Sun, Oct 23, 2011
Australia's F/A-18F Fleet Expands To 24 Multirole 'Rhinos'
Four new F/A-18F Super Hornets joined the Royal Australian Air
Force (RAAF) Super Hornet fleet at RAAF Base Amberley Thursday,
completing delivery of all 24 RAAF Super Hornets. The arrival at
the base was marked by the four new Super Hornets joining 16 other
RAAF F/A-18Fs for a dramatic 20-aircraft flyover.
File Photo
"The Super Hornet provides a major advancement in capability for
the RAAF and the entire Australian Defence Force," said RAAF Group
Capt. Steve Roberton, Officer Commanding 82 Wing. "The F/A-18F
employs the world's most advanced combat radar, ensuring our forces
have a clear advantage in both technology and capability, whether
conducting air, ground or maritime operations. The Super Hornet's
ability to collect and seamlessly distribute information to our
other platforms is proving to be invaluable as a true force
multiplier."
"Boeing made a commitment to the Royal Australian Air Force, and
to the citizens and government of Australia, promising that these
advanced Super Hornets would be ready to join the RAAF fleet on
time and on budget," said Dennis Muilenburg, president and CEO of
Boeing Defense, Space & Security. "The men and women of Boeing
are incredibly proud to have delivered on that promise."
File Photo
"The joint efforts between Australia's Defence Materiel
Organisation, the Royal Australian Air Force, the U.S. Navy and the
Hornet Industry Team have been absolutely paramount in the success
of this program," said Carolyn Nichols, Australian Super Hornet
program manager for Boeing. "With that success, these Super
Hornets, and the advanced capabilities they deliver, are now ready
to meet Australia's defense requirements today and into the
future."
The Australian government announced plans in March 2007 to
acquire 24 advanced Block II versions of the F model Super Hornet,
which features a two-person cockpit. The first five RAAF Super
Hornets arrived at Amberley on March 26, 2010. Thursday's ceremony
marks the fifth and final contracted RAAF Super Hornet
delivery.
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