Features
Super decision
By Barry Rollings

Volume 49, No. 4, March 22, 2007
 
FLYING SOUTH: Air Force will purchase 24 Super Hornets from the USN as part of a $6 billion deal.
 
PROUD PARTNERSHIP: From left, CDF ACM Angus Houston, CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Shepherd, Defence Minister Brendan Nelson and Head of the Air Combat Transition Office GPCAPT Steve Roberton can’t contain their excitment at the Super Hornet announcement ceremony at Fairbairn.
Photo by Bryan Doherty
 
YOUNG GUNS: After the Super Hornet announcement, CAF AIRMSHL Geoff Shepherd welcomes local Canberra cadets, CUO Lauren Jameson, CUO Michael Fuller, CWO Eddie Tabandah, CSGT Melissa Keevers and CUO Mark Baggot.
Photo by Bryan Doherty
 
WHEN it comes to the Super Hornet, the view from the top is “magnificent”.

At the March 6 announcement of its acquisition at Fairbairn, CDF ACM Angus Houston told the function that he had flown the Super Hornet and was “deeply impressed” with its performance.

Describing it as a magnificent aircraft, ACM Houston said it was much more capable than the Hornet that the Air Force currently operated.

“I think that it will provide us with a very safe way of transitioning from the F-111 and F/A-18 force, through the withdrawal of the F-111 and into our JSF future,” he said.

“In essence, it will reduce the risks associated with that transition and because it is very similar to the aircraft we currently operate, it provides a very seamless way to transition into the future.

“It is a magnificent multi-role aircraft. It will prevail in the control of the air role with its state-of-the-art radar. Its radar is the best radar on a fourth-generation aircraft today.

“It is the same technology you will find in an F-22 and F-35. It also has stealth technology and electronic counter-measures, which will enable it to have a very high level of survivability in any environment where we utilise its impressive capability.

“There are no risks involved with this decision. Indeed, what we are doing is ensuring that we have the most robust air combat system through the transition into the future that demands a fifth-generation solution.

“Of course that fifth-generation solution has been confirmed by the Minister in confirming the JSF. This is a Super Hornet; it’s a super capability and it’s what we need to go into the F-35 JSF future.”

The Minister for Defence Brendan Nelson announced the purchase of 24 F/A-18F Block II Super Hornet multi-role aircraft as part of a $6 billion program to ensure the Air Force’s combat capability edge, as well as confirming the timeframe for the retirement of the F-111.

“At a cost of about $6 billion over 10 years, the acquisition of the Super Hornet will ensure the smooth transition to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter over the next decade,” Dr Nelson said.

The deal also includes all explosive ordnance, fuel and personnel costs during the 10 year period.

“The acquisition, fully supplemented as part of the 2007-08 Budget process, will include 24 aircraft, initial support and up-front training for aircrew and maintenance personnel.”

The JSF was the most suitable aircraft for Australia’s future combat and strike needs and Australia remained fully committed to it, Dr Nelson said.

“But the Government is not prepared to accept any risk to air combat and strike capability during the transition to the JSF,” he said.

“The F/A-18F Super Hornet is a highly capable, battle-proven, multi-role aircraft that is in service with the US Navy through to 2030. The next generation Block II Super Hornets will provide a more flexible operational capability than currently exists with the F-111.”

Dr Nelson anticipated that Australian personnel would begin Super Hornet training in the United States in 2009.

“The selection of the Super Hornet builds on the Air Force’s deep understanding of the current F/A-18 fleet,” he said.

“The Block II Super Hornet will provide Air Force with the flexibility to assign all air combat crew and technical personnel across a relatively common fleet during the transition to the JSF.

“The Super Hornet will be based at RAAF Base Amberley. Negotiations for commercial support arrangements will begin immediately.

“The Australian Super Hornet program plans to contain local contractor-owned and operated intermediate maintenance and training for aircrew and support personnel.

“Additionally, the supply chain infrastructure, warehousing and operation will be manned locally in support of both Australian and US Navy Super Hornets in the region.”

1SQN will operate the Super Hornets on delivery.

“This in no way diminishes our commitment to the JSF Program subject to final Government approval in 2008,” Dr Nelson said.

“Current planning is for Australia to acquire its first JSF in 2013.

“There is no gap in Australia’s air combat capability and the Government is taking all necessary steps to ensure a gap does not emerge.

“The Australian Government is committed to retaining the leading edge in air combat and the Block II Super Hornet will enable this through the next decade.

“The withdrawal of the F-111 is expected in 2010 with the F/A-18F Super Hornets to be operational that same year.”