21 Oktober 2011
A mass formation of F/A-18F Super Hornets fly's over South East Queensland. The arrival of four new F/A-18F Super Hornets at RAAF Base Amberley, Qld, completes the fleet for 1 and 6 Squadrons bringing Australia's total to 24 jets.(photo : Aus DoD)AMBERLEY, Queensland, -- Four new Boeing [NYSE: BA] F/A-18F Super Hornets joined the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Super Hornet fleet at RAAF Base Amberley today, completing delivery of all 24 RAAF Super Hornets ahead of contract schedule.
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.
"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," Roberton added.
"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."
"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. Today's ceremony marks the fifth and final contracted RAAF Super Hornet delivery.
The Boeing 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 470 F/A-18E/Fs to the U.S. Navy. Every Super Hornet produced has been delivered on or ahead of schedule and on budget.
Baca Juga :
Super Hornet Squadrons now complete
21 Oktober 2011
Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare welcomed the arrival of four more Super Hornets at an official ceremony held at RAAF Base Amberley today, completing two squadrons for the Royal Australian Air Force.
The four new fighter jets will join 20 others, which will be operated by No. 1 Squadron and No. 6 Squadron of the RAAF.
Mr Clare was on-hand to welcome the four new Super Hornets to their base at RAAF Amberley.
The occasion was marked by a flight of 21 Super Hornets over northern NSW and south-east Queensland, with one of the planes flown by Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Geoff Brown.
The 24 Super Hornets have been delivered over the past two years – on budget and ahead of schedule.
The purchase of the Super Hornets will ensure Australia’s regional air combat capability until the arrival of the Joint Strike Fighter later this decade.
The Super Hornet gives the Royal Australian Air Force the capability to conduct air-to-air combat, strike targets on land and at sea, suppress enemy air defences and conduct reconnaissance.
It is an operationally proven aircraft that has been flown by the United States Navy since 2001.
The United States Navy has operated Super Hornets in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya.
Australia is the first country outside the United States to fly the Super Hornet.
Mr Clare said that this was an important day for the RAAF.
Mr Clare said that this was an important day for the RAAF.
“The Super Hornets are the new front line of Australia’s Defence Force,” Mr Clare said.
“They are amongst the best fighter planes in the world – and all 24 aircraft have been delivered on budget and ahead of schedule.
“I congratulate the aircraft’s manufacturer Boeing, the Air Force and Defence for the work they have done.”
Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said that the local community also welcomed the Super Hornets.
“RAAF Amberley is a very important part of our community and we’re very proud to be the home of the Super Hornet,” Mr Neumann said.
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