Retirement General Dynamics F-111C
an f-111c (at left) 1 of raaf s first 2 f/a-18fs.
in 2007, australia decided retire of raaf f-111s. drawdown of raaf s f-111 fleet began retirement of f-111g models operated no. 6 squadron in late 2007. 1 of reasons given f-111s retirement required average of 180 hours maintenance every flight hour. in march 2008, after review, new labor government confirmed purchase of 24 f/a-18f super hornets interim measure until delivery of f-35s; in 2010, government signed acquisition contract. final raaf f-111 aircrew conversion took place in 2009, 4 pilots , 2 air combat officers (acos) qualifying. raaf retired last f-111s on 3 december 2010, after final flight aircraft no. 6 squadron on southern queensland.
australia partner in development of lockheed martin f-35 lightning ii stealth fighter, plans country procure 100 examples replace f-111 f/a-18 hornet.
between 21 , 24 november 2011, 23 of raaf s f-111c , f-111gs had not been selected preservation buried @ swanbank landfill site outside of ipswich, queensland. raaf had considered scrapping these aircraft, concluded cheaper bury them. remaining ex-raaf f-111s placed on display.
Comments
Post a Comment