Item

Original
Planned

Achieved
/Planned

Variance
(Months)

Variance Explanation / Implication

Initial Materiel Release
(IMR)

Oct 12

Oct 12

0

DMO milestone for delivery and acceptance of two aircraft, training and Australian military certification and initial service release.

Initial Operational
Capability (IOC)

Dec 09

Dec 12

36

Delays to the development, certification and qualification of the first-of-type aircraft. A further delay has been as a result of refinement of planning and identification of additional training and operational test and evaluation requirements. Delays to Acceptance of the first aircraft have required alternative arrangements for provision of aerial refuelling and air logistics services to meet Air Force operational and training commitments.

Final Materiel Release
(FMR)

Feb 13 F

Feb 13

0

DMO milestone for delivery and acceptance of five aircraft and mature support system, including training devices, training materials, publications, spares and support and test equipment.

Final Operational 
Capability (FOC)

Mar 11

Dec 13

33

Schedule recovery is not expected through to completion of conversion of the 5th aircraft in Australia due to the increased scope and complexity of the conversion. Further improvements to the military avionics and boom refuelling systems are necessary to achieve full capability and are planned to be completed by end 2012. Delays will impact the workup and achievement of the expected operational readiness for FOC.