OXLEY EQUIPS RAAF F-111 AIRCRAFT WITH NIGHT FLYING LIGHTING SYSTEM
28 Jul 03. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has awarded a contract, to Oxley, for a trial modification of the F-111 aircraft lighting systems. The upgrade will modify both cockpit and external lighting in order to make them compatible with pilots’ night vision goggles (NVG) during night operations.
The F-111 modification was established as a requirement by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as conventional cockpit and navigation lighting disrupt the pilots’ vision when flying with night vision goggles.
The contract between Oxley and RAAF is another step in the Company’s transfer of night vision technology to the Commonwealth of Australia. The F-111 contract will be the first following the recent signature of a Defence Industry Involvement Recognition (DIIREC) deed between Oxley and the Australian Government.
Dr. Geoff Edwards, Oxley Group plc, Managing Director commented that “The F-111 contract is very significant as it helps exercise our commitment to the transfer of our night vision technology to Australia. We’ve pioneered many of the night vision lighting technologies used in aircraft systems around the world over the past 15 years and it is very exciting to see this now being incorporated in a Royal Australian Air Force aircraft”
Oxley has developed a strategic technology transfer partnership with BAE SYSTEMS Australia for the modification, installation and support of the aircraft lighting systems.
“This contract represents the first fruit from the Defence Industry Involvement Recognition (DIIREC) Deed signed by Oxley and the Commonwealth of Australia to transfer night vision compatible conversion technology to BAE SYSTEMS Australia,” said Mr Harry Bradford, Managing Director, Customer Solutions & Support – BAE SYSTEMS Australia,
Under the contract, Oxley will undertake the manufacture and installation of components for the F-111 cockpit equipment and will subcontract modification and support activity to BAE SYSTEMS, Holden Hill, South Australia.
The upgraded night vision compatible lighting systems will enable the RAAF to develop requirements and procedures for future programs to fully configure its fast jets for night operations.
“This contract represents the first fruit from the Defence Industry Involvement Recognition (DIIREC) Deed signed by Oxley Developments and the Commonwealth of Australia to transfer night vision compatible conversion technology to BAE SYSTEMS Australia,” said Mr Harry Bradford, Managing Director, Customer Solutions & Support – BAE SYSTEMS Australia.
“The technology transferred by Oxley under the DIIREC Deed gives BAE SYSTEMS Australia the capability to modify lighting installations for fast jets, aircraft capable ships, helicopters and military vehicles to work effectively with Australian Defence Force personnel wearing night vision equipment,” he said.
Under the contract, BAE SYSTEMS will undertake the modification and installation of Oxley components. The work will be carried out at BAE SYSTEMS Australia’s Holden plant.