Page 65 - AA 2018_09

Army Aviation

sophisticated ability which is set to
expand.
In simple form, a Shadow can look
over a hill, spot enemy forces and
convey targeting information to a
nearby Tiger.
“We can employ the Shadow in its
ISR role and complement that with
ARH to overlay that reconnaissance
and also execute a strike,” BRIG
Benbow said.
“What manned-unmanned teaming
delivers us is a far higher likelihood
of precision lethal effect whilst
minimising exposure to our men and
women on the battlefield.”
BRIG Benbow said developing the
amphibious aviation capability was the
key focus for the next 12-18 months,
and also considering the possible
character of future war.
“We have been drawn into the
Middle East type-conflict. Now we
are refocusing our efforts towards
high-end complex multi-domain type
combat scenarios. They are the most
persistence, how do we improve our speed, what parts of these functions Australia will soon possess challenging combat scenarios. That is
surveillance and reconnaissance, can we hand over to machines and a world-class amphibious occupying a lot of our time. It is quite
how do we reduce our maintenance how do we integrate better to the aviation combat element. defence an exciting time to be involved with
liability, how do we make our aircraft combined and joint force.” this capability.
more agile? New capability is on the way. “We have really proven our current
“These are questions we are asking Already the Tigers and Army Shadow MRH-90 and Tiger helicopters levels of combat capability. Now we
ourselves. How do we improve the unmanned aerial systems (UAS) at rest in the Shoalwater Bay need to be constantly thinking and
networking capacity of our systems. conduct what is called manned- Training Area during Exercise innovating in this area to ensure we
How do we improve our range, our unmanned teaming, an advanced and Hamel 2018. defence retain a competitive edge.”

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