2.4 Many of the projects contained in the MPR have achieved successful outcomes during the year, particularly with respect to achievement of key milestones and provision of DMO support to capability. The following list is a synopsis of some of the key successes achieved by the DMO during 2009-10.
• Wedgetail
The first two Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft were formally accepted into service at RAAF Base Williamtown on 5 May 2010, with a third aircraft accepted in June 2010. With Australia being the first customer of this highly developmental 'first-of-type' aircraft, the project has encountered a number of significant delays, primarily from technical difficulties. Notwithstanding, the acceptance of these three aircraft in an 'initial' configuration is a significant project milestone, with the aircraft now capable of supporting training and peacetime national tasking.89
• Super Hornet
On 26 March 2010, the first five of 24 F/A-18F 'Rhino' Super Hornets landed at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland following a journey from Naval Air Station Lemoore in the United States. A further six aircraft arrived in Australia on 6 July 2010, boosting 1SQN aircraft numbers to a total of 11 aircraft. The first Australian Super Hornet delivered by Boeing remains in the United States to facilitate ongoing advanced software development trials and is expected to arrive in Australia later this year. The project is consistently on schedule and on budget, exemplifying robust project management principles.90
• C-17 Heavy Airlift
The successful rollout of the C-17 Heavy Airlift capability has continued during the financial year, with the delivery and commissioning of the C-17 Aircrew Training System (ATS) at RAAF Base Amberley on 18 November 2009. This has enabled the training burden to be removed from the C-17 aircraft fleet, as C-17 pilots can now undertake training in the simulator at Amberley instead of having to travel to the United States. The ATS also enhances aircraft availability, allowing for greater operational tasking and reducing the overall aircraft rate of effort, with commensurate savings in aircraft operating cost.91
• Bushranger Vehicles
Whilst delays have prevented the achievement of FOC for Production Period One (PP1) and Production Period Two (PP2) vehicles, many of these vehicles are currently on active service in Afghanistan. During the year there have been many instances where these vehicles have encountered strikes from Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and have been instrumental in saving the lives of Australian soldiers, with Chief of the Defence Force Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston stating in May 2010, that "Bushmaster did its job".92
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89 Air Force News, 13 May 2010
90 Air Force News, 22 July 2009 and 1 April 2010
91 DMO Bulletin, 13 May 2010
92 ABC News website, 17 May 2010