were buried in a communal grave, without rites in the Zaasch village cemetery. His CO described Alfred as a most capable and determined pilot, and tail gunner Hibberd thought him mature beyond his years, and always thinking of his crew.

Letters of condolence were sent to his family, his fiancé Jennifer Constance Little, in Adelaide, and the Dixons in London. Jennifer Little travelled to Perth in 1946 and stayed with the Ball family for several weeks.

In October 1947 Alf and his crew were reinterred in the Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery. They were all identified and buried in individual graves. Alf’s

Alfred Ball. AWM: P05102.001

headstone reads, ‘Peacefully he rests, Always in our thoughts. Mum, Dad, Toots and Mal.’ Main picture: Alf Ball and Jennifer Little (Alf Ball Collection, courtesy Dorothy Dawson and 462 Squadron.com)

Sources: NAA service records, casualty files: Ball ADJ, Hibberd MJ Australian War Memorial, Commonwealth War Graves, www.462squadron.com Wings of Valour – Charles Page

Handley Page Halifax Mk III ‘Jane’, flown by Alf Ball. Aviation Heritage Museum, WA.

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F eat ure

Shaping a Next Gen Workforce for Airpower: The Australian Case The equipment is here or on the way, but what is the RAAF doing to develop a next gen workforce?

The Royal Australian Air Force is undergoing arguably the biggest transformation in its 98-year history.

Not only has almost every platform in its inventory been recapitalised in the past decade and a half, the service is also having to re-skill and upskill much of its workforce to adapt to a whole new generation of capabilities.

Air Commodore Geoff Harland joined the Royal Australian Air Force in 1985. During his career, he has flown as an Air Combat Officer on P-3C Orion, F-111C and F/A-18F Super Hornet.

He has commanded 1SQN, 82WG, and Air Force Training Group as well as deploying as an Air Planner for INTERFET (East Timor), Director Air Operations Centre and Air Component Commander for Operation Sumatra Assist, and Director of the US Central Command’s 609th Combined Air Operations Centre in the Middle East.

Outside Air Force, AIRCDRE Harland spent 18 months working for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in aviation safety culminating in roles including Australian Safety Oversight Branch Manager. He was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross in 2001, appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia and awarded the Distinguished Service Medal in 2017. He is currently the Director General Personnel – Air Force.

AIRCDRE Harland is clearly an experienced operator with a clear focus on human resource management, and his role as Director General Personnel – Air Force is to oversee the transformation of the RAAF’s workforce to be able to safely and effectively operate the next generation of systems entering service.

“We’re in a phase now where we are really reconsidering what works for Air Force in terms of workforce,” AIRCDRE Harland told ADBR. “Looking 48

Air Commodore Geoff Harland

forward, we’re trying to understand and anticipate the future nature of work and emerging demographics to determine how we might better prepare ourselves and continue to generate good workforce outcomes now and into the future and in doing so stay ahead of the game.”

Two of the key challenges of building a next gen workforce are the changing demographics of and demands for different skill-sets in Air Force and society in general.

“The question we asked ourselves was, ‘what would a 5th generation air force mean from a workforce point of view?’,” he said. “We asked that question against the backdrop of the changing nature of work in the wider community, given that Air Force is drawn from the wider community. We are importantly an all-volunteer force, so the way we work and the way we operate needs to make sense to the wider community, we also need to ensure we remain viable and perform as an Air Force.”

One of the opportunities Air Force has used to begin to re-shape was provided by Project Suakin which formalised the notion of a total workforce model. Launched in November 2013 by

then Vice Chief of Defence, Air Marshal Mark Binskin, Project Suakin’s aim was to “improve the ADF’s ability to respond to future workforce challenges and changes in the security environment and the economy by giving it a more flexible workforce structure.”

By using the Total Workforce Model (TWM) the Project Suakin aimed to “provide flexible career pathways, matching remuneration and benefits with capability delivered, enhanced workforce flexibility, simplified processes and helping to build an organisational culture that is more accepting of flexibility”.

“What we’re looking at in the Air Force’s adoption of the TWM is the creation of a total workforce system which takes into account uniformed Air Force people who engage in a career in more flexible modes than in the past and may work in a casual, part-time or full-time way rather than the previous binary permanent or reserve Air Force construct,” AIRCDRE Harland explained.

“We are now realising opportunities with casual workforce, readiness parttime work force, and standard part-time workforce which allow us to leverage off previous education, training and experience,” he added. “Add Public

Fe a tu r e

Service, industry and contractors and we have a more flexible Air Force total workforce system”.

“We’re also exploring ways that we can consider the use of automation and artificial intelligence to deliver traditional workforce outcomes for Air Force. What we’re trying to do is basically move away from the management of a permanent workforce which has a little bit of reserve helping out, to the idea of a workforce system that has more flexibility for the people who we engage with, considers emerging technology and allows us to adapt as we look forward.”

AIRCDRE Harland says he envisions the RAAF’s workforce model operating across three key time frames. “The first frame is what we call the ‘force-inbeing’, which is operating the current force in that zero to three years frame and delivering the ‘now’,” he explained.

“The second time frame is what is known as the ‘objective force’ in which the period nominally three to 10 years from now and drives the future workforce structure and development of our people to allow Air Force to realise the new capabilities that are generated through the capability life cycle.

“The third time frame is beyond 10 years from now as we look at the aspirational future force which is really very difficult to define in the current context because the environment is rapidly changing, what we’re doing is looking and saying, ‘here are the things that we might need to anticipate’.”

The RAAF has also increased its engagement and outreach to educational institutions to develop that future workforce. “In the cyber domain in particular we’re looking at generating a cyber workforce – cyber warfare officers and cyber warfare specialists as well as looking at electronics engineers who are network specialists, and also network technicians who will maintain our infrastructure.

Another consideration is personnel retention and recruitment rates.

Whereas Air Force has, in the past, struggled to retain key personnel such as pilots when civilian organisations are in an expansion phase and are hiring.

Air Force maintains a close watch on external markets and has recently introduced a strategy to manage aircrew

in a way to improve return on investment and increase resilience.

“So right now, the macro level Air Force level doesn’t have a retention problem,” AIRCDRE Harland said.

“We’re at around about seven per cent separation which is healthy, because we do need to refresh and regenerate.

“There are pockets of Air Force which we’re seeing competition for talent outside,” he added. “And in those areas I think it’s really about what we can offer as a force, and how we can differentiate ourselves from an experience that an individual might get in industry.

“We’re now allowing people to flow in and out of Air Force more than previously and in doing so we are able to access intellect and capacity of Air Force people as they’re moving in and out of uniform. So acknowledging the experience that they get outside in wider industry is actually really important to us, and it can bring some different perspectives back to Air Force which can really improve our performance.”

AIRCDRE Harland added that Air Force doesn’t currently have any trouble with recruitment. “Right now, it’s exceptionally positive,” he said. “We don’t typically have trouble getting talent in the door, but we acknowledge that as we look forward into STEM related industry there’s going to be increasing competition for talent. So we need to be very clear on what the offer is for Air Force, have a system that makes sense to people, and also have some flexibility in the way that we engage with people.

“While also considering workforce structure and policy, we’re also looking at the kind of behaviours that we would see successful people exhibiting in the future Air Force,” he added. “We’re exploring that area because, you can change structures and you can change policies, but until you actually really tap into cultural change and behavioural change, you can really end up returning to where you are now. So we’re doing work in terms of trying to understand and influence culture and behaviours.”

He said recruiters were generally looking for candidates who have good communication skills, are critical thinkers, and who are good at collaborating. “With those three

things as a baseline, they will be good contributors to their joint force. Provided they have the baseline technical skills and qualifications, we can teach the skills the Air Force needs, it’s much harder to influence soft skills and attitude.”

I asked AIRCDRE Harland if, by looking for more flexibility in its workforce, was Air Force in danger of losing or degrading its technical mastery in specific trades and skill-sets.

“Air Force by its nature has always been a technical force,” he said. “The way we describe professional mastery in Air Force is that it’s comprised of three elements: technical mastery, combat mastery and social mastery. In the early part of an individual’s career, they typically concentrate on getting good technical skills and generating technical mastery, whether it be in aviation, cyber, engineering et cetera.

“Then as they move through their career they will work on their combat mastery, which is how they will apply their specialisation to generate air power effects,” he added. “And foundational to that is increasing social mastery, which is really about the ability to be able to communicate and influence in a really positive way across the ADF. “So to answer your question, the way that we structure an individual’s career will typically build them on a big pillar of technical mastery, and then we’ll broaden their skills in combat and social so they become more broadly adaptable across the force.

“An important bottom line to our plans is that, as we look forward to increased flexibility to enable Air Force to continue to remain relevant in the future and access the talent and workforce capacity it requires, we must equally ensure that we remain fully viable as a military force. So as ever, it’s a careful balancing act.” AIRCDRE Harland stated.

“The Chief (of Air Force) and Air Force’s senior leadership are very focused on the Air Force workforce, and I think we have an opportunity to further challenge ourselves with the difficult questions and improve and prevail in the future.”

By Andrew McLaughlin www.sldinfo.com. This article was published

by ADBR on January 7, 2020.

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Ecco Ripley opening doors for RAAF families As house prices in Sydney and Melbourne continue to skyrocket, the Queensland property market continues to be attractive to investors, particularly those who are eager to see their hardearned cash go a lot further.

There has never been a better time to take advantage of one of south-east Queensland’s fastest-growing regions, Ripley. Located just 15 minutes from the RAAF Base Amberley, Ripley is easily accessible via strong road connections and infrastructure and only 40 minutes’ drive to Brisbane CBD. Leading community developer and builder, Sekisui House, has a track record of delivering innovative homes and masterplanned communities across Australia and internationally. Sekisui House launched its vision for Ripley in 2014 with the masterplan including the $500 million Ecco Ripley community and $1.5 billion Ripley Town Centre.

Together they will deliver diverse living options, parklands and seamless access to health, education, community and retail facilities.

Fast forward to 2020 and more than 1,000 residents now call Ecco Ripley home, or are in the process of building their homes in the only community in the Ripley region, and one of very few across Queensland, to be awarded a coveted 5 Star Green Star – Community Rating from the Green Building Council of Australia.

First home buyer, Melanie Muller said moving to Ecco Ripley was one

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of the easiest decisions she and her husband have ever made.

“We chose to live in Ecco Ripley because of its location and convenience to everything we needed. It's close to schools, shops and to Moogerah Dam where we spend many weekends.”

“We love the community spirit and we feel safe here. There is something for everyone, from young kids to seniors, and our kids can safely ride their bikes in the street and to one of a number of parks.”

“We also chose it because of its affordability and the convenience of having Ripley Town Centre on our doorstep,” Melanie added.

What sets Ecco Ripley apart is choice and accessibility. Purchasers can choose a vacant block of land and build with a builder of their choice or they can buy a 2-bed ready-built home starting from $308,500 and 3-bed options from $329,000. There are options to suit buyers at every stage of life, and their specific lifestyle and affordability needs.

Sekisui House Queensland State Sales Manager, Scott Blaney, said the business was committed to providing potential buyers with a wide variety of quality housing options.

“It’s been important for us to integrate the right product mix to ensure Ecco Ripley continues to become a thriving community, and a place where people feel a part of its inner circle. With new release land selling from $165,000,

house and land options, ready to move in terraces, duplexes, traditional homes, and two-bedroom homes from our Horizon Collection, buyers really are spoilt for choice.” Mr Blaney said.

“Ecco Ripley is an ideal option for transient RAAF families who can purchase a home now and use it later as an investment.”

Renowned for its connection with the outdoors, each home in Ecco Ripley’s newest precinct, Lighthaven, is located within 200 metres of parklands.

The extensive network of parklands and green open space, connected by walking tracks and running paths, offer something to suit all age groups with multiple playgrounds, sporting facilities, picnic areas, off-leash dog park and shaded barbeque areas.

Ripley Town Centre is situated on the doorstep of Ecco Ripley, putting excellent amenity within easy reach.

It has been masterplanned across 10 interconnected areas providing seamless access to retail, healthcare, education, recreational facilities, commercial, community and sporting amenity.

R i p l e y To w n C e n t r e S e n i o r D e v e l o p m e n t M a n a g e r, Ta k u Hashimoto, said the Centre’s $1.5 billion masterplan vision caters to the projected growth of the region.

“Ripley Town Centre is forecast to produce 20,000 local jobs to support a projected population of more than 130,000 people over the next 20 years,” Mr Hashimoto said.

“Our vision is to create a connected community that can be easily accessed by a network of pedestrian walkways, cycle paths and integrated transport options, including the proposed Ripley rail extension.”

Ripley Town Centre will be a place where long-term sustainability and life -enrichment have been carefully curated for future generations to connect.

For more information about Ecco Ripley and housing options available, visit www.eccoripley.com.au or visit the Ecco Ripley Sales & Information Centre, shop 1/20 Main Street, Ripley. Open 7 days 9.30am-5pm.

Quite possibly Queensland’s best front yard.

Live in the true urban heart of the Ripley region and enjoy a life that means being close to everything you could ever need. Ecco Ripley offers you inner circle living that’s surrounded by parklands and green open space and the ever growing Ripley Town Centre all within walking distance, allowing you to enjoy all the best of modern, connected living.

Inner circle living at eccoripley.com.au Visit us at 1/20 Main Street, Ripley (Near Coles) *Price effective February 2020. Subject to change and availability.

READY TO MOVE IN HOMES FROM

$329,000*

Catholic schools welcome Defence families TWO major milestones will be marked in Ipswich this year – 175 years of Catholic Education in Queensland and 80 years since the opening of RAAF Base Amberley.

Over those 80 years, Catholic schools have offered Australian Defence Force (ADF) families, moving to Amberly base, a range of services and resources to assist their children make the smooth transition into a new school.

Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) schools are a good fit for ADF families, sharing similar values and a commitment to providing safe and secure environments for all students.

Featuring contemporary learning environments, BCE schools aim to empower learners with the knowledge, skills and capabilities to respond to the challenges of the world of the 21st century.

Through a digital focus, students are not restricted by conventional boundaries as they are connected to the world beyond the classroom.

Adaptive learning environments promote high expectations and respect diversity and difference.

People of all faith backgrounds are welcomed in Catholic schools, and affordable fee levels mean schools reflect a wide cross-section of Australian society.

As welcoming communities, those of different cultural backgrounds are made to feel at home and every student is given the opportunity to experience success by reaching their full potential in all aspects of school life.

Catholic school students excel in a variety of cultural pursuits such as music, arts, science and drama while in the sporting arena, they achieve representation at state, national and international levels in numerous sports.

Many students gain scholarships to university while others move on to a wide variety of professional and technical careers.

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Students from St Mary’s College, Ipswich, at Amberly Air Base with Defence Transition mentor Christina Page (far left) and principal Judith Finan (far right)

On the environmental front BCE is tackling issues such as climate change head on, including our newest school, St Ann’s at Redbank Plains, designing buildings that are environmentally friendly and teaching students to be aware of the world around them through water conservation, energy saving, recycling and local ecological and environmental projects.

Many of our schools around RAAF Base Amberley proudly participate in the Defence Transition Aide Program.

Although not teachers, the Defence Transition aides/mentors understand the issues defence families faced in navigating education systems.

These aides/mentors are available to help families from the start of the enrolment process, guiding them through and obtaining resources to ensure students arrive at school with the correct uniform, books and stationery.

At St Mary’s College, Ipswich, Defence Transition mentor, Christina Page, works with teachers and staff to provide support and assistance to 46 Defence families helping them to integrate into the school community.

Christina, from an ADF family herself, said she worked with individuals,

groups, families and stakeholders to develop, implement and evaluate relevant programs for the college.

“Defence families come to St Mary’s College for community, faith, academic opportunities and the suite of extracurricular pursuits on offer,” she said.

“This involves creating a greater and ongoing awareness within the school community of the needs of students from Defence families and providing advocacy and negotiation support for Defence students as required,” she said.

Families being posted to bases in South East Queensland are encouraged to contact local Catholic schools for enrolment information and availability of places.

For more information about BCE schools, including enrolment processes, visit www.brisbanecatholiceducation. com.au/raafbaseamberly

Relocating?

With a Catholic education the possibilities are greater than you imagine.

With 11 Catholic primary and secondary schools located near RAAF Base Amberley and welcoming students from all backgrounds and faiths, we invite you to meet with our local leaders to find the school that best fits your child.

<Toowoomba

St Peter Claver

St Joseph’s

Brisbane>

Riverview

North Ipswich

Ip sw ic

St Mary’s College

Ipswich

St Mary’s Ipswich

St Brigid’s

RAAF Base Amberley

Sacred Heart Booval

St Francis Xavier

h

Mw y

Goodna

Immaculate Heart One Mile

Rosewood

St Ann’s

Redbank Plains

St Augustine’s

Augustine Heights

Good Shepherd

Springfield Lakes

Find a Catholic school near you.

www.brisbanecatholicschools.com.au/raafbaseamberley

Ce nt en ar yH wy

Warreg o Hw y

Reloc atio n

NEW TO AMBERLEY? If you’re new to Amberley, Defence Community Organisation (DCO) has a range of information, support, and social activities that can help you and family settle in.

DCO has Australia-wide programs and services delivered nationally and from local offices, in all states and territories, including an Amberley office on base.

There’s support available at every stage of life, from young recruits away from parents for the first time, and partners managing member absence, to the time members leave full-time service. DCO is there in times of need and any time in between.

There is a wide range of services and programs available to help you and your family to make the most of military life:

24-hour support If you need support, help, or advice at any time, the Defence Family Helpline

operates 24-hours a day, seven days a week and is staffed by qualified humanresource professionals including social workers and psychologist. Call 1800 624 608.

Partner employment Funding is available for initiatives that contribute to the immediate employability of partners when they relocate due to their ADF partner’s military service. Defence’s Partner Employment Assistance Program (PEAP) is also available to partners of ADF members who are medically transitioning from the ADF.

Dependants with special needs Families who have dependants with special needs can get information and practical assistance to reduce the impact of relocation. DCO staff at the Amberley office can also put you in touch with the Defence Special Needs Support Group who have a local coordinator here at Amberley.

Support during deployment and time apart An integral feature of Defence life is time apart from families due to deployments, training or other Service requirements.

DCO services seek to inform and prepare ADF members and families for these times and to make these experiences positive and strengthening ones for the family.

Childcare

Senior Australian Defence Force Officer RAAF Base Amberley, Air Commodore Veronica Tyler at the Defence Community Organisation Expo with Royal Australian Air Force Leading Aircraftman Matthew Pini and his three children (L-R) Patrick, Max and Jax and the Defence Housing Authority dog macot.

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DCO maintains a network of childcare centres around Australia, with priority of placement for ADF families. Those facing difficulties accessing childcare, like when they move to a new area or change their work or care arrangements, can also access an individual case management service provided by Defence’s childcare service provider, One Tree Community Services, to help them find childcare

Children’s education DCO has dedicated Education Liaison Officers to provide advice to families, and school-based mentors to support Defence children through changing schools and times of parental absence.

DCO also provide financial assistance to eligible students from ADF families for some education costs incurred as a result of posting to a new location.

Emergency and crisis support DCO provides a range of practical and emotional support programs for families facing unforeseen emergencies or crisis, including assistance in time of illness, injury, domestic crisis or bereavement. Members and their families can access 24-hour support, social work and assessment, or referral from the all-hours Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608.

Community connection Families seeking to connect with or contribute to their local community can get personalised advice or access our directory of Defence and community-run activities and events in our local area.

Funding for community groups Not-for-profit community organisations running programs in support of Defence families can apply for financial support.

There are a number of such groups operating in the area around Amberley including the Amberley Playgroup managed by Amberley Defence Communities and the Defence Special Needs Support Group.

Transition to civilian life DCO provides a range of practical guidance and administrative support to help those planning to transfer to the Reserves or leave the Australian Defence Force make a seamless transition to civilian life. You can attend seminars or talk to our team about your options at any time and it’s an important

R e l o ca ti o n

Defence families view aircraft on display during the DCO Expo.

process that families are encouraged to be part of.

Support for Reservists When Reserve members are on continuous full-time service or away on deployment or exercise, the families of Reserve members can access a broad range of DCO support services.

Parents DCO offers information and support services for parents of ADF members to help them understand and manage the challenging aspects of having a son or daughter in the Services.

Find out more about your local area Your local DCO Amberley office host a range of social activities and information sessions for ADF families. All families are most welcome to attend their events and the local DCO Amberley team would love to meet you.

To find out more about the Amberley officeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s social events and information sessions, you can follow DCO on social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) and can keep up to date with the latest events on the DCO Amberley page on Eventbrite. You can find information about upcoming events, like coffee morning teas, programs available or their events for kids on their Eventbrite page at DCOAmberleyIpswich.eventbrite.com.au.

Families can also access a wide

range of information about support and the wide range of DCO programs from the DCO website. The website also features a calendar of events hosted by the local DCO Amberley office and local community groups, from coffee mornings and partner employment information sessions, to ADF Transition Seminars for families thinking about their future beyond the ADF. Another great way to learn more about the local area and what there is on offer, ADF members and families can visit the Defence Community Hub. The Hub is a Defence Housing Australia website, where members and families can find information about major attractions, and local amenities like, local council information, health information about hospitals and GPs in the area and information about base locations and distances to other Defence locations. Families can check out their local area information at www. defencecommunityhub.org.au.

support local ADF commanders with member welfare support.

Defence Social Workers are qualified professionals who are knowledgeable about the ADF and the lifestyle of its members. Defence Social Workers are able to help members and their families address personal, relationship or Service related issues.

They can provide assessment, shortterm counselling services or referral to support and resources in the local area.

Family Liaison Officers have extensive knowledge of the Ipswich area and help members and their families connect with the services and support they need. They are also proactive regarding welcome activities and assisting families settling into a new location.

The DCO Amberley team would love to meet you, so come along and join them at one of their information sessions about topics that effect ADF families like partner employment, relocation or absence from home advice or the KidSMART and FamilySMART program. They also host social events like monthly coffee catch-ups, dinners out and family fun days.

Contact us The DCO Amberley office is at Building 726, Hudson Road, RAAF Base Amberley, next to AAFCANS. You can call or email the Amberley team on 5361 1678 or DCO.Amberley@defence. gov.au, the all-hours Defence Family Helpline 1800 624 608 .

Meet your local DCO team DCOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Amberley team is made up of military personnel and civilian staff, providing a range of assistance and information including support for children to settle into new schools, partner employment and help for families experiencing unforeseen crisis or emergency.

Military Support Officers are uniformed officers who help with advice and assistance with military matters and

RAAF Pilot Flying Officer Laura McGeough, from No. 33 Squadron, shows Ruby and Maggie Coppin the controls of a KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport at the DCO Expo.

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R e l o ca ti o n

EDUCATION AND DEFENCE FAMILIES To help alleviate some of the impact when transfering between schools, Defence provides a firstclass 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.

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

SQNLDR Samuel Wright gives Murray Bridge North School Year 6 and 7 students a tour of the inside of a RAAF Balloon.

Defence Community Organisation Office. For more information go to https://www.defence.gov.au/DCO/ Below: Corporal Hanley and his wife, Maddi, and daughters Willow (left) and Aliera, at the Defence Community Organisation Family Day held at the RAAF Base Amberley Heritage Centre.

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On T h e Rad ar

Abu Dhabi Air and Heli Expo

Al Bateen Executive Airport, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 04-06 March Abu Dhabi Air Expo is dedicated to general and business aviation. The Exhibition brings together major players in aviation, enabling a demanding clientele to discover the industry's latest developments and innovations in a remarkable and convenient location, Al Bateen Executive Airport, Abu Dhabi.

With 13,743 visitors at the last edition, Abu Dhabi Air Expo has grown to become one of the most successful exhibitions within the Middle East. This exhibition is designed for professionals and private owners, and offers visitors a wide and representative range of the ever growing aviation industry.

This 6th edition of Abu Dhabi Air Expo will feature a range of aviation companies as well as a static display with more than 60 aircraft. Abu Dhabi Air Expo offers a complete aeronautical range of aircraft and services: helicopters, ultralights, manufacturers, equipment, accessories, flight schools, avionics, services, training schools and much more!

This exhibition has become a key event for Aviation in the Middle East, and a can’t miss event for professionals in the industry. http://abudhabiairexpo.com/

International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition Djerba-Zarzis International Airport, Djerba, Tunisia 04-08 March

Scheduled from 4th to 8th March 2020 and taking place in the heart of the Gulf of Gabès in Djerba, International Aerospace & Defence Exhibition will deploy its wings for the first time. IADE Tunisia will provide diverse opportunities to meet international key players of the aerospace and defence industry to expand your network and to build new partnerships. http://www.iadetunisia.com/en/

Tyabb Airshow

Peninsula Aero Club, Tyabb, Victoria 08 March

Mornington Peninsula. The show boasts an action-packed flying display with lots to see and do on the ground too. https://www.tyabbairshow.com

Space Summit 2020

Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney, NSW 19 March The practical and commercial opportunities in space are a lot closer to home than we think. A growing number of start-ups and businesses want a piece of sky, highlighting a generational shift in today’s space race. Companies, from transport and mining to aerospace and logistics, need investment. They need tools and a framework suited to a world in which space is accessible to far more players than used to be the case.

The Space Summit 2020 will bring together leading players from the private sector, government, civil society and academia to discuss the next steps for the space economy. www.spaceindustry.com.au/event/the-economist-spacesummit-2020-sydney/

WILLIAMS FOUNDATION SEMINAR: NEXT-GEN AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS National Gallery of Australia, Canberra 26 March

Building upon the existing foundations of ADF capability, the aim of the March seminar is to explore the force multiplying capability and increasingly complex requirements associated with unmanned systems. From its origins at the platform level, the opportunities and potential of increased autonomy across the enterprise are now expected to fundamentally transform Joint and Coalition operations. williamsfoundation.org.au

FIDAE 2020 International Air & Space Fair Santiago International Airport, Santiago, Chile 31 Mar-05 Apr

Hosted by the Peninsula Aero Club, the Tyabb Airshow is set to return this year at Tyabb (Westernport) Airport on the 58

FIDAE is the leading aerospace and defense trade show in Latin America. The show will build on its well-earned reputation to present a vital and growing international aerospace event that addresses the full scope of commercial, military and space interests. The

O n Th e R a d a r

2018 edition hosted some 533 exhibitors from 50 nations whose products and services, including 138 aircraft on the flight line, attracted more than 120,000 professional visitors, including 525 delegations from 40 countries. www.spaceagenda.com/events/detail/2020-03-31_fidae2020-international-air-space-fair

Wings, Wheels and Wine Mudgee Airport, Mudgee, NSW 26 Apr

A C-130J Hercules performs a touch and go during Wings over Illawarra Air Show 2019. CPL David Said.

This will be the biggest rendition of the event to date including a jam-packed airshow, a stack of tyre shredding vehicles, and possibly the odd bike doing some freestyle tricks The Royal Australian Air Force will be there as well, so stay tuned for details as the date draws closer.

And of course, it wouldn't be Wings, Wheel and Wine without some of Mudgee's premier wineries showcasing their produce. www.wingswheelsandwine.com.au/

perform breath-taking manoeuvres above the beautiful Illawarra.

Immerse yourself in history as you wander through rare displays of vintage and classic aircraft including the fullyrestored Super Constellation and record-breaking Qantas 747 along with some beautifully restored WWII fighters.

You wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to miss the heart stopping aerial antics of the flying displays, the fantastic static displays, souvenirs and simulators.

Wings Over Illawarra will include a massive carnival with rides for young and old, all included in the entry ticket price.

There is no better way to spend an unforgettable day with family and friends!!

A vintage Wirraway is expected to return to Wings, Wheels and Wine at Mudgee Airport. SGT Shane Gidall

Wings Over Illawarra

Illawarra Regional Airport, Wollongong, NSW 02-03 May See jaw-dropping solo and formation aerobatics displays and relive the past with spectacular displays of classic warbirds and amazing vintage aircraft of yesteryear.

Be inspired by the ADF as they present the best our country has to offer with loud, fast fighter jets and huge heavy transport aircraft.

Some of Australia's top formation flying teams will delight and provide you with an unforgettable experience as they

Royal Australian Air Force PC-21 pilot Squadron Leader Jay Tuffley signs a poster for Joshua, a visitor to the Wings Over Illawarra 2019 air show.

ILA Berlin Airshow

Berlin ExpoCenter Airport Berlin, Germany 13-17 May Established in 1909, claiming to be one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest air shows, and among the largest and most important aerospace trade fairs today.

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On T h e Rad ar

At ILA 2020, hundreds of aircraft can be admired on the ground and in the air â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from large jets to cargo planes, helicopters and drones to military aircraft, in a unique flying display program. www.ila-berlin.de/en

get the chance to dress up as a pilot and get your photo taken in one of our Classic Aircraft. www.classicflyersnz.com/ACTIVITIES++EVENTS.html

Botswana International Air Show

Matsieng Aerodrome, Rasesa, Kgatleng, Botswana 30 May

Climate protection and sustainability will be the main themes for ILA 2020. Courtesy Messe Berlin GmbH.

Classic Flyers Open Day

The Botswana Airshow to be held at Matsieng Aerodrome (FBMA), Botswana, is not only about having a tremendous day of fun and excitement for aviation enthusiasts all over Southern Africa.

All proceeds, outside event costs, will be donated to local charities and worthy social institutions.

The organisers of Botswana Airshow express its gratitude to the many sponsors, benefactors, participants and visiting public which all contribute towards making the Botswana Airshow a success for eight consecutive years and they are looking forward to welcoming everybody on 30 May. www.botswana-airshow.com/

Tauranga, New Zealand 24 May

AAPT recently sighted...

Classic Flyers New Zealand is an exciting aircraft museum combining static displays along with operational aircraft set in a purpose-built hangar with attached cafe/bar and an aviation themed children's adventure playground.

Classic Flyers will celebrate its 15th year as a premier tourist attraction. Get up close and personal at their Open Day from 10am till 2pm when they will open their doors to the public, and for just a gold coin entry, everyone can experience some Classic Flyers magic.

Many of their aircraft will be out of the hangars and displayed along the taxi-way where everyone will be able to get up close to view and photograph them. A number of aircraft will have their engines run up in an exciting display of sound, smoke and motion.

There will be a number of other visiting aircraft on the airfield adding to the mix of aircraft on display. You can also

The spring issue of AAPT, found by my wife on board a Hercules aircraft 15th January 2020 in transit to Merimbula from East Sale.

Good to see previous issues are still in circulation! Editor

Get up close and personal to a variety of aircraft at the Classic Flyers Open Day. Courtesy Classic Flyers.

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AFC

Call for people to join Australian Air Force Cadets 312 Squadron Macleay Valley The Australian Air Force Cadets, 312 Squadron Macleay Valley is calling for young people to join their ranks.

The Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) is a youth oriented organisation that is administered and actively supported by the Royal Australian Air Force.

They are seeking people aged between 13 and 17-yearsold.

A spokesperson from the local AAFC said the organisation will teach cadets valuable life skills and will help cadets develop qualities including leadership, self-reliance, confidence, teamwork and communication.

"The fundamental aim of the AAFC is to foster qualities that will enable cadets to become responsible young adults, who will make a valuable contribution to the community," she said.

"No matter what career cadets choose, the AAFC provides a foundation of knowledge and skills that will assist them towards their future."

The 312 Squadron Macleay Valley was first formed in Kempsey in 1999 at the Kempsey Airport.

The Squadron has since become an integral part of the Macleay Valley community, with a current strength of approximately 20 cadets.

Some activities undertaken by the AAFC include flying, fieldcraft, adventure training, firearms safety training, drill and

ceremonial, service knowledge, aeromodelling, navigation and gliding.

The 312 Squadron is based in Kempsey, at the Military Depot in South Kempsey. Members parade each week of the school term on a Thursday night, from 5.30pm to 9pm.

Information sessions are on at 5.30pm on Thursday February 6, 13 and 20.

For more information, contact 312 Squadron Commanding Officer, Flying Officer (AAFC) Ben Simon on 0408 486 859 or email admino.312sqn@aafc.org.au Liz Langdale | www.macleayargus.com.au

Mithusha Kulatunga on a mission to become an astronaut Mithusha Kulatunga is on a mission to explore the solar system and boldy go where no human has ever been before.

The Year 10 student at King’s Baptist Grammar School hopes to become an astronaut and has already mapped out his perfect career trajectory. “When you look up into the stars, you start thinking ‘there’s so much more out there’,” he said.

“I want to go see all of that.

We’re so small, compared to everything else in the universe.” The 15-year-old is already taking the first steps on his journey into space. He has joined the Australian Air Force Cadets at the Royal Australian Air Force’s Edinburgh base to work towards his private pilot licence – a requirement of becoming an astronaut.

He’s also planning to work in the RAAF as an aerospace engineer and then a fighter/test pilot – another step on the path. “This means I will be sent to the US Air Force for one year of training and come back and work as a fighter/test pilot in the RAAF,” Mithusha said.

“The US Air Force is where astronauts are born. I have also realised that many astronauts have a Master’s degree or PhD, so I plan to also do those degrees while working. (Then)

I would have fulfilled all the requirements and be ready to become trained as an astronaut.”

Another step on Mithusha’s journey is the free Future Proof: Space Jobs Forum.

The forum – featuring Adelaide astronaut Andy Thomas – is designed to give high-school students, parents and educators an inside look at the space industry, which is set for takeoff in SA. “It will definitely help me take the correct pathways with my uni studies and then take the correct career pathways,” Mithusha said.

Courtesy King's Baptist Grammar School FaceBook Page

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Transition

L O O K I N G F O R W A R D Career, Education, Employment, Transition A career in the Australian Defence Force can be one of the most rewarding experiences in your life, with the excitement and satisfaction of being well trained and engaging in adventurous pursuits unique to the ADF, but eventually everyone needs to plan to move on – into ‘civvy’ street.

Unfortunately, few equivalent jobs in the civilian sector offer opportunities ranging from basic employment roles through to technology based assignments, with the prospect of deploying overseas on combat related missions, peace-keeping and security related roles, so the transition into the civilian world can be challenging.

Career choices within the ADF are many, with opportunities to advance through the ranks and across various career streams. There are also opportunities to learn a trade, undertake tertiary level training and generally

qualify for most professional pursuits.

So the question is whether remaining in the Defence Force is a better option, at least until you are better prepared for the move.

Eventually, every member of the ADF will transition to a new working and family life in the civilian community. This may involve a move into the Defence Reserves, Defence Industry, starting a totally new career, establishing an own-business, or just kicking back in retirement. Planning and informed action can enable such transition to occur as seamlessly as practicable while maximising your career and personal advantages.

There’s little doubt that effective planning and action during one’s career in the Defence Forces pays off when advancing through your military career, and when that day of separation finally arrives you want to be well prepared

for what lies ahead. It is this planning leading to productive action that is vitally important.

In any industry, including the Defence Forces, there’s always a vexed question for employers: what if I train them and they go… but what if I don’t train them and they decide to stay?

Similarly, Defence personnel need to ask themselves: what if I plan to go and I stay… but what if I plan to stay, and I have to go?

The former case enables individuals more choices, as they have planned for the inevitable but are also well prepared for the present. The latter may find an unplanned transition confronting and have a poor outcome.

There’s little doubt that those who make the most of their current career while planning and preparing for their next career are inevitably the most successful.

AAFCANS (Army & Air Force Canteen Service) as a Commonwealth Entity and a member of the Defence family continues to invest in facilities and technologies to improve our products and services on base and on exercise.

Our organisation exists solely to provide Defence members with access to quality food and beverages and retail items and to support base welfare. AAFCANS gives back to Defence through welfare disbursements, price cuts and facility improvements.

Last financial year AAFCANS disbursed $534,985 to Defence welfare.

If you would like more information about our organisation please visit our website www.AAFCANS.gov.au and make contactwe'd love to hear from you!

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Stay positive and remember winners are just people who keep trying.

Tr a n si ti o n

Plan your transition The pathway to civilian employment can look different for every veteran. One thing that will set you up for success is making sure that you prepare for the next step in your career.

The Veterans' Employment Toolkit has been developed to assist you to prepare for your transition to civilian employment.

Plan early

Defence Community Organisation (DCO) provides a range of transition services to support ADF members and their families to transition into civilian life.

Transition support services include:

• ADF Transition Seminars - providing ADF members with access to a one day transition seminar held in a range of cities across Australia • assistance with preparing for civilian employment • access to coaching services.

The Leaving the ADF guide will assist members and their families to better understand the process, administrative requirements, employment assistance services and other support available to assist transition.

The Career Transition Assistance Scheme (CTAS) helps facilitate your transition with training and financial support. Talk to your transition coach about this and any other support and employment services that can be tailored to your needs.

To get your core military training skills recognised and aligned with the civilian equivalent before you discharge,contact the Australian Defence College who run the ADF Transition and Civil Recognition Project.

Prepare for the challenge

Transitioning to civilian life from the ADF can be a challenging time for some.

Some tips to prepare could be: • talking to friends or family who have made the transition • connect with informal support groups on social media set up by veterans • c o n n e c t w i t h a n e x - s e r v i c e

organisation (ESO), they are an excellent resource for you • seek professional assistance services tailored for transitioning veterans.

A great online tool is Engage, a Defence online portal that you can use to find employment services and other support for your transition.

Engage is for current, transitioning, and former ADF members, as well as their families, and/or those involved in their support.

Reach out to your networks

Chat to your military contacts and personal networks to let them know you’re preparing to leave the ADF. Many veterans find the next step in their career through their existing networks.

Think about the right career for you

Consider what you want your next career to be, and research how to get there. You might not land there first, but you can take the necessary steps towards your end goal.

There are a number of recruitment agencies across Australia specialising in finding jobs for veterans. They can help you find the best job that suits your skills from your previous career in the ADF and may be able to assist you into these roles.

Set realistic expectations

It's a good idea to research the salaries in the industry you are interested in, to get an idea of what they offer. You may not get the same salary as you did while serving. The benefits and allowances that you received whilst serving may not apply to your new civilian job.

Financial advice

You might be interested in talking to a financial adviser. The ADF Consumer Centre can advise you about getting financial advice and can recommend advisers. If you're discharging for medical reasons talk to your ADF Transition Coach who will provide you with access to some assistance to pay

Jason Woodcoe - former Flight Lieutenant RAAF.

for your financial advice.

Find a mentor

To help you transition to civilian employment, a mentor may be able to provide advice, guidance, share expertise and networks to assist finding employment or adjusting to the civilian workplace.

A good mentor would be someone who has transitioned themselves. You can find a mentor through your employer, ex-service organisations, your networks or professional organisations.

Consider the impact on your family

When you begin the transition process, consider the impacts on your family.

Some questions you may wish to think about include: • Will your work/caring responsibilities change?

• Where would you like to live – is this a good place to find the type of work you would like to do, for the kids’ schooling, and access to support?

• How will your change of career affect the family income and how will you and your family adapt to a possible reduction in salary when you first leave defence?

• Do you need to consider changes to your housing when leaving Defence?

To downland the guides and toolkits head to www.veteransemployment.gov.au/veterans/ plan-your-transition.

Further information can be found at engage.forcenet.gov.au | defence.gov.au/dco/ transition | defence.gov.au/adc/ADFTCR defence.gov.au/DCO/Transition/yourtransition

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Transition

Supporting at risk veterans transitioning to civilian life Programs supporting younger at-risk veterans and veterans transitioning to civilian employment are set to expand to hundreds more people as part of a significant funding boost from the Morrison Government.

An extra 170 young and vulnerable veterans leaving the Australian Defence Force annually will get guidance and a single point of contact with 10 additional case coordinators backed by a $4.8 million investment in the Coordinated Client Support program that already helps around 1,200 veterans facing difficult circumstances. The investment means the entire high-risk cohort of veterans leaving the ADF will now be covered under the Coordinated Client Support program.

The Government will also boost the resources of the Personalised Career Employment Program by $5.6 million and will expand its eligibility to another 1,600 ADF members each year looking for career development and job placement support as they set up for civilian life.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said his government was backing younger veterans facing tough challenges as they transitioned out of the ADF.

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“We’ll show the same commitment and duty to those veterans who have served us that they have shown our country,” the Prime Minister said.

“Research shows veterans under 30 who are involuntarily discharged as being at higher risk of suicide than the general population so we want to ensure they get the support they need as they navigate the range of government services on offer.

“These programs are about reaching out to those veterans who need our help to ensure they get it.”

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester said under the Coordinated Client Support program, DVA works closely with Defence to identify veterans at risk before they transition out of service and provide them with a single point of contact.

“We are committed to putting veterans and their families first and by providing those most at risk with a single client coordinator it ensures a seamless continuation of support as they leave the ADF, assists them to access appropriate health treatment as well as the finalisation of their DVA claims,” Mr Chester said.

“Currently the PCEP supports those aged between 17 and 24 who have served less than four years by providing them with greater opportunity for job placement within the civilian community.

The investment announced today will extend this to those up to 30 years of age, meaning a further 30 per cent of transitioning members can now access the program in Townsville alone.”

Minister Chester said the Government was also delivering on a 2019 election commitment with a $15 million investment to roll-out employment-related programs for veterans through a one-off grants package for Soldier On, Team Rubicon Australia and the Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL National).

“To further support veterans seeking employment, Soldier On, Team Rubicon

Australia and RSL will assist those who find the transition to the civilian workforce challenging through tailored employment-related programs,” Mr Chester said.

“You only need to look at the mobilisation of Team Rubicon Australia to assist in the recent response to the bushfires to know the results will be promising. I look forward to seeing the ongoing results of this important program.”

Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson welcomed the further announcements, particularly the potential benefits to members of Townsville’s veteran community.

“Townsville has a strong military and veteran community, with around 750 transitions from the ADF here every year, and having served in the ADF, transitioned into civilian life and having watched my mate’s transition I know how important it is to get it right,” Mr Thompson said.

“DVA and Defence have been working hard to improve the transition process and the additional support outlined today will go a long way to supporting those most in need.

“As a government we have done a lot, which I know is appreciated by the ex-service community, but we know there is still more to do.”

The Government has made promoting the valuable skills of ADF personnel and veterans a high priority, including through the Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment Program and Veterans’ Employment Awards.

The Government invests a record $11 billion to support 280,000 veterans and their families each year, is reforming the Department of Veterans Affairs with more work underway, has cut waiting times for claims and has also launched the Australian Veterans’ Card and Lapel Pin, so veterans can be appropriately recognised, including by businesses who want to offer special discounts and offers to veterans.

Bo o ks

compassion and love… Everyone should read it’—HUGH RIMINTON ‘An extraordinary story of a single and singular life and its great love’— ASHLEY HAY Format: Paperback | Pages: 288 RRP: $22.50 | www.booktopia.com.au

The Tattooist of Auschwitz The incredible story of the Auschwitz-Birkenau tattooist and the woman he loved.

By Heather Morris Lale Sokolov is well-dressed, a charmer, a ladies’ man. He is also a Jew. On the first transport from Slovakia to Auschwitz in 1942, Lale immediately stands out to his fellow prisoners. In the camp, he is looked up to, looked out for, and put to work in the privileged position of Tätowierer – the tattooist – to mark his fellow prisoners, forever. One of them is a young woman, Gita, who steals his heart at first glance.

His life given new purpose, Lale does his best through the struggle and suffering to use his position for good.

This story, full of beauty and hope, is based on years of interviews author Heather Morris conducted with real-life Holocaust survivor and Auschwitz- Birkenau tattooist Ludwig (Lale) Sokolov. It is heart-wrenching, illuminating, and unforgettable.

‘Extraordinary – moving, confronting and uplifting... a story about the extremes of human behaviour: calculated brutality alongside impulsive and selfless acts of love. I recommend it unreservedly’— GRAEME SIMSION ‘The Tattooist of Auschwitz has the quality of a dark fairytale. It is both simple and epic, shot through with

An Interesting Point (Second Edition)

A History of Military Aviation at Point Cook

By Steve Campbell-Wright ‘An Interesting Point’ recounts Point Cook’s long and distinguished history as the focal point of military aviation in Australia and one of the oldest and continuous operating military airbases in the world.

Point Cook is known to many as the birthplace of Australian military aviation, the Australian Flying Corps and the Royal Australian Air Force.

Lying on the western outskirts of Melbourne city, the breadth and depth of history surrounding this place is not only significant in terms of military and civilian aviation but is also an integral part of our nation’s fabric.

Australia’s first military flight by aviator, Lieutenant Eric Harrison, was made in a Bristol Box Kite from Point Cook on 1 March 1914. This event suddenly propelled Australia onto the world stage and would lay the foundations for ongoing public interest, support and future aviation endeavours.

The Australian Flying Corp was

established here during World War I as an element of the army, with many pilots seeing active duty overseas in the Middle East and Western Front.

The RAAF was formed at Point Cook in March 1921. It is recognised as the oldest military aviation base in Australia. Sir Richard Williams, known as the ‘father’ of the RAAF, trained at the newly established Central Flying School here with other student pilots.

‘An Interesting Point’ is well laid out with concise, factual accounts and photos. A substantial amount of research and forethought has gone into the compilation of this book covering events from 1914 to current day.

As the RAAF looks to commemorate its centenary in 2021, this would be a valuable and highly recommended addition to any collection. The first edition of ‘An Interesting Point’ has sold out, so this 2019 version serves as a great second edition.

In the opening foreword of the book, former Chief of Air Force and Chief of Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, recounts his vivid and fond memories of Point Cook, having started and finished his aviation career there.

He acknowledges that Point Cook’s history should “be better known to all Australians.”

Format: Hardback | Pages: 252 RRP: $29.99 www.bigskypublishing.com.au

Point Cook, Vic. 1945-03-25. An aerial view of the static display of aircraft on the tarmac AWM VIC0173

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F eat ure

‘Elephant walk’ with five KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transports In a world first, No. 33 Squadron (33SQN) has conducted an ‘elephant walk’ with five KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transports (MRTTs) at RAAF Base Amberley.

An elephant walk is an aviation term which dates back to the Second World War, when massed formations of Allied bombers would taxi to the runway for take off.

On 15 November, 33SQN conducted the feat with five aircraft, with a row of KC-30As stretched over 500 metres of RAAF Base Amberley taxiway.

It was made possible thanks to significant improvements to how 33SQN plans maintenance for the KC-30A fleet, providing greater aircraft availability for missions.

Following the elephant walk, four of the aircraft took off from Amberley on separate missions.

These included air-to-air refuelling training, flight test development, and airlift tasks to support volunteer firefighters combatting bushfires in New South Wales.

Group Captain (GPCAPT) Steve Pesce, Officer Commanding No. 86 Wing, said the KC-30A elephant walk demonstrated an immense strategic capability for Defence.

“Launching five KC-30A aircraft demonstrates a capacity to concurrently transport over one thousand passengers or ferry more than 40 Hornets across Australia,” GPCAPT Pesce said.

“Alternatively, five aircraft could position 1800 kilometres from base and offload 250 tonnes of fuel to receivers over four hours.

“The capacity to project this magnitude of air power at range has previously been beyond Air Force.”

Reaching this achievement required No. 33 Squadron to draw on its experience as the lead operator of the KC-30A. Each KC-30A is a heavily modified variant of the Airbus A330-200 commercial airliner, and at 59 metres long and with a 60.3-metre wingspan, it is the largest aircraft in the Air Force.

Unique systems on the KC-30A 66

– from external-mounted cameras to hose-and-drogue refuelling pods mounted beneath the wings, and an 11-metre telescopic boom mounted beneath the tail – all require careful maintenance to ensure it can refuel other aircraft.

Following delays in its development, a fleet of five KC-30As were delivered to the RAAF between 2011 and 2015.

A sixth and seventh aircraft were delivered in 2018 and 2019 respectively.

Since September 2014, the squadron has supported a nearly continuous deployment of a single KC-30A to the Middle East Region, where the aircraft has been coined ‘Coalition Tanker of Choice’.

Operations at home and abroad had stretched 33SQN’s workforce, according to its Senior Engineering Officer, Squadron Leader (SQNLDR) David Burns.

“During Operation APEC Assist in November 2018, four KC-30As sustained operations for a total of 157 hours and 1.75 million pounds of fuel offloaded over six intensive days,” SQNLDR Burns said.

“Doing this required a significant surge from the technical workforce to inject the required scheduled maintenance to the aircraft.”

The tempo for No. 33 Squadron in 2019 has remained high, with ferry flights for F-35As from the United States, support to Air Combat Group exercises in Japan and South East Asia, global transport of international UN forces to the Middle East a deployment in the Middle East Region.

33SQN has also added a specially modified KC-30A Government Transport Communication (GTC) aircraft to the fleet to support Government transport and additional Air Refuelling capacity.

Over the last 12 months, changes have been made to how KC-30A maintenance activities are planned and carried out, and a different picture has emerged.

“Without a surge in activity, 33SQN personnel launched five KC-30A concurrently with enough maintenance

life to sustain more than triple the APEC rate of effort,” SQNLDR Burns said.

Like all aircraft, the KC-30A requires both contingency maintenance on unserviceable components, and preventative maintenance to inspect areas and change out parts due for servicing.

A new Rolling Maintenance Program was introduced in early 2019 by 33SQN, building on its experience with the KC30A over the past eight years.

“The Program involved the unit learning to limit itself to only one KC30A down for scheduled servicing at any given time,” SQNLDR Burns said.

“Doing this injected enough maintenance activities into an aircraft to clear it for six weeks of multi-role operations.

“Ultimately, this allowed the unit to maintain a KC-30A outside of operational programming lines, rather than around them.”

Coupled with other reforms, 33SQN has delivered a three-fold increase in mission-capable aircraft, on average.

Increased availability has also allowed the wider 33SQN workforce to meet training needs and work-life balance.

“Increased availability of KC-30As for air logistics and air-to-air refuelling missions has increased our ‘raise-trainsustain’ output across the Squadron.”

Wing Commander Sarah Stalker, Commanding Officer 33SQN, said the Rolling Maintenance Program would make tasking the KC-30A more predictable in future.

“We are now at the point where this level of aircraft being fully-mission capable and available for tasking is repeatable,” Wing Commander Stalker said.

“It has positioned 33SQN to provide greater mission assurance to Defence and Government, with a sustainable 51 per cent increase in monthly sortie generation.

“The personnel of 33SQN and the wider KC-30A enterprise – including Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, and industry partners - can be justly proud of their efforts.”

Fe a tu r e

Five KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft from No 33 Squadron on taxiway Alpha at RAAF Base Amberley.

SGT Peter Borys

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B ack Pa ge

London to Australia in two hours?

Forget it.

The flight might be short, but expect a long airport commute.

Flying from London to Sydney or Melbourne in two hours could be a reality in the near future, says Virgin Galactic’s Commercial Director Stephen Attenborough.

But the commute to the airports may be a lot longer than we’re used to.

The Virgin Galactic boss told the CeBIT conference in Sydney how the company aims to have out a worldwide network of spaceports which could see spaceships taking two hours to travel between Europe and Australia.

However, it’s unlikely the spacecraft will be taking off from airports close to the city.

“Theoretically the Unity can land on any airfield,” Attenborough told

factor when we set up spaceports in other locations. They are going to be in sparsely populated areas.”

The main reason for choosing New Mexico for the spaceport was somewhat more practical, Attenborough said.

"They came to us with an incredible proposition, which was: 'if you bring us your spaceflights, we'll build you a spaceport' and after a bit of talking there was a shake of hands."

When asked if Australia might also join Virgin’s programs, Attenborough was non-committal saying the company was always open to working with partners but there hadn’t been any discussions about local spaceport sites.

Australia’s role in the new space

dismantled manufacturing sector would make it harder to meaningfully participate in international space programs.

“We’re talking machining, testing and support staff, we need to have those skills to that be in the position to meet that target,” Antoniades said.

In his presentation Virgin Galactic’s Attenborough flagged the importance of those skills, saying the space industry is on the cusp of a wave of change as new business enter the industry.

“When you look at technologies that have been incredibly important to society, a lot of them start with government spending but when the private sector comes in with innovation

Information Age. “But practically you can’t use most airports as you have to maintain spacing with other aircraft.

So landing at Heathrow or Sydney is probably not a great idea.

“Having quiet airspace is one of the reasons New Mexico was a suitable location for our first spaceport. Because of the White Sands Missile Base, there’s not many commercial flights passing through that part of the world.

“I expect that’s going to be a similar

race faces more challenges though with a subsequent panel having mixed views on the likelihood of the Australian Space Agency meeting its 2030 target of 20,000 local jobs in the industry.

Paul Scully-Power, the NSW Space Ambassador said the target was, if anything, modest and was confident Australia could meet its targets but Andreas Antoniades, Lead Avionics Engineer of Sydney’s Sabre Astronautics, warned the nation’s

and packaging and everything else the private sector does so well, that technology tends to change very quickly.

“It hasn’t started with space but it’s starting to happen.

“What Elon (Musk) is doing, when (Jeff) Bezos is doing, what Virgin Galactic is doing, is really saying that things are changing.”

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Paul Wallbank ia.acs.org.au

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