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Post by FlyNavy on May 25, 2007 10:57:11 GMT 12
Friday, 25 May 2007 044/2007
SEASPRITE HELICOPTERS (Oz Minister of Defence statement)
In April 2006, I initiated a full examination of the Seasprite project following grounding of the aircraft due to concerns over the reliability of the Seasprite’s Automated Flight Control System.
The review paid particular attention to the reliability of the Flight Control System and its associated safety implications; the ramifications to Naval aviation of the project being 6 years late; and the performance of the integrated sensor system.
The review examined how to resolve these issues so that the best possible capability can be provided to the Royal Australian Navy.
After detailed consideration of the issues involved, the Government has decided to continue the Seasprite project, subject to satisfactory contract arrangements.
The return to flying will involve a series of controlled steps to assess the contractor’s performance, and to ensure the safety, performance and reliability of the Seasprite.
The Government will take steps to ensure that the contractor’s progress is measured against milestones during the course of the additional work.
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Post by corsair67 on May 25, 2007 11:15:36 GMT 12
805SQN gets another chance. ;D
Jeez, this is a surprise: Kaman must have come up with the goods bigtime?
I just hope Brendan knows what he doing?
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Post by Kereru on May 25, 2007 11:35:20 GMT 12
They must be quite different to the ones we have here?  Cemera settings on this one for blur were 1/40 sec f18 shutter priority, VR on, 200 ISO. Colin |
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Post by dav3469 on May 25, 2007 12:31:22 GMT 12
Other than the avionics (flight control issue) has the problem been with the attempt to turn the aircraft and mission into a 2 man helicopter vs. the traditional Pilot, TACCO, and sensor operator? The Aus. version is supposed to be anti sub and anti surface?
The new build New Zealand birds with 3 man crews have similar capabilities don't they?
Has the attempt been to cram it with new technology to lower crew requirements?
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Post by corsair67 on May 25, 2007 12:48:59 GMT 12
The SH-2G(A) Seasprites are designed for a two crew operation, and supposedly the ADF/RAN have tried to cram something like the sensor and detection capabilities of a P-3C Orion into something the size of the Seasprite!  There were also ergonomic issues with the pilot and TACCO's stations too, but I think these have been resolved now. Apparently there was a tendancy for a larger-frame TACCO to clash with pilot control movements! I hope for Kaman's sake that they can finally resolve all the problems, as this whole debacle must be putting a massive strain on the resources of such a small company. |
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Post by beagle on May 25, 2007 20:09:03 GMT 12
There was an engineering officer from Woodbourne when I was there in the mid 80's that got out and went to Kaman. name on tip of tongue, mmmmmmmm
ahhhhhhhh Richard Stent I'm sure it was.
Is he still with them. Anybody know.
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Post by planeimages on May 25, 2007 20:14:13 GMT 12
Great shot Colin,
What was the focal length of the lens? It looks very sharp from here.
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Post by Kereru on May 25, 2007 21:09:05 GMT 12
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Post by FlyNavy on May 26, 2007 13:48:08 GMT 12
Quote from: (www.adf-serials.com website where original message generated) www.adf-serials.com/invboard/index.php?showtopic=583>>Is it fair to say that the actual aircraft (helo) itself operates like it should, but the (important i know) mission systems like computers/software/interface are the problem. I am no computer nerd or mechanic but just wanted to confirm the Seasprite itself operates "as advertised"?<<<<<<<<<<< |
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Post by skyhawkdon on May 27, 2007 16:33:31 GMT 12
There was an engineering officer from Woodbourne when I was there in the mid 80's that got out and went to Kaman. name on tip of tongue, mmmmmmmm ahhhhhhhh Richard Stent I'm sure it was. Is he still with them. Anybody know. Is/was the person you are talking about Mark Waters? He worked for Safe Air on the Seasprite project in Nowra for a while, but he is back in NZ and the RNZAF now I believe. |
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Post by Dave Homewood on May 27, 2007 17:45:48 GMT 12
Curly Waters joined up with me in 1989 so it won't be him Don.
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Post by beagle on May 27, 2007 21:11:17 GMT 12
Pretty sure is was Richard Stent
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Post by Calum on Jun 17, 2007 16:43:22 GMT 12
There was an engineering officer from Woodbourne when I was there in the mid 80's that got out and went to Kaman. name on tip of tongue, mmmmmmmm ahhhhhhhh Richard Stent I'm sure it was. Is he still with them. Anybody know. Richard now works for Raytheon Australia on the A-109 project. He spend about that last 5 yrs on the Seahawk upgrade. Nice guy |
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Post by Calum on Jun 17, 2007 16:44:04 GMT 12
They must be quite different to the ones we have here? Cemera settings on this one for blur were 1/40 sec f18 shutter priority, VR on, 200 ISO. Colin Nice pic Colin. Any chance of a high rez verion via e-mail? |
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Post by Kereru on Jun 17, 2007 20:37:59 GMT 12
Calum
Thanks, if you pm me through my email on my profile I will send you a copy.
Cheers,
Colin
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