Project Failure: Australia’s ALR 2002 Protection System

All they’re ready for?(click to view full) On Sept 12/06, The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Australia’s A$ 400 million ALR2002 project, aimed at putting radar and infrared missile warning systems (RWRs) in Australia’s helicopters, transports and F/A-18s, had ended in at least partial failure with the scrapping of F/A-18 integration under the HUG 2.3 upgrade program. Sticking with the offering from BAE Systems Australia’s electronic warfare division, they said, would deliver the project at least 2 years late and A$ 200 million over budget. In response, a decision was formally announced on Nov 13/06. RAAF F/A-18A/B fighters would not use “Project Echidna’s” system, but its helicopters and C-130s would. More than 4 years after the original Phase 2A award, the scope of fielding for “Project Echidna” is about to be reduced again… ALR-67: In Through the Out Door The ECM cycle(click to view full) A fully integrated countermeasures system can detect air and ground radar signals, identify threats, provide aircrew with situational awareness and threat warning and activate countermeasures such as flares, chaff or jamming to protect the aircraft, either automatically or under aircrew control. Project Echidna (an Australian Spiny Anteater) Phase 2A aimed deliver an integrated Electronic Warfare […]