PAUL LEWIS / WASHINGTON DC
The operational compliant Super Seasprite should be delivered to the RAN by 2004
Kaman has mapped out a three-phase recovery programme that promises to deliver an operationally compliant SH-2G(A) Super Seasprite helicopter to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) by the end of 2004, addressing in the process software problems with the Integrated Tactical Avionics System (ITAS) which have held up delivery of the 11 naval machines since 2000.
The US manufacturer is working to win formal acceptance and qualification from Canberra of a Block 1 software load providing initial flight handling, navigation and communication functionality. This would allow the RAN to begin pilot and maintenance training, as well as verifying shipboard handling. There are two completed SH-2G(A)s at Nowra NAS, New South Wales, and local partner Safe Air expects to complete remanufacturing of the balance by the end of the year.
Mike Bowes, Kaman vice-president engineering, says: "The programme is two years late, which is significant, but what we're doing to cushion that is working with Australia to put in place available aircraft to begin the process of training. What they want to see from us are a few more milestones on the table to complete the software."
Another two ITAS software iterations are in the pipeline, both due for fielding by the fourth quarter of 2004. CSC Australia is under contract for Block 2A, which will integrate the SH-2G(A)'s Telephonics APG-143B(V)3 radar, Raytheon AAQ-27 forward-looking infrared imager and Elisra AES-210 electronic support measures (ESM). Northrop Grumman Information Technology is working on Block 2B and 3, the former using data to create a tactical picture and interfacing with a Link 11 datalink. The final software block will integrate the digital automatic flight control system, allowing the helicopter to make automatic approaches.
Litton Guidance and Controls was originally contracted to develop the SH-2G(A)'s new two- man ITAS glass cockpit, but was replaced after problems. "The cost has been absorbed by Kaman and to an extent Litton. There has been no cost impact on the customer," says Bowes.
Australia is asking that certain criteria be met before committing to the new phased acceptance plan, including completing a software preliminary design review and stand-alone software integration testing of sensors to mitigate risk. Assuming Kaman keeps to the new software block schedule, the SH-2G(A) should begin RAN operational test and evaluation in 2005.
Meanwhile, Kaman is set to deliver the fifth and final SH-2G (NZ)s to New Zealand by the end of the year, with the first two already in service. New Zealand chose to retain the old SH-2F-based cockpit. There are two remaining technical issues to resolve - torpedo jettison testing and the performance of the helicopter's Litton Amecom ESM.
Source: Flight International