Eurocopter International Pacific (EIP) and ADI Limited have signed two contracts totalling $150m for the armed reconnaissance helicopter program which will supply the Australian Army with 22 Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopters.
The contracts with EIP prime contractor for the program will provide for a wide range of systems engineering and project management activities covering ADI's key role in customising the Tiger's mission system including the software to meet local operating conditions.
ADI will develop the communications system for the helicopter, provide fixed and deployable ground mission equipment systems and supply the software support facility in Australia.
ADI will also be required under the contracts to manufacture and supply the aircraft wiring harnesses and bays for the Tiger. Eurocopter will transfer additional technology to ADI for this contract, which will give ADI entry to Eurocopter's worldwide supply chain. ADI will also supply harnesses for Tiger aircraft being produced for the French and German armies.
Furthermore, ADI will conduct the logistics support analysis program to determine the support requirements for the Tiger in Australia and provide the technical documentation for the Australian configuration of the helicopter. ADI will also provide earned value management services to EIP for the program.
ADI will undertake its program activities at facilities in Sydney, Perth and Brisbane, as well as the secondment of engineering and logistics personnel in France and Germany.
ADI will employ approximately 70 personnel up to the end of 2004 and plans to continue its commitment to the armed reconnaissance helicopter program by entering into further negotiations with EIP to consolidate its role in the through life support phase of the program.
Both ADI managing director, Mr Jean-Georges Malcor and EIP chief executive officer, Mr Joseph Saporito have recognised that the two contracts will not only significantly boost Australian industry involvement in the project, but will deliver crucial capabilities to Australia at the leading edge of technology. They said the contracts will also contribute to making the helicopter supportable during its life in Australia by ensuring key features specific to the Australian concept of operation are developed in country.
This consolidated partnership is demonstrating that the armed reconnaissance helicopter program has now entered the phase where scheduled work is being routinely undertaken towards achieving the overall program objectives.
-ends- $150M Aerospace Contracts: A Further Step in the Tiger Program
