First Pass Approval For Orion Replacement, Can you spot the likely candidate?

[Brendan Cowan]

Do you ever get the feeling that there is only one serious option under consideration?

BC


Minister for Defence Media Mail List
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Friday, 20 July 2007
073/2007

FIRST PASS APPROVAL FOR ORION REPLACEMENT I am pleased to announce that the Government has given first pass approval for AIR 7000 Phase 2 – a $4 billion project for Defence to acquire a manned Maritime Patrol and Response Aircraft (MPRA).

The manned MPRA, in conjunction with the Multi-mission Unmanned Aerial System being acquired by Defence under AIR 7000 Phase 1, will replace the capability currently provided by the AP-3C Orion.

The AP-3C Orion is planned to be retired in 2018 after over 30 years of service.
First pass approval has been granted to allow Defence to commence formal negotiations with the United States Navy (USN) to participate in the cooperative development of the P-8A Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA).

Following an exhaustive examination of available options, the USN chose the Boeing Company to develop the P-8A MMA based on its 737 commercial aircraft. The P-8A MMA offers a modern, highly reliable commercially-proven airframe with the latest maritime surveillance and attack capabilities.

The P-8A will be equipped with modern Anti-Submarine Warfare, Anti-Surface Warfare and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance sensors that have evolved from proven systems. The P-8A will be capable of broad-area, maritime, littoral and limited overland operations.

Through its participation in the proposed cooperative development of the MMA, Defence will assist in providing opportunities for Australian industry as well as gain an ability to positively influence development of the MMA Program.



Media contacts
Nigel Blunden
(Dr Nelson)
02 6277 7800
0407 632 931
Defence Media Liaison

02 6265 3343
0408 498 664

www.defence.gov.au

[darren.crick]

no, why would you think that? :P

[Rod Farquhar]

Courtesy of Lockheed and Air Force News here is an artists impression of what it would look like.
Rod.

Attached Image

[Rod Farquhar]

Methinks some finger trouble, have another try.

Attached Image

[darren.crick]

What exactly does first pass approval mean anyway...

is it "this is our choice and we are just telling you in advance of the official decision"

[herkman]

I have heard talk freom some navy people want to have a greater say in their use and manning.

Anyone else heard this.

Regards

Col

[Warhawk]

Why not make them "Purple" crewed.

Give the SeaSprite crews something to do until 2011

Sorry,..couldn't help myself. ^_^

Gordy