Mick.B

Air Force has begun an investigation into why an Air Combat Manoeuvring Instrumentation (ACMI) Pod separated from an Air Force F/A-18 aircraft in flight today. The pod came off the aircraft at approximately 10.40am while it was conducting what is known as Air Combat Manoeuvring, similar to ‘dog-fighting’.
The suspected location of the pod is a sparsely populated area to the northeast of the town of Bylong and to the southwest of Merriwa, in the upper Hunter Valley.
The pod is a long and cylindrical grey tube with a tapered snout, similar in shape to a missile. It contains no hazardous materials. ACMI pods are used to record 3D manoeuvring data for mission review during tactical training and development.
Air Force is serious about safety. We have started an investigation into why this incident occurred. The pod’s separation from the aircraft did not affect the F/A-18’s ability to operate and the aircraft returned safely to base,” Commander Air Combat Group, Air Commodore Hart, said.
“As a precautionary measure all ACMI pods have been removed and will not be refitted until cleared as safe.”
Air Force has notified the local police and will be working with them to locate the pod. If the public have any information that may assist in the location of the pod, please make contact with local police authorities.
A picture of an ACMI pod is available at: www.defence.gov.au/media/download/2008/aug/20080829a/index.htm
From Defence media