Australian Air Power Today May 2020

Winter / 2020 Vol 2 No 2

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

AI AND THE FUTURE OF AIR POWER

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Volume 2 No 2 Winter 2020

index

4 Cover story Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Air Power

FEATURES

9 10 42 Boeing Rolls out First Loyal Wingman

FEATURES

18 Why Australia needs a longrange air defence capability 24 TAC EVAL High Value Aviation Asset Kill 31 Return of the Supersonic Flight moves closer 45 RAAF birthday a time to reflect

AUSTRALIAN AIR POWER TODAY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Artificial Intelligence Efforts for Military Drones

Air Power in the Support of Civil Authority

SPACE

FIXED WING

46 WA Universities turn their eye to space

36 History 51 On The Radar 52 Relocation 56 Transition 60 Defence 64 Books 66 Air Force Cadets 68 Back Page

CYBER SECURITY

22 STEM and enticing women into science programs 33 Cyber resilience key to securing Australia’s economic future 32 School to Skill Defence Industry Workforce CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Frank Wolfe, Access Intelligence, Sanu Kainikara, Darren ‘Buster’ Crabb, Malcolm Davies ASPI, Lisa Harvey-Smith, David Axe, Sandy Milne, Air Power Development Centre.

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Hard copy: To receive a complimentary copy of AAPT call 02 9380 9065 or email airpower@flightpublishing.com.au Above: ‘Loyal Wingman’ . A Boeing-led team has presented the RAAF with its first “Loyal Wingman” aircraft, an AI-equipped drone that’s designed to fly in coordination with crewed military airplanes. Boeing 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.

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C over Sto ry

Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Air Power

by Sanu Kainikara

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INTRODUCTION Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the latest technological marvels to have taken the fancy of futurists, strategists and technologists, and also captivated the world. It is also possibly the one with the greatest capacity to create change and cause disruption to the smooth and normal functioning of the world. Over the past few years, research breakthroughs and associated policy conversations have alerted and altered the public consciousness regarding the potential risks and benefits of AI. The discussions regarding AI—what it means, how it will affect human societies, and the consequences of keeping up with the on-going developments as well as not keeping up with them—are issues that have agitated the minds of people across the world.

It is now certain that no human enterprise—warfare, healthcare, economy, art, education and myriad others— will be immune to the encroachment of AI. As and when AI is fully incorporated into the working of a society, the very roles of humans in that society as we currently understand it, will change irrevocably. AI has been operationalised but its maturity is at the basic level of the beginning of a long journey. With maturity, its impact on society will also increase manifold.

It is an old cliché́ that air power was born of and nurtured by technology, but it still holds as true today as it was at the birth of air power as the third element in traditional military power projection capabilities. Therefore, it is not surprising that AI, the latest technological development, will impinge on the generation, sustainment and application of air power. The implications of the impact of AI on air power will perhaps be more significant than what can be conceived now. It will influence the breadth and depth of air power and alter the prevailing concepts regarding its conceptualisation, development and delivery.

Under these circumstances, in the future air power will be applied in significantly different ways than how it has been done in the past and how it is being done at present. However, predicting the future is not an accurate

science even if adequate information is available. The maximum ‘throwforward’ in predictive forays that can be considered viable is only 20 years. Even though a 20-year window is a short span of time, a reasonably good effort can be made to look at the future by tracking the forward march from where air power has come from and where it is at today, and then extrapolating it to the future.

ENDURING ASPECTS Air power has been an instrument of war for a little over a century. In this developmental journey of a century, it has greatly enhanced its capacity to create the necessary effects through the application of lethal force, on one end of the spectrum, to the delivery of humanitarian aid and disaster relief during calamities, at the other. The instances of the employment of air power in different events are numerically very large. Each such episode has contributed to the refinement of the techniques of employment, created opportunities to develop improved concepts of operations, and broadened strategic air power thinking. In modern times, after the end of World War II, there have been unambiguous moments in the application of air power that have had durable effects on the development and concepts of air power, mostly at the operational level. However, in the strategic arena, Operation Desert Storm in 1991, stands out as a watershed moment in the employment of air power.

Operation Desert Storm demonstrated the great strides that air power had made in enhancing its effectiveness. More importantly, it demonstrated the agility with which air power’s command and control structure could be integrated with broader campaign plans. Air power also validated its claim of being an element of military power that could create joint effects with minimal effort, but with rapidity, precision, proportionality and discrimination. While air power has had its watershed moments during its century of development, 1991 was the year when the promises made by air power theorists of the early years were delivered in full with the perceived limitations of air power as a combat

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element being removed and air power becoming vindicated.

From that unmatched demonstration of its capabilities, air power has rapidly improved its capacity for delivering the necessary lethal force with precision, proportion and discrimination, while minimising both collateral damage and risk to own and friendly forces.

The qualitative edge of air power has been enhanced in a process that could be termed an evolutionary revolution.

While the decade that followed 1991 entrenched the enduring aspects at the root of air power as the basis for its application, it also had significant implications for its future.

A fundamental question emerges from the developments of the recent past – what is and will continue to be enduring in the application of air power?

In other words, what aspects have not changed in the employment of air power over the past century of its existence as an instrument of military power, which are likely to persist into the foreseeable future?

The answer is two-pronged. First, the best practices in the application of air power, from the first days of its employment as a military capability, have always been captured by the practitioners as doctrine. The philosophical level doctrine of capable air forces has always been sophisticated and been continually refined with new developments, either in the concepts of delivery or the technological innovations that improve air power capabilities.

Second, the main enduring trend of air power is that the classic roles of air power will not change even as their delivery, in terms of methodology and concepts of operation, will continually evolve.

This aspect is of great importance in understanding the role AI is bound to play in the foreseeable future of

air power development and employment.

The four fundamental roles of air power are control of the air, strike, air mobility and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR).

Control of the air continues to be a prerequisite for the success of all military operations.

This was recognised almost simultaneously to air power becoming an influential element of military power, at the beginning of World War II. Airborne strike has now become accurate, proportionate and discriminate, facilitated by technology-enabled capabilities and weapon systems, as well as a systems approach to targeting. It has also become timesensitive through the use of uninhabited combat aerial vehicles (UCAV) that can fly at very high altitudes and have long endurance, making it possible for it to remain ‘hidden’ from potential adversaries until the time the target has been identified and a strike can be carried out.

Air mobility has developed into a capability that is increasingly responsive and able to sustain large forces operating further away from home bases. The ability to transport personnel and materiel to the operational theatre and sustain them in the war zone has been enhanced with enhancements in the range, speed and carrying capacity of transport aircraft.

Further, air mobility is critical to Special Forces operations.

In a majority of cases, Special Forces are inserted, sustained

and extracted by the use of air lift assets and they are provided fire support by the strike elements of the air force. Airborne ISR envelopes the battlespace and facilitates information flow across the chain of command, domains and time.

These basics of air power are enduring. The trend in air power development since the mid-1990s has been to make these roles more effective through the innovative absorption of technology that in turn improves the responsiveness and efficiency of the decision-making process that delivers the appropriate effect. For example, the enhanced range of air-to-air weapons and increasing sensor ranges has resulted in an expansion of the diameter of the air superiority bubble that can be created. Similarly the improvements in response time and accuracy of strikes as well as the limited autonomy that has been granted to them makes air strikes

Boeing Loyal Wingman

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C over Sto ry

Photo courtesy of T-intell.com

a prized capability, capable of creating the necessary effects when they are employed, in the majority of cases. Air mobility has also been enhanced with much greater one-time load capability that is delivered faster. ISR has seen sensor horizons move farther away, become more discerning and also become space-based.

Essentially air power as an entity has become more responsive and accurate while being able to influence a much larger ‘area’ than ever before. It can protect more, see further, be more covert and reach out to touch more targets, faster.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE What is AI? AI is being developed for use in almost all areas of human endeavour, including the military forces. Perhaps because of this wide spread of utilisation, defining AI is considered a difficult task. AI is far too nuanced to be placed under one generic definition and needs to be described in a contextual manner. This 6

fact is further reinforced by the very broad spectrum of AI that start from a binary trip-switch to self-learning and truly intelligent machines. A broad and base level definition of AI could be, ‘the ability of a machine to scan, analyse and translate information to achieve a desired outcome.’

This fundamental definition can then be altered to encompass the nuances of AI as it is used in different spheres. Building on the base definition, for the military the definition can be further distilled to read as, ‘Intelligence introduced into a warfighting system, which provides that system with the ability to function to varying levels of autonomy and achieve a desired outcome without any human inputs for the full span of an independent mission.’

This is the definition that has been used for the discussions in this paper. Drawing a baseline is critical to understanding the future. To understand the future utilisation of AI requires a clear position statement regarding what is meant by AI.

AI AND AIR POWER – A FUTURE MODEL As AI starts to become more ‘acceptable’ within the decision-making cycle of airborne systems, it is necessary to examine the probable changes that could take place in the employment of air power in the future. In the immediate to near-term future, within about 15 years from the time AI is fully accepted into the ‘observe, orient, decide, act’ loop in the application of air power, the following four major changes are likely to take place.

Human-Machine Integration, Target Recognition and Targeting, Airspace Management, and Combat Search and Rescue Operations.

IMPACT OF AI Air power has, in the past few decades, become a capability that has reached a point from which all further improvements will only be incremental in a contextual manner. Step-change functions that have added to the rapidity

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of air power development are unlikely in the current developmental situation.

Air power delivered by a system that combines AI and machines is clearly the future. Even if complete autonomy remains a futuristic concept for some more time, there is a certain assurance that fully autonomous systems in the warfighting arena will become reality. This AI-machine combination functioning completely autonomously will be the next step-change function in the developmental history of air power. This will provide an exponential improvement in the application of air power that will elevate air power itself to the next level of competence.

Since the improvements will emanate for the strategic level, it is not difficult to imagine the cascading effect the changes will have in the conduct of an air campaign and the tactical appreciation of operations.

One of the most important impact would be the difficulty in understanding the AI characteristics of the adversary.

Although AI is ‘machine’ built, its development will also be directly influenced by all the elements that make understanding the broad warfighting ethos of a people, nation or armed force a difficult proposition. Understanding AI developed by a particular nation will be as complex as understanding that nation as an adversary. The culture, ethos, morality, ethics, and myriad other factors pertaining to the potential adversary would have to be studied to understand the AI developed by that adversary. Even after such analysis are done, there will always remain a certain percentage of unknown developments that have taken place. In the warfighting dimension, understanding AI is almost like understanding a human war fighter—it will be as complex and as unpredictable as human beings.

AI AND AIR FORCE FOCAL POINTS The foundations of a military force that generates, applies and sustains air power—normally an air force—are based on four focal points; capability, concepts, organisation and people.

These four focal points have to be maintained in a pre-set balance for the

force to function at optimum efficiency; the balance being calculated taking into account a number of variables and their interaction with each other. Even minor changes to the strategic framework of the force will have cascading effects and definitely alter the relative, and fine, balance between the focal points.

These changes to the balance and the arrival at new balancing points are necessary to ensure that the force retains its inherent flexibility and agility, and that it remains efficient.

CONCLUSION With the advent of AI a new horizon is looming in the firmament regarding the future of air power. Air power is about to plunge into a great unknown of both risks and opportunities. It will be a failing force that does not recognise this reality and/ or take appropriate actions to ensure that the advantages are captured and the challenges addressed. The adage, ‘first in will be best dressed’ applies to the understanding and leveraging of AI. The development trajectory of air power has arrived at a situation reminiscent of an earlier time between 1918 and 1935, when large numbers of theories regarding its effective employment were developed and advocated. Most of these were based on conjuncture and often buttressed by some wishful thinking. The flights of fancy were unavoidable at that time because there was no explicit experience to act as the foundations for the development of theories, concepts and doctrine.

The introduction of AI will bring air power to a similar juncture—today there is no background experience to

base developmental thinking, create theories and concepts of employment for an AI-based fully autonomous system. There is no option but to chart a course into the unknown, a course that should run parallel to the maturing of the autonomous systems’ operational capabilities and their acceptance into the day-to-day functioning of a force.

Failure to make the necessary critical changes to ameliorate the emerging challenges, failure to adapt to the ever-changing future, failure to jettison the baggage of the future, failure to accept the momentous changes already in train—individually as airmen and collectively as an air force, will lead to catastrophic failure of the force.

With the advent of AI, air forces—still the primary generators of air power— are on the cusp of an oncoming, and as yet unfathomable, but momentous step-change.

This is an edited shortened version of an original paper. Courtesy RAAF Air Power Development Centre, Canberra.

Note original version states: Disclaimer This working paper was originally published as an A5 booklet in May 2019 (ISSN 2200-1697) and is presented here as a re-formatted printer friendly version.

This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without permission from the publisher.

The views expressed in this work are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of Defence, the Royal Australian Air Force or the Government of Australia. This document is approved for public release; distribution unlimited. Portions of this document may be quoted or reproduced without permission, provided a standard source credit is included. © Copyright Commonwealth of Australia 2019

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Boeing Rolls Out First Loyal Wingman Unmanned Aircraft

A Boeing-led team has presented the Royal Australian Air Force with its first “Loyal Wingman” aircraft, an AIequipped drone that’s designed to fly in coordination with crewed military airplanes.

The aircraft, which uses AI to extend the capabilities of manned and unmanned platforms, is the first to be designed, engineered and manufactured in Australia in more than 50 years. It is Boeing’s largest investment in an unmanned aircraft outside of the United States.

As the first of three prototypes for Australia’s Loyal Wingman Advanced Development Program, the aircraft also serves as the foundation for the Boeing Airpower Teaming System (ATS) being developed for the global defense market.

“This is a truly historic moment for our country and for Australian defence innovation,” said the Hon. Scott Morrison MP, Prime Minister of Australia.

“The Loyal Wingman will be pivotal to exploring the critical capabilities our Air

Force needs to protect our nation and its allies into the future.”

Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld, Chief of the Air Force, said the rollout of the first aircraft was a significant milestone in the Boeing Loyal Wingman project.

“This project is an excellent example of innovation through collaboration and what can be achieved working together with defence industry,” said Air Marshal Hupfeld.

“This demonstrates the importance of the relationship Air Force has with Boeing Australia and defence industry more broadly. I look forward to exploring the capabilities this aircraft may bring to our existing fleet in the future.”

More than 35 members of Australian industry are supporting prototype work across four Australian states. With a global market demand for highly capable but extremely affordable unmanned aircraft, Boeing applied company-wide innovation to achieve those goals.

The aircraft was engineered using a digital twin to model its structures, systems, capabilities and full lifecycle requirements; manufactured with Boeing’s largest-ever resin-infused single composite piece; and assembled using proven advanced manufacturing processes.

“We are proud to take this significant step forward with the Royal Australian Air Force and show the potential for smart unmanned teaming to serve as a force multiplier,” said Kristin Robertson, vice president and general manager of Autonomous Systems for Boeing Defense, Space & Security. “We look forward to getting the aircraft into flight testing and proving out the unmanned teaming concept. We see global allies with those same mission needs, which is why this program is so important to advancing the development of the Boeing Airpower Teaming System.”

The Loyal Wingman prototype now moves into ground testing, followed by taxi and first flight later this year.

Picture Boeing.

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F eat ure

Artificial Intelligence Eff

by Frank Wolfe

Companies are embarking on efforts to embed artificial intelligence (AI) on military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), though the timing of full and effective autonomy for such drones is uncertain.

“While it is easy to imagine a future with significant embedded AI, i.e. online learning and autonomous decision making, deployed on large swarms of UAS, there are significant challenges to adopting non-deterministic learning algorithms on unmanned systems operating in real-world situations in collaboration with our customers,” said James McGrew, the chief technology officer for technology planning and the integration team lead for Boeing’s Insitu, Inc. “As such, we are leveraging machine learning and edge processing techniques to develop tools to enhance 10

our ‘family of systems’ in ways that enhance operation without handing control over to ‘Skynet.’”

Through edge processing, drones do not have to send information to the cloud and thus may achieve greater performance, information security, and autonomy.

L a s t y e a r, I n s i t u a n n o u n c e d a new extended range satellite communications kit for the company’s Integrator drones and an Alticam-14 (AC14) enhanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) turret with telescoping video imaging capability able to identify people from the air. The AC-14 payload has a number of other ISR features, including the ability of an operator to monitor electro-optical, infrared, and short-wave infrared video streams simultaneously. Insitu has also worked on an optional, laser designator

upgrade for the AC-14 that could allow Boeing Apaches to team with Insitu Scan Eagle drones to allow Apache crews to remain out of enemy reach while firing Hellfire missiles.

AI is to aid in analyzing the data provided by the AC-14 for the Integrator drones.

“It is within this [Integrator] family of systems that we plan to leverage the power of processing and mature AI techniques,” McGrew said. “The Hood Tech Vision AC-14 Imager payload uses embedded processing onboard for image stabilization and target tracking.

Our Insitu Common Open-mission Management Command and Control (ICOMC2) and Inexa GCS software suites use processing on the ground to assist flight planning and sensor control. And our Tacitview/Catalina suite leverages server and cloud computing

Fe a tu r e

A Skyborg conceptual design for a low cost attritable Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV). Artwork courtesy of AFRL

fforts for Military Drones based processing of live and archived full motion video to extract information from sensor data. Our teams are working hard to bring more value to each part of our system – air, ground and cloud.”

A number of countries are pursuing the development and production of semi-autonomous and autonomous unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) to serve as complements to manned fighter aircraft. The Royal Australian Air Force plans to fly a Loyal Wingman prototype early this year - a reduced radar cross section (RCS) UCAV flying at high-subsonic or low-supersonic speeds and providing support to manned fighters via the UCAV’s weapons and data sharing. Part of that effort is Boeing’s 38-foot-long Airpower Teaming System (ATS), which flew for the first time last November.

Enabled by AI, ATS is a “modular and highly customizable aircraft with fighter-like flight capabilities,” according to Boeing, which envisions ATS as enabling manned-unmanned teaming in which the unmanned system could “complement and support a specific threat-based mission.”

The United Kingdom is also looking at such a manned-unmanned concept through its Project Mosquito, and the French and German governments are examining the concept as well for the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program. The concepts may involve a swarm of lighter UCAVs working in tandem with fighter aircraft.

The United States Air Force, for its part, is undertaking a Skyborg initiative that uses AI to control lowcost UAS to aid manned aircraft, such as the Lockheed Martin F-35. One key

participant in the initiative is the 30-foot Kratos XQ-58A Valkyrie, which has flown three times and which advertises a cruise speed of more than .7 Mach.

The Valkyrie is designed for rail takeoffs and parachute landings and thus does not require a runway or aircraft carrier. Kratos said that its drones are also made with affordability in mind, as they cost between $1 million and $3 million per copy.

Also in the U.S., the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is engaged in UAS AI efforts, including the Offensive Swarm-Enabled Tactics (OFFSET) program to equip soldiers fighting in urban areas with swarms of up to 250 UAS and unmanned ground systems. Companies, such as Northrop Grumman and Raytheon, are taking part in the program. DARPA is also leading a research effort with 11

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California-based AeroVironment to study how the military can learn from the mechanics of insect flight to increase UAS autonomy by reducing the computation required for AI. California-based Aitech said that its A176 Cyclone and A178 Thunder supercomputers can provide generous AI for military drones, as the systems are ruggedized to military specification and run on parallel NVIDIA general-purpose computing on graphics processing units (GPGPU).

“Nowadays, there are many companies developing military drones, with almost every avionics manufacturer having established a drone team or department,” said Dan Mor, the GPGPU and graphics product line manager for Aitech.

“The demand for military unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) programs is growing continuously, meaning drones are also in demand,” he said. “These systems typically include some type of image or graphic processing, for example, starting from capturing the images and video and ending up with complex real-time mapping and navigation systems. The typical processes for image classification, location and segmentation include but are not limited to pattern or object recognition and identifying classes; locating and extracting image coordinates, finding where in the video those objects are located; and locating object boundary lines, curves, etc. in images and video.”

Mor said that “image classification, image location and image segmentation applications are perfect candidates for deploying NVIDIA deep-learning inference networks, since they can benefit from hundreds of parallel CUDA processor cores calculations.”

CUDA is a parallel computing platform and programming model developed by NVIDIA for GPGPUs. “The military drone market is always looking for small form factor and size, weight and power (SWaP) optimized systems, so high-performance, compact GPGPU-based systems offer an ideal set of characteristics for these types of applications,” Mor said.

While the timeline for nations and groups fielding ubiquitous drone swarms is uncertain, the United States 12

Boeing's 15-strong autonomy test bed fleet is testing out teaming, mission system and AI capabilities. The Queensland Government is supporting Boeing's autonomous systems technology development through its Advance Queensland partnership. Courtesy Boeing.

military is taking no chances and is testing high-energy lasers and highpowered microwave weapons to defeat enemy UAS that may pose a threat to U.S. bases and forces. Last fall, for example, the United States Air Force awarded Raytheon a more than $16 million contract to develop the Phaser high-powered microwave weapon to eliminate such swarms.

The service is testing the weapon and other-directed energy weapons in the wake of attacks by multiple drones against Saudi oil facilities last September—attacks that the Yemenese Houthi movement said that it conducted in response to Saudi intervention in the Yemenese civil war.

Mercury Systems, Inc., a Massachusetts-based aerospace and defense embedded systems supplier company, said that it recently introduced the Ensemble Series HDS6603B and

HDS6605 next generation, rugged OpenVPX server blades that may serve UAS AI applications.

“Powered by Intel Xeon Scalable processors, these high-performance embedded edge computing (HPEEC) server blades are ideally suited to embedded ML and AI applications at the tactical edge,” according to the company. “When combined with our GPU co-processing engines and PCIe switch modules they produce a truly composable data center processing environment for embedding in platforms deployed in the harshest environments.”

Mercury Systems executives see a number of emerging AI trends, based on the wish list of the company’s military customers.

Such trends include the following: • Rugged, embedded processing power to augment EO/IR sensors.

Fe a tu r e

has been discussing LAWS’ concerns and is to start devising a “normative and operational framework” for such weapons at meetings in Geneva on June 22-26 and August 10-14. But humanitarian groups are frustrated that CCW has not progressed further in its work on the issue and that CCW has not brought up a legally binding document to stop or significantly restrict LAWS. In a message to CCW’s Group of Government Experts convened for a meeting on emerging LAWS technologies last March, U.N. Secretary General António Guterres wrote that “autonomous machines with the power and discretion to select targets and take lives without human involvement are politically unacceptable, morally repugnant and should be prohibited by international law.”

“This reflects what I see as the prevailing sentiment across the world,” Guterres wrote. “I know of no state or armed force in favor of fully autonomous weapon systems empowered to take human life.”

• Next generation radar and electronic warfare systems with cognitive/AI processing capability for assessing previously un-encountered threats.

• Multi-functional apertures with sensor fusion and increased processing power to perform more sophisticated on-board sensor processing.

• Lower size, weight and power SWaP) for longer, further, higher missions and for use of AI on smaller platforms.

• Interoperability, scalability and affordability of low-risk modular open system computing approaches/ architectures that leverage technology reuse.

• Mission-critical effector systems (e.g. avionics and vetronics) with flightsafety certification for deterministic critical system operation.

“Overall, we are seeing digital

convergence,” Mercury Systems said. “Multiple platform sensors and their processing chains are being recomposed around a greatly reduced number of processing nodes. This is a model taken from the commercial domain–smart cars and urban air mobility.”

Beyond the use of AI for ISR UAS, AI may enable autonomous UAS that serve as weapons, and, for the latter uses of AI, technological obstacles are not the sole ones. As dozens of defense companies seek to use AI to develop lethal autonomous weapons (LAWS), humanitarian groups seek to build international support for a treaty to ban them.

LAWS, so-called “killer robots,” would rely on AI to remove the human from targeting decisions.

The United Nations Convention on Conventional Weapons (CCW)

Regardless of humanitarian groups efforts though, it is possible that AI and machine learning (ML) may one day find their way to almost all advanced military drones, according to Insitu’s McGrew.

“AI and ML are generic terms for a wide variety of data processing, control, and optimization techniques applicable to almost any industry or system,” McGrew said. “What was considered ‘AI’ in the past, is considered a software application today. I’d say the possibilities are for the full spectrum from Group 1 UAS, for example small fixed wing and multi-copter UAS, through Group 5 UAS, such as Boeing’s Air Power Teaming System. UAS will continue to adopt more advanced technology, leading to further autonomy and allowing human operators to provide more high-level input and supervisory control.”

Copyrighted 2020.

Access Intelligence. 2148825:0420DD

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TOWNSVILLE’S ELLIOT SPRINGS, HOME TO MANY Townsville’s stunning new residential destination, Elliot Springs, is set for continued growth with more community milestones planned for the remainder of 2020.

Located just 15 minutes from Lavarack Barracks, Elliot Springs will be the size of Annandale, Aitkenvale, Vincent, Gulliver and Mundingburra combined, making it Townsville’s largest master planned community and ideal for first home buyers, families and investors alike.

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

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

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

Whether you’re dreaming of easy, open-plan living, a large family home or a low maintenance block near parkland, this community has a site to suit.

Buyers can choose to custom build or select one of the many house and land packages available. Housing guidelines offer ideas to make the most of building for the Townsville climate and lifestyle.

More than one third of Elliot Springs will be open space with an expansive network of playgrounds, landscaped

14

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.

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 been transformed into a Visitors Information Centre for Townsville Enterprise Tourism.

Milestones achieved at Elliot Springs include the opening of the first display village showcasing 13 homes on display by 12 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.

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 Federal Government First Home Loan Deposit Scheme could help you 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.

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

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

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

House & land selling from $335,000 Contact Meryl Bloomfield on 0429 313 935 Elliot Springs Sales and Information Centre, 28 Vista Place, Julago elliotsprings.com.au facebook.com/ElliotSpringsTownsville

15 m from La ins va Barrackrack s

F eat ure

NAVY: Australia’s AI search prototype enters second development phase The Australian Defence Force’s artificial intelligence (AI) prototype to transform airborne search and rescue, known as AI-Search, has entered the second phase of development.

The prototype is the RAAF Plan Jericho collaboration with Warfare Innovation Navy Branch and Air Mobility Group’s 35 Squadron and the University of Tasmania’s Australian Maritime College.

The project’s future phases will see the involvement of more partners, including Defence Science and Technology.

Plan Jericho AI lead wing commander Michael Gan said: “The next phase will involve testing different sensor and processor combinations in a range of environmental conditions, with the potential of testing on a range of aircraft, including UAS.”

Combined with a sensor and processor, the portable system has the capability to transform any aircraft, vehicles or vessels into a search and rescue platform.

Earlier this month, trials were conducted to test the potential of the AI systems to save lives at sea. The trial was successfully aboard a RAAF C-27J Spartan last year. The second trial took place in March this year near Stradbroke Island, Queensland. During these trials, AI-Search detected a range of small targets in a wide sea area while ‘training’ the algorithm.

The algorithm was recently evaluated to check its ability to identify a life raft and other waterborne vessels.

The valuation was done by a C-27J Spartan sortie from RAAF Base Amberley, with the assistance of the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard.

No. 35 Squadron C-27J Spartan loadmasters, Flight Sergeant Christian Allison (L) and Sergeant Sam Makins deploy search and rescue equipment during a training mission 16 held off the coast of Stradbroke Island, Brisbane. CPL Jessica de Rouw

Warfare Innovation Navy Branch machine learning expert lieutenant Harry Hubbert said: “During the sortie, we had a few GoPro sensors rigged up to detect a life raft and two algorithmic approaches working together to increase accuracy and the likelihood of a detection.”

“This sortie was pretty challenging as the life raft was upside down, making it harder to see for both the human eye and the AI-Search sensors.”

Hubbert added: “The sensors are trained to detect an orange top, rather than a black top, but the AI-Search still had a 70% detection rate, compared to the human detection rate of around 50%.

“The 30% AI-Search non-detections happened when there was low contrast between dark water and the black underside of the life raft, and the good news is that we had no false positives.”

Fe a tu r e

ARMY: Australia’s Defence Forces use AI to eliminate ‘Dirty’ Soldiering Based on the latest news, the Australian Defence Force is adopting artificial intelligence in order to make quicker decisions and to deploy unmanned systems. Autonomous killer robots will however not serve alongside Australian personnel, according to sources.

Army’s director-general of future land warfare, Brigadier Ian Langford c o n f i r m e d i n a r a r e i n t e r v i e w, commanders have “tsunami of information” which was now available due to the current use of technology.

Furthermore, it was also freeing them from the “dull, dirty and dangerous” tasks of soldiering.

Australia’s laws of war however requires a human to be accountable for lethal acts, this obligates a “human in the loop” at all times while also maintaining an ultimate control of AI enabled systems.

Gaining advantage in a future conflict would depend on which side could bring together and process information from the multitude of “sensors” now available

to ADF commanders, including signals, cyber and human intelligence, satellite data and open-source information, Brigadier Langford said. “It’s about the ability to provide situational awareness, instantly communicating across the network, in a way that allows our defence force to make decisions about the application of military effect, but also to protect ourselves,” he said.

Brigadier Langford further commented that the Australian army was working on bringing about a surging technological change through an “accelerated warfare” strategy in order to “outpace, out-think and outmanoeuvre the adversary”.

Mastering the lightning-fast flow of information would accelerate the pace of conflict to such an extent that “you are defeating the adversary’s plan rather than the adversary themselves”, Brigadier Langford said.

He said semi-autonomous capabilities were being embraced by Defence, including “leader-follower” technology,

similar to that used in the mining industry, to transport heavy equipment and supplies in unmanned trucks.

“You can tell a vehicle where to drive and it'll drive there, noting that it is teleoperated (controlled remotely) so there is a human that controls the thing the whole way,” Brigadier Langford said.

In the wake of the situation, swarming drones which would overwhelm enemy forces could be the future additions to Australia’s AI-enabled arsenal. He further stated that Australia’s firm position on positive control over AIenabled weapons which “speaks to our values and to our treaty ¬obligations”.

The ADF commanders have access to multitude of “sensors”, including cyber and human intelligence, signals, open-source information and satellite data. He further also added that the AI-assisted decision making framework developed for use by the Defence was similar to the sort of algorithms used in finance industry to make split-second decisions.

Australian Army officer Brigadier Ian Langford, DSC and Bars, watches on as two autonomous M113 AS4 optionally crewed combat vehicle (OCCV) assault an enemy position at the Majura Training Area, Canberra.

17

F eat ure

Why Australia needs a Long-ran It’s time for the Royal Australian Air Force to consider how it can build the capability to defend Australia against the long-range, very high-speed threats being developed in our region.

The RAAF’s F-35A fighters should achieve final operational capability around 2023 and remain in service into the 2040s. A key task for Defence now is to build the long-range air defence system necessary to balance China’s growing standoff warfare capability.

Battle of Britain–style dogfights between fighter aircraft have long given way to beyond-visual-range engagements, in which stealth, electronic warfare and sensor capabilities are paramount. The F-35A is well equipped for air defence beyond the visual, but lacks the range and payload necessary to stay long in a fight. Yet long-range air defence is becoming even more important in the face of emerging standoff missile threats.

China deployed its H-6K bomber onto Woody Island in the South China Sea in 2018. From there it has the range to deliver land-attack and antiship cruise missiles against targets across Australia’s north. China is also developing an air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM). Artwork recently appeared in a government-run Chinese military journal of an H-6N bomber carrying what appeared to be an ALBM based on a DF-15 ballistic missile. Later, communist party mouthpiece the Global Times downplayed the story. China’s development of new long-range strike aircraft, including the H-20 stealth bomber and its rumoured ‘J/H-XX’ counterpart, would add to a complex threat environment.

Along with its development of a standoff strike capability, China is engaging in influence campaigns in Southeast Asia and the South Pacific that could provide it with access to airfields

18

which in turn could bring Chinese fighter aircraft closer to Australia. Such a development would fundamentally alter our strategic calculus and compound our air defence challenge.

Australia is enhancing its air defences by networking its F-35s with its Aegis-equipped Hobart-class air warfare destroyers, its yet-to-bebuilt Hunter-class frigates and its E-7A Wedgetail early warning aircraft.

The goal is to deliver a common operating picture under a ‘cooperative engagement capability’. That will make individual ships and aircraft much more effective than the sum of their parts, an incredibly important step forward for the Australian Defence Force.

An ability to counter standoff missile threats needs to be a priority, and that means detecting threats sooner and at greater range. Extending our sensor capability beyond that provided by the Jindalee Operational Radar Network to include greater use of space systems is one option. The US has already suggested that increased use of spacebased sensors could be a way to deal with a growing hypersonic missile threat from China and Russia. Australia should seek to participate in the development of such a capability.

Air, sea and space networks must be integrated with ground forces as well. Defence’s AIR 6500 project will pull together the ADF’s many advanced command and control, air defence, air combat, communications

and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems into an integrated air- and missile-defence network.

The challenge here, though, is that phase 2 of AIR 6500 doesn’t emphasise long-range missile capabilities and instead focuses on battlefield air defence and medium-range groundbased air defence. That seems to reflect a broader strategic mindset that eschews long-range military power projection and is inconsistent with emerging threat environments.

Electronic warfare and cyber operations are also becoming far more important. The RAAF’s E/A-18G Growler and MC-55 Peregrine aircraft represent significant advances for the air force’s ability to detect adversary forces and disrupt their long-range targeting. The ADF needs to take this a step further and develop coordinated electronic warfare and cyber operations.

Fe a tu r e

nge Air Defence Capability

Air, sea and space networks must be integrated with ground forces as well. Defence’s AIR 6500 project will pull together the ADF’s many advanced command and control, air defence, air combat, communications and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems into an integrated air- and missile-defence network.

It needs new and innovative methods of air defence beyond kinetic kills.

The ADF is putting most of these capabilities in place but needs to consider the next steps—to extend its operational reach and persistence. This is where the real problems emerge. A failure to develop a longer reach means the ADF will increasingly surrender the initiative to an adversary, particularly given emerging long-range missile threats to our northern defence facilities.

Australia is beginning to suffer the effects of a failure of strategic vision by capability decision-makers in the 1990s.

Their decision to invest in short-range air power instead of long-range systems has shaped force development and is now generating a mismatch between the capabilities Australia has and those it would need to fight a major war.

In 2018, Paul Scharre of the Center for a New American Security told the US House Armed Services Committee that the US Air Force was poorly placed to confront Chinese area-denial weapons and expeditionary air power, because it was ‘still heavily weighted towards short-range tactical fighter aircraft and, under current plans, will remain so for decades to come’. The same can be said for the RAAF. This oversight needs to be corrected quickly. Defence should consider increasing investment in advanced unmanned systems that can survive in contested airspace and extend the reach of existing short-range platforms.

The stealthy Boeing MQ-25 Stingray, which is being acquired for the US Navy to undertake unmanned airborne refuelling missions, could boost the

F-35A’s range and time on station without necessarily betraying its location like a non-stealthy aircraft, such as the RAAF’s KC-30 tankers, might. Adapting Boeing Australia’s loyal wingman concept to a long-range air defence role would also be a natural step if we want to extend the RAAF’s reach and enhance its responsiveness.

New strategic challenges are mounting in our region. The ADF has to be able to respond to threats more quickly and at a greater distance from Australia. That means it’s time to take a more ambitious look at how the ADF does air defence in the 21st century.

Malcolm Davis The Strategist https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/whyaustralia-needs-a-long-range-air-defencecapability/

19

Accreditation: The secret to a successful transition

1. Network with non-military professionals. Urquhart has thoroughly enjoyed networking with leaders from different industries as

H

umans are hardwired

“I think it’s because it’s

a member of the Institute

to resist uncertainty. It’s

perceived as two different

of Managers and Leaders

no wonder change can be

worlds, the military and the

Australia and New Zealand

daunting even for some of

‘civvy’ (civilian) world. But

(IML ANZ). It has opened

the most resilient people –

they’re more similar than

his mind to the way others

those in the defence force.

what people imagine.”

In 2018, the Department

Minding the gap

of Defence released the

have achieved success. Plus, Ben Urquhart CMgr AFIML

the Transition Taskforce report lists establishing

Urquhart looked

new networks as one of the

Transition Taskforce report,

And where there are

towards leadership skills

ways to enable a successful

that estimates around 5,500

differences in these two

development to close

transition into civilian life.

to 6,000 members of the

worlds, it seems veterans

that gap and completed a

defence force leave active

simply need to validate the

diploma course. However, he

2. Accredit your skills.

service annually. That means

skills they already gained

reached a stage in his career

Neither Hughes nor

thousands of men and

in service.

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Urquhart completed a

enough. “I considered

degree, but that didn’t

That’s what Ben Urquhart

doing an engineering

stop them from becoming

CMgr AFIML,

degree but quickly realised

successful and respected

women make a life-changing transition every year.

a communications

The same report reveals that

electronic technician for the

that I wanted to stand

leaders. Hughes believes

a significant barrier to an

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“One of the challenges

highest accreditation

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It’s a common feeling.

coming out of service was

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“There’s always that fear, I

that I didn’t know how

and leaders.

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to talk to civilians,” says

the change when I left the

Urquhart. Not that he lacked

Hughes believes this is a

Royal Air Force,” recalls Paul

communication skills, but

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civilian environments.

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Hughes CMgr FIML, former

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they exit the defence force.

Hughes observes that

Australian Air Force Cadets

one that didn’t have the

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military mindset. Urquhart

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people with excellent

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communication skills to

knowing what you can bring

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crucially needed.

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Remember, to foil fear you

Both Urquhart and Hughes

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believe that there are many

Paul Hughes CMgr FIML

20

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STEM

Australia has hundreds of programs to get women into science, but are they working? Time to find out Science, technology, engineering and mathematics, collectively known as STEM, are vitally important for keeping Australia competitive in a technologydriven world.

But despite STEM’s importance, we are not training enough people with skills in vital areas such as digital technologies and engineering to make the most of these business opportunities. In particular, there are extremely low numbers of women engaging in these fields.

The lack of women in essential STEM jobs exacerbates the national skills shortage and dampens Australia’s potential to lead the way in transforming our current industries and creating new ones. To compete on the world stage, we need a diverse and fully engaged workforce.

As the Australian Government’s Women in STEM Ambassador, I work on a national level with all sectors to drive gender equity in STEM. My role is to catalyse systemic change that will make the STEM sector more inclusive, strong, diverse to support Australia’s economic growth and global competitiveness.

Are current efforts succeeding?

Organisations and individuals across the country have been trying to increase the participation of women and girls in STEM for years. The Australian Academy of Science has identified at least 331 separate initiatives across Australia designed to increase the participation of women and girls in STEM studies and careers. These include educational programs, work and industry experience, mentoring schemes, and many more.

We’re spending millions on initiatives, but are they having a positive impact?

The trouble is, we don’t know.

That’s because most programs are not properly tested or evaluated.

Evaluation was one of the main recommendations of the Women in 22

STEM Decadal Plan, released in April 2019. By using data and measuring outcomes, we can target our efforts and scale up programs that are effective and proven to work.

To evaluate our actions effectively we need to engage scientific principles.

We start by defining the outcomes we want. What does success look like, and how do we measure it? The key is to adopt a data-driven approach.

With that in mind, and to mark International Women’s Day 8th March, federal science minister Karen Andrews launched the Advancing Women in STEM 2020 Action Plan.

What’s the plan?

The new plan follows the priorities already outlined in the decadal plan, with a focus on the areas of data collection and analysis, evaluation, and changing institutional practices. It aims to ensure action on STEM gender equity is evidence-based and effectively targeted.

To help with this, my office is developing an evaluation framework to assist organisations in taking a more scientific approach to their STEM engagement programs. This will help the people who run programs designed to promote a more inclusive STEM environment.

We’ll pilot the evaluation guide with recipients of the federal government’s Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship grants program, before making it more widely available. This will help us learn which programs are making a difference and where we can upscale for even greater impact.

M y o ff i c e w i l l a l s o c o n d u c t an Australian peer-reviewed trial of anonymous assessment of research funding proposals. Removing names and gender pronouns from applications can work well to combat gender and cultural biases. NASA has tried a similar approach in allocating time using the Hubble Telescope, with successful results.

In NASA’s system, the names of reviewers and scientists were made known to each other only after the review was complete. For the first time in 18 years, proposals led by women had a slightly higher success rate than those led by men.

We are implementing this method in Australia in a structured scientific trial, removing names and pronouns from applications to use large Australian research facilities.

The trial will do two things. First, it will provide important data on the effectiveness of anonymised review and provide a strong evidence base for the STEM sector to take action on more equitable processes in future.

Second, if international experience is anything to go by, it will immediately reduce gendered and cultural biases that exist in such decision-making processes.

Measuring success

How will we know if all this work is making a difference?

To help answer that, the federal government has also launched a STEM Equity Monitor, an interactive portal that will collect and track data on a range of indicators including: girls’ attitudes to STEM in schools, engagement rates, qualifications and workforce participation, pay rates and working conditions.

It is free for anyone to use and will enable our community to measure progress towards a society that provides equal opportunity for people of all genders to learn, work and engage in STEM. Lisa Harvey-Smith Professor and Australian Government’s Women in STEM Ambassador, UNSW. The Conversation.

C y b e r Te ch n o l o g y

23

F eat ure

Tac Eval HIGH VALUE AVIATION ASSET Kill

by Darren “Buster” Crabb During height of Cold War in Europe, we trained daily covering a myriad of scenarios. These covered Canada’s NATO declared dual roles of Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground.

We worked from reinforced concrete bunkers with each CF-18 in a HAS, or Hardened Aircraft Shelter. The HAS was about 3 feet thick and comprised reinforced steel and concrete, covered in earth, grass and trees, making them difficult to detect from the air. As well, they were all widely spaced so that an airfield attacker might only get one, instead of many. We practiced both Conventional and NBCW (Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Warfare). It was a necessary evil to be ready for whatever might be used against us in hostilities.

As part of our readiness preparation we were subjected to unannounced ‘recall Alerts’. The method indicated that war had commenced, and we never knew if it was for real or not!

If you lived off base, you were woken by a phone call from the Sector Operations Centre usually about three or four in the morning; if on base there were sirens and PA’s bellowing for all to hear. We had to get to work as rapidly as possible, get issued war codes and personal weapons, amass for a Squadron Intelligence briefing, receive our assigned tasking and plan each sortie, and conduct formation

briefs. Every formation member had assigned tasks, which meant that we could receive our FRAG, plan and make maps for four members and brief to walk in 20 minutes! We relied a lot on SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) to cut out the administrative verbiage.

Speed was of the essence as we were only 20 minutes flying time to the enemy boarders of East Germany and Czechoslovakia.

Concurrently, our ground crews loaded required weapons onto our aircraft, which may even involve dressing for NBCW (fully contained charcoal garments, gas masks and sundries), up to when we were usually stood down with an “end exercise”.

These alerts happened almost monthly just to keep everyone razor sharp!

We were also tested annually with major NATO TACEVAL (Tactical Evaluation) exercises, which lasted 3-5 days, and went 24/7. Our entire Canadian Air Group of three squadrons, totaling 54 aircraft, were collectively put through our paces and evaluated by independent teams of NATO member forces. Canada repeatedly achieved the highest ratings in our dual roles, beating other NATO countries that declared only one role.

It was during one of these large NATO exercises that I had quite a memorable day. We were conducting operations between 2 ATAF (Allied

Tactical Air Force) in Northern Germany and 4 ATAF in Southern Germany.

My Squadron, 421 Tactical Fighter Squadron was assigned to 4 ATAF. To g i v e y o u a n i d e a o f t h e ‘unrestricted’ respective strengths at the time of each ATAF, here is a breakdown 2 ATAF RAF

USAFE Belgium

Netherlands

Germany

Total

Tornado x 48 Harrier x 32 F-4 x 32 F-15 x 24 F-16 x 144 Mirage x 58 Alphajet x 32 F-5 x 36 F-16 x 160 Tornado x 40 F-4 x 60 Alphajet x 36 670 Fighters

4 ATAF USAFE

Germany

Canada

Total

F-16 x 36 Wild Weasel F-4 x 36 Wild Weasel F-16 x 48 F-4 x 22 F-15 x 72 Tornado x 62 F-4 x 64 Alphajet x 60 CF-18 x 54 (CFB Baden) CF-18 x 36 (CFB Lahr) 490 Fighters

CF-18s Aim-7 Fox 1. DND Photo

24

Fe a tu r e

32 DANG. DoD photo

The simulated FLOT (Forward line of Troops), or the front line, was running West to East where the Rhine river bends Eastward around Weisbaden and Frankfurt and becomes the Main river flowing towards Bamberg. This line extended to the old East German border near Hof. In essence we owned the bottom third of West Germany.

In our bunker, our Intelligence section handed our 4- ship our FRAG or Mission Tasking order. Each FRAG delineated whether a 2 or 4 ship, the target, target coordinates, timings and any special instructions. They also briefed us on known and suspected enemy air and ground threats and capabilities that we’d encounter crossing the FLOT. We all got very excited when we read that we were given a HVAA kill.

HVAA stands for High Value Aviation Asset, which in this instance was the enemy AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System). This is of course the aircraft with the big plate on top that most people have seen in the news. We were going to take out the battlefield ‘eyes’ of 2 ATAF, denying the opposition Commander his battlefield situational awareness and ability to effectively wage war. Our Formation lead directed Squadron Operations that we’d only need air-to air weapons 2,2,+, consisting of 2 x Aim-7 radar missiles, 2 x Aim-9 heat seeking missiles and a full load of 20mm canon shells.

We were embedded in a multi-

national package of 40 aircraft, all with specific targets or roles of their own.

Our package equated to 10 x 4 ship formations and using normal formation spacing of 3-5nm between the elements of 2 aircraft, meant that our offensive power extended for about 80-100nm.

These Combined Air Operations were sometimes referred to as a “Gorilla”, through the analogy of this super strong and imposing creature fearlessly going through the jungle taking on anything in its’ way. We didn’t know enemy aircraft numbers, but guessed it could be in the region of 60 aircraft.

While numbers 2 and 4 drew up our battle maps and kneeboard cards containing all of the pertinent information required, Lead and I (#3) conducted a mini tactics brief. We all came together for our formation brief, suited up and went to our individual HAS to ensure we were ready to start engines on time.

One of the interesting aspects of flying within NATO forces is that all countries signed up to use the same SOPs. This allowed us a greater than 90% chance of success working with other national air forces, “Comm out” or no radio communications while employing timings and visual signals only. Our aim was to conduct this entire mission without radio communication with the package, keeping the combined frequency clear for emergency type transmissions. We would use our inter formation frequency only if required.

Individual start up, signaling the ground crew to open the blast doors 45 seconds prior to our silent taxi, find your proceeding formation member and slot into line. As we approached the runway, the Tower controller flashes us the green light and we do a 2+2 afterburner take-off. Once safely airborne, I signal for gear up and out of burner. Formation Leads wave the wingmen to deploy into spread formation about 3nm from their respective lead, as I establish a 3-5nm trail on lead. Every formation member setting their radar to scan a specific area of responsibility.

Lead directs us along our transit route, using his raw radar returns to find the formation we are to follow from the TRP or Time Reference Point, and slots us in. The TRP is an arbitrary point where our entire 40 ship package will flow through like a doorway. All formations know what speeds and altitudes to fly to avoid a massive accordion affect in the package.

On our ‘Gorilla’ common frequency, our own AWACS were giving “Bullseye” broadcasts on enemy disposition and the suspected position of the HVAA. A Bullseye is another arbitrary point that we could all reference on our radar, and by moving your radar cursor to the nominated radial and distance from the BE position you could easily find the targets. These calls gave the entire 40 ship situational awareness on any inbound threats. The overall intent of the 25

F eat ure

package is to always progress towards the target. If part of the package was threatened, they could offset to try and avoid or engage. However, at no time could package members turn back past 90 degrees to the package flow.

Our rules of engagement at the time considered anything hot of 90 degrees a threat, and we were cleared to kill.

Post FLOT crossing, we have literally stepped into bad guy territory.

Based on the BE calls, Formation Lead and I find the HVAA about 45 degrees left at 40 nm. We keep our radar scans going without locking onto the target to announce our position and intentions.

We are also scanning for their know protection. The AWACS is always guarded and today this comprised 4 x F-15 Air Superiority Fighters from the 32nd Tactical Fighter Squadron, based at Soesterburg, the Netherlands. They were also called the 32nd DANG (Dutch Air National Guard) Wolfhounds. This was a USAF Squadron, but the only US Squadron to incorporate the Royal NL crown in their crest. This signified that they could theoretically go to war with Holland, without US Approval.

As our geometry closed to about 25nm, we couldn’t believe our luck. The F-15s were flying their CAP (Combat Air

NATO AWACS. DoD photo

26

Patrol) in battle formation (Lead and 3 flying 3-4nm abreast, with 2 and 4 in combat sweep off their respective lead), and had all turned cold away from their Asset. It was a CAP option, but I would have had a counter rotating cap of 2 x 2 ships so that 2 radars were always hot into the threat sector. Most CAPs utilized 15nm legs.

That was our cue. Lead calls our formation to commit with the BE position, Gate (Afterburners) go! We turn towards the target, break ground clutter and start a burner climb towards the AWACS. All four radars are rolled onto the target, no sorting required as we know there is only one. At 25nm the AWACS is visually a black speck, at 20nm we know it is a big enough speck to be of airliner size. At 15nm we can visually see the definition of the AWACS and its’ signature dish, as we bear down from his forward left quarter.

We approach 15nm to the AWACS about the time the four Eagles are all at the back of their 15nm cap. Thus, the protection fighters are a good 35 nm from our 4 ship. I have no doubt the AWACS is screaming its head off for help, however, it is too late.

As soon as each two ship was within a high probability of kill Aim-7 range, we

individually lock, Fox-1’d and F-poled to the East, holding the HVAA at the limit of our radar scope to time out our missiles.

This F-pole manoeuvre also served to preserve good geometry against the Eagles, shrinking their ability to engage and launch weapons on us. As soon as we each timed out our missile, we hard cranked southeast, egressed for the deck and regained formation mutual support. We would normally have deployed chaff during our crank manoeuvre but this would have caused havoc with the civilian air traffic radars, so was not utilized. We were all ‘Spiked’ at 6 o’clock (radar locks by the F-15s), but we were home free outside of their weapons.

4 x Fox-1 kills on the HVAA, no chance of survival!

We were pumped with adrenalin, but still had the task of simulating egressing the enemy FLOT, squawking the correct IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) codes, flying the correct arrival and speeds to ensure we weren’t engaged by friendly surface to air missile defences. We conduct a 2+2 formation landing with

Fe a tu r e

individual taxi back to the HAS you departed from. I spun my jet infront of the HAS as my ground crew open the blast doors. A cable system is attached to my main landing gear and I am winched back inside with the doors closing immediately after. The ground crew immediately hop into action as they have only 45 minutes to refuel and re-arm the jet for the next sortie.

We rendezvous back in the squadron bunker and couldn’t wait to debrief with Intelligence. Lead conducts our formation debrief and all four HUD tapes are reviewed to ensure 4 x valid high probability kills. With elation, our Intelligence section submit their report up the chain of command to the 4 ATAF Commander confirming the destruction of the enemy HVAA. At the close of the exercise our formation received the highest praise from our 4 ATAF Commander ’s debriefing team.

Meanwhile, I’m sure that the 2 ATAF Commander could have fried eggs on his forehead, he was so livid.

The HVAA is sacrosanct and in theory should never be killed. He’d lost his eyes in the sky, and ultimately the battle. I can only imagine the grief that poured down from on high to the F-15 Squadron Commanding Officer, the F-15 formation and anyone else who dared to be collateral damage.

Yes, we’d delivered a major coup, per our tasking. While we enjoyed bragging rights at the bar, one of the main effects this should have had was to find the exposed weakness in the 2 ATAF battle plan on the day, and make positive corrections so this would never happen, should we be fighting for real.

421 Sqn crest.

Busters Collection

CF-18 Hornet patch.

Busters Collection

Above right: CFB Baden HAS layout.

DND Photo Bottom right: 421 Sqn and HAS. DND Photo

27

Port Stephen’s new lifestyle opportunities: McCloy Communities There are many reasons why one might prefer a brand new home over an existing dwelling. New homes offer the latest designs, style, comfort and quality. They provide a care-free lifestyle so that you can enjoy your home, not work on it. You can choose the builder you want, design the home your way, choose a floor plan and room layout that meets your needs all whilst having the peace of mind that everything is under warranty. There are also the government grants, energy efficiencies, advanced technologies and safety features that can come with a newly built home.

However, the opportunity to find land in an ideal location in Port Stephens has been limited in the past. This has changed in recent years, with the award-winning McCloy Group launching several leading communities in Port Stephens, with another in Medowie, The Gardens set to release mid 2020.

McCloy Group are renowned for delivering outstanding residential communities and have three right here in Port Stephens.

The existing McCloy Communities in Port Stephens, The Bower at Medowie and Potter’s Lane in Raymond Terrace feature impressive entry features and statement public art installations,

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quality streetscapes lined with mature trees and the ever popular state of the art children’s playgrounds, all core to all McCloy Communities. Those in the housing market can expect the same level of quality to come at The Gardens, along with all homesites fully serviced with sewerage, water and electricity. Plus super-fast broadband and telephone services plus Free to Air TV and Foxtel signals delivered over the same fibre supplied by Opticomm.

Project Director of the Port Stephens Region, James Goode believes the new communities bring buyers benefits beyond the services and quality of living McCloy Group provide their customers.

“The Gardens, like The Bower and Potter’s Lane provide a rare opportunity for these buyers to choose their block, home design and builder that suits their budget and lifestyle needs, often more affordable than purchasing and renovating existing properties.”

There were several significant benefits of building new over buying existing Mr Goode outlined: Cost: With the average cost of an established home in Australia seemingly to continue to rise, they are increasingly beyond the financial reach of many Australians looking to buy a home. In contrast, house and land

packages typically sell for significantly less, but still deliver a comparable property in terms of size. “Homesites can currently be purchased at Potter’s Lane, for example, from $169,000 and 4-bedroom house and land packages start from $411,000.”

5% Deposit: Most vendors require a 10% deposit from purchasers to secure an established home. “To secure your homesite in a McCloy Community, all you need is a 5% deposit with no more to pay until settlement” shared Mr Goode. Plus interest rates are heading towards all time lows, making it the perfect time to crack the property market.

Government Grants: There are several financial rewards from the state government that come in the form of Government Grants, which could save you tens of thousands of dollars. To see if you’re eligible, visit revenue.nsw.gov. au/grants-schemes Modern Living: Because you are buying a property before it has been built, you will be able to ensure that the house will meet your family’s needs. You can liaise with the builder on the design so that you get the features and spaces you need, having an input on everything from the initial floor plan to the finishes, fixtures and fittings. You can also decide

*Disclaimer: Current layout in accordance with approved D.A and is subject to change.

thegardensmedowie.com.au

which proportion of the land is devoted to a yard or garden. At The Bower, the impressively spacious homesites currently range from 512m2 to 1698m2 so you’ll have plenty of choices to make.

Plus The Gardens offers a location just minutes from schools, shops and sporting facilities.

Maintenance: The other benefit of a new-build property is that maintenance

costs will usually be lower than those associated with an established property.

New builds will benefit from the latest technology and design innovations, meaning they will have up to date heating and water systems that are less likely to break down. Often the building, fixtures and fittings will be covered by a builder’s guarantee, which can often last for up to 10 years.

For more information on The Bower, visit thebowermedowie.com.au, for Potter’s Lane potters-lane.com.au and the upcoming new community The Gardens, thegardensmedowie.com. au is where you’ll find land availability, purchase process information and contact details for our friendly land sales consultants!

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Fe a tu r e

Return of the Supersonic Flight moves closer

by Sandy Milne The return of supersonic commercial flights moved a step closer after the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) proposed new rules for take-off and landing noise standards.

The seemingly innocuous Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) is a significant step forward for the potential re-introduction of commercial supersonic aviation, which ended with the Concorde’s retirement in 2003.

In an announcement released on 30 March, the FAA said that the regulation, “modifies and clarifies existing regulatory procedures to obtain FAA approval to test supersonic aircraft”.

“The US Department of Transportation and the FAA are committed toward the safe and environmentally-sound research and development of supersonic aircraft,” said FAA acting administrator Dan Elwell.

“We are confident in the next generation of aviation pioneers who

want to open new opportunities for business, economic, and aviation growth.”

In recent years, new developments in manufacturing, design and noisereduction technology have brought the idea of supersonic travel back into the limelight.

Many companies both inside and outside of the US are investing heavily in the concept.

Colorado-based start-up Boom Technology, for example, expects to flight test the XB-1 Baby Boom this year.

The demonstrator aircraft is designed to hold Mach 2.2 (2,300 km/h), and achieve over 1,000 nautical miles of range.

The company’s Overture model, which is a proposed full-scale 55-passenger aircraft, is planned for introduction in 2025.

The narrow-body model has received strategic investment from Japan Airlines, and holds an option to purchase up to 20 of the aircraft once ready. Virgin Group has a similar option on 10.

Designs are similar to the Concorde and have maintained the iconic deltawing configuration. Inside, the Overture is also configured in an all-business, direct-aisle seating arrangement.

The Concorde was introduced to service 1976, flying regular transAtlantic services covering London, Paris, New York, Washington DC, and Barbados.

It targeted a similar all-business market, offering luxury and speed travel to the ultra-wealthy. However, the design project overran estimates by nearly double and ticket costs soon proved prohibitive – in 1997, the roundtrip ticket price from New York to London cost 30 times the cheapest available option.

The cutting of maintenance funding to Concorde by parent company Airbus, the crashing of Air France 4590 in 2000, as well as the downturn in demand for air travel associated with the September 11 attacks in 2001, all contributed to the Concorde’s retirement in 2003.

Courtesy World of Aviation

31

C yber Techn olo gy

School to Skill Defence Industry Workforce Leading South Australian electronic warfare company DEWC Systems has established the nation’s first school dedicated to training defence technicians in cyber, electronic warfare and undersea warfare.

The school will skill the state’s workforce, enabling more South Australians to take advantage of the jobs on offer as a result of the massive pipeline defence work for decades to come.

The School of Information Operations at Innovation House in Mawson Lakes provides specialised training and workshops to engineers, technicians and Australian Defence Force personnel wanting to upskill and gain employment in the Australian defence industry.

Premier Steven Marshall said the school is critical in building a workforce with the required skills in electronic warfare to meet the needs of the defence industry.

“This is the first technical and operational defence-related school in Australia and will help build our workforce

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to meet the demands of critical defence projects being undertaken in our state, which are creating jobs for current and future generations,” said the Premier.

“South Australia is embarking on some of the most sophisticated defence projects in the history of our nation, with a $90 billion pipeline of work presenting itself.

“Electronic warfare is a rapidly evolving field and a vital capability for all new submarines, frigates, offshore patrol vessels, and other key projects across Army and Air Force.

“We must develop a stream of highly skilled workers with expertise in electronic warfare to ensure our local businesses are in the best position to secure work on these projects.”

The School of Information Operations is a collaboration between DEWC and defence and security multinational company Leonardo, and is offering training courses in electronic warfare, cyber, information operations, undersea warfare and communications.

DEWC is also looking to partner with Australian higher education

providers to include its courses as part of postgraduate degrees in defencerelated studies.

Glenn Murray, CEO of DEWC T&E said the SOIO provides students with the relevant technical, operational and practical skills sought by defence and defence industry.

“We have been working with the South Australian Government through Defence SA, South Australian academic institutes and local defence industry to continue to foster strategic relationships that will contribute to the State’s competitive edge in the defence sector.

In collaboration with Leonardo, SOIO will support and develop defence related operational training to support national interests in having a highly skilled and operational focused workforce,” Mr Murray said.

Established in 2011, DEWC has a broad range of experience and expertise in electronic warfare, having worked on -related Australian Defence projects, research, testing and operations with the Army, Navy and Air Force.

C y b e r Te ch n o l o g y

Cyber resilience key to securing Australia’s economic future President of the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE) Foundation and former adviser to the Obama and Trump administrations, Chris Painter, has told the 2020 Global Cyber Security Capacity Building Conference in Melbourne that nations in the Oceania region must put a greater emphasis on cyber policy.

Painter, a vanguard of US and international cyber issues for over 25 years, was unequivocal in his keynote that cyber security and cyber security policy was an urgent and fundamental issue of national importance for all nations.

"Given the severity of the threat and our increasing dependence on cyber space, the US and other governments around the world have moved from treating cyber policy — including cyber security, cyber crime, internet governance and internet freedom — as niche or technical issues to treating them as core issues of national security, economic policy, human rights and, ultimately, core issues of foreign policy," said Painter.

He said that, while Australia enjoyed a warm relationship with the US, it should not take its position for granted and the Australian government had a responsibility to ensure cyber security, and cyber security policy specifically, remained a priority.

Speaking at the conference, Oceania Cyber Security Centre (OCSC) chair Cameron Boardman said convening the event in Melbourne was a testament to the strength of the partnership and collaboration between the organisations.

"The 2020 Global Cyber Security Conference is the first time this event has been held outside of the UK and we are delighted to welcome our partners and delegates from across the world to Melbourne," he said.

Boardman reinforced the need for a greater focus on policy settings that would ultimately improve the cyber resilience of Australia and its neighbours across the Oceania Pacific region.

"The OCSC’s work in building national cyber resilience is focused on the Oceania Pacific region. Globally, this region is the largest contributor to the

world’s digital market and is expected to contribute $1.4 trillion to global e-commerce," said Boardman.

"We recognise that this region presents significant opportunities and complex cyber challenges. In many ways, it is at the forefront of the world’s digital revolution. It is home to some one of the most advanced digital economies in the world, however, there are countries in the region where digital development is still in its early stages."

The 2020 Global Cyber Security Capacity Building Conference is cohosted by Melbourne-based OCSC, the GCSCC from the University of Oxford, the birthplace of the Cybersecurity Capacity Maturity Model (CMM), and the GFCE based in The Hague.

"By improving the cyber security of our partners, we strengthen our own cyber defences. Ultimately that is the aim of this conference: build our domestic knowledge and capability, promote confidence in the online environment, reduce losses attributable to cyber crime, create the right environment for multistakeholder internet governance, protect human rights and deliver sustainable development outcomes," said Boardman.

The OCSC is a not-for-profit collaboration of eight universities based in Victoria.

It obtains substantial support from the Victorian government and has the broad aim of engaging with government and industry to conduct research, develop training opportunities and build capacity in Australia and across the Oceania region for responding to current and emerging cyber security issues.

Some of the key OCSC areas of interest include: critical infrastructure, data analytics, network security, cryptography, privacy and social media, AI and automation, and organisational security.

Courtesy Defence Connect

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Fe a tu r e

Airbus achieves world’s first fully automatic refuelling contacts Airbus has achieved the first ever fully automatic air-to-air refuelling (A3R) operation with a boom system. The flight test campaign, conducted earlier in the year over the Atlantic Ocean, involved an Airbus tanker test aircraft equipped with the Airbus A3R solution, with an F-16 fighter aircraft of the Portuguese Air Force acting as a receiver.

Australia is also watching the program closely and has previously contributed one of the RAAF’s KC-30A MRTTs to the earlier flight test campaign, representing a large aircraft receiver during at least seven automatic contacts with the A310’s ARBS This milestone is part of the industrialisation phase of A3R systems ahead of its implementation in the A330 MRTT tanker development.

The campaign achieved a total of 45 flight test hours and 120 dry contacts with the A3R system, covering the whole aerial refuelling envelope, as the F-16 and MRTT consolidate the maturity and capabilities of the development at this stage.

The certification phase will start in 2021.

Didier Plantecoste, Airbus Head of Tanker and Derivatives Programmes, said: “The achievement of this key milestone for the A3R programme highlights the A330 MRTT’s excellent capability roadmap development and once more confirms that our tanker is the world’s reference for present and future

The picture shows the first fully automated refuelling contacts between an Airbus tanker test aircraft and a Portuguese Air Force F-16 fighter jet. Airbus.

refuelling operations. Our special thanks go to the Portuguese Air Force for their continued support and help on this crucial development.”

The A3R system requires no additional equipment on the receiver aircraft and is intended to reduce air refuelling operator (ARO) workload, improve safety and optimise the rate of air-to-air refuelling transfer in operational conditions, helping maximise aerial superiority. The goal for the A3R system is to develop technologies that will reach fully autonomous capabilities.

Once the system is activated by the ARO, the A3R flies the boom automatically and keeps the alignment between the boom tip and the receiver receptacle with an accuracy of a couple of centimeters; the proper alignment and the receiver stability is checked in real-time to keep a safe distance between the boom and the receiver and also to determine the optimum moment to extend the telescopic beam to achieve the connection with the receiver.

At this point, the fuel transfer is initiated to fill up the receiver aircraft and once completed and the disconnection is commanded, the boom is cleared away from the receiver by retracting the telescopic beam and flying the boom away to keep a safe separation distance. During this process, the ARO simply monitors the operation.

35

Hist ory

S M A D A Y ON

T

Words Tony Adams/Mark Eaton

Tony Adams December 2019

36

In September 1939, during the early years of World War II, Britain and its Allies were heavily engaged in conflict with Nazi Germany. Royal Air Force Bomber Command, controlled the RAF’s bomber forces. Along with the United States Army Air Forces, Bomber Command played a crucial role in the strategic bombing of Germany in WWII. Bomber Command was considered to be Britain’s greatest and mightiest weapon at the time, flying 364,514 operational sorties which involved precision and selective target attacks over parts of Europe including France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark and as far as Italy.

In August 1942, the effectiveness of Bomber Command was greatly enhanced with establishment of the Pathfinder Force. Under command of Group Captain Donald Bennett, an Australian, the Pathfinders initially consisted of five squadrons from each of the operational Bomber Command Groups. Other squadrons would later join the Pathfinders during the War. In all Bomber Command squadrons there

were a range of nationalities, and it was very common for a bomber crew to consist of British, Canadian, Australian or New Zealand airmen.

At almost 18 years of age, a young Tony Adams from North Sydney would volunteer for the war effort. Passing his medical, he was put on the Reserve list awaiting a call up. However, within a month of his birthday on 12 January 1924, the Army called him into service.

Joining 2 Division Signals, attached to the 7th Field Regiment, he learned Morse Code - although found he wasn’t at all proficient. Tony would later depart for Western Australia. Soon after he would transfer to the RAAF on 18 September 1942, going first to Bradfield Park, the Initial Training School, for a few weeks.

Having completed radio training for six months at Parkes, NSW, Tony later completed Air Gunnery Training at Port Pirie, South Australia, graduating as a Wireless Air Gunner with the rank of Sergeant. At this time, it was noted all RAAF Aircrew were volunteers. After six months, all aircrew were eligible to become Flight Sergeants and after

H i sto r y

an

N Q S 149 o

erat p o s s e l e r i aussie w

another 12 months, Warrant Officers.

Additionally, many Australians flying in Bomber Command were able to apply for a commission. Therefore, by the time Tony was to complete his first tour, he would become a Pilot Officer.

Departing Brisbane, Tony sailed with 200 other Aircrew on the American troopship ‘Matsonia’ to San Francisco, followed by a five-day troop train journey across the USA. After a few weeks in a US Army Camp, Tony joined the troopship ‘Queen Mary’ with 16,693 souls aboard (mostly US Troops) eventually arriving at Clyde River, Scotland.

After approximately three weeks in the Australian and New Zealand Airmen’s reception centre in Brighton, England, Tony was one of 20 Aussie Wireless Operators posted to a station on the west coast of Scotland for further flying radio training on Avro Anson’s.

This included flying over Northern Ireland (not Ireland, a neutral country) for the entire war.

To demonstrate the high loss rate, within nine months of radio training ending and after they had all joined crews on squadrons around England,

d

n a m m o c r e r in bomb

eight men had lost their lives. Of these eight, five were aged 20 years, one was 21, one was 30 and the last, aged 31 years was killed when a Wellington aircraft crashed on take-off from an operational unit.

Tony was fortunate enough to be selected as a Wireless Operator and commenced training with his new crew on Wellington Bombers. He was then sent to a heavy conversion unit, where two additional crew were acquired, bringing the crew to a total of seven.

The crew were now ready to be posted to a squadron – in this case Number 149 Squadron RAF. No. 149 SQN was based at Methwold, Norfolk - 30 miles from Cambridge. The Squadron was a mainstay of Bomber Command, taking part in the strategic bombing campaign from its beginnings in 1940 until the end of WWII. Like many of the Bomber Command squadrons, 149SQN began the War with an attack on the German Naval Fleet in September 1939. 149SQN Squadron flew Wellington’s initially, then converted to Stirling and later Lancaster Bombers.

When Tony joined the Squadron, they were flying Stirling’s. One of their

key priorities was to supply the French Resistance movement with provisions.

The French Resistance was a major enabler in the Allies’ rapid advance through France following the invasion of Normandy on 6 June 1944.

In October 1944, 149SQN became a Lancaster Squadron and from here they saw involvement in the bombing of German targets; sometimes at night but more often daylight. Mines were dropped at the entrance to sea ports where German U-Boats and war ships were sheltering, trying to restrict their movements in sinking allied shipping.

Some of their missions also involved bombing V-1 rocket launch sites to restrict the ability of the German forces to attack London.

The Lancasters spacious bomb bays typically carried a mixed load of high-explosive bombs—for instance, a cylindrical 2,000- or 4,000-pound (900- or 1,800-kg) high-blast “cookie” or several 1,000- or 2,000-pound (450or 900-kg) bombs—with the balance of 37

Above: Our Stirling at Methwold. They were given the nickname “Mighty” being the RAF’s first 4 engined bomber. Only used for bombing, until we got the Lancaster.

Left: With my brother (left), newly appointed Official War Artist, Captain Dennis Adams and sister, Nancy Brook.

the bomb load consisting of small stick incendiaries (explosives). The load would be dependent on the type of target and the outcomes required.

Tony continued training as a Wireless Operator with Bomber Command on a total of 36 missions (15 on Stirling’s, 21 on Avro Lancasters). With a crew of four Australians and three British, Tony’s role as a Wireless Operator was to send and receive signals, assisting the observer with triangulation fixes to aid in navigation. All Wireless Operators (Air) of the RAAF were at least SGTs. “On full moon nights on supply drops to the French Resistance, you would fly at 500 feet under the German radar and find a clearing in the forest. They never told us what the big containers were in our bomb bays. We assumed it was arms, ammunition and explosives to help the French fight against the Germans when D-Day finally came.”

“The containers had parachutes attached. Sometimes a radio transmitter, also with a parachute attached, dropped by the Flight Engineer and myself manhandling it out a side hatch.”

The German anti-aircraft fire was horrific and generally more noticeable during the day. The Squadron didn’t usually fly in formation, unlike the Americans who flew in huge formations, their gunners protecting each other up to 57 at a time. Usually, they didn’t 38

encounter any anti-aircraft fire on supply drops, but did when flying Lancasters.

Going into a bombing run, other squadrons would form on them, usually two, one on each side. Arriving onto a target, they would watch the bomb doors open, then open theirs. When the bombs were gone, they would release their bombs soon after, providing a greater situational advantage on the target.

Every Navigator on a bombing raid, night or day, was given a precise time to arrive on target. Towards the end of 1944, 149SQN Navigators received training on Gee-H. This was an advanced radio navigation aid enabling exact target identification. Aircraft had two broad yellow bands painted on their tail fins. On a daylight raid, aircraft pilots from other squadrons which didn’t have Gee-H were told if they saw one of these with stripes, as they are going towards the target, to form up on either side and then release their bombs when the leader did - thus a greater concentration.

The Stirling’s and Lancasters had a perspex dome on top of the fuselage called the Astrodome. This was near where the Wireless Operator sat and was installed there just in case the Navigator could not, by other means at night, work out his aircraft’s position.

With sextant in hand, the Navigator

could stand under the Astrodome, shoot (sight) the stars and from his training identify his position. It would be a rare occasion if the Navigator would have to do this. And of course, if he was under cloud he couldn’t do this.

On Tony’s crew, their Navigator never stood in the Astrodome. Although on each operational flight, day or night, Tony would stand there for long periods, when not required to be seated at his radio, especially when over enemy territory. This provided an extra pair of eyes for fighters, or anything else they should be aware of.

On one occasion, when a Lancaster right above them was about to release its bombs, Tony immediately warned the pilot who turned away from the same direction as the Lancaster above was taking. They managed to escape what could have been a major catastrophe.

Crew members always had their parachutes ready if needed, especially if they had to bail out of the aircraft at last minute.

At another time, during a daylight operation, there were aircraft forming on their starboard a few hundred metres away, waiting for them to open the bomb bays. Tony could hear ‘ack ack’ noises and thought they were being shot at being the formation leader.

All of a sudden, the wing of a nearby aircraft caught fire and they continued

H i sto r y

to receive shells close to where their fuel was stored in the wing area. Within a fraction of a second the flames spread to the tail plane and the aircraft spiralled away - none of the crew got out that they knew. The centrifugal force may have contributed to the crew not being able to parachute out in time.

The Germans were always a big threat. They would regularly fire off devices in the sky which turned into flaming objects and came to be known as ‘scarecrows.’ This gave the impression large numbers of Bomber Command aircraft were being shot down than was actually occurring and would serve to demoralise crews. It was a topic of great conversation at all crew briefings.

During a night raid in October 1944, Tony and his crew were one of 1000 RAF Bombers over Duisburg, a town on the Rhine River in Germany. The Germans had established a large sea port there and plans to destroy that or an oil refinery close by were considered.

As they were heading toward the target, there was a fair bit of flak flying around.

The bomb aimer, down below, says to the pilot “Left, left, steady, steady.... bombs gone. Sh*t they haven’t!”

Bomb aimer to navigator - “Did you turn the master switch on?”

Navigator to bomb aimer - “What master switch?”

Tony nearly passed out through lack of oxygen.

This was their very first night raid by Lancaster and, as a result of informing the Navigator, there was a master switch to be turned on, which had been overlooked. Both were Aussies, and for the next 50 years when they all met up along with their wives for Anzac Day and at other times this cropped up. They never figured out whose fault it was!

As the War was drawing to a close, most Australians were slowly being sent home; the war with Germany finally won.

By the time the declaration was formally declared on 8 May 1945, Tony was on a Dutch troop ship on his way back to Sydney. Six months after arriving back in Australia, Tony automatically became a Flying Officer prior to his discharge on 25 September 1945.

Returning home to a more ‘normal’ life, Tony trained to become an accountant, married, had two children, bought a block of land and had a house built. He lived in his home for 58 years until moving into a nearby retirement village just over eight years ago. His wife of 68 years, June, passed away in March 2017.

In June 2012, Tony travelled

Tony’s crew with Lancaster ‘C’ Charlie. Tony 3rd from right. His brother, CAPT Dennis Adams, designed the nose art. Depicting Queen Boaedicia, in AD55 led her forces against the Romans. Her battleground was around Methwold , Norfolk where RAF 149 SQN was based. Photos supplied by Tony Adams.

Newly commissioned Pilot Officer, December 1944.

to England along with 107 former Bomber Command Veterans, to witness Queen Elizabeth II unveil the Bomber Command Memorial in Green Park, London. This highlighted the heavy price paid by all aircrew during WWII. In April 2018, Tony and 15 other Veterans attended the unveiling of the Memorial at the International Bomber Command Centre, Lincoln.

Tony says it was a wonderful experience all round except for the second day being a freezing one. It was part of a week-long tour visiting RAF bases, organised by the Bomber Command Association in Australia.

Tony also had the chance to look over a Lancaster set up as it originally was during the War. Tony reflects “you did remember with sadness all your many friends who didn’t come back – forty percent didn’t.”

On 18 November 2014, at a ceremony at the Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park, Sydney, Tony and four other Bomber Command Veterans were presented with the Chevalier de la Legion D’Honneur by the French Minister for Veterans’ Affairs in honour of their service towards the Liberation of France 70 years earlier.

57,205 men served with Bomber 39

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

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Maintenance of Aircraft and Helicopters Maintenance of Airframe, Engine and Electrical Manufacture of Fibre Reinforced Composites Aircraft Modifications and Rebuilds Direct import and unpack of aircraft in our quarantine approved premises (QAPV1970) - the only facility outside of metropolitan Melbourne Specialised Beechcraft LAME trained in USA Beech approved workshops | Member of the ABS

H i sto r y

Command during WWII. The majority of Bomber Command aircrew were aged 19 through to their mid-twenties, although younger and considerably older airmen have been identified.

Aircrews suffered a high casualty rate: 55,573 were killed out of a total of 125,000 aircrew, a 44.4% death rate.

A further 8,403 men were wounded in action, and 9,838 became prisoners of war.

Approximately 10,000 Australians served in Bomber Command. Of this total, there were more than 4,000 Australian fatalities - the majority being lost or killed over enemy held territory or at sea.

Lest We Forget.

Tony Adams December 2019

Former RAF analyst proud to call Australia home Her experiences travelling around Australia as a young backpacker sowed the seed of the idea to move here, but Sergeant Shelby Powell could never have imagined she would one day take an active part in an Anzac Day ceremony in Canberra.

Born in Shrewsbury, England, she grew up in a small town called Market Drayton in Shropshire.

At the start of her career she enlisted in the Royal Air Force in August 2002 as a geospatial intelligence analyst.

“I had an interest in sport and photography. The recruits told me that this would be a great trade for that,” Sergeant Powell said.

“I then joined the RAAF as an air intelligence analyst after having exposure to the Australian lifestyle and culture whilst on exchange with the RAF in 2009 to support military operations.

“On return to the UK, I submitted an ‘expression of interest’ to be a lateral transfer, then three years later I was given my ‘letter of offer’ to transfer.

“I turned down my RAF promotion to come across to the RAAF as it had been a long-term dream to live and work in Australia, and I’ve never looked back.

“Since arriving in Australia, most of my career has been predominantly with the Air Force’s Geospatial Intelligence 460 Squadron in Canberra.

“I had been a backpacker when I

Sergeant Shelby Powell during the Anzac Day Last Post ceremony reading at the Australian War Memorial on Anzac Day. David Whittaker

was 18, doing all the typical backpacker stuff, which made me fall in love with the country that I now call home.

“I have since set roots by marrying an Australian and having two beautiful children.”

Sergeant Powell was given the honour of doing the reading at the Last Post ceremony at the Australian War Memorial on Anzac Day on April 25.

“Being selected to read at the Last Post ceremony really is a privilege and a career highlight, considering special permission had to be granted due to the cancellation of all services due to COVID-19,” she said.

“Anzac Day to me means the loyalty for the country you love and digging in through the tough times.”

Sergeant Powell is a recipient of multiple UK and Australian awards from her operational deployments to the Middle East region, including being a member of a unit that earned a Meritorious Unit Citation.

Australian Defence Force members currently deployed on operations or working overseas, and who are also supporting the COVID-19 response, are upholding the Anzac spirit while serving Australia's national interests.

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F eat ure

AIR POWER IN SUPPORT OF CIVIL AUTHORITY ‘Air power can be used in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations, thereby allowing a country to enhance its international standing, increasing diplomatic mileage and accumulating the stock of soft power.’

—LTCOL Victor Chen Kanghao, Pointer, Journal of the Singapore Armed Forces, Vol 42, No 3.

From its inception as an element of national power projection capabilities, air power has proven to be one of the most flexible capabilities. In the initial stages of its development, post-World War I, the focus was on ensuring that its ability to overcome the barriers of terrain and ‘fronts’ could be adapted to further the operational military capabilities of a nation. Accordingly, technological developments were aligned to ensuring that air power would prove to be an equally important military capability, thereby introducing the third dimension—the air— into general warfare.

Air power capabilities improved by leaps and bounds in the interWar period, assisted by concerted developmental efforts by scientists.

Employment in the Spanish Civil War of the 1930s, while not creating a great deal of physical destruction, had a great impact on the morale of the civilian population. This conflict also saw the first inkling of the vexed debate that would forever dog air power regarding the ethical, moral and legal correctness of aerial bombardment. Even so, it is probably realistic to state that air power essentially came of age during World War II. Starting from the demonstration of the blitzkrieg operational tactics during the German invasion of Poland and the Low countries; its air-to-ground effectiveness in the deserts of North Africa; the fiercely fought Battle of Britain; the strategic Bomber Offensive in Europe; the firebombing of Tokyo; and culminating in the air dropping of two atomic bombs, first over Hiroshima and then Nagasaki that provided a new meaning to the term ‘catastrophic force’, air power proved conclusively 42

that it could be critical to victory. Even its detractors acknowledged that without air power, the status quo might be maintained with considerable effort, but victory may often not be possible.

Tw o m a j o r d e v e l o p m e n t s i n capability, as well as tactical innovations in the employment of air power during World War II, have not been given the importance they deserve since in the long-term they proved to be the stepping stones to the evolution of more sophisticated methods for the application of air power. Both of these developments involve the revolutionary use of cargo carrying aircraft to further the achievement of military objectives.

First, was the concept of dropping army soldiers into the battlefield or behind the enemy lines from aircraft to carry out predetermined tasks—the origin of the paratroopers, as they are known today.

This concept was slightly modified with great success by General Ord Wingate to conduct his famous Chindit Raids in the jungles of Burma against the Japanese Army. In this adaptation, the soldiers were supplied and sustained from the air for long periods of time while they operated with great effect behind enemy lines.

The second development came immediately after end of World War II. When the stand-off between the Western powers and the Soviet Union came to a head and threatened the people of Berlin with starvation, essentials were supplied to them from the air in what came to be known as the Berlin Airlift. This operation demonstrated a hitherto unexplored capability of air power—the air supply of essentials to a civilian population in need of support rapidly conducted over relatively large

distances. From this emerged the modern concept of air power delivering aid to a civil authority when required.

In the contemporary concept, ‘aid to civil authority’ is an all-encompassing term and covers all alternative operations that air power undertakes other than the threat or the actual application of force, through operational actions in combat zones or the provision of support to other military operations.

The dearth of inter-state conflict in most parts of the world today has brought in a situation wherein only a few air forces are involved in irregular wars of different hues. There are also some air forces involved in domestic, or internal security duties, especially in Latin America. Analysing the trend in the employment of kinetic air power elements in the past three decades, and then drawing a possible future trajectory, emphasises the point that modern air forces need to maintain minimal deterrent capabilities to meet the potential threats to the nation. In most cases this would amount to a reevaluation of the combat capabilities of the force, which are by far the most resource-intensive to acquire, maintain and operate.

The result of this gradual reduction in the use of the warfighting capabilities of air forces and air power is that most air forces are examining the potential to alter the force structure of their forces to cater for a new paradigm in delivering humanitarian aid and disaster relief (HADR). This is not to suggest that there has been a shift in the priorities of an air force—fundamentally they exist to project military power or influence through the control and exploitation of the air domain to achieve strategic,

Fe a tu r e

operational or tactical objectives jointly in a multi-domain environment. To achieve these objectives, a minimum quantum of sophisticated combat capabilities have to be resident in the force. The re-orientation of the force structure should cater for this requirement as a fundamental and unalterable fact.

The need thereafter is to consider the other elements of air power that support a civil authority—in delivering HADR when required, providing rapid medical evacuation from disaster-hit regions, search and rescue operations, fire-fighting, and transporting people from natural disaster and war zones.

In conducting such operations, multifunctional military transport aircraft and helicopters have a great advantage over their civil counterparts that are normally configured for a single role, most of the time on a semi-permanent basis.

While there is no doubt that the employment of air power to provide HADR and other support services to a civil authority enhances the response options available to the government in times of natural calamities or other emergencies, the same capability can be employed to assist neighbouring and other friendly countries in times of need. Such employment of air power assets would enhance the diplomatic endeavours to maintain close and supportive relationships with other nations and would prove to have an effective long-term strategic effect.

While air power is a sophisticated deterrent element at the high-end of military capabilities, its utility across the entire spectrum— from cooperation to conflict—has a critical role to play in contributing to the stability of our region.

Air Power Development Centre. Pathfinder

Royal Australian Air Force No. 23 SQN Air Movements Operator's load a pallet of humanitarian aid onto a No. 36 Squadron C17A Globemaster, at RAAF Base Amberley bound for Fiji. CPL Jesse Kane.

• Key Points • It is probably realistic to state that air power essentially came of age during World War II. • The Berlin Airlift at the end of World War II was an innovative use of air power capabilities to achieve a desired political end-state.

• Air power can provide aid to a civil authority through delivering humanitarian aid and disaster relief (HADR) when required, providing rapid medical evacuation from disaster-hit regions, search and rescue operations, fire-fighting, and transporting people from natural disasters and war zones.

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Health insurance you can depend on For more than 65 years, Defence Health has been providing great value health insurance, specially tailored for Defence families.

Defence Health has always been not-for-profit and all for members. As a Members Own Health Fund, Defence Health delivers better service, has more satisfied members and gives more back in benefits.

Because management expenses are kept low, around $0.91 of every $1.00 of premium revenue is returned to members in benefits.

But what many serving men and women don’t realise is that their extended family is eligible to join Defence Health too.

That means mum and dad, brothers, sisters – and of course partner and children – can take advantage of the great value cover at Defence Health.

Private hospital cover gives people access to timely medical treatment, by a doctor of their choice. Instead of months on the public hospital elective

surgery waiting list, private patients get the treatment they need almost immediately.

And extras cover helps fund the important general treatment – such as dental, physio and optical services – that Medicare does not cover.

Our optical network delivers more value for members. Optical network providers give Defence Health members the choice of no-gap glasses from a wide range of fashionable frames.

The Defence Health ADF Total Package Gold is firmly focused on valuable benefits and affordable cover for ADF families. Children can receive one no-gap mouthguard, custom-fitted by a dentist, every year until they turn 21. And unlike other funds, there’s no lifetime limit on the benefits paid for orthodontic treatment.

The premiums are very competitive too – with the added bonus of national pricing for ADF families. Plus there’s a 10% discount for 12 months for discharging personnel.

SWITCH TO GREAT VALUE HEALTH INSURANCE TODAY Who can join Defence Health?

Current or previous members of the Australian Defence Force Current or previous employees of the Department of Defence Extended family members of those listed above – parents, partners, children, grandchildren and siblings

Get a quote online at defencehealth.com.au or call 1800 411 747

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Defence Health has a range of hospital cover for extended family – from Basic Plus through to Gold. And people under 30 can take advantage of a Youth discount on selected covers – up to 10% off if they join before age 26.

If you’re looking for a health insurer you can trust, it makes sense to check out Defence Health.

Fe a tu r e

RAAF birthday a time to reflect

L-R Flight Lieutenant Michael Truscott, Flight Sergeant Russell Vine and Squadron Leader John Millar at the main logistics base in the Middle East. This image is a composite of three photographs.

On the 99th birthday of the Royal Australian Air Force, three personnel deployed on Operation Accordion with more than 99 years of combined experience have reflected on how the Air Force has changed during their careers.

Flight Sergeant Russell Vine, who is deployed as the Visa Coordination Cell Second in Command, joined the Air Force in 1984 as a clerk medical.

Throughout his 36 years in the orderly room he has witnessed type writers become computers, filing cabinets become floppy disks and the pay line migrate to PmKeys.

“A to K, L to Z, lining up every fortnight to collect your pay. I was a V so I was always right down the back waiting for my pay in the envelope,” Flight Sergeant Vine said.

Having worn a few different uniforms in the past 30-odd years, one stands out to him.

“I miss the ‘drabs’, or tropical dress as it was known,” he said. “In two postings to Butterworth I used to wear the drab shorts, the drab shirt and the long socks.”

Squadron Leader John Millar enlisted in 1988 as a direct entry tradesman, posting to No. 5 Squadron at RAAF Fairbairn to work on Iroquois helicopters.

In a career spanning 32 years he has since gone on to instruct recruits, maintain a variety of aircraft and is a former Warrant Officer of the Air Force.

Squadron Leader Millar said no single experience stood out because his whole career had been memorable.

“From 1988 to 2020 I’ve seen the Air force change dramatically thanks to the technological enhancement,” Squadron Leader Millar said.

“The greatest thing I do is work with young people. They are smart and they are the Air Force of tomorrow. You see the excitement in their eyes and I know the Air Force is in phenomenal hands.”

Flight Lieutenant Michael Truscott joined under the RAAF apprentice scheme in 1983 and was an aircraft technician initially on P3 Orion and a variety of other roles before commissioning.

After 37 years Flight Lieutenant Truscott is on his first operational deployment in the Middle East, where he works as the Assistant Host Nation Liaison Officer.

He said the opportunity to deploy had been a highlight of his career and he has enjoyed the challenge.

“Put your hand up and take opportunities as they arise, don’t sit back and wait for other people to do

things, and experience as much as you can,” he said.

The three are celebrating Air Force’s birthday alongside 600 other Australian Defence Force members at the main logistics base in the Middle East region.

Air Force 100 – Centenary of Air Force On 31 March 2021, the Royal Australian Air Force will mark 100 years as an independent service.

This will be an important time to reflect on and acknowledge our enduring contribution to Australia’s national security.

Air Force 2021 (AF2021) will be a nationwide program of carefully selected events and initiatives that: • honour the service and sacrifices of our people over the last 100 years; • engage the Australian community and demonstrate today’s highly capable force; and • inspire young Australians to consider a career in the Air Force or aviation industry.

Planning for the centenary is already underway. To connect with the centenary planning team, or to sign up to receive our updates, email: airforce.2021@defence.gov.au 45

S pa ce

WA UNIVERSITIES TURN THEIR EYE TO SPACE NASA IS INTERESTED IN WHAT WESTERN AUSTRALIA CAN DO IN TERMS OF REMOTE OPERATIONS.

When your multi-billion dollar engineering project is a dozen driving hours from the nearest town, the value of remote operations becomes clear.

It’s why Australia’s big miners and offshore gas sectors have invested heavily in robotic automation and remote operations capacity, allowing engineers to drive kilometre-long trains and operate drills or diggers from a desk half a continent away.

Now, West Australian research teams are using the same technology that keeps mines running at a distance to push into space, with the help of 46

industry partners already invested in remote engineering.

Curtin University and the University of Western Australia have recently launched AROSE – the Australian Remote Operations for Space and Earth consortium – with the partnership including the universities, state government of Western Australia and industry partners Woodside, Fugro and Nova Systems.

The partnership brings together hard-fought expertise in the use of remote engineering — both on land and in offshore gas fields — with the

ambition of using this thinking for space.

Planetary geologist and joint West Australian Scientist of the Year Professor Phil Bland says Australian industry experience in remote operations is some of the best in the world.

“We can leverage industry expertise in Australia to take remote operations into space, and deliver solutions that benefit the Australia-NASA Moon-toMars program,” said Professor Bland, from Curtin’s Space Science and Technology Centre.

“AROSE brings together the best of Australian industry with the most

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advanced technology and leading WA scientists, on a project that has got deliverables in the economy and in research.”

Curtin’s contribution to the program is the development of CubeSats: tiny but fully functioning satellites that Professor Bland describes as “about the size of a small sandwich”.

Each CubeSat has all the systems required to operate, including the power, computer, steering and communications, on a single eight-layer printed circuit board making it highly efficient and lightweight — about 3kg compared to an ordinary satellite’s seven tonnes.

The university expects to send its lightweight CubeSat to hitch a ride on a re-supply rocket headed for the International Space Station this year, and has partnered with the European Space Agency, which will provide mission control for the launch into low Earth orbit.

Unlike many CubeSats, Curtin’s is the result of lots of testing, to understand the limits of the technology.

“It’s possible to build a CubeSat really with off-the-shelf systems and the vast majority of people do that, but doing it that way you don’t really learn anything,” Professor Bland said.

“You also don’t want to break it because it can be $250,000 and

therefore you don’t want to test it to destruction.

"We‘ve managed to compress the whole thing onto an eight-layer circuit board, and the good thing is we can build them all ourselves, churn them out, test them to destruction and make a new iteration that works better.”

While the technology is a significant advance, it is the combination of research with local industry knowledge that could be the game-changer.

Fugro is a Dutch geo-data specialist that runs a world-class Remote Operations Centre from Gnangara, in Perth’s northern suburbs.

The centre is already used to control subsea maintenance robots operating 4km below the surface on the North West Shelf as well as operate machinery across vast distances.

It will now test that remote operation capacity on the Curtin CubeSat, when it is launched later this year, including its advances in reducing latency — the time delay in the transfer of data over distance.

“Latency is the issue when you have an asset there at the bottom of the ocean that is talking to the ship hovering above it, and the ship is talking to your satellite, and your satellite is beaming back to Perth,” Professor Bland said.

“All of that has a time delay and when you are doing a delicate operation

you have to be aware of that. If your robot is moving a bit, it will have moved by the time you have got the message.

“That latency issue magnifies massively when you are operating spacecraft because of the light delay to the moon or Mars. It could be several seconds for the moon or 10s of minutes for Mars. You want to have operations that can cope with that and you want to develop more intelligent assets that need to be semi-autonomous on the ground.”

While that makes engineering at a distance a challenge, WA was in a strong position to lead the world, Professor Bland said.

The work of the consortium and its partners is expected to improve WA's economy by $196 million a year within five years and create more than 1,500 jobs in the state.

“NASA is really interested in what Western Australia can do in terms of remote operations,” he said.

“One aspect of AROSE is to make a really good case to NASA as to why we can be the provider of remote operations on the moon.

"The great thing for our industry partners is that they can work with the ultimate in mission control and have cross-over protocols with the best space agencies in the world.”

Ruth Callaghan | AFR

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S pa ce

Sovereign Space and Defence rocket company, Black Sky Aerospace is going beyond the blue.

They may ‘fly under the radar’, but after only two years since inception, Black Sky Aerospace (BSA) is developing critical sovereign technology driving launch for Australia’s Defence and space industries.

Based in South East QLD, an aerospace start-up who was barely known at the time, BSA made a bold statement in their first year of operations by launching Australia’s first commercial payloads on a sub-orbital sounding rocket in November 2018. Since then, BSA has continued to provide services and rapidly develop technology that is used widely by civilian and Defence organisations.

Working literally from the ground up, BSA has priority access to multiple launch sites across Australia. Located just outside of Goondiwindi, around 300km from Brisbane, BSA operates ‘Funny Farm Space’, the only civilian sub-orbital launch facility permitted to fly through and above controlled airspace in Australia. This site is utilised to test and certify propulsion systems and provide sub-orbital flights below 150km. BSA has now commenced development of a new undisclosed sub-orbital launch site boasting over 3,000,000 acres with a land based down range capacity of over 200km.

This site will permit flights up to 500km and is expected to be operational by Q4 2020. An added benefit of using rural farming communities is to create new opportunities and jobs in regional Australia. BSA CEO, Blake Nikolic, said “The times remain challenging for farmers in remote areas and our facilities are creating diversification, driving economic benefit for these regions”.

In October 2019, Equatorial Launch Australia (ELA) announced BSA’s priority access to one of the world’s most efficient launch locations, the Arnhem Space Centre in the Northern Territory. This is one of several formal arrangement between BSA and ELA who have forged a strong relationship in supporting a nascent space 48

industry. Together, the companies have developed a program known as the National Pathway Program (NPP), that provides ready access to optimal launch locations that have long been a challenge for rocket manufacturers worldwide.

The NPP plays an important role supporting space businesses to more effectively pursue greater outcomes and ensure they are prepared for access to space. A seamless interaction and access to services for clients is achieved through the NPP, which allows new rocket technologies such as propulsion, avionics, ground support equipment, payloads, and guidance navigation and control, to be tested and qualified. This is completed at BSA’s facilities in Queensland, in preparation for orbital and deep-space launch from the Arnhem Space Centre.

Available to manufacturers and researchers who have commenced development of their technologies, the NPP has already demonstrated capacity to progress through development phases and deliver increasing Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) to support emerging technologies. In February 2020, BSA facilitated Australia’s first international sounding rocket campaign with UK partner, Raptor Aerospace.

Raptor Aerospace CEO, Ben Jarvis, says while the UK is likely to develop space ports which would allow some of the company’s commercial activities to take place in their home country, a site like Goondiwindi offered many advantages. Raptor Aerospace are now making plans to return to Australia in Q4 2020 for more advanced testing.

Blake Nikolic said Australia was playing an increased role in the world’s “space ambitions”. “This campaign with Raptor Aerospace is driving additional export opportunities for Black Sky’s technology, whilst solidifying Australia’s position as the place to conduct research and testing before undertaking expensive orbital launches,”.

In March 2020, BSA facilitated the successful firing of Australia’s first

commercially developed liquid rocket engine. The ‘Momentum’ engine was developed and manufactured by a Brisbane company, Valiant Space, who specialises in propulsion technologies which will help propel the next generation of spacecraft to and from the surface of the Moon.

A core part of BSA’s business is Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) propulsion systems, which can be found in BSA’s launch vehicles. There are many challenges associated with importing from North America due to the International Traffic and Arms Regulations (ITAR), so BSA sought to develop and manufacture SRM locally to ensure supply demands could be met and products remain economical.

SRM are well known for their simplistic, yet reliable and energetic characteristics. Consisting of an oxidiser, such as Ammonium Perchlorate, a fuel and binder, typically hydroxylterminated polybutadiene and additive metal fuels such as aluminium. SRM also require minimal ground support equipment unlike complicated liquid or hybrid systems, so they offer a rapid launch cadence and can easily launch from the ground, air and sea.

BSA’s proprietary propulsion systems allow responsive launch, supporting campaigns of any size or specification from different launch sites including harsh environments for tactical reasons.

BSA continues to research and mature new technology and processes to maintain the competitive advantage.

Critical for Defence and high-end applications, BSA utilises advanced manufacturing and energetics such as nitramines to achieve higher specific impulse (Isp) and loading density.

This is essential for the development underway of BSA’s orbital program for Defence, providing responsive launch capabilities for small satellites below 50kg that can be launched from any platform - ground, sea or air.

BSA sounding rockets are designed to carry payloads greater than 400kg, able to reach altitudes in excess of

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500km and are fully recoverable.

Recovery of the launch vehicle and payload offers significant benefits to our clients, including physical examination of expensive instrumentation and detailed post flight inspections of specimens exposed to space environments. BSA can recover systems (land launches) within two hours after lift-off, allowing for quick time analysis of high-fidelity data from the payload that cannot be transmitted via telemetry during flight.

By combining BSA’s technology, facilities and processes, to support the growing demand of launches required, BSA created the Australian Sounding Rocket Program (ASRP), a comprehensive program designed to provide sub-orbital launch services to Australian and international organisations. The ASRP provides access to space environments above light pollution of the atmosphere and microgravity for scientific research.

The ASRP is also a testbed and intermediate step for advancing R&D of new technologies and improves best outcomes for orbital missions, all while offering lower costs to support developing technology and eliminating onerous international regulations.

Many of BSA’s team have served in the military, which has provided extensive knowledge and experience with Defence, permitting harmonisation of technology by understanding national directions and practical operational demands.

As we enter a new decade, the emergence of serious threats to national security is increasing. BSA’s technology is crucial to removing vulnerabilities in existing Defence capabilities. In particular, BSA's sovereign propulsion technology, capable of high-hypersonic speeds is being developed as a defensive mechanism for the protection of Australia and our allies. Being ITAR

free means it is also a vital export contribution.

BSA understands the specific needs for Australia’s unique geographic position creating a strong emphasis on protecting our borders. BSA is proactively working on innovative Defence programs including, propulsion and energetics for weapon systems, sounding rocket flights for testing and development of systems, and hypersonic systems including boost motors, all of which are stable systems for launch from any platform.

Through collaboration with government and researchers to develop enhanced technology, BSA’s streamlined approach to research and development of innovative sovereign technology is imperative to overcoming potential threats.

To contact or learn more about Black Sky Aerospace, visit https://bsaero. space

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Dear Bruce.

A few short lines to explain the impact Bruce has already had on my life is surprisingly difficult. Not because I'm struggling to find things to say, but because the effect Bruce has had on my day-to-day life, in just four weeks, has been so vast.

I won’t bore you with my personal details, but when I first applied for the Defence Bank’s Community Dogs program I was not in a good way.

Then I met Bruce. Suddenly, it all became easier knowing I had someone who never criticised, never judged, and would stick by me no matter what.

I'm getting back into fitness, as Bruce loves his exercise. I'm engaging in conversations more readily, because the focus is almost always on Bruce rather than me. I'm actively trying to find ways to better myself, because I want the best possible life for Bruce.

That's not to say I don't still struggle sometimes. But when I do, guess who's first in line for a cuddle and to let their presence reassure me things will turn out okay?

My name is Thomas, and the Defence Bank’s Community Dogs program has almost certainly saved my life.

Thanks to Bruce.

Proudly supports

Your donation will help us keep the program running.

To donate or find out more go to defencebankfoundation.com.au.

O n Th e R a d a r

Serpentine Air Race

Serpentine Airfield, Salisbury, Victoria 27 September This 70-mile air race will launch from ‘Serpentine Airfield’ commemorating Australia’s First Offical Air Race. Tiger Moth pilots/ owners from around the country will converge on Serpentine Airfield for this historic aviation event. More than just a race! This Air Show will include breathtaking aerobatic and warbird displays

by Paul Bennet Airshows, plenty of children activities on the ground including jumping castles and face painting, street food, historical displays, vintages cars and more... Under 17 entry is free. 17 and above $25. www.serpentineairrace.com.au/airshow/

Warbirds Downunder

Temora Airport, Temora, NSW 17-18 October Across the weekend of Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October 2020 the fifth Warbirds Downunder event will take place at Temora Aviation Museum, NSW. This biennial event brings together the largest gathering of warbirds for a two-day celebration of Australian Aviation history.

Warbirds are defined as vintage military aircraft – the large working collection of Warbirds at Temora is unique in its breadth, encompassing 13 flying machines. These warbirds, together with visiting aircraft from private collectors, as well as latest technology airplanes from the RAAF, mean the WD2020 offers a unique program highlighting Australian military stories, past and present.

Warbirds Downunder will feature one of only two flying Boomerang’s in the world. CPL Kylie Gibson.

Event visitors will get an unforgettable, up close and personal experience of Australian aviation history, our people and their flying machines.

Together with your friends and family we invite you to share the exhilaration of these amazing aircraft, connect with the experiences through personal stories, and celebrate our country’s history.

WD2020 is one of the Riverina’s largest events with around 22,000 visitors supporting our region. You’re also invited to enjoy the Canola Trail and all our region has to offer, with lots of accommodation options. https://warbirdsdownunderairshow.com.au/

MilCIS

National Convention Centre, Canberra 10-12 November MilCIS is a unique opportunity for those investing in government and military communications and information systems.

In November each year, the Defence Chief Information Officer Group (CIOG) partners with the University of New South Wales, Canberra and the Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) to present MilCIS. The conference facilitates a continuing dialogue between Department of Defence employees, contractors, industry and researchers to discuss current and developing technological capabilities, project initiatives, and operational requirements.

In addition to keynote presentations, technical presentations, panel discussions and tutorials, MilCIS features an exposition that provides an opportunity for exhibitors to demonstrate new technologies and promote their products and services to attendees.

MilCIS is the only Australian conference that focuses strategically on the crucial technologies, products, systems and services associated with military communications and information systems.

MilCIS has two major components: The MilCIS Expo and the MilCIS Conference: • MilCIS Expo attendees must register to attend but have complimentary access to the MilCIS Exhibition Hall and to the MilCIS Expo presentations that run throughout the conference in the Royal Theatre. MilCIS Expo attendees DO NOT have access to the presentations in the conference parallel sessions, daily catering, nor the conference dinner.

• MilCIS Conference delegates pay the relevant conference registration fee and have full access to all conference presentations (five parallel streams including the Expo presentations in the Royal Theatre), daily breakfast and lunch product sessions, the exhibition hall, daily conference morning/afternoon teas and lunches, and the conference dinner. www.milcis.com.au *Some of these events may be rescheduled or cancelled with minimal notice due to various government direction and restrictions regarding COVID-19.

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Reloc atio n

NEW TO AMBERLEY Defence Community Organisation supporting ADF members and their families 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

FLTLT Ali de Vries from No. 35 Squadron enjoying the Defence Community Organisation Expo with her husband Alex and daughter Charlie.

Photo CPL Jesse Kane

52

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

R e l o ca ti o n

options at any time and it’s an important 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 office’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

Royal Australian Air Force 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 Defence Community Organisation Expo. Photo CPL Jesse Kane

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.

Meet your local DCO team

DCO’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 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, or call the all-hours Defence Family Helpline 1800 624 608 or email defencefamilyhelpline@defence.gov.au for an appointment.

Follow Defence Community Organisation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates and information from your local Amberley team. You can also email dco.amberley@defence.gov. au to be added to the DCO Amberley monthly bulletin email distribution list.

53

ENROLLING NOW FOR 2021 PREP TO

• A contemporary learning approach which, is personalised and responds to the learning needs, interests and experiences of each student.

YEAR 6

• A clean, green environment with spacious grounds.

• Learners thrive in our safe, supportive and secure learning environments.

• Stimulating and appropriately resourced learning environments.

• We promote high expectations and respect diversity and difference, facilitating learning for all learners.

Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School - Springfield Lakes 58 Opperman Drive, Springfield Lakes QLD AUSTRALIA Telephone: 07 3437 5000 | Fax: 07 3437 5199 www.goodshepherd.qld.edu.au | pspringfieldlakes@bne.catholic.edu.au

R e l o ca ti o n

STAYING CONNECTED For Defence families posting from one place to another, its important to make sure you have a supportive network wherever you are. It’s not just for emergencies but for all the good things they can offer too.

Support networks give you the opportunity to connect to other people who have experienced similar ups and downs. They may have been through it before, or are on the same stage of the journey and can empathise in ways that other people might not be able to.

They also provide practical support during times of crisis, and recognition of the effort and hard work that it takes for the whole family to ensure that things run smoothly.

There are many ways to make sure you stay socially connected. Here are just a few!

ATTEND A FACE-TO-FACE SUPPORT GROUP

Support groups can give you a space to share stories about your family, check in on how you are coping, and offer strategies for dealing with difficult situations.

Support groups will often also run social activities or family fun days, and they are a great place to learn about new resources, like where you can get funding for therapy or special equipment for those families that have dependants with special needs.

JOIN AN ONLINE OR TELEPHONE SUPPORT GROUP

You don’t always have to meet up faceto-face. For people who are moving a lot or who aren’t on a regular schedule, a telephone or online support group can be a better option.

Before you join, check that the group has a moderator or a plan for dealing with members who may inappropriate comments. This will keep the space helpful and supportive so that you can share whatever is on your mind.

VOLUNTEER Volunteering can be a great way to build connections in your local community. If you have children, it helps you to have regular contact with other adults, and develop an identity other than a partner, parent or caregiver.

Defence has a wide range of community groups it supports especially for ADF families or you could find one that’s all about something you’re passionate about and make new friends outside of the military.

SET UP A SHARED DROPBOX OR SOCIAL MEDIA If you are travelling a lot you can create a shared private Dropbox or set up albums in Facebook or Instagram account. Everyone who has access to this account can view and share pictures with each other. You can see what fun thins you have all been up to, how the children have grown, and share e-cards and birthday and holiday wishes.

SEND A CARE PACKAGE Be a god support person when you can.

Send a care package or a small gift to a friend you have been thinking of.

Sophia aged 3, and her mum Helen feed the baby goats from Hunter Valley Zoo on display at the annual DCO Welcome Expo and Family Day.

You could make an agreement with a circle of friends to send a small gift to each other once per month. It doesn’t have to be something expensive-a

Collecting their Defence Community Organisation information bags are (L-R) Meelis Argote, Candice Smithenbecker and Isabelle Smithenbecker Duntroon.

funny card, a drawing or a fridge magnet can be enough to brighten someone’s day.

ASK”HOW ARE YOU, REALLY?”

The next time that you catch up with a friend, ask them how they are and tell them that you really want to know the answer. When someone asks how you are doing, let them know the real answer. You could try something like “You know, usually I say I’m fine, but actually this week has been really hard!”

It’s surprising how often this can open the door to a genuine connection.

NEED HELP MAKING CONNECTIONS? We know Defence families are strongest when they are connected with their local communities.

Defence Community Organisation provides a number of support and information services to help you connect with and contribute to your community.

There’s also funding for local Defence community groups and a range of social and information events hosted by the local office.

You can get information, assistance, support or referrals and time from the Defence Family Helpline on 1800 624 608. Follow Defence Community Organisation on social media or see the website for what’s on near you https://www.defence.gov.au/dco/ 55

Transition

Transition Timeline – Ensure you are ready to leave A successful transition from Service to civilian life depends to a large extent on effective planning and taking action to meet your career and lifestyle goals. This enables you to manage the separation on your terms.

Generally speaking, the earlier the start the easier is the decision to go, or to stay, and the more prepared you are for the transition to the civilian workforce.

What To Do Now Whatever your time in uniform, now is the time to consider your future, in terms of making the best of your Service career, laying out a plan for eventual separation, and generally planning for the future.

It’s understandable that Defence personnel just starting out in their careers, don’t want to think about the mundane planning for the future, which seems so far off. Who wants to think about superannuation, home ownership, financial planning and supplementary training when there’s good times to be had.

People who commit some of their time and resources to prepare even a loose plan for the future benefit from time: time to watch investments grow; time to acquire valuable education, training and skills; time for family; and time to consider the next career move.

3-4 Years Prior to Discharge Apply for a Transition Seminar. TriService transition seminars that consolidate information and advice on various aspects of transition are conducted in all capital cities and in other centres. Details are available from your Unit Resettlement Officer.

DFRDB/MSBS/ADF Super. Write to ComSuper for advice on specific entitlements. You will be entitled to superannuation benefits from your 56

respective military superannuation fund. www.csc.gov.au

1-4 Years Prior to Discharge Training. Use the Defence Assisted Study Scheme (DASS) to undertake training that may help you obtain qualifications necessary for your post-discharge employment. All ADF members serving on full time continuous service are eligible to apply for assistance, which provides sponsorship for short vocational, education and training courses undertaken in preparation for re-entry into civilian life.

12 Months to Go Career Transition Assistance. Find out from your Resettlement Officer about eligibility for benefits under the Career Transition Assistance Scheme.

The CTAS is a tiered benefit based on completed years of service. The scheme assists with employment opportunities after you leave the ADF. Apply for a second Transition Seminar.

Areas covered include advice on: job seeking techniques and employment prospects; self employment; transition to the civilian work place/life style; benefits available, e.g. superannuation, housing, loans, compensation, veteran’s entitlements; management of personal affairs, eg investment, taxation, wills.

6 Months to Go Write to ComSuper or ADF Super requesting confirmation of entitlements.

Previous Service. Ensure that any relevant previous service has been recognised for LSL purposes.

Apply for Discharge. Application for Resignation, Discharge or Transfer to the Reserves should be processed through your relevant Career Management Agency via your supervisor. You should apply for discharge/ resignation allowing at least three calendar months’ effective service before your intended discharge date.

Long Service Leave. If you wish to take LSL before your discharge, your application should be forwarded six months before the desired date of commencement. Eligibility for LSL accrues at the rate of three months for the first 10 years and 0.3 months for each year over 10 years. LSL may either be taken during service on full or half pay in which case tax is payable as for normal income.

Health Insurance. Before you leave the ADF you should consider carefully your health insurance needs. Changes to private health insurance, namely Lifetime Health Cover, have significant implications for members separating

Tr a n si ti o n

from the ADF. On ceasing full-time service, you have two years or until you reach the age of 31, to join a health fund without detriment.

3 Months to Discharge Removal. Arrange an interview with the relevant removals staff.

Pay in Lieu of Long Service Leave.

Your Unit Pay Centre will assist you to make an application for pay in lieu of LSL. Check with your future employer to ascertain whether it is possible to transfer LSL credits to your new employment.

Medical and dental examination.

Arrange an appointment for final medical and dental examinations. You will need to organise treatment, where necessary, to be carried out.

Health insurance and ambulance.

Reconsider your health insurance situation and make the necessary arrangements with DefenceHealth/ NHBS, private insurance health schemes and/or ambulance funds.

Tradesman Certificate. Ensure your Record of Training has been accredited by the appropriate authority.

Will. Ensure you have made arrangements to collect your will and/ or make a new will.

Close to discharge date Housing. Tenants of Defence homes are expected to vacate their quarter on discharge or retirement, but an extension may be approved under certain circumstances. Seek approval for an extension from your Service Housing Authority in advance of discharge.

Housing Loan. You should establish your eligibility for a DSH Loan/Defence Home Owner Loan; Bank/Building Society Loan; and Home Purchase or Sale Expenses Allowance.

Repatriation and Compensation. If you are injured, or develop an illness linked to your service in the ADF, you may be eligible for compensation. The Military Compensation Scheme (MCS)

provides members with compensation and rehabilitation cover. The Military Compensation and Rehabilitation Service website (www.dva.gov.au/ adf/mcrs/) allows you to assess your eligibility.

Note: This timeline and schedule is not exhaustive, nor it is authoritative. It is a guide as to the type of considerations and actions required. Members are strongly urged to seek advice from respective Service authorities when planning for future separation from the Defence Forces.

By Joanne Pollard | defencelife.com.au

Transition Seminars At the time of print, all seminars until October are postponed pending alternate delivery mode.

Transition Seminars recommence with Wagga Wagga on Wednesday 7th October , to be held at the International Hotel Wagga.

However all Transition Centres are still operating. https://www.defence.gov.au/DCO/ Transition/YourTransition/seminars.asp

Woodlands of Marburg 15 minutes to Amberley

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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.

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

57

Reloc atio n

St Peters Springfield — Where every child learns every day St Peters Lutheran College Springfield is committed to students reaching their full potential within a caring, Christian community environment. With a focus on pastoral, academic, physical and spiritual qualities, St Peters pays special attention to each child. Dedicated teachers support students to develop their own unique gifts and talents.

As a modern co-educational school, St Peters Springfield offers a welcoming and vibrant environment. At the heart of the college are two expectations of all students: • to live by their Plus Ultra motto — ever higher, more beyond; and • to treat everyone with Care, Dignity and Respect.

These foundational values, combined with an innovative approach to contemporary learning, create a dynamic culture where students can excel and thrive.

St Peters proudly offers comprehensive academic, sports, music and personal development programs.

The unique five-week Year 9 outdoor education and agricultural program at Ironbark provides a memorable and transformative experience for St Peters students.

An intentional future-focused approach helps St Peters students achieve their best from Prep through to Year 12 and beyond.

Principal, Mr Craig Schmidt summarises this, “We want our young people to be inspired and empowered, to open their minds to possibilities and discover the fullness of their capacity to make a difference in the world. It is not only about knowledge and capabilities for ‘doing’, but also a concern for the character and qualities of the person they are ‘becoming’. We are proud of our young people and the calibre of staff who mentor and teach them.”

To support continued growth, the College recently opened their impressive Junior High Precinct. This state-of-the-art precinct enhances the Year 7-9 sub-schools identity at

the school and features an advanced 'iSTEAM‘ laboratory, an individualised Learning Hub, project based learning spaces and breakout areas, expansive flexible learning area, student display gallery, and more.

St Peters Springfield encourage you to experience for yourself our special community atmosphere. The College is currently accepting enrolments for 2021 and beyond. Further information can be found at www.stpeters.qld. edu.au. All enquiries can be made to s.enrolments@stpeters.qld.edu.au or by calling 3470 3888.

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WHERE EVERY CHILD LEARNS EVERY DAY Discover the St Peters Difference

Enrol today by visiting our website at www.stpeters.qld.edu.au Excellence in K-12 Christian Co-education 42 Wellness Way, Springfield Q 4300 Tel: +61 (07) 3470 3888 s.enrolments@stpeters.qld.edu.au

D efence

Tindal's billion dollar work plan untainted

by COVID-19

opportunity for local suppliers to be involved while providing value-for-money to the Commonwealth," he said.

A planned hearing to be based on Katherine on April 21 was instead conducted as a teleconference as works move through the lengthy approval process.

First of Class Flight Trials

Once upgrades are complete, RAAF Tindal is expected to house some of the RAAF’s 72 new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter jets, as well as US long-range bombers.

The giant cash splash at the Tindal RAAF Base is set to continue on-schedule despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

The upgrades will be Tindal's most significant for 40 years as the RAAF base prepares to house an expanded range of military planes and equipment as well as serve as a base for collaboration with US forces in the Indo-Pacific region.

An estimated $773 million of the package is for a reenforcement and extension of Tindal's existing runway to 3.3 kilometres long, while other works will include expanded accommodation facilities, an above-ground replacement for military control bunkers and an enormous 'fuel-farm' to contain 6 Olympic swimming pools worth of fuel.

The Tindal RAAF base is considered Australia's most vital for defending our Northern borders due to its ideal position 300 kilometres inland providing adequate warning of any attack.

Following a request for clarification by the Katherine Times, the Defence Department released a transcript of Brigadier Matt Galton's comments to the recent Senate inquiry.

"There is currently no impact on Defence's proposed works at RAAF Base Tindal due to COVID-19," Brig. Galton said.

"Pending Parliamentary approval, the current early procurement activities will enable initial construction to commence from around September 2020, with the full program of works scheduled to be delivered over the subsequent seven years with completion by late-2027.

"This schedule was planned prior to the outbreak of COVID-19 and has not been slowed down or extended by the pandemic.

"Defence has extended the tendering period to a minimum seven-week period to give industry sufficient time to prepare their submissions and source supply during the current uncertainties. Otherwise, we do not see any immediate impacts on this project.

"Defence's managing contractor, Lendlease, has developed a Local Industry Capability Plan that articulates how they will engage with local industry and maximise 60

Navy’s cutting-edge platforms have combined, with the 230-metre long Landing Helicopter Dock HMAS Adelaide embarking an MH-60R ‘Romeo’ helicopter for first-of-class flight trials off Australia’s eastern coast.

Adelaide is carrying out the trials with the aircraft from 816 Squadron in Nowra, NSW to establish new safe operating limits.

Personnel from Navy’s Aircraft Maintenance and Flight Trials Unit (AMAFTU) are collecting real-time data on the different ways an MH-60R can approach and land on Adelaide’s flight deck in certain weather conditions at sea with a particular focus on warm and humid environments.

Adelaide is one of two Canberra-class Landing Helicopters Docks based at Fleet Base East in Sydney, while the MH60R is one of 24 anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare helicopters based at the Fleet Air Arm in Nowra.

808 Squadrons MRH-90 helicopter ‘MIDNIGHT’ prepares for landing onboard HMAS Adelaide as she departs Sydney for First of Class Flight Trials. ABIS Jarrod Mulvhill.

D e fe n ce

Maintenance Milestone for Herc The maintainers of the Air Mobility Task Element (AMTE) C-130 Detachment have achieved their 50th rotation to the Middle East since the aircraft first deployed to the region in 2003.

Over the past 17 years of C-130 Hercules operations in the Middle East, maintainers from No. 37 Squadron have worked hard to keep the workhorse in the air.

Flight Sergeant Wayne Francis is currently the secondin-charge of the team, which works tirelessly to fix any issue that might arise.

"My team consists of 21 staff ranging from A Tech’s to AvTech’s, safety equipment and metal bashers," FSGT Francis said.

"A typical day for us is working six to six, working two 12-hour shifts, 24 hours a day dictated by the maintenance required on the aircraft and the flying program.

"The sort of maintenance we carry out here is just generalised unless something goes wrong, then it's all hands on deck to fix it and hopefully not let our guys on the ground down."

FSGT Francis joined Air Force in 1988, initially as a Transport Driver, before remustering as an Aircraft Technician in 1992.

"This deployment has been an amazing experience, I’ve been in the Air Force 32 years and this is the first opportunity I’ve had to be deployed. You spend so much time in your career training and organising your life around the job and I finally got the opportunity to do it," he said.

"I’m extremely proud of my team, they just do an amazing job. If it wasn’t for them we wouldn’t be able to maintain an aircraft in theatre and bring all those diggers who need to move around back to the main operating base.

"After 17 years of contributing to the Middle East, it's fairly well ingrained how we move people and equipment around the region, so it's imperative that we stay here and do that to help our troops on the ground."

Corporal Allan ‘Sid’ Reitfma is an Aviation Technician and has completed six deployments to the Middle East as part of No. 37 Squadron.

"My first deployment was in 2009," CPL Reitfma said.

"Looking back over this time, not much has changed, our work rate is just as busy. The aircraft and our job as maintainers is the same.

"Our job is simple; keep the aircraft flying so Defence personnel and cargo can move in and out of different operational theatres.

"The only major difference is the number of aircraft that has fluctuated over that time and until now based on operational needs and tempo."

Courtesy Defence Connect

Remote Operations Trial A first-of-its kind trial was to remotely pilot a small Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) from the back of a C-130 Hercules aircraft at RAAF Base Edinburgh recently.

The trial has potential to open up a range of capability options for Defence, providing air-land integration options, improved situational awareness, and an ability to pull live feeds from different sensor systems into a combat cloud.

Date will be collected aiding in evaluating the ability to operate military/commercial off the shelf sensor systems.

It will also ensure the UAS can operate safely over satellite communication in an active airspace environment without infringing on aircraft operations. Lastly, the trial will ensure the UAS can produce a live and clear video feed during remote operation from an airborne aircraft.

No. 3 Security Forces Squadron members undertake drone training, preparing a Sky Ranger R70 drone for operation from an airborne RAAF C-130J Hercules. LACW Jacqueline Forrester.

Aircraft Technician, Leading Aircraftman Clement Mau works on a C130J Hercules engine at Australia's main operating base in the Middle East. LSIS Craig Walton.

61

D efence

Surveillance technology makes it harder to hide Scientists at Defence Science and Technology Group (DST) are working with counterparts from the United States to demonstrate the capabilities of hyperspectral imaging for use by the Australian Defence Force.

Hyperspectral imaging exploits the unique spectral characteristics of targets to aid in detection and identification of materials.

DST scientist Tim Bubner said it was very hard to hide from these spectral sensors, which scan across multiple electro-optical frequency bands.

“While artificial camouflage does the job matching the surrounding environment in the visible spectrum, it actually can make you stand out in the other bands, if you can exploit them,” he said.

Mr Bubner’s team has been collaborating with a team from the US Naval Research Laboratories (NRL) for several years, honing skills in exploiting hyperspectral phenomenology and developing state-of-the-art sensor technology and systems for use in airborne surveillance.

“Hyperspectral sensing is unique,” Mr Bubner said. “Very seldom can you create camouflage that defeats all the wave bands that are accessible to us."

"In the past, hyperspectral sensors were predominantly used in the daytime, but a thermal hyperspectral sensor currently operating on DST’s Defence Experimentation Airborne Platform (known as the DEAP aircraft) gives us both a day and night time capability.”

Another advantage of this type of sensing is that it allows users to scan the environment accurately and silently from a safe distance.

Jonathan Neumann, an NRL scientist integrated with the DST team, said the partnership had been valuable for his team.

Very seldom can you create camouflage that defeats all the wave bands that are accessible to us.

“There are limits to what we can accomplish back in the US,” Mr Neumann said.

“DST Group nicely complements what our research is aiming to achieve. The partnership has included experiments of direct relevance to Australian and US Defence problem spaces, including supporting the Australian AIR7000 and US PMA290 programs.

“DST’s DEAP aircraft, which has flight-certified pods custom-built for mounting advanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) sensors, was a key enabler for the program.

“Recent flight trials, including experiments in tropical North Queensland, were exceptional. The DEAP aircraft carried dual Reflective (daytime) and thermal hyperspectral payloads, enabling our respective teams to do everything necessary to support the trial objectives.”

A key focus of the research has been to demonstrate to Defence the unique capability that hyperspectral technology offers.

Keen to see the uptake of this technology, the experiments carried out by Mr Bubner and his colleagues have informed 62

Gavin Fowler and Tim Bubner (under the DEAP aircraft) conduct a performance check of the sensor systems just installed on the aircraft at RAAF Base Edinburgh.

Defence of the wavebands, spectral resolution, pixel size and other parameters that should be considered when defining future capability options.

Underlying it all is an understanding that hyperspectral sensing is an evolutionary and complementary enhancement over high-resolution motion imagery video snapshots or video clips.

DST scientist Gavin Fowler said it was much more than just looking at a picture.

“Hyperspectral sensing provides an understanding of the target materials’ properties, which is not available from other imagery,” Mr Fowler said.

“We’re working with high performance thermal sensors and extremely long-range, short-wave IR (SWIR) hyperspectral systems for surveillance tasks, including maritime surveillance, target detection in cluttered environments, stand-off gas plume detection and overwatch.

The other real strength of our system is that it allows for automated processing.

“If we can retrieve the spectral characteristics of the target, analysts get a much better understanding of what’s happening on the ground.

“The other real strength of our system is that it allows for automated processing. You can have an on-board processor which can auto-detect, identify and geo-locate targets of interest. We’ve demonstrated automated stand-off detection of invisible gas plumes in near real-time and automated anomaly detection in the maritime environment.

“A main theme for us now is to promote how Defence can use hyperspectral sensing by showing how we can insert these products into an enterprise level situational awareness capability into the bigger picture. That’s the next big challenge.

“No sensor will provide all the answers but we’ve reached a level of maturity with these that allows us to say that if you had these sensors you could work out if that was a life jacket 'anomaly' at sea or a camouflage net in a natural hide, or that

D e fe n ce

there is an invisible gas plume in this location.”

Mr Bubner said having Mr Neumann and his US colleagues embedded in the DST team at RAAF Base Edinburgh had been crucial.

“We’ve been doing real research work, side by side. The trust and friendship that builds up is critical to collaborative success. It’s been a classic partnership, allowing DST to build an indigenous capability that our partners can engage with,” Mr Bubner said.

“Because it’s been an integrated team, we’ve all been learning from each other. Everyone’s got such a variety of skills and experience – it’s a real melting pot of technologists, sensor operators, engineers, image exploitation experts and spectroscopy specialists.

"That variety of skills and expertise has allowed us to fulfil the outcomes we’ve been demonstrating.”

Sharing the Load The Australian Defence Force provided customised support to the Tasmanian Government to reinforce, amplify and expand their capacity to deal with the impacts of COVD-19.

ADF health personnel deployed to Burnie, Tasmania and were embedded with an AUSMAT Specialist Coordination Team to support the re-opening and ongoing operation of the emergency department at the North West Regional Hospital.

Defence remains postured to provide additional support, across Australia, as required.

Wedgetail turns 10 The Royal Australian Air Force’s highly advanced airborne early warning and control capability, the E-7A Wedgetail, recently celebrated 10 years since its introduction into RAAF service.

Today, Air Force operates six E-7A Wedgetail aircraft from RAAF Base Williamtown, which provide Australia with one of the most advanced air battlespace management capabilities in the world.

Based on a Boeing 737-700, the E-7A Wedgetail combines long-range surveillance radar, secondary radar, passive detection surveillance receivers and tactical/strategic voice and data communications systems. This provides the Australian Defence Force with its ability to survey, command, control and co-ordinate a joint air, sea and land battle in real-time.

As the sole operating squadron for the platform, Commanding Officer of Number 2 Squadron, Wing Commander Jason Brown, said over the past 10 years the E-7A fleet has been regularly dispersed throughout the world supporting concurrent exercises and operations, often with all aircraft deployed simultaneously with mission success.

Major contributions since the E-7A’s introduction into RAAF service include Operations Spate, Atlas and APEC Assist; providing concurrent support for Operation Okra; and achieving a high mission success rate with No. 2 Squadron E-7A maintenance and aircrew, in support of the US-led coalition operations.

The important partnerships and successful collaboration with the Airborne Early Warning and Control System Program Office (Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group) and defence industry partners, have been a key contributing factor to the effectiveness and operational success of the platform, from its introduction into RAAF service to the ongoing sustainment and contribution to the Australian Defence Force capability at home and abroad, as called upon by the government.

Courtesy Defence Connect.

RAAF Medical Officer, Squadron Leader Benedict Whalley, conducts a routine daily temperature check of an ADF member in Burnie Tasmania during COVID-19. CPL Nicci Freeman.

Supporting our Neighbours The Australian Defence Force recently contributed to the whole-ofAustralian Government response to a humanitarian crisis in Fiji as a result of Tropical Cyclone Harold, which impacted Fiji on 6 April 2020.

To support the disaster relief efforts of the Government of Fiji, a Royal Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster III from No. 36 Squadron was loaded with pallets of humanitarian aid at RAAF Base Amberley for airlift to Nadi, Fiji.

The Wedgetail recently celebrated 10 years of service with the RAAF. CPL Craig Barrett.

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B ooks

Wings of Gold

The Story of Australian Pilots and Observers Who Trained with the United States Navy 1966–1968 A u t h o r s : Tr e v o r R i e c k , J a c k McCaffrie, Jed Hart In 1965, The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Air Fleet Arm was experiencing a serious shortage of aircrew to fly the helicopters and aircraft it was acquiring to reach its ongoing operational needs.

Training support provided by the RAAF was not adequate enough to meet the numbers required to fill the role of aircrew for the RAN. The RAN therefore took big steps in approaching the

United States Navy to accept and train 49 personnel as pilots and observers through their aircrew training program, largely based in Pensacola, Florida.

The ambitious program came to be known as the ‘Pensacola Experiment’ and was considered to be an outstanding success, graduating 47 aircrew for the RAN between 1966-1968.

This account of a group of young Australians’ taking up the challenge to train with the United States Navy is a unique story and engaging right from the beginning. The characters are instantly likeable and easy to identify with. The reader gets to know them in great detail as they recount their personal stories, beginning the journey from selection for aircrew, initial flying training, graduation and eventually gaining their wings as Naval aviators.

There are many personal reflections and amusing encounters along the way as the trainees deal with a system and culture very different to their own.

‘Wings of Gold’ is well researched and written, including many good photos and diagrams from this period. Authors Trevor Rieck, Jack McCaffrie and Jed Hart present an exceptional and clear version of events that led to the proposal, introduction and running of this successful program for the RAN at

Former naval aviators Jed Hart (Left) and Commodore Jack McCaffrie (Rtd) (Right) hold their book 'Wings of Gold' in a UH-1 Iroquois helicopter at the Fleet Air Arm Museum, HMAS Albatross. CPOIS Cameron Martin.

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the time, whilst also keeping the reader entertained.

As the book Foreword suggests, I certainly did feel it possible to strap into a T-28 Trojan and land on the deck of an aircraft carrier after reading this amazing story - a unique chapter in Australia’s aviation history.

Published by Big Sky Publishing Pages: 285 | RRP: $34.99 in hardback ISBN: 9781922265852

The High Life of Oswald Watt Australia’s First Military Pilot Author: Chris Clark Walter Oswald Watt was a major influence and contributor to Australia’s emergent military aviation world during the early 1900’s. Qualifying as the first pilot in the Australian Army in 1911, he would go on to serve briefly with the French Air Service upon the outbreak of World War I. By 1916, he had transferred to the Australian Flying Corps and quickly progressed from flight commander with No. 1 Squadron in Egypt to Commanding Officer of No. 2 Squadron on the Western Front.

By February 1918, Watt had been promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and taken command of the AFC’s 1st Training Wing in England.

During WWI, Oswald Watt had been the only AFC officer to command a wing apart from Lieutenant Colonel Richard Williams. In recognition of his distinguished service, heroism and leadership of all those who served under

Bo o ks

him, Watt received the French Legion of Honour and Croix de Guerre. Watt was also twice mentioned in despatches during the War and appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1919 for his service.

Upon leaving the AFC post WWI, Watt would pursue various business interests including a partnership in a shipping firm and taking up directorships of mining, rubber and art corporations.

He was also elected President of the Australian Aero Club (NSW Branch) and served on a committee examining options for aircraft to engage in commercial activities across Australia involving passengers and cargo. Watt never forgot his links to the military, assisting former veterans to financially re-establish themselves after they had left the service.

Oswald Watt met an untimely death, drowning at Bilgola Beach, New South Wales, in 1921. In his will, he left various bequests to the Australian Aero Club and the Royal Military College, Duntroon. The ‘Oswald Watt Gold

Medal’ continues to be awarded on merit for ‘most brilliant performance in the air’ and most notable contribution to aviation by an Australian.

An amazing, but short life, ‘The High Life of Oswald Watt’, is a thoroughly interesting read. Author Chris Clark provides a well-researched and in depth look at the life of Watt – experienced aviator, wealthy businessman and social influencer - who played a significant role in the early development of Australian aviation. Watt came to be unofficially known as ‘Father of the Flying Corps’ and ‘Father of Australian Aviation’, leaving an enduring legacy that equalled some of the greats including Richard Williams, Charles Kingsford Smith, Bert Hinkler and Hudson Fysh.

Anzac Day was marked differently this year but it remains an important time of reflection, especially for those who serve

Published by Big Sky Publishing Pages: 352 |RRP: $29.99 in paperback ISBN: 9781925275797

Right: Australian Air Force Cadets 612 SQN Cadet Bethany Yates FLTLT Geoff Yates and Cadet Caisy Yates commemorate Anzac Day

Ceremony marks 75 years since VE Day The Australian Defence Force has marked 75 years since the end of World War II in Europe with a simple ceremony held in Adelaide.

VE Day - Victory in Europe Day signalled the end of almost six terrible years of fighting between the Allies and Nazi Germany on May 8, 1945.

Three quarters of a century on, in a small ceremony at the South Australian National War Memorial in Adelaide, senior ADF representatives joined Governor of South Australia Hieu Van Le, the South Australian Premier Steven Marshal and the Lord Mayor of Adelaide Sandy Verschoor to lay wreaths in commemoration of those who served.

Senior Australian Defence Force Officer - South Australia and Air Warfare Centre Commander, Air Commodore Brendan Rogers, said the service was personally significant having served with No. 10 Squadron and understanding the importance of their operations in Europe during the war.

“For me the simple service was particularly poignant reflecting on the

legacy left by those who flew for 10 Squadron during World War II,” Air Commodore Rogers said.

“Despite the impact of COVID-19, it was important that we came together, however modestly, today to commemorate those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

“We particularly acknowledge the remaining RAAF veterans in South Australia who served in Europe in WWII and who are with us in spirit today but, unfortunately, could not participate in today’s service.”

Director Community Engagement, Group Captain Greg Weller, said RAAF Edinburgh units, and the Air Force veteran community in South Australia in particular, appreciate the importance of this year’s 75th anniversary.

“Several Air Force units at RAAF Edinburgh saw distinguished service in World War II in Europe,” Group Captain Weller said.

“No. 10 Squadron was the first unit to see operations in World War II and the first to incur a casualty on June 15,

Three Senior Service Representatives lay a wreath for VE Day service at Adelaide War Memorial, South Australia. Defence.

1940 - Flight Lieutenant John Napier Bell, a South Australian born at Largs Bay, who joined the Air Force in 1935 and was with 10 Squadron in England at the start of World War II. Likewise, No. 462 Squadron saw operations with Bomber Command in World War II in Europe. Of the more than 10,000 RAAF airmen that served in Bomber Command, more than onethird paid the ultimate price.

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AFC

Alex flying into sky solo at 15 years

Toowoomba teenager Alexander Aiga-Webb celebrated a milestone moment and took his first solo flight to celebrate his 15th birthday on Sunday 1st March.

The Toowoomba Anglican School student follows behind Emily Taylor who was the first to undertake a solo flight at such a young age at the Darling Downs Aero Club in 2016.

Alexander's interest in flying escalated after joining the Australian Air Force Cadets 210 Squadron last year.

As part of the that he attended a six day excursion camp at the Amberley Air Force Base, and flew in a military air force training aircraft and was beside himself.

According to his father Garry, he returned from the camp and decided he wanted to learn to fly.

"Nothing stops him, he has done indoor sky diving and is a motocross enthusiast at Morgan Park, and now flying," Mr Aiga-Webb said.

Alexander did his orientation flight on October 16 last year, becoming a member of the Darling Downs Aero club the following day, and passed his solo flying exam on March 1.

"I love flying because of the multi-dimensional aspect, motocross and motorcycle road racing because of the exhilaration, speed and excitement," Alexander said.

He said before he undertook his first solo flight in March, he was extremely excited.

"While I was flying, there was no other feeling to compare it to," Alexander said.

"It was amazing, the feeling of being in full control of the plane by yourself.

"I was especially happy that I had done my solo on my 15th birthday and being the youngest legal age to be able to do so."

Alexander said he was currently considering following a career path into law, but hoped to incorporate his love of flying.

"With flying, I would be able to provide service to clients in remote areas," he said.

Toowoomba Anglican School's deputy head Gordon Oldham said the Australian Air Force Cadets 210 Squadron was advertised to the students through the school, but it was not compulsory or part of the curriculum.

Mr Oldham said with the school's flexible curriculum, it was able to give students like Alexander release time from 66

scheduled lessons or activities when they see that it will assist in the development of a particular pursuit.

"Alexander is a determined young man," he said.

"He is experiencing success in a range of fields and flying is his latest impressive achievement.

"Alexander is also an excellent motorcycle rider and has some lofty dreams when it comes to challenges which await him in the future.

"He is also achieving great things with the naval cadets, as well as being involved in a range of school activities such as debating."

Alexander said the Australian Air Force Cadets 210 Squadron had also been extremely supportive of him with his flying lessons.

"The best part about it is the different activities it allows me to experience such as flying, outdoor knowledge and make a variety of new friends," he said.

"As well, my school has been extremely supportive of me throughout the time I have been here, helping me incorporate my flying lessons along with Australian Air Force Cadets, motocross and motorcycle road racing among my schoolwork."

Alexander has been awarded the Warrant Officer award by the 210 Squadron for being 'the new kid on the block that has lifted the level of professionalism in cadets to a new height'.

Helen Walker | Queensland Country Life

Air Force Cadets - Superloop 500

RAAF pilots, Flight Lieutenants Kyle (left) and John visit Australian Air Force Cadets. (left to right) Cadet Erika Huntley, Cadet Corporal Riley Hobbs, Cadet Corporal Cooper Edginton and Leading Cadet Cory Forbes at Defence Corner during the Superloop Adelaide 500.

The Australian Defence Force has proudly showcased its capabilities through technology and teamwork at the Superloop Adelaide 500 from 20-23 February 2020.

A RAAF F/A-18 Classic Hornet from Number 75 Squadron based at RAAF Base Tindal performed an adrenaline pumping aerial display on both race days and a low-level flypast over Pit Straight before the main race on the Sunday.

At ‘Defence Corner’, Supercar fans browsed through

AFC

Defence displays featuring Team Army’s street machines, 1st Brigade’s armoured vehicles and RAAF Base Edinburgh’s equipment and capabilities.

Defence Force Recruiting career staff were also on hand with information and resources to get career journeys started.

ADF participation in the Adelaide 500 provided the opportunity to showcase local Defence capabilities and importantly highlight the dedication and commitment of our ADF men and women who serve at home and abroad on operations.

Damascus student Jamie Dove is taking his first flights toward becoming a RAAF fighter jet pilot

"I didn't realise how far I would progress and I've found myself loving the aviation side. There's been a couple of opportunities open up for me during my years in cadets which I've taken."

Although interested in aviation before joining the AAFC, Jamie had not really considered a career in the military - now he has his sights set firmly on becoming a fighter jet pilot.

"It's so fun just being up in the air. Not many people my age actually get to go up in the sky and fly a plane. It's cool, it's such a different experience from driving or riding a bike or walking - it's something you don't do every day and it's such a cool experience."

To get a head start on his fast jet future, Jamie has a goal to get his recreational pilot licence before he turns 18 and is keen to start lessons after what he hopes will be his first solo flight soon after.

Michelle Smith | www.thecourier.com.au

Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton backs local Moree cadet recruitment

Damascus College student Jamie Dove has big, fast dreams of becoming a RAAF fighter jet pilot.

Over the school holidays he'll take his first flights toward his dream when he works toward his first solo flight during an Australian Air Force Cadet camp at Point Cook.

Jamie is one of 16 aspiring pilots chosen from more than 100 applicants for the AAF training course, having attended a week of exams, panel interviews, team building exercises, instructional advice and uniform inspections in December.

"As part of the course we did a week of theory in Point Cook where we received a pilot kit and learnt basic aeronautical knowledge, and also had the opportunity to do an introduction flight, where I got to taxi out the Diamond DA40 NG four seater aircraft."

"I loved being able to get some hands on experience in the aircraft rather than just observing," he said.

Jamie will spend the two weeks of the coming school holidays learning to fly, with the ultimate aim of flying solo at the end of the course.

"I am a little bit nervous about the prospect of flying solo, but also extremely excited by the opportunity it presents."

Jamie joined the Australian Air Force Cadets two years ago after a friend dragged him along. He began as a cadet and over the past two years has progressed through the ranks to become Leading Cadet, Cadet Corporal, and has recently become a Cadet Sergeant which enables him to teach classes on field craft, aviation and drill (marching).

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has thrown his support behind the local recruitment for Moree's Australian Air Force Cadets.

Moree's 339 Squadron is currently on the hunt for teenagers to join their force.

"If you're aged between 12 and 16 years old in the Moree community and you're looking for a new challenge, I'd encourage you to consider this opportunity," Mr Coulton said.

"Youth development in our rural and regional communities is so important.

"Joining the Australian Air Force Cadets provides a great chance for young locals to meet other likeminded people, develop their leadership and communication skills and even learn to fly."

Mr Coulton said 339 Squadron is open for interested teenagers every Thursday night in February and March.

Applicants must be an Australian resident and in good health, and must also have permission from their parent or guardian.

Further details can be obtained from Donna McWhirter, on 0488 778 492 or via email co.339sqn@airforcecadets.gov.au www.moreechampion.com.au

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B ack Pa ge

Celebrating Women’s roles in Aviation Women in aviation came together celebrating greater diversity across a range of occupations on International Women’s Day The Australian Chapter of Women in Aviation International (WAI) partnered with the local industry to highlight the roles of female professionals in flight decks, aircraft cabins, airports and air traffic control across the country.

On International Women’s Day (8 March) 10 domestic flights took off under the control of an all-female flight crews assisted on their journey by female air traffic controllers, ground operation support and dispatch, cabin crews and more. WAI has collaborated with Airservices Australia, Qantas, Cobham and Jetstar, to launch these flights and highlight the diverse range of occupations open to women in the aviation fields.

WAI is a non-profit group run by women with careers in aviation who are passionate about empowering and educating all those involved aviation and aerospace. The group has a special focus on encouraging women of all ages to consider aviation as a career.

These flights had been made possible through the collaboration of women and operators across the industry who have came together to celebrate the contributions of female professionals across the aviation sector.

WAI Australia President pilot Lea Vesic said, “The first time I realised becoming a pilot could be a career option for me was when I heard a female captain over the P.A. on my flight.

Hearing her voice helped me picture myself in her position.

“We know the next generation looks for role models to show them what they can aspire to. Being able to show a diverse workforce opens up the world of aviation to every young girl or boy who turns their head to the sky.

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The first female Royal Australian Air Force pilots were Flight Lieutenant Robyn Williams and Officer Cadet Deborah Hicks. Both graduated from the same flying course (No 144 PLTCSE) on 30 June 1988. Defence image

“In an industry that has historically been male-dominated, small but meaningful examples like our all-female flight crews on International Women’s Day shows how far we’ve come and celebrate the skilled women who are part of Australian aviation.”

Female RAAF pilots

This includes Officer Aviation jobs such as: • fast jet and fixed wing pilots • air battle management, airborne electronics, air mobility, maritime patrol and response, and weapons systems officers • Air Traffic Controllers, and • Officer Cadet Trainees.

As at February 2019, there were 752 pilots in the trained permanent Air Force, 38 of whom were women (around 5.05%). There were 498 Officer Aviation Cadets under training, 126 of whom were women (25.3%).

It also includes Airmen Aircrew jobs such as: • Airborne Electronic Analysts • Crew Attendants, and Loadmasters

Female RAAF aircrew

Each year the Chief of Air Force awards two scholarships to young women under the age of 24. The scholarship is designed to assist young women in the costs of pursuing a career in aviation.

As at February 2019, there were 250 female Officer Aviation and Airmen aircrew in the Air Force, with another 143 undergoing training.

Air Force sponsored flying scholarships

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