Giving to those that do not need charity

The current, gullible, Australian leadership gave Indonesia some C-130s for free. Part of the justification was that they could help with border security.

This is an effort by the current Australian leadership to give the impression that they are doing something about the illegal boat arrivals, even if they aren't doing anything (worth-while) about the problem.

Indonesia already has C-130s and most likely intends not to use the ones gifted by the Australian taxpayer for the use imagined by a nutty Australian leadership that has helped balloon national debt to $158B and counting.

In other news; while we are giving stuff to Indonesia that they can easily buy for themselves, they are purchasing used main-battle tanks, new submarines, fighter aircraft and a recent spend on these:

Don't hate the player.

Hate the game.

Update on wasteful C-130 resourcing by Defence

Yet another company that can refurb C-130s.

Many C-130s around the world can have their service life extended by having the Center Wing Box replaced. As the main load-bearing component of the C-130’s airframe, it is this structure that usually determines the overall operational life of the aircraft.

Something to think about (again) as Australia wastes taxpayer dollars by retiring C-130H aircraft and even giving some of them to Indonesia.

Indonesia has enough funds to maintain airlift/utility aircraft. They even ordered some new light attack trainers the other day.

Giving away C-130s

Just a reminder of how your tax dollars are being wasted. Defence could have picked from multiple skilled vendors to upgrade these aircraft.

Instead, they are given away to a country who already isn't hurting in its ability to spend on transport aircraft.

Hey, they can even afford main battle tanks, even if it isn't always the best tank country for that weight class.

Spend-thrift vs. thrift

Australia gives their C-130H aircraft away.

South Korea?

They upgrade theirs.

USAF boss General Schwartz argument about not needing C-27 is shot down by Australia

The boss of the USAF is wrong.

Again.

Australia will purchase 10 C-27J aircraft. Read the reasons why below from the Defence press release. Note the airfield comparison metrics between the C-130 and C-27.

Schwartz (never a 4-star genius on air power issues) assumes America will never need to get into airfields unavailable to the C-130.

Minister for Defence and Minister for Defence Materiel – Joint Media Release – New Battlefield aircraft for the Air Force

10 May 2012

Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare today announced that the Government had agreed to purchase 10 Alenia C-27J Spartan Battlefield Airlift aircraft at a cost of $1.4 billion.

The C-27J will replace the Caribou aircraft which was retired from service in 2009 after a career spanning more than four decades. The C-27J complements the capabilities of the C-130 and C-17 aircraft and uses common infrastructure and aircraft systems such as engines, avionics and the cargo handling systems.

The acquisition of the C-27J will significantly improve the ADF’s ability to move troops, equipment and supplies. The C-27J has the capacity to carry significant load and still access small, soft, narrow runways that are too short for the C-130J or runways which are unable to sustain repeated use of larger aircraft.

In Australia, the C-27J can access over 1900 airfields compared to around 500 for the C-130 Hercules aircraft. In our region, the C-27J will be able to access over 400 airfields compared to around 200 for the C‑130 Hercules aircraft.

These aircraft will provide battlefield airlift but are also capable of conducting airlift in our region. They will be able to operate from rudimentary airstrips in Australia and overseas and will be able to support humanitarian missions in remote locations.

The flexibility of the C-27J allows it to undertake a wide range of missions from delivering ammunition to front line troops to undertaking aero-medical evacuation of causalities.

A Battlefield Airlifter needs to be able to operate in a high threat environment. The C-27J with its missile warning systems, electronic self protection, secure communications and battlefield armour provides protection from threats ranging from small arms to highly lethal man portable air defence systems (MANPADS).

The C-27J was assessed by Defence as the aircraft which best met all the essential capability requirements and provides the best value for money. It was assessed as being able to fly further, faster, higher while carrying more cargo and requiring a smaller runway than the other aircraft under consideration, the Airbus Military C-295.

The acquisition of the 10 C-27J aircraft with associated support equipment will be conducted through a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) arrangement with the United States (US) at a cost of around $1.4 billion. The first aircraft are expected to be delivered in 2015 with the Initial Operating Capability scheduled for the end of 2016.

Initial logistic support, including training for aircrew and maintenance personnel will be provided through the FMS program, utilising the system that has been established in the US. Defence will seek a separate agreement with the C-27J manufacturer, Alenia, in order to ensure that RAAF can operate, maintain and modify the aircraft throughout its planned life.

Since the retirement of the Caribou fleet in 2009, Australia’s military airlift capability has comprised C‑17 heavy lift aircraft, C‑130 H and J model Hercules aircraft, the Interim Light Transport aircraft (8 Beechcraft King Air 350 aircraft) and Navy and Army helicopters.

In the Budget the Government announced the retirement of the C-130H, which will proceed in an orderly fashion over the course of the year.

The 10 C-27J will be based in Richmond.

Media Contacts:

Mr Smith’s Office: Andrew Porter (02) 6277 7800 or 0419 474 392

Mr Clare’s Office: Korena Flanagan (02) 6277 7620 or 0418 251 316

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

Video-C-130J Combat Shadow

What makes the Combat Shadow special? Take a look at this LM video.