Boeing, IAI win JP129

Also announced just before ADM closed for press was the selection of Boeing Australia Ltd as preferred tenderer to supply the Australian Army with a fleet of Tactical UAVs under the $145 million JP129.

The TUAVs will provide the Army with a high precision day and night surveillance and targeting capability with accompanying ground systems, Defence Minister Robert Hill announced on 12 December.

The air vehicles will be the I-View system manufactured by Boeing Australia's partner, IAI MALAT. These will work closely with the Army's Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter to support battlefield operations.

A new Army regiment will operate the TUAVs at Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, in Queensland. Boeing Australia will provide the through-life-support for the UAV systems, generating around 125 new jobs in the Brisbane area.

The first tactical UAVs are expected to be in operational service in 2008. They will complement the ADF's layered UAV system of short-range miniature SKYLARK UAVs that are being deployed to Iraq and the High Altitude Long Endurance Maritime UAV that is to be purchased under Project Air 7000.

"The I-View has a fully automatic take-off and landing system that dramatically increases operational reliability. Its catapult launcher and unique parafoil landing concept enables it to be deployed and recovered from an uneven area smaller than a football field," Senator Hill said.

"This capability, which includes real time video, will enable 24-hour surveillance for the protection of Australian forces as well as the identification of enemy targets."

All the Australian tenderers for JP129 provided innovative and competitive proposals, demonstrating the maturity of Australian industry in this emerging field, Senator Hill added; the other shortlisted contender for the contract was BAE Systems Australia, teamed with American TUAV specialist AAI Corp. and a team of Australian sub-contractors and suppliers.

"The Government is investing on more research and development of unmanned vehicle technology for use in future operations and for surveillance purposes," Senator Hill said.

The Boeing Australia /IAI solution for project JP 129, the I-View 250 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) features dual-redundant, fully automated, launch and recovery mechanisms and multiple payload and communication options to ensure superior performance and coalition interoperability.

Yair Dubester, General Manager of IAI/MALAT Division, said: "I-View is IAI/MALAT's fourth-generation Tactical UAV system, and is built on our extensive experience with UAV technology over the past 30 years. I-View offers not only high performance and flexibility, but also future growth to support the ADF's operational needs."

The Boeing Australia/IAI solution also includes a strong in-country support, modification, and upgrade capability that builds Australian self-reliance and critical capability development.

"We are particularly pleased that a number of Australian small-to-medium enterprises and research institutions will assist us to deliver our solution and provide through life support," said Mr David Gray, managing director of Boeing Australia. "Boeing Australia strongly supports the development of local industry and research organisations, and the activities that will be undertaken as part of the JP 129 project will clearly demonstrate that commitment."