|
|
BG Comparison
– Tactical Helicopters – Australian Army Aviation [1] |
|
The Australian Army relied on the RAAF for tactical transport until 1986. In that year, the control of
Australian Huey utility helicopters was transferred to Army Aviation, expanded by the newly formed 5th
Aviation Regiment. The UH-1H Hueys were to have been interim utility aircraft (as well as armed
'gunships'). In the end, that aging fleet of Australian Hueys (now numbering 25) would
serve on longer than planned.
|
|
|
Australia's Bell Helicopters – the Huey and Kiowa
The Hueys were not the first helicopters in Australian Army use. CA-32 Kiowa light observation
helicopters (Australian-built Bell 206s) flew with three squadrons of 1st Aviation Regiment [1] beginning
in 1971. These are being replaced by the ARH (armed reconnaissance helicopter) but this type continues to serve in the
role of basic helicopter trainer (these being leased aircraft). The Kiowa LOH served in East Timor until
2005.
|
|
|
'Hawks – Sea Hawk follows Black Hawk
Both the Royal Australian Navy and Air Force chose Sikorsky S-70 models.[2] But, before the RAAF
could take delivery, the Black Hawks were diverted to the Army. While buying related types got
full points for commonality, the Australian operating environment proved tough on the Black Hawks gaining them
poor servicability records down under.[3]
|
|
|
Although Australian Black Hawk servicability dropped as low as 4 out of a fleet of 28, Army Aviation was able
to maintain a degree of battlefield mobility. The original Hueys were retained in service and were able
to fill in. A smaller Huey was not as capable as the Black Hawk but, in part, it was the
latter's load-lifting capabilities that had exacerbated servicability problems. As the largest aircraft in the
Australian Army's inventory, those Black Hawks had to do all the heavy-lifting – often already
ladened by twin, external long- range fuel tanks. This was a result of the RAAF deciding to sell-off its Boeing
Chinooks in 1989.
|
|
|
Born-Again Chook – Army Heavy Lifter
The Australian Army quickly ordered its own Chinooks. In 1995, the 5th Aviation Regiment's C Squadron
('The Brahmans') was formed to operate the 'Chook' (along with Hueys,
initially, as 'gunships' and for the Aerial Fire Support Troop). The newly bought Chinooks took over
all heavy lift from the strained and over-loaded Australian Black Hawk fleet.
|
|
|
[1] Australian Army Aviation flies more than just helicopters. 1st Aviation Reg't also operates
fixed-wing Beech B200s and Twin Otters.
[2] Australia ordered 39 Sikorsky S-70A-9 Black Hawks (38 built by Hawker de Havilland). Two were lost in a
tragic collision in June 1996, another crashed in February of 2004 – leaving 35 in service. Sixteen
RAN shipboard S-70B-2 SeaHawks were also ordered (8 direct from Sikorsky, the other 8 as CKD kits
assembled by ASTA in Brisbane ). The SeaHawk will remain in service, Sea Kings are to be
phased out.
[3] Army Black Hawks are expected to operate from shipdeck (being fitted with the SeaHawk automatic
flight-control system and folding stabilator) but this led to corrosion problems. Fatigue cracks are also a concern
but a shortage of spare parts hindered servicability most).
[4] The Australian Hueys provide a good example of phase-in/phase-out. Meant to have been eclipsed
by the Black Hawk, Hueys were kept on in other duties – including fire-fighting,
making Army Aviation a favourite with citizens. When the Black Hawks hit servicability problems, the
Hueys were still available. This prudent form of 'mucking through' compares favourably to the more
suburban CF approach.
|
|
Whereas Black Hawks can transport 11 fully-equipped troops, a Chinook carries 33. For
'medevac', a Black Hawk handles four stretchers, Chinooks carry 24 (and Australian
Chinooks are expected to respond to some civil emergencies). But it is
in external, sling-load carrying that the larger helicopter excels – the maximum external load for the Black
Hawk is 4,070kg. A Chinook can hoist 11,820kg on its center hook (indeed, it can hoist entire Black
Hawks) but the Chinook has 3 hooks. It can lift 11,360kg using its fore and aft hooks. In other words, one
Chinook can do the work of several Black Hawks.
Giving control of tactical helicopters to the Australian Army was not completely smooth (or without wounded egos in
the RAAF ). The Army chose the Chinook, the Black Hawk was selected by
the Air Force. Both have a place even if the latter had its problems. Replacement of the Black Hawk is in the
works. That high-lights a key difference between the ADF and CF. Australian procurement is an orderly,
sequential replacement. [4]