Page 43 - Australian Defence Magazine November 2021

https://www.boeing.com.au/boeing-in-australia/raaf-100.page
While the program primarily applies mandatory com- pliance upgrades to the fleet, it is setting the foundations for the capability’s technological evolution over the coming decades to ensure it remains the world’s most advanced and dependable AEW&C platform for current and future operators.
Understanding the RAAF’s future force requirements and developing technology roadmaps that prepare it for its cen- tral role in the joint force is just one way Boeing supports the RAAF to achieve the Force Structure Plan. Ensuring fully operational and capable weapon systems for today is an equal imperative.
“Boeing aircraft make up one-third of the RAAF’s fleet and Boeing Defence Australia is the sustainment prime contractor for all of them, partnering with the RAAF and local industry to keep each platform mission ready,” said Carpendale.
“Our expertise in platform sustainment, training and through-life support doesn’t just come from what we deliver, but how we deliver it, and that’s via the Platform Steward model.”
Under this approach, developed collaboratively with the Capability Acquisition & Sustainment Group, Boeing’s sustainment contracts operate under a single management framework that includes contractor and Commonwealth employees and Australian defence industry, together with RAAF operators. It supports the effective management of current and future fleet requirements by focusing on fleet reliability, availability and capability above all else.
The model includes working in close partnership with the US Navy on spiral development programs for the F/A-18F Super Hornets, E/A-18G Growlers and P-8A Poseidons to ensure each platform keeps pace with evolving technology.
Boeing also works with RAAF capability managers to leverage digital engineering and operational modelling us- ing the Systems Analysis Laboratory within Phantom Works International in Brisbane. This modelling helps the RAAF understand the capabilities they will need to meet future threats or increased rates of effort, and to develop growth
paths to achieve these operational outcomes and maximise the utility of their existing weapon systems.
Delivering best-for-capability solutions also involves harnessing the latest technologies to improve platform readiness, availability, safety and relevance, while reducing overall cost of ownership.
Boeing’s suite of industry-leading, locally-developed data analytics tools are delivering enhanced maintenance, repair and overhaul, and supply chain outcomes through the use of big data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learn- ing and other evolving technologies, as well as specialised software developed by Australian SMEs.
The strong and enduring partnership that is enabling outstanding performance in the air domain has formed
the basis of Boeing’s approach to supporting the RAAF as
it forges ahead with its Force Structure Plan to build a sover- eign space capability.
Boeing Defence Australia is merging US-developed space technology and solutions with existing in-country exper- tise to create solutions that provide Australia with the best possible capability and sovereign control.
The partnership – between Boeing’s satellite business, which continues to support commercial and government satellite programs with the US military’s most modern wide- band communications satellite, WGS-11, Boeing Defence Australia and a range of key local businesses – has great potential for Australia to expand space-based and space-en- abled capabilities.
Today’s partnership between Boeing and RAAF – span- ning some of the world’s most technologically-advanced platforms and systems within the air and space domains – is a far cry from the one that sent the first Wirraway soaring into the clouds eight decades ago.
In this centenary year, Boeing honours the remarkable achievements of the RAAF’s aviators, past and present, and takes pride in its enduring partnership that has helped evolve the RAAF into the revolutionary, world-leading Air Force it is today. ■
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