Briefs

44WG Certified

44WG formally received their Maintenance Authority Certificate towards the end of 2005, recognising their
certification by the Technical Airworthiness Regulator to conduct maintenance on Air Traffic Control systems.

The certification is an important milestone, indicating the importance placed 44WG to directly contribute to the operational airworthiness of both military and civilian flying activities.

186km charity bike challenge

A TEAM from Raytheon East Sale recently rode Gippsland’s Howitt Bicycle Trail to raise funds for a local hospital.

The team, including Flight Lieutenant David Jackson, rode for eight hours and six minutes to raise more than $15,000 for specialised equipment for the hospital.

New air lift capability?

AIR Force may acquire a new long-range strategic airlift capability. Government has announced that it is considering buying or leasing heavy-lift transport aircraft.

Two possible aircraft are being considered, the Boeing C-17 Globemaster and the new Airbus Military A4000M.

The announcement follows concerns that the ADF will be unable to maintain its self-reliability and deployability on overseas operations if it continues to rely on chartering US C-17s or Russian Antonov aircraft.

The acquisition is part of the 2005 strategic defence review, which was released on December 15.

Spin the new turntable

DSTO has taken delivery of a new aircraft signature turntable (AST). The 17 metre turntable is located at RAAF Base Edinburgh and is capable of turning loads up to 60 tonnes.

It has been designed to accommodate a range of aircraft, including F/A-18, F-111, B737 (Wedgetail) and C130, as well as land based vehicles such as tanks and APC’s.

The turntable will allow ground based RCS measurements to be conducted with high angular accuracy and precision.

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