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The Electronic Warfare Self-Protection (EWSP) Project was established to provide protection against infra-red guided missiles for the Royal Australian Air Force Hercules aircraft fleet as part of Operation Catalyst. Operation Catalyst is Australia's Defence contribution to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq. Working with the Interim Iraqi Government, the ADF continues to contribute to Multinational Force efforts to develop a secure and stable environment in Iraq and assist national recovery programs. The EWSP project involved the successful acquisition, installation, certification and deployment of a Missile Warning and Countermeasure (Flares and Chaff) dispensing system and cockpit ballistic protection (for small arms protection) into Australian Hercules aircraft in a rapidly compressed timeframe in order to meet overseas operational requirements. This project was different to many Defence projects because of the unique and innovative approach that was taken by the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) from the very beginning. The extensive and rigorous application of project management principles employed from inception to deployment of the capability overseas, across multiple military commands, in a complex stakeholder environment, through one fully integrated Defence and civilian project team, ensured that this critical operational project was delivered ahead of schedule. The fully integrated Defence and Industry project management team comprised personnel from the Air Lift Systems Program Office Project Management Unit and APP Corporation Pty Ltd. The project management methodology used for the EWSP project was based on PRINCE2 and the DMO mandated PMMv2. The project highlights how project management competencies can be enhanced through integrated project teaming whose primary tenant was coaching and mentoring in best practice project management techniques. The successful overseas deployment of the EWSP fitted aircraft in a very short period of time proved how effective a true partnership between Defence and Industry can be. An absolute commitment to ensuring that the deploying aircraft were fitted with EWSP was maintained. The integrated team also managed aircrews’ training in how to use this capability in a potentially hostile environment, further providing unprecedented preparation for deployment. The EWSP project epitomises how effective project management transcends organisational hierarchy and works across multiple chains of command to deliver an outcome of which all participants can be extremely proud. The EWSP project is a success story because a key Defence capability was delivered more than two months under original timeframe and A$4M under feasibility estimates, despite operational constraints and in an organisation which has typically experienced continual time and cost overruns. This was achieved through one fully integrated cross-command Defence and industry project management team worked together to deliver this critical capability. Extensive planning and “front end loading” was undertaken by the project team prior to project approval to ensure that the scope was clear, appropriate, understood and deliverable within a deadline which was always going to be brought forward, and an effective project governance structure was implemented at the outset to facilitate rapid decision making and accountability across multiple chains-of-command. The aggressive approach taken towards de-risking, critical path and schedule management was a critical success factor. APP Corporation and Air Lift Systems Program Office are proud to have been involved in this project and acknowledge the tireless efforts of many Defence, DMO and Industry personnel who worked closely together under difficult circumstances to deliver this important project.
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