New EW protected Orions deployed

By Andrew Stackpool

LAC Ketan Munsami, an Aircraft Structural Fitter with 33SQN, shows CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Shepherd how to rebuild a slotseal panel from a Boeing 707 during his visit to RAAF Base Richmond.

Photo by LAC Guy Young

An AP-3C Orion jettisons flares during a trial of electronic warfare self-protection systems.

Photo by CPL Pete Gammie

NUMBER 92 Wing has farewelled its latest AP-3C rotation to the Middle East Area of Operations (MEAO). The aircraft departed RAAF Base Edinburgh on September 9.

The deployment comprises 80 aircrew, maintenance and support personnel.

Their families and friends farewelled them during a short ceremony at the base.

The rotation also represents a small piece of Air Force history. This is the first deployment by Orions fitted with the new electronic warfare self-protection upgrade package, intended to better protect them from the potential dangers of ground-based surface-to-air weapon systems. This will provide the aircraft with greater operational and mission flexibility, including land surveillance, with enhanced safety and protection for the aircrews.

The Orions are employed on a variety of tasks in support of Operation Catalyst, the ADF’s contribution to the rehabilitation of Iraq, and Operation Slipper, Australia’s contribution to the international coalition against terrorism.

They first deployed in 2003 and since then have safely completed more than 650 sorties.

The new self-protection package is the first step in a $43.5 million project to upgrade the AP-3C’s self-defence capabilities.

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