Feature—RAAF Amberley: Facilities Role for Multi-Role Tanker Transport Aircraft
Night work to place concrete on runway at RAAF Amberley
RAAF Amberley is one of the Air Force's largest bases. Located 8km west of Ipswich, on the western edge of Brisbane, the site has been used for military operations since 1938.
With a population of 2,500 people, the base contributes significantly to the local economy. There are currently around 2,000 military personnel and up to 500 civilian employees, contractors and service providers working full time on the base.
RAAF Amberley is the proud home for the Air Force's F-111 aircraft and supporting squadrons, the Headquarters Combat Support Group and various operations and support units.
The Air Force's air-to-air refuelling capability is performed by No. 33 Squadron, which is currently located at RAAF Richmond in western Sydney. This Squadron is being re-equipped with the multi-role tanker transport aircraft and will relocate from Richmond to Amberley in early 2008.
With the introduction of the multi-role tanker transport aircraft and relocation of No. 33 Squadron, new facilities are required at Amberley. These facilities will include a new squadron headquarters, maintenance complex and ground support equipment shelter; a new aircraft parking area with a wash point; an extension of the existing refuelling system; upgrades to the main runway and parallel taxiway; a new office facility for the Logistic Management Unit and a simulator facility.
A vital element of the project is the aircraft pavement works, which are required to take the weight of the new aircraft. This work on the main runway includes repairing and replacing existing pavement concrete slabs, thickening the flexible pavement asphalt overlay, and re-aligning the runway lighting.
An F-111 makes a perfect landing at RAAF Amberley
Air to ground photograph of RAAF Amberley base redevelopment
The budget for the multi-role tanker transport aircraft facilities project at Amberley is $132.7m. Construction began in March 2006 and is due for completion in early 2008.
These new facilities are one of three projects included in the current $285.6m RAAF Amberley Redevelopment Stage Two. For further details on this project see p. 184.