RAAF Orders 24 Super Hornets?
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Found this - interesting... looks like things are progressing?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Hornet
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Hornet
Thread Starter
Wikpedia as good as pprune for a wind up.
Defence sources[citation needed] have revealed that the F/A-18F will be crewed along the 'two-pilot' Royal Malaysian Air Force model. Newly graduated fighter aircrew will spend 12-18 months as rear-seat co-pilots, gaining experience and systems knowledge, before being posted to a single-seat squadron and eventually returning to the Super Hornet as a captain. This policy will provide training and operational efficiencies and allow for the seamless transition of former F-111 pilots to the new role.[citation needed]
There must be a fair and equitable redundancy package for F111 navigators. 80% of those backseats should be theirs!
Defence sources[citation needed] have revealed that the F/A-18F will be crewed along the 'two-pilot' Royal Malaysian Air Force model. Newly graduated fighter aircrew will spend 12-18 months as rear-seat co-pilots, gaining experience and systems knowledge, before being posted to a single-seat squadron and eventually returning to the Super Hornet as a captain. This policy will provide training and operational efficiencies and allow for the seamless transition of former F-111 pilots to the new role.[citation needed]
There must be a fair and equitable redundancy package for F111 navigators. 80% of those backseats should be theirs!
Progress on the Hornet Capability Upgrade
(August 23, 2007) -- An important milestone has been achieved with the recent completion of the first centre barrel replacement for Australia's F/A- 18 Hornets.
The centre barrel replacement program will allow the life of the Australian Hornet fleet to be extended to 2018 and potentially beyond.
The F/A -18 Hornet is a key element of the air combat capability employed in the defence of Australia. Other users of the Hornet; such as Canada and the United States Navy, are undertaking similar programs for their Hornet fleets.
The centre barrel is the major structural element of the aircraft to which the wings and main undercarriage are attached. The centre barrel is susceptible to structural fatigue from wing and main undercarriage mechanical loads.
The prototype aircraft was disassembled in Australia and shipped to Canada where the centre barrel was successfully replaced. The initial low rate production of nine aircraft will continue in Canada following the successful prototype.
The prototype aircraft has been returned to Australia for reassembly by the Hornet Industry Coalition at RAAF Base Williamtown, near Newcastle.
Full rate production is planned for up to 39 aircraft in Australia once the Hornet industry Coalition has developed a mature supply pipeline and industrial capacity, and has recruited and trained additional skilled workforce.
The prototyping activity demonstrated the complexity of the centre barrel work, with up to 25,000 replacement spare parts required for each centre barrel replacement. This has emphasised the need for a specialised workforce, facilities and equipment.
Disassembly and reassembly work will continue at Williamtown. Importantly, the requirement to conduct additional aircraft work in Canada has no impact on the current Australian workforce.
The centre barrel replacement will ensure the Hornets continue to perform at their peak until withdrawal from service.
Source : DoD Australia
The centre barrel replacement program will allow the life of the Australian Hornet fleet to be extended to 2018 and potentially beyond.
The F/A -18 Hornet is a key element of the air combat capability employed in the defence of Australia. Other users of the Hornet; such as Canada and the United States Navy, are undertaking similar programs for their Hornet fleets.
The centre barrel is the major structural element of the aircraft to which the wings and main undercarriage are attached. The centre barrel is susceptible to structural fatigue from wing and main undercarriage mechanical loads.
The prototype aircraft was disassembled in Australia and shipped to Canada where the centre barrel was successfully replaced. The initial low rate production of nine aircraft will continue in Canada following the successful prototype.
The prototype aircraft has been returned to Australia for reassembly by the Hornet Industry Coalition at RAAF Base Williamtown, near Newcastle.
Full rate production is planned for up to 39 aircraft in Australia once the Hornet industry Coalition has developed a mature supply pipeline and industrial capacity, and has recruited and trained additional skilled workforce.
The prototyping activity demonstrated the complexity of the centre barrel work, with up to 25,000 replacement spare parts required for each centre barrel replacement. This has emphasised the need for a specialised workforce, facilities and equipment.
Disassembly and reassembly work will continue at Williamtown. Importantly, the requirement to conduct additional aircraft work in Canada has no impact on the current Australian workforce.
The centre barrel replacement will ensure the Hornets continue to perform at their peak until withdrawal from service.
Source : DoD Australia
Weapons for RAAF F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Aircraft
(Washington, October 4, 2007) -- The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia of weapons for F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $617 million.
The Government of Australia has requested a possible sale of 43 AIM-9X SIDEWINDER Missiles, 50 AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapons (JSOW), 18 AN/ASQ-228 (V2) Advanced Targeting Forward-Looking Infrared (ATFLIR) Pods, 24 AN/ALQ-214 Radio Frequency Countermeasures, 90 Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems (JHMCS), 32 AN/PVS-9 Night Vision Goggles (NVG), 16 Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Low Volume Terminals (MIDS-LVT), system integration and testing, software development/ integration, test sets and support equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documents, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance, and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated cost is $617 million.
Australia is an important ally in the Western Pacific. The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region. Australia's efforts in peacekeeping and humanitarian operations have made a significant impact to regional political and economic stability and have served U.S. national security interests. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives and facilitates burden sharing with our allies.
Australia recently purchased 24 F/A-18E/F aircraft, notified to Congress under Section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act on 6 February 2007. These weapons systems will be integrated on Australia's F/A-18E/F aircraft. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
Source : US Defense Security Cooperation Agency
The Government of Australia has requested a possible sale of 43 AIM-9X SIDEWINDER Missiles, 50 AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapons (JSOW), 18 AN/ASQ-228 (V2) Advanced Targeting Forward-Looking Infrared (ATFLIR) Pods, 24 AN/ALQ-214 Radio Frequency Countermeasures, 90 Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems (JHMCS), 32 AN/PVS-9 Night Vision Goggles (NVG), 16 Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Low Volume Terminals (MIDS-LVT), system integration and testing, software development/ integration, test sets and support equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documents, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance, and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated cost is $617 million.
Australia is an important ally in the Western Pacific. The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region. Australia's efforts in peacekeeping and humanitarian operations have made a significant impact to regional political and economic stability and have served U.S. national security interests. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives and facilitates burden sharing with our allies.
Australia recently purchased 24 F/A-18E/F aircraft, notified to Congress under Section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act on 6 February 2007. These weapons systems will be integrated on Australia's F/A-18E/F aircraft. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
Source : US Defense Security Cooperation Agency
I wish we had some fast jets over this side of the Tasman (well we do, but they're still in storage!). 
The only chance we get to see them, is when you guys come over here to fly around our mountains and glaciers, dodging us guys in GA 8s, Porters and squirrels.. We know that you just want to do a scenic flight at 400knots plus, at the tax payers expense.
I do miss the sheer terror of hearing fast jets heading into the local live firing zone, drop their weapons, dodge us guys in our aerodrome circuit, and bug out.
It doesn't matter what you guys get over there, Super hornets would be pretty cool, and the new JSF would be great to watch too.. As I say, I wish we had some over here.
The only chance we get to see them, is when you guys come over here to fly around our mountains and glaciers, dodging us guys in GA 8s, Porters and squirrels.. We know that you just want to do a scenic flight at 400knots plus, at the tax payers expense.
I do miss the sheer terror of hearing fast jets heading into the local live firing zone, drop their weapons, dodge us guys in our aerodrome circuit, and bug out.
It doesn't matter what you guys get over there, Super hornets would be pretty cool, and the new JSF would be great to watch too.. As I say, I wish we had some over here.
last I heard and continue to hear is
THE USA WILL NOT BE GIVING ANYONE F22s
LET IT GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you want to play with the big boy in their networked war its the JSF.Like it or not, you cant have the F1 model in the V8 class.
THE USA WILL NOT BE GIVING ANYONE F22s
LET IT GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you want to play with the big boy in their networked war its the JSF.Like it or not, you cant have the F1 model in the V8 class.
Buster, I'm sure that there are "sweeteners" hidden in the deal somewhere.
I'm glad that they are buying the total package instead of just buying the aircraft and not having the capability to do anything with them.
I'm glad that they are buying the total package instead of just buying the aircraft and not having the capability to do anything with them.
Thread Starter
ast I heard and continue to hear is
THE USA WILL NOT BE GIVING ANYONE F22s
LET IT GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you want to play with the big boy in their networked war its the JSF.Like it or not, you cant have the F1 model in the V8 class.
THE USA WILL NOT BE GIVING ANYONE F22s
LET IT GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you want to play with the big boy in their networked war its the JSF.Like it or not, you cant have the F1 model in the V8 class.
A lot can happen in twelve months. So winding forward and I reckon the RAAF will order another batch of Super Hornets- especially if Labor gets in.
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As you say Gnadenburg a lot can happen in 12 months, heard around the traps (sorry no link) that there are strong rumors that DOD are ordering another batch of SH.
As for the F22 in RAAF colours, well i guess it all comes down to a couple of questions;
a) why would we want it, what threat is there locally that demands such an exorbitantly priced response ?
b) what would a Democratic (US) President gain from selling it to us?
c) how the hell could we afford it in any meaningful numbers,
D) what would the neighbors think?......that they need to acquire more Flankers and whatever next 5th Gen fighter the Russians have up their sleeves and then blame us for the regions next arms race?
Interesting times.
As for the F22 in RAAF colours, well i guess it all comes down to a couple of questions;
a) why would we want it, what threat is there locally that demands such an exorbitantly priced response ?
b) what would a Democratic (US) President gain from selling it to us?
c) how the hell could we afford it in any meaningful numbers,
D) what would the neighbors think?......that they need to acquire more Flankers and whatever next 5th Gen fighter the Russians have up their sleeves and then blame us for the regions next arms race?
Interesting times.
What are our neighbours purchasing?
Boeing Awarded Singapore MoD Contract for Additional F-15SG Aircraft
(St. Louis, October 22, 2007) -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced that the Singapore Ministry of Defence has exercised an option to purchase eight F-15SGs and has ordered four additional aircraft. The option is part of the original contract for 12 F-15SG aircraft announced by Singapore in 2005.
"We are proud that Singapore has chosen to acquire additional F-15SGs. The Strike Eagle is a combat-tested fighter with the most technologically advanced systems, and we are confident the F-15SG will meet the defense needs of Singapore," said Chris Chadwick, vice president and general manager, Global Strike Systems.
The Boeing F-15SG is a derivative of the U.S. Air Force F 15E Strike Eagle, the world's most capable long-range, multi-role fighter. It can simultaneously perform air-to-ground and air-to-air missions during day or night, in virtually any weather. It carries significant payload, reaches speeds in excess of Mach 2 and incorporates some of the most advanced military technologies. Integration and flight testing of the F-15SG will be performed at Boeing facilities in St. Louis and Palmdale, Calif., beginning in November.
Source : Boeing
(St. Louis, October 22, 2007) -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today announced that the Singapore Ministry of Defence has exercised an option to purchase eight F-15SGs and has ordered four additional aircraft. The option is part of the original contract for 12 F-15SG aircraft announced by Singapore in 2005.
"We are proud that Singapore has chosen to acquire additional F-15SGs. The Strike Eagle is a combat-tested fighter with the most technologically advanced systems, and we are confident the F-15SG will meet the defense needs of Singapore," said Chris Chadwick, vice president and general manager, Global Strike Systems.
The Boeing F-15SG is a derivative of the U.S. Air Force F 15E Strike Eagle, the world's most capable long-range, multi-role fighter. It can simultaneously perform air-to-ground and air-to-air missions during day or night, in virtually any weather. It carries significant payload, reaches speeds in excess of Mach 2 and incorporates some of the most advanced military technologies. Integration and flight testing of the F-15SG will be performed at Boeing facilities in St. Louis and Palmdale, Calif., beginning in November.
Source : Boeing
Thread Starter
Coincidence or a little "Chinese Face" that the Singaporians increased their F15 order to 24? Same-same but different numerically as the RAAF Super Hornet buy.
They have come a long way and with considerably less funds than the RAAF. The Israeli-US fusion in their equipment has given them a proven each way bet. Former Israeli military specialists ( including pilots ) on the books as consultant civilian contractors a novel way to buy corporate culture.
We introduced the F111 and they the F5E. 30 years later and respective capabilities coming to parity.
They have come a long way and with considerably less funds than the RAAF. The Israeli-US fusion in their equipment has given them a proven each way bet. Former Israeli military specialists ( including pilots ) on the books as consultant civilian contractors a novel way to buy corporate culture.
We introduced the F111 and they the F5E. 30 years later and respective capabilities coming to parity.
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4 Corners Report
4 Corners will be broadcasting their article on the process.
"FLYING BLIND" – 4 CORNERS MONDAY 29 OCTOBER
Next on Four Corners: Missing their sting…? Are the new $6.6 billion Super Hornet jet fighters up to the job of defending Australia?
"If you think about all the planes that are available as being puppies in a litter, the Super Hornet is the runt." – US aviation analyst James Stevenson
For more than 30 years Australia has rested its security on the seemingly ageless wings of its F-111 fighter fleet.
But in aviation circles these days there are doubts and rumblings. Some experts fear Australia is set to give away its crucial air superiority in the region.
The reason, they claim, is that decision-makers have made the wrong choices about the planes that will replace the F-111s.
Critics fix their sights on the US-made F/18-A Super Hornet. Australia is the only country outside the US to have bought the Super Hornet – 24 of them.
"I cannot believe that we would waste $6.6 billion of the taxpayers' money on an aeroplane that has no practical use against any modern new generation fighter coming into our arc of interest to our north," declares a former RAAF commander.
A growing squadron of critics - including a recent senior Defence insider who now breaks his silence to Four Corners - claim the still-to-be-delivered Super Hornets will be no match for the cheaper, faster, Russian-made Sukhoi fighters bought by Indonesia, Malaysia and China.
Four Corners traces the chain of multi-billion dollar aircraft deals that are beginning to spark concerns about the nation's future defence capability.
Andrew Fowler's report tells how in 2002 the world's top aircraft makers dug in for a long, exhaustive examination by Australian defence experts who were after a plane to take over from the F-111s. It would be worth it, the nine companies reckoned – after all, billions of dollars were up for grabs. But eight of them were reeling when it was suddenly announced that Australia would spend $16 billion buying up to 100 Joint Strike Fighters from America’s Lockheed Martin. The JSF existed only on paper at that time but was due to be delivered by 2014.
Fears soon emerged that the JSF could be late. Defence brass gave public assurances that the F-111s could be kept flying to cover any gap in air defence. But behind closed doors new doubts were being raised about the F-111s' longevity – and then the news was sprung that Australia would spend another $6.6 billion buying the Super Hornets to fill the gap.
Government officials and pilots who have flown the Super Hornet insist that the plane is being unfairly and dangerously underestimated. It’s stealthy and nimble, and any other plane that gets into a dogfight with it is in for "a very rude shock" says group captain Steve Roberton.
But these assurances carry little payload with specialists who say national security is being put at risk. Four Corners evaluates the process leading to these multi-billion dollar decisions. Will they leave Australia "Flying Blind"? Four Corners, 8.30 pm Monday 29 October.
This program will be repeated about 11.35 pm Tuesday 30 October; also on ABC2 at 9.30 pm Wednesday and 8 am Thursday.
Four Corners
http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/
Next on Four Corners: Missing their sting…? Are the new $6.6 billion Super Hornet jet fighters up to the job of defending Australia?
"If you think about all the planes that are available as being puppies in a litter, the Super Hornet is the runt." – US aviation analyst James Stevenson
For more than 30 years Australia has rested its security on the seemingly ageless wings of its F-111 fighter fleet.
But in aviation circles these days there are doubts and rumblings. Some experts fear Australia is set to give away its crucial air superiority in the region.
The reason, they claim, is that decision-makers have made the wrong choices about the planes that will replace the F-111s.
Critics fix their sights on the US-made F/18-A Super Hornet. Australia is the only country outside the US to have bought the Super Hornet – 24 of them.
"I cannot believe that we would waste $6.6 billion of the taxpayers' money on an aeroplane that has no practical use against any modern new generation fighter coming into our arc of interest to our north," declares a former RAAF commander.
A growing squadron of critics - including a recent senior Defence insider who now breaks his silence to Four Corners - claim the still-to-be-delivered Super Hornets will be no match for the cheaper, faster, Russian-made Sukhoi fighters bought by Indonesia, Malaysia and China.
Four Corners traces the chain of multi-billion dollar aircraft deals that are beginning to spark concerns about the nation's future defence capability.
Andrew Fowler's report tells how in 2002 the world's top aircraft makers dug in for a long, exhaustive examination by Australian defence experts who were after a plane to take over from the F-111s. It would be worth it, the nine companies reckoned – after all, billions of dollars were up for grabs. But eight of them were reeling when it was suddenly announced that Australia would spend $16 billion buying up to 100 Joint Strike Fighters from America’s Lockheed Martin. The JSF existed only on paper at that time but was due to be delivered by 2014.
Fears soon emerged that the JSF could be late. Defence brass gave public assurances that the F-111s could be kept flying to cover any gap in air defence. But behind closed doors new doubts were being raised about the F-111s' longevity – and then the news was sprung that Australia would spend another $6.6 billion buying the Super Hornets to fill the gap.
Government officials and pilots who have flown the Super Hornet insist that the plane is being unfairly and dangerously underestimated. It’s stealthy and nimble, and any other plane that gets into a dogfight with it is in for "a very rude shock" says group captain Steve Roberton.
But these assurances carry little payload with specialists who say national security is being put at risk. Four Corners evaluates the process leading to these multi-billion dollar decisions. Will they leave Australia "Flying Blind"? Four Corners, 8.30 pm Monday 29 October.
This program will be repeated about 11.35 pm Tuesday 30 October; also on ABC2 at 9.30 pm Wednesday and 8 am Thursday.
Four Corners
http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/
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Would the specialists that are complaining be the same ones that have been side lined by the process? Seems that there has been a whole gravy train that has been sidelined by the rapid purchase of the C17 and Slightly improved hornet. Be interesting to see who the new "insider" is. Wonder if he has more credibility than Roberton who has actually flown the aircraft.
Thread Starter
Without dismissing the potential threat of the Russian fighters. The Indon's didn't buy any bullets to go with their jets and one has to wonder what kind of package deal the Malaysians got- the Russians put a Shiekh in space as a kind of steak knives bonus deal. And the Chinese sent shivers down the spines of the Taiwanese recently; they expanded their command and control capability to co-ordinate a regiment of Flankers. They can now put together a squadron size fighter package.
The usual brigade (and note there only a couple) of people who will appear on this show have about as much cred as former Prime ministers (and there is nothing sadder) coming out and saying what they would do now, when they did nothing of the sort when they were running the place.
None of theses OFs have any real idea of the capabilty of these aircraft then what they have read in a book, there knowledge includes the capabilites of the Matra(I'll have the check the spelling) missile and stuff they have heard in a mess after a few ales having last flown a jet 20 years ago.
They have another agenda, this is just there excuse. It will be a good show to watch however for a laugh.
None of theses OFs have any real idea of the capabilty of these aircraft then what they have read in a book, there knowledge includes the capabilites of the Matra(I'll have the check the spelling) missile and stuff they have heard in a mess after a few ales having last flown a jet 20 years ago.
They have another agenda, this is just there excuse. It will be a good show to watch however for a laugh.
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A show delivered to the masses concerning a subject that very few people have any a real insight to (me included), wonder why now?
I do believe however that questions should be asked about the reason why JSF was selected.
ABC really should have contacted me prior to choosing the name of the story though!
I do believe however that questions should be asked about the reason why JSF was selected.
ABC really should have contacted me prior to choosing the name of the story though!
To avoid wasting my beer by throwing it at the TV on Monday I've decided to have a little drinking game during it. Any advice (only helpful advice!!!!) will make the game even better.
The rules I have so far.
Any mention of the F111 staying beyond 2010.The Carlo Kopp memorial drink- single scull.
Any mention of buying Eurofighter - 1.
Any mention of buying F22 despite not being allowed too. The master warining no cred drink - 2.
ALP buying more than 1 F22 for the ADF. The Westralia, Kanimbla, Manoora, Seaspite drink 1 + 2 = 3, see above rule.
to avoid excess drinking, you may substitue milk!!!!
The rules I have so far.
Any mention of the F111 staying beyond 2010.The Carlo Kopp memorial drink- single scull.
Any mention of buying Eurofighter - 1.
Any mention of buying F22 despite not being allowed too. The master warining no cred drink - 2.
ALP buying more than 1 F22 for the ADF. The Westralia, Kanimbla, Manoora, Seaspite drink 1 + 2 = 3, see above rule.
to avoid excess drinking, you may substitue milk!!!!
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What about any mention of our 'Northern neighbours engaging in an arms race' and their all buying 'the worlds most potent fighter' and we are buying a lemon.
2 (alcoholic) drinks.
2 (alcoholic) drinks.