Wide Area and Space Surveillance

Wide Area and Space Surveillance

The Wide Area and Space Surveillance capability comprises two elements - Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN), and Space Surveillance Systems which are managed by the Wide Area and Space Surveillance Systems Program Office (WASSSPO).

Special Purpose Aircraft

Special Purpose Aircraft

The Special Purpose Aircraft consists of two Boeing Business Jets and three Dassault Falcon 7X aircraft. These leased aircraft are managed under a total contractor support arrangement with Northrop Grumman Australia. The leases for the Boeing Business Jets and Dassault Falcon 7X aircraft are scheduled to expire in 2024 and 2029 respectively. During 2020-21, the focus will be on ensuring the continued delivery of the Special Purpose Aircraft capability.

C-130J Hercules Medium Airlift

C-130J Hercules Medium Airlift

The C-130J Hercules is a medium-sized tactical air-lifter which can deliver cargo to airfields with short unsurfaced runways, and airdrop cargo and paratroops by parachute and is an important air link for Australian Defence Force personnel overseas.

F/A-18A/B Classic Hornet Weapon System

F/A-18A/B Classic Hornet Weapon System

The Classic Hornet fleet originally consisted of 57 F/A-18A (single seat) and 18 F/A-18B (dual seat) aircraft. Four aircraft were lost through flying accidents (between 1987 and 1992) reducing the fleet to 71 aircraft.  The Planned Withdrawal Date of the Classic Hornet fleet is December 2021. Progressive withdrawal and disposal of the fleet commenced during 2018 in line with the progressive introduction of the F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.

P-3C/AP-3C Orion Weapons System

P-3C/AP-3C Orion Weapons System

The P-3C fleet consists of two Orion aircraft and a range of ground based systems. The P-3C continues to provide Maritime operational support to protect Australian interests.

Aeronautical Life Support Equipment

Aeronautical Life Support Equipment

Aeronautical Life Support Logistics Management Unit (ALSLMU) manages Aeronautical Life Support Equipment (ALSE), which encompasses:

  • Helmets and Oxygen Masks
  • Inflatable Life rafts and Vests
  • Load Carriage and Restraint Harnesses
  • Flares, Radios and Signalling devices for Post Evacuation Survival
  • Night Vision Devices

Approximately 80% of ADF ALSE is used by more than one aircraft platform, and is therefore centrally managed. ALSE, which is unique to an aircraft is normally managed along with that platform's other systems.

C-27J Spartan Light Tactical Fixed Wing Airlift

C-27J Spartan Light Tactical Fixed Wing Airlift

AIR 8000 Phase 2 was approved to replace the retired Caribou capability and provide the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with an enhanced intra-theatre and regional airlift capability through acquisition of a fleet of ten Light Tactical Fixed Wing aircraft. The C-27J Spartan is based on the original Alenia G-222 design, re-engineered with modern engines and avionics and can operate in remote and austere environments with a useful payload, range, in-theatre survivability and ability to operate from rudimentary airstrips. 

Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft

Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft

The Australian Government approved AIR 6000 Phase 2A/2B to acquire 72 F-35A Lightning II aircraft, also known as the Joint Strike Fighter, along with associated weapons, spares, support equipment, and infrastructure.

Australia’s F-35A fleet has replaced the F/A-18A/B Hornets. The F-35A Lightning II, in concert with F/A-18F Super Hornet and E/A-18G Growler, is a potent air combat capability mix that provides the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) with critical air combat power to meet Australia’s needs beyond 2030.

Airborne Early Warning and Control System Upgrade

Airborne Early Warning and Control System Upgrade

AIR5077 Phase 5A is an approved project intended to assure the E-7A Wedgetail’s near term ongoing capability requirements by fitting mandatory military and civil compliance upgrades. Key systems being upgraded include:

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