With Eurofighter, Black Hawk and Hercules, the Austrian Air Force experienced a major modernization push in the early 2000s. Now it is time to think about updating these systems and procuring new ones. An overview.
Eurofighter After initial difficulties, the operation of our 15 Tranche 1 Eurofighters is now running smoothly. In terms of maintenance and checks, the hangar has now achieved such a level of self-sufficiency that even the air forces of the four manufacturing nations have been shown the procedures in Zeltweg. Acceptances and inspections after major shipyard events are also carried out in-house, without the involvement of external inspectors. This not only saves on operating costs, but also ensures that the aircraft are kept in an internationally standard condition. One problem (which has become less of a problem due to the extension of the service life of Tranche 1 jets in Germany and Italy) is the decreasing supply of spare parts for Tranche 1 jets in the medium to long term, which is why Tranche 2 parts are increasingly being used directly by the manufacturer. A mid-life update is nevertheless unavoidable in the coming years. Even before that, the data link connection with the new state-of-the-art Alenia RAT-31DL radars of the gold canopy system – also at international level – should begin in 2016. 
Pilatus PC-7 Turbo Trainer Twelve of the former 16 PC-7 Mk.1s are still being used in Zeltweg for basic pilot training and (equipped with MG containers) against slow targets in airspace security operations. After 32 years of service, however, individual avionics components need to be replaced. The Austrian Armed Forces prefer a solution that is above all cost-effective. A completely new glass cockpit – as offered by the manufacturer in the Mk. 2 – is therefore unlikely to be the case. Saab-105 Of the current Saab 105 fleet, twelve jets with retrofitted cockpits (including modern navigation aids and communication equipment) are expected to fly by 2020. By then at the latest, the Austrian Armed Forces will probably have to look for a successor. The available models (the Italian M346 is likely to enjoy internal priority) are therefore already being examined, as are possible procurement options – a leasing solution also seems conceivable. The tender should be issued by the end of 2016 at the latest. According to reports, all parts required for the retrofit, such as radios with today’s standard channel spread and permanently installed GPS, were provided by the company’s own workshops without the involvement of external suppliers. 
Pilatus PC-6 Turbo Porter One of the oldest systems in the domestic inventory seems closer than ever to its end. The sensationally low flying hour costs and the versatility of the aircraft, which is why it is often referred to internally as a drone, speak in favor of continuing the PC-6. In addition to optical and IR photo reconnaissance with so-called “image machines” for the aerial reconnaissance squadron, parachute jump training or firefighting, a planned new function as a radio relay station in mountainous terrain is also of interest. Agusta-Bell AB212 The cockpit modernization of the 23 Italian AB212s by Agusta, known as the “mid-life update”, was decided in 2010 and was supposed to be completed in 2014. Initially, however, things did not go very smoothly: the manufacturer’s workmanship was surprisingly poor and approvals were also rejected due to sloppily laid wiring harnesses. In the meantime, however, the program should be well on track, which is why the two-bladed workhorses, which have been in service since 1980 (the three large displays, the flight management system and the night vision goggle capability are considered plus points), have a good chance of celebrating their 50th anniversary of service in Austria. C-130K Hercules A decision is likely to be made soon on the type of missions expected of the transport aircraft in the future. There is a choice between “regular” missions as before, missions under “irregular” conditions (without air traffic control and radar coverage, on makeshift runways, completely blacked out and with night vision goggles, in a multinational task force) and missions in war and combat zones. For the latter, in addition to training for combat zone landings, more cockpit hardening and self-protection equipment would be needed. The focus should be on threats in the infrared spectrum as well as missile proximity warning systems and chaff launchers (flares). The package would then be put out to tender. The Swiss – whose politicians recently decided once again against the procurement of transport aircraft – still appear to be seeking cooperation. Internal army voices, which have already called for the Hercules to be withdrawn for budgetary reasons, are therefore likely to remain isolated opinions. 
S-70 Black Hawk The army’s nine most powerful helicopters, which were introduced 13 years ago, are about to undergo an overdue upgrade of their cockpit display screens and relevant avionics computers. It is not yet clear who will implement the upgrade; the solutions and prices of a number of providers – Israeli companies are particularly active in this segment – are still being evaluated. Something is also happening with the Black Hawk’s electronic self-protection systems: the “library” software, which each user has to develop themselves, is being diligently filled in at the Air Force and Air Defense School in Langenlebarn and in the squadrons. The focus is on the IR segment. 
OH-58B Kiowa & Alouette III Both types are scheduled to be phased out in 2020, so no further investment is currently being made in the systems. A modern multi-role helicopter of the Eurocopter EC645, Agusta AW-129 or Bell 407T class seems likely as a common replacement. However, it will almost certainly no longer be 40 helicopters, but a strong squadron with perhaps 24 systems. In any case, the project is heading towards its tendering phase, with armament capability likely to be a key criterion. Financing secured? Much of this overview reads optimistically, perhaps even naively. Too many concepts from the past ended up in the circular file. However, those responsible for the individual programs seem to have firm faith in the special funding approved by parliament in December 2014. According to this, the army will receive an additional 616 million euros to cover urgent investment requirements – air procurement was explicitly mentioned – 350 million euros of which will be available by 2019. Sufficient funds should therefore be available for the planned projects and the political will to implement them should now be present – against the backdrop of an upgraded security sector in many countries. Text: Georg Mader
