Here is a link to a statement re the cancellation of the much troubled Seasprite, personally I had hoped that they might keep them & use them for training until the problems could be fixed ,there is nothing inherently unsafe about them .Who cares as now they are on the way out, but what to do with the 11 seasprites we have paid over a Billion bucks for.
Tiddles
http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/Fitzgibbontpl.cfm?CurrentId=7480
By: Obi Wan Russell - 16th March 2008 at 11:22
Aye, it is. However, i wish the super hornets were cancelled. We should retain out F111 fleet.
The F-111s are worn out and very expensiveto keep flying. Retaining those examples in service beyond their current OSD would not only be prohibitively expensive, it could well prove impossible to extend them anyway. To keep any kind of F-111 fleet operational to bridge the gap until the F-35s arrive might mean buying second hand airframes from the US, and by the time they were brought up to standard the F-35s would be ready anyway.
By: Arabella-Cox - 16th March 2008 at 10:51
About time…………….Yet, I don’t see the Super Hornet contract being cancelled!:rolleyes:
Aye, it is. However, i wish the super hornets were cancelled. We should retain out F111 fleet.
By: Ja Worsley - 5th March 2008 at 10:45
Hmmmmm it is a sad thing, but now perhaps we can focus on getting the MRH-90’s for the navy. Sure the replacement aircraft for the Seahawks is still a ways off, but lets get the Seaking replacements in place and operational build up a working profile and then get the Seahawk replacements after that.
By: Jezza - 5th March 2008 at 10:26
About time…………….Yet, I don’t see the Super Hornet contract being cancelled!:rolleyes:
that desicion will be in may
either way wait and see
By: tiddles - 5th March 2008 at 05:16
About time…………….Yet, I don’t see the Super Hornet contract being cancelled!:rolleyes:
I cant agree with you re the cancellation, I think it is a $ Billion+ mistake ,but it is done & no use debating about it. We will have to wait until 2014 to get the NFH90 in service if that is chosen to replace it & about 2012 if the MH60 is chosen ,but the MH60 would end the plan of helo fleet rationalisation. Ah well who knows,I suppose at least there is some reality in the situation now & new decisions can be made, what a muckup all this has been. I agree with you re the SH, the general feeling on OZ Forums , Defence Journos & Govt. mutterings points to the SH deal going ahead but we will have to wait until after the review [maybe]for a decision. If the SH is scrapped it is unlikely another plane would be considered because of the time frame & the possibility of a smaller RAAF in the future would become an uncomfortable reality. The F111 wind down has started & they are really becoming a non event, there have not been a great many of them serviceable in recent years anyhow according to what we hear.
Tiddles
By: Arabella-Cox - 5th March 2008 at 04:25
About time…………….Yet, I don’t see the Super Hornet contract being cancelled!:rolleyes:
By: Alepou 340MB - 5th March 2008 at 01:19
[size=8]$1bn Seasprite project canned[/size]
March 05, 2008
THE Federal Government is cancelling the troubled $1 billion Seasprite helicopter project, Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon has announced.
The Labor Government began a review of the Seasprite helicopter project late last year and, after careful consideration, had little option but to cancel the project, Mr Fitzgibbon said.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates our determination to make tough decisions whenever required for the security of the nation and the safety and capability of our defence force,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
The Government would instead improve the current Seahawk fleet and investigate replacing the ageing aircraft later.
“We are determined to ensure that the defence force receives the capability it needs, and Australian taxpayers receive value for their money,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
The Government would have discussions with the contractor over legal and financial issues and announce the details when they were agreed.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23322971-26103,00.html
At last!
The federal government has cancelled the $1 billion Seasprite navy helicopter project.
Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon made the announcement at a visit to a Newcastle engineering firm this morning.
The Seasprite has been one of the most difficult projects for the Defence Department, running more than six years behind schedule and with no helicopters operational.
The cancellation follows a major review of Australia’s military defence capabilities.
The helicopters are one of a number of military projects that are running behind schedule, over budget or don’t operate as intended.
Also in doubt is a $6 billion purchase of 24 Super Hornet fighter aircraft undertaken by the Howard government.
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March 5, 2008 at 1:10 am
