PC-21 Advanced Trainer Aircraft

PC-21 Advanced Trainer Aircraft

The Pilot Training System (PTS) provides the ADF with a fixed-wing pilot training capability. The PTS delivers all aspects of initial Pilot and Qualified Flying Instructor training.

Undergraduate pilots train at No 1 Flying Training School in Victoria and No 2 Flying Training School in Western Australia where they develop the skills and knowledge required to progress onto advanced military aircraft such as:

P-8A Poseidon

P-8A Poseidon

Based at RAAF Base Edinburgh, the P-8A Poseidon is an important part of Australia's future maritime patrol and response strategy.

KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport

KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport

The KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) is a heavily modified Airbus A330 airliner that enables Air Force to conduct air-to-air refuelling and provide strategic air lift.  It features advanced communication and navigation systems, and an electronic warfare self-protection system.

The Air Force's seven KC-30A aircraft are based at RAAF Base Amberley, operated by No. 33 Squadron.

Since September 2014, a single KC-30A has been deployed to the Middle East Region for Operation OKRA.

F/A-18F Block II Super Hornet Weapons System

F/A-18F Block II Super Hornet Weapons System

Twenty-four F/A-18F Block II Super Hornet aircraft are operated by 82 Wing in support of air combat capability requirements. The Super Hornet achieved Final Operational Capability in December 2012. The Super Hornet aircraft continue to be updated via a spiral upgrade program that ensures Australia's air combat capability edge is maintained.  .

Airborne Early Warning and Control System

Airborne Early Warning and Control System

The Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEWC) "Wedgetail" aircraft gathers information from a wide variety of sources, analyses it, and distributes it to all friendly air and surface assets. The Airborne Early Warning & Control aircraft controls the tactical battlespace, providing direction for fighter aircraft, surface combatants and land-based elements, as well as supporting aircraft such as tankers and intelligence platforms. It is a 'force multiplier' in many Defence and National tasks, enhancing the effectiveness of other capabilities.

Multi Role Helicopter

Multi Role Helicopter

On Friday, 29 September 2023, the Government announced that the Australian Defence Force’s MRH-90 Taipan helicopters will not return to flying operations before their planned withdrawal date of December 2024.

Content is current at February 2024.

C-17A Globemaster Heavy Airlift

C-17A Globemaster Heavy Airlift

The C-17A Globemaster III provides the Air Force with an unprecedented capacity for strategic airlift. It allows Australia to rapidly deploy troops, supplies, combat vehicles, heavy equipment and helicopters anywhere in the world.

Based at RAAF Base Amberley, all eight C-17As are operated by No. 36 Squadron, and provide a logistics backbone for Australian Defence Force operations overseas. This has included operations in the Middle East and Afghanistan, as well as East Timor.

Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter Weapons System

Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter Weapons System

The Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH) Tiger has been in service with the Australian Army since 2004. The ARH Tiger is a two-seat attack helicopter that performs a wide range of missions. It is fast and agile with the ability to detect and engage targets at long ranges, and can easily coordinate and control combined arms teams.

B300 King Air

B300 King Air

The B300 aircrew training capability consists of 11 Beechcraft King Air aircraft, a Pro Line 21 Simulator and associated training systems.

The primary role of this platform is to provide training to Air Force Mission Aircrew including Weapon System Officers and Air Mobility Officers. The secondary role provides Air Logistics Support to Defence.

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