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RAAF Callsigns

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Old 27th Jul 2006, 08:25
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RAAF Callsigns

Listening on the airwaves, one hears various RAAF callsigns...

Just wondering, what determines the callsign and number? Is it aircraft/squadron specific?

Or do you pick some cool-sounding word that morning?

Ive heard:

Reaper (PC9), Colt (F111), Buckshot (F111), Wombat (DHC4), Envoy (737?), Stallion (C130)

Any additions would be of great interest!

...Disco
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Old 27th Jul 2006, 09:08
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Torch (PC9), Atlas (B350), Maple (F18), Falcon (F111), Hudson (A748), Trojan (C130), Panther (Hawk), Despot (F18), Aladdin (PC9).

I believe a lot of callsign numbers are pilot specific but not sure.
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Old 27th Jul 2006, 10:28
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'Maple' has a decidedly canadian accent. He was cutting some hot laps at WLM the other day. A somewhat dated, but comprehensive list here:

www.adf-serials.com/research/callsigns.pdf (great site)


Inbound
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Old 27th Jul 2006, 10:32
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I sometimes hear "Vampire" out of Pearce, I think. Also the above mentioned, "Despot".
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Old 27th Jul 2006, 12:02
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Weren't the 737's "Air Force Johnny"?
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Old 27th Jul 2006, 12:31
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Originally Posted by disco_air
Any additions would be of great interest!
...Disco
The RAAF have callsign rootwords for particular aircraft types, with other words being added if there is a formation. For example, "Maple" (FA. 18) if there is only one becomes "Maple Hoodoo" if there are two. When you're next in town Disco, I will loan you an old book of mine to have a look at.

DF.
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Old 27th Jul 2006, 12:47
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Been a few years since it was my trade, but
The RAAF use a SQN or Unit based call sign allocation.
For example,
2FTS Unit Callsign is VIPER, this can be used as an indvidual aircraft callsign with the personal (number) identifier ie VIPER 262.
Or as a formation/multi aircraft sortie with an unit allocated formation calsign
ie VIPER VAMPIRE
The unit or SQN may also have unique or specialist calsigns such as TANGO for I believe solo students.
International flights all use the AUSSIE (xxxxxxxxx) calsign.
Unit/SQN calsigns are usualy have a historical significance to that unit or SQN. Once you get a handle on the calsigns you can quickly determine type and sometimes number of aircraft with just one listen, good for Situational Awarness and sometimes just plain usless info.
I could not get into the website mentioned earlier, and I would be here all night listing the SQN/Unit C/S and Formation C/S. but hera a few of the faves.
Classic (75SQN F18/Mirage IIIO) Condor, or as they were better known, Plastic cardoor.
Pan Pan Panthers, (2OCU M32)
Ramrod, can't remember who had that one F111 I think, but COOL anyhow.
Goodnight Duckhole
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Old 27th Jul 2006, 13:15
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I believe Sierra is for solo students, Tango for flight tests.

I used to have a list somewhere... and I believe there is a list in MATS??
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Old 27th Jul 2006, 19:58
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Yep, list in MATS (if you can get a hold of it) is accurate and comprehensive, including civil aircraft on ADF duties.

Cheers,

NFR.
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Old 28th Jul 2006, 14:01
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Roller Merlin.........

Charlie 69....

Only carpenters use planes so grab your pen and your parachute and go pay your respects to the sightboard at the end of grass right.
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Old 29th Jul 2006, 05:31
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Trojan is a callsign that would evoke some mirth in the US, as its a well known brand of condom.
 
Old 29th Jul 2006, 06:33
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F-18 aircraft flying in the Adelaide area use a callsign similar to Jester or Tester (I can't work out which).

Some have told me that its Tester cos they test avionics and what-not around Adelaide.

Can anyone clarify?
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Old 29th Jul 2006, 07:00
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Yes that's right and the pilot is referred to as the testee.

As for Jester, surely he's out of fighters by now and flying for the airlines...??
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Old 29th Jul 2006, 08:20
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In addition to the callsigns listed in MATS, the RAAF evidently use a different set of callsigns on operations. According to Australian Aviation, Aussie Hornets in the Gulf were using, among others, the callsign "Vegemite", which must have had a few Seppos scratching their heads!
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Old 29th Jul 2006, 08:33
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A rew heard around Willy are "Hunter" and "Maple" - F18s, "Raven" = ?

What is an a748?
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Old 29th Jul 2006, 09:34
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They use "Titan" for mixed C-130 formations.. although I always thought they should have "Titan Moist", "Titan .... " .. (better stop now before copping a red card.) for formation elements.
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Old 29th Jul 2006, 09:37
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Raven is PC9 from FACDU. Not sure what the 748 is.
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Old 29th Jul 2006, 09:39
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Viper - Dual 2FTS (Perth based) PC9
Sierra - Solo " " " (student flying) (ie avoid at all cost)
Vampire/Vixon/Vanguard - PC9 Formation Callsigns
Aladdin - CFS PC9 (Sale based)
Central - CFS CT4
Roller - Dual BFTS CT4 (Tamworth)
Charlie - Solo BFTS CT4 (makes Sierra pilot look competent)

Stallion - C130H
Trojan - C130J
Thunder/Warrier/Archer - C130 Formation callsigns

Magpie/ Maple/Despot/Hunter/Hoodoo/Hipshot - F/A-18
Colt/Falcon/Carbine - F111
Raven - PC9 Forward Air Control

Hudson - B350 RAAF
Tester - ARDU test aircraft (may be F/A18, F111, PC9 etc)
Striker - P3C
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Old 29th Jul 2006, 09:41
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vh_ajm,
Don't worry about Snot's hanky (panky).
Tester is the ARDU (out of Edinburgh) callsign, and it wont necessarily be an F18.

drshmoo
"What is an a748?" You are joking, shirley?
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Old 29th Jul 2006, 09:49
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748 = one of these
Gotta love google
 


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