Land 400
Yesterday the Minister and the CDF announced that Phase one of this project has started. Some 225 CRVs vehicles are required to replace the 20 year old 18 tonne ASLAV Fleet (Originally 269 delivered). Whether these be wheeled or track, depends on the submissions.

Refer: http://www.defence.gov.au/dmo/EquippingDefence/LAND400

Under Plan Beersheba, three Armoured Calvary Regiments will be formed(Two have been formed to date,..1 & 2 A Cav Reg ) at Darwin/Townsville and Brisbane. The later may retain the 2/14 numberplate or maybe it'll become 3/4 ACR. One Armoured Squadron, one Calvary Squadron and one APC Squadron will form up on this organisation. Circa >200 Armoured Vehicles will equip each regiment.


Top Ups:
Meanwhile, the Army has placed an order for an additional six M88 Hercules ARVs to boost its fleet of 7 to 13, in order to spilt up the original two squadron 1st Armoured Regiment of M1A1s into three Armoured Squadrons singularly attached to these three ACRs. So it seems that they will be deployed and based at three sites, in addition to the School of Armour.

Parts: European style supply line

Though the Army is happy with the ARH Tigre Fleet when flying, the same can't be said regarding the Supply Chain. Further to this, the type we have is becoming an orphan type in some respects to engine and equipment fit, due to the ongoing French development and fielding of a Mark 2 and development of Mark 3 in 2018.
The Australian Tiger ARH design is based on the Eurocopter French and German Armies Tiger helicopters. The ARH design varies from the French and German designs through changes made to the following systems:

 Secure radio communication systems;
 Digital Map System;
 Integration of the Hellfire Missile weapon system;Though the French are including this in the Mark 2,
 70mm rocket modifications;
 Storage Bay and Digital Video Recorder;
 Roof Mounted Sight multi-target tracking system; and
 Helmet Mounted Sight and Displays in both cockpits.

DMO comments: There is a chance that the FOC milestone will be affected by the inability to generate the required Rate of Effort leading to an impact on cost and schedule. DMO is working with industry to improve their maintenance and supply support networks.The possible procurement of additional equipment to mitigate poor Rate of Effort. The Electronic Warfare System fitted to the ARH is not performing to specification during specific aircraft manoeuvres.
In Financial Year 2013-14 the estimated cost of sustaining the ARH Capability in exchange of flying hours represents very poor return on
investment for Army. Army requires adjustment to the sustainment contract to ensure value for money.

Our current fitted engine, the RR MT390, has been replaced by the MT390E which improves the Max Weight,Hot and Dry performance. This is the current production model. The Spanish and French are being supplied with this type, therefore aren't really driven to maintain the quick supply of the earlier parts listings.
The Aus Army has not reached its desired level of operation with this early type, and are somewhat pensive whether to participate in the Mark 3 Upgrade circa 2018. The Bottom line is that if they don't, things will only get worse.
Like the Sea Sprite debacle,......the project may get rolled and a replacement sought. So watch this space.

NB:It should be pointed out that if we had gone down the AH-64D road, we would be facing the same problem of upgrading since the US Army will stop supporting the AH-64D from 2018 due to their fleet being replaced/upgraded to the AH-64E Guardian Model . Britain and others are facing this same dilemma now to upgrade to AH-64E specs.

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