10.1 Air vehicle subsystems (mechanical) include: landing, hydraulic power, fuel, aerial refuelling, mechanical, propeller and pneumatic systems, and so on. In Defence aircraft, these subsystems are usually designed to comply with an Authority recognised Airworthiness Code. However, with the increased prevalence of modifying civil-derivative aircraft for military use, there may be occasions where Defence's CRE is different to that which the aircraft was originally certified. Further, the design of some air vehicle subsystems (mechanical) may have an adverse impact on capability and interoperability if Defence's requirements are not considered during design development.
10.2 Nevertheless, Defence's CRE remains a primary consideration when selecting aircraft for Defence use. Any limitations associated with air vehicle subsystems will be comprehensively disclosed in the aircraft's design data and will inform decisions on whether the aircraft can adequately meet Defence's CRE. Consequently, compliance with any of the Authority recognised Airworthiness Codes, detailed in Section 1 Chapter 3 of this manual, is acceptable for air vehicle subsystems, provided that the acquisition organisation has confirmed that the airworthiness design requirements imposed by the Code are compatible with Defence's proposed CRE. Therefore, the DASDRM contains no additional Authority prescribed airworthiness design requirements for air vehicle subsystems.
10.3 For air vehicle subsystems modifications, JSSG-2009 US Department of Defense Joint Service Specification Guide – Air Vehicle Subsystems provides a wealth of information and related standards for guidance.
10.4 Defence aircraft designs may adversely impact continued availability for missions if the design does not provide adequate protection of the aircraft while parked. Some Authority recognised Airworthiness Codes may provide design requirements for aircraft picketing, however, these may not be adequate for Defence’s role and operating environment.
10.5 While the Authority does not prescribe capability design requirements, the requirement for picketing of Defence aircraft to satisfy the expected ground conditions associated with Defence operations should be considered for aircraft acquisitions.
10.6 Defence aircraft air vehicle subsystems (mechanical) designs may adversely impact interoperability with other nations and/or continued operational availability, if they are not designed to facilitate interfaces with partner nation assets and support replenishment of fuels, oils and gases at deployed locations. In particular, civil-derivative aircraft may not be designed for interoperability. Section 1 Chapter 4 provides further guidance on interoperability requirements and the application of AFIC standards. The following requirement is not prescribed by the Authority, but should be considered for aircraft acquisitions and modifications to aircraft air vehicle subsystems (mechanical) systems where interoperability is a determining factor.
10.7 Interoperability design requirement. Defence aircraft air vehicle subsystems (mechanical) designs should comply with the requirements defined in AFIC AIR STD ACS 4029 Aircraft Jacking Pads and Clearances, and AFIC AIR STD ACS 4058 Tyre Valve Couplings.