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Image Gallery: December 2009

04 December 2009
Exercise Stoneage

On the 13th November, 6 Squadron deployed to RAAF Base Edinburgh to conduct Exercise Stoneage 09, the conclusion of their most recent operational workup period on the AGM-142 “Raptor” missile.

The aim of Stoneage 09 was for the Squadron to validate their skills with respect to the tactical employment of the AGM-142 weapon system. Eighty personnel deployed with four F-111C’s for the two week exercise, assisted by local support agencies at RAAF Edinburgh and Woomera Range.

The AGM-142 is a sophisticated stand-off missile using inertial guidance enhanced with man-in-the-loop infra-red optics. It provides the capability and flexibility to prosecute high value targets whilst negating enemy air defences.

6 SQN Executive Officer SQNLDR Phillip Griggs explained, “This exercise plays a key part in maintaining the RAAF’s operational stand-off capability. Exercise Stoneage 09 will put both aircrew and support assets to the test by employing a complicated weapon from a deployed location, using a challenging target environment.”

FLTLT Anthony McGrath, an F-111C Pilot said, “The experience of this exercise was definitely rewarding, it was a great opportunity to validate our procedures and techniques with live missiles.”

The exercise wrapped up with the additional employment of GBU-24 Paveway III laser guided bombs. Overall Exercise SA09 provided invaluable training for 6SQN ground and aircrew alike.

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No. 6 Squadron aircrew pose with an F-111 aircraft that is loaded with an AGM-142 missile during Exercise Stoneage.

(Date taken: 24 November 2009)
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Flying Officer Conrad Staling, an Air Combat Officer with No. 6 Squadron poses with an AGM-142 missile that is loaded onto an F-111 aircraft for Exercise Stoneage.

(Date taken: 24 November 2009)
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L-R Flying Officer Andrew Kloeden and Flying Officer Adele Merriman with an AGM-142 missile that is loaded onto an F-111 aircraft for Exercise Stoneage.

(Date taken: 24 November 2009)
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No. 6 Squadron Pilot, Flying Officer Daniel Mills inspects the seeker of an AGM-142 missile before a sortie during Exercise Stoneage.

(Date taken: 24 November 2009)
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