Identified Risks (risk identified by standard project risk management processes)

Description

Remedial Action

Refuelling system technical, integration or performance envelope issues impacting acceptance of the aircraft.

Actively monitor system design, development and testing and enforce performance goals. At the acceptance of the first aircraft non-compliances have been documented. Rectification action and schedule has been agreed. Project will closely monitor contractor progress for the development, testing and delivery of the rectifications. Select Resident Project Team positions in Madrid have been extended to maintain close oversight of contractor activities, and also participation in design reviews, testing, and acceptance    activities. USAF support is being maintained to provide the CoA with boom refueling expert knowledge and test support.

Design and implementation of Human Machine Interface of newly developed systems is not acceptable impacting acceptance of the aircraft.

Continue to contribute to the Human Engineering Program to provide timely feedback. Actively manage and control Human Machine Interface (HMI) development with Subject Matter Experts to ensure contracted requirements are met. HMI deficiencies at initial acceptance have been identified and a remediation plan agreed. Defence Science and Technology Organisation subject matter expert has re-engaged with the project to provide on-going HMI expertise support.

Lack of air to air refuelling operational experience by key stakeholders impacting the design and certification of the final product.

Provide expert support from RAAF and USAF for review of design. Highlight possible short comings to authorities and  provide expert  oversight of certification process. Involvement  of USAF boomers in certification and qualification activities. Airbus Military engagement of additional boom refuelling expertise.

Delivery of a sub-optimal Mission Planning System (MPS) impacting final capability.

Clarification and agreement on a finite set of requirements with Airbus Military. Also liaise with other customers to maintain a common set of requirements across the customer base to assist  with maintaining a common configuration. MPS non-compliances for interim aircraft acceptance have been documented and agreed with a remediation plan for the final capability. The impact of delays to the delivery of the final MPS capability has been mitigated by the availability of an interim MPS suite of applications and other workarounds. The project continues to closely monitor contractor activities for the development, testing and acceptance of the final MPS capability.

Unforeseen hardware or software issues encountered in the fuel system components developed by sub-contractors impacting schedule and/or performance.

Monitor development at reviews and ensure Airbus Military enforces contractual specifications. Ensure Airbus Military has a fallback plan to deliver a minimum capability whilst the full requirements are being met in the longer term. Fuel system non-compliances at interim acceptance of the first aircraft have been identified and a rectification plan agreed.

Unavailability of Simulation Subject Matter Experts for acceptance testing impacting acceptance of the Simulation Devices.

Coordinate requirements with the testing working group, identify solutions and provide training as necessary. RAAF flight test and USAF support is also available if required.

This risk is now assessed as Medium.

In-service technical issues will complicate rectification of acquisition non-compliances due to new problems being identified.

The In-service Through Life Support organizations will monitor technical problems through the use of defect reports. These defect reports will be provided to the project office to provide a holistic consideration of   the system problems and ensure acquisition design changes are aware of any impacts. A combined acquisition and TLS Configuration Control Board will be operated until Australian Military Type Certification and Service Release is granted. Project Management Reviews with the contractor under the acquisition program will consider this issue and ensure coordination over both the acquisition and TLS programs.

The final boom system delivered with the MRTT may not provide an operationally acceptable capability.

The USAF is recognised as the worlds expert for boom testing and operations, and through a FMS case, the USAF has provided support to the project office to advise on boom specification requirements and participate in testing. The boom 'end-state' specification and boom development program has been agreed with Airbus Military and will be contracted as part of a contract change. The USAF will continue to provide support to the project office during future design reviews and flight testing.