Australian Aerospace battles to deliver on Tiger promises

duotiga83 SG

DATE:13/11/07
SOURCE:Flight International
Australian Aerospace battles to deliver on Tiger promises
By Emma Kelly

Australia is working to mitigate risks involved with its delayed Australian Aerospace/Eurocopter Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopter programme, under which 22 aircraft and associated training and support systems will be delivered to the nation's army.

The Tiger's introduction to Australian service has suffered a two-year delay, due to problems with the Franco-German programme that have affected aircraft and system certification, simulator development and aircrew training.

Australia's Defence Materiel Organisation halted project payments earlier this year after the Tiger failed to achieve its contracted initial operational capability target (Flight International, 10-16 July). Australian Aerospace is working hard to achieve this milestone, which the Department of Defence says requires the delivery of 12 aircraft, enough qualified crews to form one squadron and the availability of appropriate support services.

Seven Tigers have so far been delivered to the Australian army

Australia has so far received seven aircraft and four of its six ground training devices, with the fleet having logged over 2,000 flight hours, mainly in support of training. Twelve aircrew, including six instructors, have completed training, with another six instructors and two test crews to complete qualification by year-end.

Australian Aerospace expects to complete Tiger deliveries by mid-2009.

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2007/11/13/219253/australian-aerospace-battles-to-deliver-on-tiger-promises.html

tankee1981 SG

Side track abit...which attack helicopter did Malaysia chose and almost ordered before the financial crisis? Is the Tiger on their list of choices? Very Happy

FiReDuKe SG

IIRC,it was reported in Straits Times that they were looking at the Rooivalk....

Black Aces SG

Yes, that was when the Rooivalk (or also known as Red Hawk) was still available (+in production) by Denel Aviation.

But the 'lost' of Rooviak in the Turkish Attack Helicopter tender, that was won by Agusta's A-129 Mangusta, is perhaps the death knell to the former + no follow-up orders by the host nation -SAAF meant the Rooviak is now not offered to the int'l market. So, Rooviak is out of the race for MAF.

According to Jane's, the Tiger is now favoured by the M'sian military and is earmarked for purchase pending release of funds by KL that is needed for current other military priority.