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Home | Update | Latest Issue | Gallery | FR Profile | Datafiles | FR 6/97 LUFTWAFFE: READINESS RATES AT THE LIMIT by Karl Schwarz During her numerous troop visits, the defence commissioner of the German parliament, Claire Marienfeld, did not always get the best impression of the operational status of the German forces. In her annual report she says that often complaints about the operational status of air defence missile systems, aircraft and ground vehicles were put forward to her. The defence commissioner's report continues, saying that in some areas it has become a routine practice of taking spare parts out of other vehicles and aircraft. Marienfeld sees negative effects on the motivation of all persons directly and indirectly affected by the situation if it continues to exist for a longer period of time. The defence ministry is evaluating the situation far less critical: "The changed situation of security politics allowed to differentiate the readiness requirements on the time line after 1990". Furthermore: "The operational status of the weapons system was sufficient to fulfill the international commitments, readiness requirements, and special tasks of crisis reaction without limitation." Still, the ministry admits that there were some cutbacks at the operational and training flight ops at the homebases of the German Air Force and Army units. The defence commissioner finds this fact alarming since "the training of the soldiers should not suffer from the financial confinements. Also, the impression of a two-class army because of a single-sided focus on the crisis reaction forces should be avoided." The following table highlights the operational status of the individual aircraft and helicopters. However, the numbers should be treated with some consideration since the result is influenced by various factors. Among others, the defence ministry lists the following reasons as impairing the operational readiness of its aircraft: Bell UH-1D (62 to 64 %): There were shortcomings in the technical departments of the Army due to foreign deployments, resulting in maintenance delays. McDonnell Douglas F-4F Phantom (55 %): The meanwhile completed update program and necessary repairs of the stabilators have kept an average of 20 aircraft on the ground. MiG-29 (47 %): Along with the planned service time extension and retrofit program, a lack of engine spare parts spoiled the balance. Panavia Tornado (55 to 62 %): 20 aircraft at the time were undergoing modifications at the industry and Air Force plants. An engine problem furthermore spoiled the operational availability. Sikorsky CH-53G (50 %): There was a shortcoming in the maintenance personnel. This was added by a problem with the front gear at the beginning of this year. Transall (55 %): Modification programs concerning the navigation and flight control system, as well as, the electronic warfare suit had priority. Delays were due to delays of the work at the Dasa plant (moved from Lemwerder to Manching). One fourth of the aircraft were in overhaul. The defence ministry expects an improvement for the Transall and Phantom fleet since the modernization programs for these aircraft are completed. Taking 52 Bell UH-1D helicopters out of service with the Army in the time from 1997 to 1999 is supposed to bring some improvement. The MiG-29's integration into the Air Force's logistics system should also have a positive effect. However, the move of the Fighter Wing 73 from Sobernheim to Laage will reduce the Phantom maintenance capacity over a period of one year. From page 68 of FLUG REVUE 6/97 Home | Update | Latest Issue | Gallery | FR Profile | Datafiles | FR 6/97 Copyright 1997 by Motor-Presse Stuttgart. All rights reserved. Last updated May 7, 1997