Australia's leading defence contractor, ADI Limited and Adelaide based electronic warfare (EW) contractor, Advanced Systems (AS), have teamed with major US equipment suppliers to offer the Royal Australian Air Force a major upgrade of its F/A-18 radar warning receiver - and potential cost savings of more than $100 million.
The upgrade aims to place Australia at the leading edge of radar warning receiver technology.
The upgrade would significantly enhance existing capability by providing better detection ranges, more efficient identification of incoming aircraft or missiles, quicker response times and greatly reduced probability of error. The proposal also makes provision for further upgrading and enhancement in the future.
The US partners of Advanced Systems - Litton Advanced Systems which supplied the existing F/A-18 Radar Warning Receiver and Comptek PRB, a leader in EW and mission planning software, said the teaming of ADI and AS would ensure long-term support within Australia of the upgraded hardware and software.
A similar upgrade is currently being considered by the Canadian Air Force and the potential exists for economies of scale in initial acquisition and support if the Australian and Canadian programs can be harmonised.
The proposed Australian upgrade does not involve any aircraft modifications, flight qualification or system integration which ensures overall program costs are lower and minimises any potential risks to the program.
The proposal also includes all costs associated with upgrading existing infrastructure and provides for Australian ownership and control of the software source code.
A spokesperson for the Australian team members said the design and development phase of the proposed upgrade program would include involvement of Australian industry and technology transfer from the US.
Following preliminary work in the US, the work would be carried out predominantly in Australia, employing an estimated 20 local engineers and technicians. This would provide Australia with the necessary skills to undertake future support and upgrading of the system.
The value of the work to be undertaken in Australia is expected to exceed more than $50 million.
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Potential $100m Saving inRadar Warning Receiver Upgrade for RAAF
