Aust missile-dodging system fails
From: AAP
July 22, 2006
A DEFENCE bungle could force Australia to scrap a missile-dodging system for its F/A-18 Hornet jet fighters because it cannot be integrated into the planes.
The failing electronic warfare system, at a potential cost of about $200 million, was chosen against the initial advice of an expert panel.
"It's a disaster,'' a Defence source said. "It's blowing up in their faces. This is putting people at risk."
The lucrative contract was awarded to the Adelaide-based BAE Systems, even though the firm's technology was unproven.
Now its ALR2002 system cannot be properly integrated into the Hornet's flight system, according to several sources close to the project.
Thr system was chosen over another model, made in the US by Raytheon, which has been successfully integrated with similar jets.
BAE Systems would not comment on the problems, but a spokeswoman, Shelley Mearns, said the technology was still in a "developmental test phase''.
She said any "formal acceptance from Defence will come later in the year".
A Defence spokeswoman said: "There was recognised to be an element of developmental risk involved in the selection of the ALR2002. However this was offset by the potential advantages in developing an indigenous electronic warfare capability within Australia and the employment benefits to Australian industry."
The spokeswoman declined to confirm or deny the problems, but said analysis of flight trials in recent weeks would be presented for Defence management "in the next few weeks".
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We got for the local involvement but get a sh***ier system. Did I read that right??
Good old Project Echidna..