White paper review shows gap in fleet from retirement of existing VIP transport planes
The Government is looking at buying short-range passenger aircraft which could be used to transport the Prime Minister and other dignitaries and would plug a capacity gap in the Defence Force.
Potential planes could be twin-engine turbo-propeller aircraft such as the Dash 8 Q300 or the Casa 235.
The Air Force has five Beech King Air B200s that are sometimes used for VIP Transport, and the fact that these are due to be replaced makes the purchase of other short-range planes more likely.
The capacity gap was identified in the current white paper review of the Defence Force that is due to report back in September.
"One of the important parts of the review was to identify whether the Defence Force was meeting the needs of the nation, but also where there are gaps," Defence Minister Wayne Mapp said.
"There is a lack of short-range maritime control - that's a two-engine aircraft to patrol or survey or that could fly to a South Pacific nation - and similarly there's a gap around a lower capacity aircraft at the transport end.
"We've identified the gap in principle - actually filling it is a follow-on exercise that will take some time."
Dr Mapp said he had yet to consider how many or what type of aircraft would be ideal, but the common choices were the Dash 8 Q300 or the Casa 235, which can carry between 40 and 80 passengers.
"That's the size and nature of aircraft that other countries use to cover the gap."
The aircraft would also be used as VIP transport for the Prime Minister or other dignitaries. Currently ministers can use the King Airs - passenger capacity of seven - though their primary purpose is for advanced pilot training.
From the 2008 election to April this year, the King Airs made a total of seven flights for the Prime Minister or other ministers, clocking 15 hours in total. The King Airs fly about 3000 hours a year.
"The King Airs are due for replacement, and planning was under way for this before the Defence Review began last year," Dr Mapp said. "The leases are now on short-term rollover, and a replacement decision is on hold pending the white paper."
It is understood the Dash 8 or the Casa 235 can also be used for advanced pilot training.
Australia has two VIP transport options for their Prime Minister and ministers: a Challenger CL-604 which holds nine passengers and two Boeing 737s which have two conference tables and can carry 30 passengers.
Both are specifically used for VIP transport.
The Air Force has six Orions, five C-130 Hercules, two Boeing 757s, and 12 small Airtrainers. The Orions are long-range and much of their work - such as looking for a missing yacht - could be done by cheaper, smaller planes.
The Hercules planes will need replacing by 2020, and the Orions in 2025.
The white paper review will look at how the armed forces should operate in the next 10 to 20 years and the capabilities required.
It is being conducted alongside a Value For Money review.
THE AIR FORCE HAS
* 6 Orions
* 5 C-130 Hercules
* 2 Boeing 757s
* 5 King Airs
* 12 CT-4E Airtrainers
* 13 Helicopter fleet being replaced by eight NH909 helicopters.
WHAT IT MAY BUY:
* Dash 8 Q300 or the Casa 235.
