Air Power Today asked BAE Systems Australia’s David King and Christopher Plain to outline the progress underway on the Commonwealth-funded $1.5 billion upgrade of the Hawk Lead-In Fighter operating out of Williamtown, NSW and Pearce, WA.
Can you outline your roles in the BAE Systems Australia Aerospace business?
David King: As the Lead-In Fighter In-Service Support Project Manager (LIF ISS PM), I am responsible for enabling all aspects of Hawk operational delivery and sustainment as detailed in the LIF Phase 4 contract. This includes: budget holder for the LIF ISS contract, coordinating LIF and functional resources to ensure safe and enduring product delivery, engaging and maintaining relationships with LIF Enterprise stakeholders, and supporting the health and well-being of the LIaF workforce.
Christopher Plain: As the Business Development Manager – Air, my mission is to ensure that BAE Systems Australia is positioned to support Defence’s evolving requirements in the air domain. Similarly, I keep Defence informed about our developing products and technologies.
The Hawk LIF is the only program training future RAAF pilots to fly the F-35. Can you provide a picture of the future of training both in the air and on the ground?
DK: The sustainability of Defence Aerospace business relies on Industry continuing to evolve training pathways for current and future employees. This is particularly relevant for technical disciplines competing for resources in the contemporary labour market. Aerospace is evaluating options and technical employment levels, starting with the introduction of Aviation Mechanics.
Mechanics allows Aerospace to enact regulation flexibility and remain competitive without inducing additional airworthiness risk. The immediate, tactical opportunity is for Aerospace to overcome recruiting challenges, and direct our higher skilled workforce to maintenance tasks that require additional competencies, knowledge and skills. LIF will be introducing Mechanics from February 2023 who will undergo core aeroskills training through TAFE followed by initial employment performing flight-line tasks. This will be the start of their Aerospace journey.
CP: Training aircrew for 5th generation fighter operations continues to evolve and Hawk LIF is a front-runner. Following the LIF Capability Assurance Program, RAAF fast-jet pilot and Weapon System Operator training changed dramatically and now includes higher levels of simulation, NVG operations and advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground tactics and weapon employment training using simulated radar, missiles, radar warning receiver and counter measures connected between Hawk aircraft by a datalink.
Surface to air missile simulations can be injected into training by instructors whilst learning and debriefing is supported by a highly capable Mission Debriefing System linked to the SPA-TRAC ™ Virtual Reality system to replay the cockpit view after flight for debriefing or before flight to enhance pre-mission learning. The LIF training system continues to evolve with planned upgrades in the pipeline for simulation of more modern weapon types, new 5th generation-like display formats and insertion of constructive threat aircraft into the live training environment. These upgrades are being developed in Australia by BAE Systems.
It’s been a year since the $1.5 billion In-Service Support contract was announced to extend the life of the Hawk. What progress has been made on this front?
DK: LIF has reshaped, where applicable, to meet the efficiencies and responsibilities introduced through the Phase 4 contract. The current iteration of LIF contract did not alter LIF maintenance, engineering or logistics services; however, introduced significant Williamtown facilities adjustment, a new governance framework, different fleet allocation strategy and increased asset management scope including budget execution responsibilities. And the commitment to re-engine the fleet.
Progress on the adjusted contract deliverables includes: a new budget management tool to better inform delegates and spend; the fleet has been adjusted and optimised between the two LIF flying venues; a transparent and effective Enterprise Management Framework established; and Williamtown aircraft maintenance activities have been combined onto the RAAF Base. The focus is on safely supporting flying operations, working with Defence on remaining facilities upgrades and the Mk.951 engine project.
What impact will the Hawk upgrade have on the aircraft’s future capability?
DK: LIF ISS is effectively working two priorities: supporting flying operations and retiring the current engine risk through the engine replacement project. The new Mk.951 engine will bring Hawk platform improvements and importantly reduce the current maintenance effort supporting the legacy engine. Improved engine availability and reliability will reduce the amount of engine maintenance—particularly during aircraft servicing—allowing for improved aircraft availability and fleet flexibility. We are early in the execution phase with the first two aircraft currently undergoing modification.
Additional Hawk capability upgrades are currently being defined by Defence and will be supported by the newly established LIF Capability Development Environment (CDE). This will ensure the relevance and success of Hawk whilst employing highly skilled personnel promoting innovation and growth of sovereign capability.
CP: The Adour Mk951 engine upgrade will improve engine reliability, reduce maintenance time and allow Hawk to be used into the 2040s, if required. It also provides better failure monitoring, warnings and engine control through a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system. Aircrew will also enjoy the faster throttle response, thrust increase and minor fuel efficiency improvement.
How important is the Hawk LIF program for creating local jobs in regional NSW?
DK: Hawk provides substantial long-term and broader contributions to the local and national economies. This includes 870 total jobs sustained by 2022-23* (350 direct, 250 indirect, 270 induced)*. Whilst the larger proportion is NSW based (530), LIF’s involvement in the WA economy and aviation sector is also considerable. LIF has a stable and mature baseline and is an important contributor to further BAE Systems Aerospace growth as the F-35 support program gears up.
*Source: BIS Oxford Economics Report of Oct 2020
The Hawk Lead-In Fighter is the world’s most successful advanced military jet trainer aircraft built on more than 35 years of fast jet training experience. More than 1,000 aircraft have operated across 18 countries, preparing more than 20,000 pilots for life in a fast-jet cockpit.
The Hawk Lead-In Fighter is the world’s most successful advanced military jet trainer aircraft built on more than 35 years of fast jet training experience. More than 1,000 aircraft have operated across 18 countries, preparing more than 20,000 pilots for life in a fast-jet cockpit.
The Hawk Mk 127 is a two-seater ‘Lead-In-Fighter’ (LIF), introduced in 2001 to train pilots for combat aircraft such as the F-35, Super Hornet and Growler aircraft. The RAAF operates 33 Hawks at RAAF Base Williamtown, NSW and RAAF Base Pearce, WA.
