AD? 4RAR gone back to Infantry role, or back to paper? I didnt know about 2 CDO Regt...
Royal Australian Air Force [RAAF] News, Discussions and Updates
4 RAR has been renamed 2 Cdo Regt. There is some info on it in the Australian Army thread.
4 Sqn will be formed from the existing FACDU and the growing RAAF terminal attack controller (TAC) capability to provide an in air and on the ground *deployable* FAC/TAC capability for air force control of the bomb until it is handed over to the enemy. There are many USAF AFSOC capabilities that will not be in 4 Sqn.
Using PC-9/As FACDU is training only as those aircraft are not combat deployable. The new pilot training program is to deliver 4-6 FAC aircraft (a la AT-6B) to replace them. Though I reckon Hawks would be better...
Have they tested it yet? I've not yet heard that it's flown, though if it hasn't, it should soon.
It's reckoned to be a bit bigger than an MQ-9 Reaper.
I read an article dating from February which said it would be tested in the next couple of months.
AFAIK there are 4 countries testing their own "black" (publicly undeclared) aircraft out at Woomera. It includes the UK. I'm assuming that it's in the mix.
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There is more recent information. The latest statement said that it was expected to fly this month, but IIRC the flight date was stated to be dependent on the availability of slots, which was not under the control of BAe. That suggests that BAe think it's ready to go. Presumably they've done all the necessary pre-flight ground testing.
From defpro news.....
Third Airbus A330-200 arrived in Australia for its conversion into a multi role tanker transport (KC-30 Tanker)
08:53 GMT, June 25, 2009 Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, today announced that the next commercial Airbus A330-200 aircraft has arrived at Brisbane airport for its conversion into a multi role tanker transport (KC-30 Tanker) for use by the Royal Australian Air Force.
This aircraft is being acquired under Project Air 5402. Under this project five air to air refuelling aircraft are being purchased from Spanish company EADS CASA (now known as Airbus Military). This involves the conversion of commercial A330-200 Airbus into military air to air refuellers (KC 30 Tankers).
“The aircraft which is known as Manufacturer’s Serial Number 969, is the third A330-200 to be delivered from Airbus for this project and will be the second aircraft to be converted to a KC-30 tanker by Qantas in Australia,” said Mr Combet.
“This is good news for Brisbane and Qantas. The project also demonstrates the ability of Australian defence industry to engage in complex military aviation projects.”
“The ability to refuel aircraft in the air provides the ADF with a stronger capability by allowing a fixed number of aircraft to remain airborne longer, carry more ordnance or fly further than would otherwise be the case. This will help augment our air combat capability by extending the range and endurance of our fighters,” said Mr Combet.
“The KC 30 Tanker will also add to our air-lift capability with the capacity to carry 270 troops and significant quantities of stores over significant distances.”
“The first (prototype) aircraft, MSN747, has now successfully completed the second sub-phase of developmental flight testing which is devoted to boom free flight data gathering and validation of the KC-30 receiver and tanker flight control laws.”
“MSN747 has successfully performed dry contacts as a receiver with the EADS A310 Boom Demonstrator and a French Air Force C-135 tanker. It has completed its first dry contact using the new-generation Cobham 905E hose and drogue refuelling pods with a Spanish Air Force F/A-18 fighter on 28 May 2009.”
“The second aircraft, MSN 951, being the first to be converted to a KC-30 tanker by Qantas in Australia, is progressing well and is expected to return to Madrid, Spain later this year for completion of the extensive certification and qualification flight test program.”
MSN 951 is currently expected to be the first aircraft to be accepted from Airbus Military, around mid-2010, for entry into RAAF service, as A39?002.
Third Airbus A330-200 arrived in Australia for its conversion into a multi role tanker transport (KC-30 Tanker)
08:53 GMT, June 25, 2009 Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, today announced that the next commercial Airbus A330-200 aircraft has arrived at Brisbane airport for its conversion into a multi role tanker transport (KC-30 Tanker) for use by the Royal Australian Air Force.
This aircraft is being acquired under Project Air 5402. Under this project five air to air refuelling aircraft are being purchased from Spanish company EADS CASA (now known as Airbus Military). This involves the conversion of commercial A330-200 Airbus into military air to air refuellers (KC 30 Tankers).
“The aircraft which is known as Manufacturer’s Serial Number 969, is the third A330-200 to be delivered from Airbus for this project and will be the second aircraft to be converted to a KC-30 tanker by Qantas in Australia,” said Mr Combet.
“This is good news for Brisbane and Qantas. The project also demonstrates the ability of Australian defence industry to engage in complex military aviation projects.”
“The ability to refuel aircraft in the air provides the ADF with a stronger capability by allowing a fixed number of aircraft to remain airborne longer, carry more ordnance or fly further than would otherwise be the case. This will help augment our air combat capability by extending the range and endurance of our fighters,” said Mr Combet.
“The KC 30 Tanker will also add to our air-lift capability with the capacity to carry 270 troops and significant quantities of stores over significant distances.”
“The first (prototype) aircraft, MSN747, has now successfully completed the second sub-phase of developmental flight testing which is devoted to boom free flight data gathering and validation of the KC-30 receiver and tanker flight control laws.”
“MSN747 has successfully performed dry contacts as a receiver with the EADS A310 Boom Demonstrator and a French Air Force C-135 tanker. It has completed its first dry contact using the new-generation Cobham 905E hose and drogue refuelling pods with a Spanish Air Force F/A-18 fighter on 28 May 2009.”
“The second aircraft, MSN 951, being the first to be converted to a KC-30 tanker by Qantas in Australia, is progressing well and is expected to return to Madrid, Spain later this year for completion of the extensive certification and qualification flight test program.”
MSN 951 is currently expected to be the first aircraft to be accepted from Airbus Military, around mid-2010, for entry into RAAF service, as A39?002.
winnyfield
New Member
Who or what is doing tanker duties for the RAAF at the moment?
edit: after a bit of googling
http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=3969090
edit: after a bit of googling
http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=3969090
A
Aussie Digger
Guest
FIRST RAAF SUPER HORNET ROLLS OUT
Senator Faulkner said that Australia’s Super Hornets will significantly enhance the Royal Australian Air Force’s air combat capabilities.
“The Super Hornet is a true multi-role fighter that spans the air combat spectrum, including maritime strike which is so vital for Australia,” Senator Faulkner said.
“The Super Hornet’s low radar signature and high technology targeting radar make this aircraft one of the world’s most advanced fighters that will maintain our air combat capability edge.”
“The Government’s decision last year to pre-wire 12 of the planned 24 aircraft for potential conversion to an electronic attack variant will add extra sting and capability to our Super Hornets,” Senator Faulkner said.
Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science said that Australia’s Super Hornet project is on schedule and on budget.
“I would like to congratulate everyone involved for their hard work in bringing the project to this point,” Mr Combet said.
“The performance of the project is due to the great team effort between the Defence Materiel Organisation, the Royal Australian Air Force, United States Navy, The Boeing Company and its industry partners General Electric, Northrop Grumman and Raytheon”.
“The F/A-18F Super Hornets are being based at RAAF Amberley and will aid the transition to a mature Joint Strike Fighter capability while allowing the Air Force to retire the F-111 fleet.”
“The first formation of Super Hornets is expected to arrive at RAAF Amberley in March-April 2010.”
“The total program investment is approximately $6 billion over 10 years, which includes acquisition and all support costs including facilities, training and personnel,” Mr Combet said.
Images are available here:
Untitled Document
Boeing unveils first Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18F Super Hornet
Link + Photo: defence.professionals | defpro.com
10:35 GMT, July 9, 2009 ST. LOUIS | Boeing [NYSE: BA] today unveiled the first of 24 F/A-18F Block II Super Hornets for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) during a ceremony at Boeing Integrated Defense Systems' production facilities in St. Louis. The aircraft will be delivered later this month, three months ahead of schedule.
"The Super Hornet is on its way to delivering advanced combat capabilities to the Royal Australian Air Force," said Bob Gower, Boeing vice president of F/A-18 and EA-18 Programs. "Cooperation and great teamwork on the part of Australia's Defence Materiel Organisation, the Royal Australian Air Force, the U.S. Navy and the Hornet Industry Team have enabled the first RAAF Super Hornet to be delivered within budget and ahead of schedule."
The remaining 23 Super Hornets, each equipped with the Raytheon-built APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, will be delivered to the RAAF throughout 2010 and 2011.
"The RAAF Super Hornet will bring a new generation of air power to Australia," said Group Capt. Steve Roberton, Head Air Combat Transition Office, RAAF. "Its advanced, networked weapons system will deliver enhanced air combat capability across the spectrum of air-to-air, strategic land attack and maritime strike, which is so important for Australia. It is a true multirole aircraft and there's a lot of excitement on the ground in the Air Combat Group about its arrival."
The Australian government announced in March 2007 that it would acquire 24 of the F/A-18F multirole fighters, making that country the first international Super Hornet customer.
"The rollout of the first RAAF Block II Super Hornet is an important and exciting milestone for all of the Australian and U.S. team members, who have accomplished a great deal of significant work to make this event possible," said U.S. Navy Capt. Mark Darrah, F/A-18 and EA-18 program manager, PMA-265. "Our long and successful relationship has been mutually beneficial during the RAAF classic Hornet program, and taking this next logical step with the acquisition of the Super Hornet is a win-win for both nations. The Super Hornet's inherent tactical capabilities and ability to force multiply speak for themselves."
The Block II F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a multirole aircraft, able to perform virtually every mission in the tactical spectrum, including air superiority, day/night strike with precision-guided weapons, fighter escort, close air support, suppression of enemy air defenses, maritime strike, reconnaissance, forward air control and tanker missions. Boeing has delivered more than 395 F/A-18E/Fs to the U.S. Navy. Every Super Hornet produced has been delivered on or ahead of schedule.
Link + Photo: defence.professionals | defpro.com
Link + Photo: defence.professionals | defpro.com
10:35 GMT, July 9, 2009 ST. LOUIS | Boeing [NYSE: BA] today unveiled the first of 24 F/A-18F Block II Super Hornets for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) during a ceremony at Boeing Integrated Defense Systems' production facilities in St. Louis. The aircraft will be delivered later this month, three months ahead of schedule.
"The Super Hornet is on its way to delivering advanced combat capabilities to the Royal Australian Air Force," said Bob Gower, Boeing vice president of F/A-18 and EA-18 Programs. "Cooperation and great teamwork on the part of Australia's Defence Materiel Organisation, the Royal Australian Air Force, the U.S. Navy and the Hornet Industry Team have enabled the first RAAF Super Hornet to be delivered within budget and ahead of schedule."
The remaining 23 Super Hornets, each equipped with the Raytheon-built APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, will be delivered to the RAAF throughout 2010 and 2011.
"The RAAF Super Hornet will bring a new generation of air power to Australia," said Group Capt. Steve Roberton, Head Air Combat Transition Office, RAAF. "Its advanced, networked weapons system will deliver enhanced air combat capability across the spectrum of air-to-air, strategic land attack and maritime strike, which is so important for Australia. It is a true multirole aircraft and there's a lot of excitement on the ground in the Air Combat Group about its arrival."
The Australian government announced in March 2007 that it would acquire 24 of the F/A-18F multirole fighters, making that country the first international Super Hornet customer.
"The rollout of the first RAAF Block II Super Hornet is an important and exciting milestone for all of the Australian and U.S. team members, who have accomplished a great deal of significant work to make this event possible," said U.S. Navy Capt. Mark Darrah, F/A-18 and EA-18 program manager, PMA-265. "Our long and successful relationship has been mutually beneficial during the RAAF classic Hornet program, and taking this next logical step with the acquisition of the Super Hornet is a win-win for both nations. The Super Hornet's inherent tactical capabilities and ability to force multiply speak for themselves."
The Block II F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a multirole aircraft, able to perform virtually every mission in the tactical spectrum, including air superiority, day/night strike with precision-guided weapons, fighter escort, close air support, suppression of enemy air defenses, maritime strike, reconnaissance, forward air control and tanker missions. Boeing has delivered more than 395 F/A-18E/Fs to the U.S. Navy. Every Super Hornet produced has been delivered on or ahead of schedule.
Link + Photo: defence.professionals | defpro.com
The birth of our first Shornet
A time lapse video of what I assume is the build of our first SH.
LiveLeak.com - Constructing A Super Hornet: "A time lapse of the construction of a Super Hornet"
You got to wonder why they cost so much when they can be put together in less than 4 minutes!
A time lapse video of what I assume is the build of our first SH.
LiveLeak.com - Constructing A Super Hornet: "A time lapse of the construction of a Super Hornet"
You got to wonder why they cost so much when they can be put together in less than 4 minutes!
ShadowFighter
New Member
looking to join the RAAF
hey guys i know this is off topic but,
im currently in grade 11 at school and my subjects include english, maths A, information technology systems (computing), furnishing (certificate 1) , engineering (certificate 1) and information technology studies (metal work)...
i was wondering if anyone here knew what i would have to change or do to be able to apply for a pilot position in the RAAF, im looking to join after year 12.
much appreciated
hey guys i know this is off topic but,
im currently in grade 11 at school and my subjects include english, maths A, information technology systems (computing), furnishing (certificate 1) , engineering (certificate 1) and information technology studies (metal work)...
i was wondering if anyone here knew what i would have to change or do to be able to apply for a pilot position in the RAAF, im looking to join after year 12.
much appreciated
Home | Defence Jobs or 131901
For a pilot spot, basically try to do your highest level of maths, english and physics.
For a pilot spot, basically try to do your highest level of maths, english and physics.
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i saw these hi-res pics of the first test flight, which i thought was worth while posting
http://www.defence.gov.au/media/download/2009/Jul/20090722b/index.htm
Boeing has conducted the first flight of an Australian F/A-18F Super Hornet in the USA.
The aircraft, which was unveiled on 8 July, took off from Lambert International Airport in St Louis, Missouri, on its inaugural flight, which lasted just over 1h.
http://www.defence.gov.au/media/download/2009/Jul/20090722b/index.htm
Boeing has conducted the first flight of an Australian F/A-18F Super Hornet in the USA.
The aircraft, which was unveiled on 8 July, took off from Lambert International Airport in St Louis, Missouri, on its inaugural flight, which lasted just over 1h.
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Two-year delay to JSF full production start?
ADM: Two-year delay to JSF full production start?
07 Aug 2009
Reports indicate that the start of full production on the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is running two years late and now will not start until 2016 instead of 2014 as stated by the JSF project office.
The report of the delay appeared in the latest edition of the Congressional Quarterly and is based on information received from the Pentagon's Joint Estimate Team (JET) which was established to independently evaluate the F-35 program.
A Pentagon spokesman said there was no delay in the completion of the first production aircraft, but more testing was needed to determine whether full production would be able to begin on schedule.
The delay would move the date of its entry into Australian service from 2017 to 2019.
APAR's Peter Ricketts reports that this is perilously close to the 2020 date when the existing fleet of 71 upgraded ‘classic' Boeing F/A-18A/B Hornets would need to be retired because of structural fatigue and their combat systems becoming too outdated for combat.
Now the Obama administration has directed a new review of the JSF program, directing the "independent" Pentagon team (the JET) that last year found the F-35 program needed two additional years of development and more than $15 billion over the next six years, to update its findings in order to support Defense Department leaders preparing the fiscal year 2011 budget request.
In a previously unreported July 10 memo, Deputy Defense Secretary William Lynn tasked the JSF Joint Estimate Team to re-examine the US military's largest acquisition program and determine whether the stealth fighter does require significantly more time and money, according to sources familiar with the memo.
This assessment is being prepared as an alternative to the budget plans drawn up by the joint program office responsible for developing and procuring the F-35 JSF.
If this is the case, and the JSF delivery date has slipped even further.
I'm wondering whether Defence/RAAF might be getting a little twitchy and whether an additional order of Supers may be on the cards.
I have to imagine, that that is the way Boeing are going to look at it.
rb
ADM: Two-year delay to JSF full production start?
07 Aug 2009
Reports indicate that the start of full production on the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is running two years late and now will not start until 2016 instead of 2014 as stated by the JSF project office.
The report of the delay appeared in the latest edition of the Congressional Quarterly and is based on information received from the Pentagon's Joint Estimate Team (JET) which was established to independently evaluate the F-35 program.
A Pentagon spokesman said there was no delay in the completion of the first production aircraft, but more testing was needed to determine whether full production would be able to begin on schedule.
The delay would move the date of its entry into Australian service from 2017 to 2019.
APAR's Peter Ricketts reports that this is perilously close to the 2020 date when the existing fleet of 71 upgraded ‘classic' Boeing F/A-18A/B Hornets would need to be retired because of structural fatigue and their combat systems becoming too outdated for combat.
Now the Obama administration has directed a new review of the JSF program, directing the "independent" Pentagon team (the JET) that last year found the F-35 program needed two additional years of development and more than $15 billion over the next six years, to update its findings in order to support Defense Department leaders preparing the fiscal year 2011 budget request.
In a previously unreported July 10 memo, Deputy Defense Secretary William Lynn tasked the JSF Joint Estimate Team to re-examine the US military's largest acquisition program and determine whether the stealth fighter does require significantly more time and money, according to sources familiar with the memo.
This assessment is being prepared as an alternative to the budget plans drawn up by the joint program office responsible for developing and procuring the F-35 JSF.
If this is the case, and the JSF delivery date has slipped even further.
I'm wondering whether Defence/RAAF might be getting a little twitchy and whether an additional order of Supers may be on the cards.
I have to imagine, that that is the way Boeing are going to look at it.
rb
Hi everyone
This presents the ADF and Aussie Government with a bit of tricky situation.
The first batch of Super Hornets have been paid for with other money, but if they feel they need a second instalment of Super Hornets then one would assume this money would have to come out of the JSF budget.
That in turn would impact on the number of JSFs that could be bought which might then lead to Super Hornets needing to be retained in service in order to keep up numbers and Australia would end up with a mixed fighter fleet which is inconsistant with official policy.
Obviously the alterna:tive is to buy no additional Super Hornets and hope there are no more delays in the JSF program.
If there were further delays then Australia may find its fighter strength down to just 24 Super Hornets.
Neither option is overly appealing so it will be interesting to see which way the ADF jumps
This presents the ADF and Aussie Government with a bit of tricky situation.
The first batch of Super Hornets have been paid for with other money, but if they feel they need a second instalment of Super Hornets then one would assume this money would have to come out of the JSF budget.
That in turn would impact on the number of JSFs that could be bought which might then lead to Super Hornets needing to be retained in service in order to keep up numbers and Australia would end up with a mixed fighter fleet which is inconsistant with official policy.
Obviously the alterna:tive is to buy no additional Super Hornets and hope there are no more delays in the JSF program.
If there were further delays then Australia may find its fighter strength down to just 24 Super Hornets.
Neither option is overly appealing so it will be interesting to see which way the ADF jumps
A
Aussie Digger
Guest
Not really. The legacy Hornet's will be fine out until 2020 and Australia's first F-35 aircraft are intended to be delivered from Low Rate Initial Production Lot 6 (LRIP 6).
RAAF F-35's are still planned to be delivered from 2013 onwards...
So the full production schedule that the article refers to is different from the LRIP?
The last I heard, the CBR project for RAAF hornets was in a state of flux.
And in likelihood not going to procede beyond an initial handful.
Has anything definitive been decided upon that you can relay?
rb