Project

Explanation

Description

The $1,835 million Air 8000 Phase 3 Project is to provide the ADF with a global heavy airlift capability based upon four Boeing C-17 Globemaster III heavy lift aircraft. The project also includes the acquisition of associated logistics support provisions, role equipment, training devices and facilities required to completely attain the Heavy Airlift capability.

Background

The project received combined first and second pass Government approval in March 2006 to acquire up to four C-17 aircraft, complete with logistics support through the C-17 Globemaster Sustainment Partnership. Critical project approval considerations incorporated an acquisition method utilising a sole source to the Boeing Company, through the United States (US) Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process, to access preexisting contracting arrangements.

The aircraft are capable of providing a global Heavy Airlift Capability for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) covering the movement of military personnel and outsized cargo that cannot be transported by the Hercules aircraft. Previously, this capability had been provided through commercial arrangements.

Uniqueness

The aircraft acquired were Military Off-The-Shelf with no Australian unique modifications.

Major Challenges

The highest risk for the project is to deliver mature logistics support and training devices to meet Materiel Acquisition Agreement (MAA) delivery schedule. To date, no risks have been realised in this project.

Current Status

Cost Performance

All four C-17 Globemaster aircraft have been delivered within budget.

Schedule Performance

All four C-17 Globemaster aircraft have been delivered ahead of schedule. Role Expansion activities are progressing on schedule with Air Drop and Aero Medical Evacuation trials conducted successfully.

Capability Performance

Significant project activity remains to deliver outstanding long lead-time logistics support provisions, role equipment, a Cargo Compartment training device, Ground Support Equipment and facilities required to completely attain the Heavy Air Lift capability.

Full Operating Capability (FOC) will be achieved when permanent C-17 Globemaster facilities have been established at major Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) bases, and the training systems have been set up in Australia, anticipated to be by 2011.