Page 50 - World Airnews February Magazine Edition 2021

NEWS DIGITAL

THE NEXT ARMED

RECONNAISSANCE HELICOPTER

By Nigel Pittaway

department of defence and industry around 2016.
Reynolds said the issues with the Tiger fleet and other Australian
Australia has selected Boeing’s AH-64E Apache Guardian as military rotary-wing projects had informed the strategy to seek a
the next armed reconnaissance helicopter, replacing its Airbus proven and mature replacement.
Helicopters Tiger fleet under the Land 4503 programme estimated The decision to acquire the Apache was made under the
to be worth (US) $3 - 3.8 billion. Australian government’s ‘Smart Buyer’ policy, which allows for
The selection of the Apache follows the release of a request for sole-source selection without a competition if there is a clear
information in July 2019 and was announced by Australian Defence preference for a particular platform.
Minister Linda Reynolds recently. A spokesman for the Australian department of defence said
The RFI called for 29 helicopters, with 24 to be based at a single the government will now consider the acquisition of mission
location with two operational armed recon helo squadrons, and sensors and mission-relevant equipment, including the AN/
a five for training army pilots and battle captains at the Australian APG-78 Longbow fire control radar, but no specific configuration or
army aviation training Centre at Oakey, Queensland. The two numbers of radars have been revealed.
operational Tiger squadrons are currently based in Darwin in the The spokesman said the department will continue to consider
Northern Territory as part of the 1st Aviation Regiment. options to improve upon the Apache that maximise opportunities
The RFI also stipulated an initial operational capability, repre- for the local defence industry, including warehousing services,
sented by 12 helicopters, in 2026; and final operational capability training development, engineering services and maintenance, and
with all 29 aircraft two years later. repair and overhaul.
In addition to Boeing, Bell responded to the RFI with its AH-1Z “Additionally, early detailed transition planning will be conducted
Viper, and Airbus Helicopters with an updated Tiger. to ensure effective management of the skilled workforce, across
“The Apache Guardian is the most lethal, most survivable and the department of defence and industry, as the department of
lowest-risk option, meeting all of the department of defence’s defence transitions the Tiger to the Apache,” the spokesman said.
capability, through-life support, security and certification require- Boeing said the AH-64E provides Australia with a fully integrated,
ments,” Reynolds said. battle-proven capability and will continue to expand its industry
“By pursuing a proven and low-risk system offered by the capability and supply chain in Australia.
Apache, the department will avoid the ongoing cost and schedule “Apache is supported by an active production line and a US army
risk typically associated with developmental platforms.” modernisation plan through to the late 2040s, thereby ensuring
The Tiger was introduced to service in December 2004 but the platform remains the leading attack and reconnaissance
suffered poor availability rates and high ownership costs early capability through to 2050 and beyond,” a company spokesperson
in its career, before a remediation plan was implemented by the said. Q

World Airnews | February Extra 2021
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