Australia - F/A-18 Hornet

After more than 30 years of dedicated service to the Royal Australian Air Force, Australia's fleet of F/A-18A/B Classic Hornets was farewelled 29 November 2021, to make way for the fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II fighter. The remaining few active Classic Hornets that have been employed in the defence of the nation since 1985 were farewelled by Minister for Defence, the Hon Peter Dutton MP, Chief of the Air Force, Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld, AO, DSC, Air Force aviators and industry partners at a ceremony at RAAF Base Williamtown. The aircraft were from No. 75 Squadron, based at RAAF Base Tindal, near Katherine in the Northern Territory; the last Classic Hornet squadron to changeover to the F-35A.

The Hornets entered service during the period 1985�90, and were originally planned to be withdrawn from service in 2010�15. However, Government decisions made in 2006 and 2009 extended the withdrawal period to 2017�20, and in May 2012 the need for a possible further extension arose, because of the Government�s decision to better align the delivery of Australia�s F-35A aircraft with the US Department of Defense�s F-35 production and acquisition schedule.4 Consequently, the precise timing of the F/A-18A/B withdrawal from service was dependent upon the delivery of the F-35A aircraft.

In successive Defence White Papers since 1976, Australia outlined its defence strategy, which includes the control of the air and sea approaches to Australia. In October 1981, the Government of Australia selected the F/A-18 to fulfill the prescribed missions of the Royal Austrahan Arr Force (RAAF). A fleet of 75 aircraft was commissioned.

The decision to purchase F/A-l8 in 1981 followed several years of consideration by the Government of Australia. Desire for a new aircraft to replace Australia�s Mirage IIIs dated back to 1972. Rivals to the F/A-l8 at that time included Northrop�s P530 lightweight fighter, the Swedish Viggen, the MDC F-15, GD F-l6, Panavia�s Tornado, and the Dassault-Breguet Mirage 2000. In 1975. the RAAF dropped the Panavia Tornado and the MDC F-lS from the list because of cost and lack of assurances that production of both aircraft would continue through the year 2000.

The final contenders were the F-16, F/A-18, and the Mirage 2000. These finalists were analyzed for their suitability by an Australian Evaluation Group made up of operational, technical, and industrial specialists. An evaluation group determined that of the contenders, none was able to match the PIA-18 in all-weather avionics and twin engine safety, both important considerations for missions in and around harsh Australian territory.

Australia reduced its shortlist for the Mirage replacement to only two candidates in November 1979. To fill the Tactical Fighter Force (TFF) requirement, the RAAF selected between the General Dynamics F-16 and the McDonnell-Douglas F/A-18 Hornet. On 20 October 1981, the Hornet was selected.

The F/A-18 was a descendant of the Northrop YF-17, which had been the loser of the United States Air Force (USAF) light-weight fighter competition. On 2 May 1975, the US Navy announced the selection of McDonnell-Douglas-Northrop project, which became the F/A-18 Hornet, as a multi-mission aircraft with the 'F/A' designation signifying both fighter and attack roles. The Hornet resembled a YF-17, scaled up 12 per cent. The YF-18 prototype first flew on 18 November 1978.

The Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18A and F/A-18B Hornets were multi-role fighter aircraft, capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. Both the single seat F/A-18A and twin seat F/A-18B can undertake air interception, air combat, close air support of ground troops, and interdiction of enemy supply lines including shipping.

This order was for 57 single-seat F/A-18As (serialled A21-1 to A21-57) and 18 two-seat F/A-18Bs (A21-101 to A21-118). The Hornet gave the Tactical Fighter Group several firsts, including a pulse-doppler look-down radar with a shoot-down capability, an inertial navigation system and a head-up display. The first RAAF Hornet, A21-101, made its first public appearance at the McAir plant at St Louis on 29 October 1984. Two aircraft, A21-101 and A21-102, were then ferried in a non-stop record-breaking trans-Pacific 15-hour flight on 17 May 1985.

The first operational RAAF Hornet unit was No 3 Squadron, reformed at Williamtown. The first two aircraft, A21-8 and A21-9, were collected from GAF at Avalon and delivered to Williamtown on 29 August 1986. These aircraft were in low-visibility squadron markings with the Southern Cross on the fins and the Fleur-de-Lis (from No 3 Squadron's heritage in France during World War I) and flash on the fuselage spine. This marking was later changed to the No 3 Squadron winged-bomb badge. No 3 Squadron celebrated its 75th anniversary in 1991 and one aircraft, A21-57, was adorned with special fin markings for the occasion. On 15 December 1988, the last RAAF dual-seat Hornet, A21-118, was delivered. Each squadron is allocated one or two dual-seaters, the Aircraft Research and Development Unit (ARDU) operate one, and the remainder equip 2OCU for their primary role of type conversion. The last RAAF Hornet, single-seater A21-57, was handed over on 12 May 1990.

Based at RAAF Base Williamtown and RAAF Base Tindal, the 71 F/A-18A/B Hornets were an integral part of Australia�s air combat capability. The fleet has undergone a major avionics upgrade to ensure effective operations for the next 10 years. The F/A-18A/Bs have participated in a range of exercises including Exercise Bersama Lima and Exercise Bersama Shield in Malaysia, Exercise Red Flag in Alaska and Exercise Pitch Black in the Northern Territory.

Australia - F/A-18F Super Hornet

The Block II F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a multirole aircraft able to perform virtually every mission in the tactical spectrum, including air superiority, day/night strike with precision-guided weapons, fighter escort, close air support, suppression of enemy air defenses, maritime strike, reconnaissance, forward air control and tanker missions. The Block II F/A-18F Super Hornet provides the RAAF with an enhanced air combat capability across the spectrum of missions, with a twin-engine design that is ideal for maritime operational requirements.

The F/A-18F Super Hornets were larger than the F/A-18A/B Hornets. The aircraft's increased wing area allows them to carry more stores on their extra hardpoints. The Super Hornet is operated in a two crew configuration. It has the ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. The Super Hornet is larger than the �Classic� F/A-18A/B Hornet. Its longer fuselage allows for more fuel and future avionics upgrades, wing area is increased by twenty-five per cent and span by nearly twenty per cent but the airframe has forty-two per cent fewer structural parts. The new General Electric F414 engine offers thirty-five per cent more thrust than the F404 in the Classic and the leading edge extensions, so significant for the Classic Hornet�s maneuverability, are larger on the Super Hornet and offer even more controllability, especially in pitch. The two additional underwing hard points (for a total of eleven) allow more flexible choice of weapons.

The RAAF identified the requirement for an aircraft to enable the transition between the retirement of the F-111 and the eventual achievement of full operational capability of the F-35. The Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet was the solution.

The Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18F Super Hornet fleet gave Australia an upgraded air combat capability for both air-to-air and air-to-ground mission until the full introduction into service of the F-35 Lightning II. The twin seat F/A-18F Super Hornet can undertake air interception, air combat, close air support of ground troops and interdiction of enemy supply lines including shipping.

Australia became the first international Super Hornet customer in March 2007, when the Australian government announced its intent to acquire 24 of the fighters. The Australian Government announced in March 2007 the intention to purchase twenty-four Boeing (formerly McDonnell Douglas) F/A-18F Super Hornet Block II two-seat multirole fighter-bombers. The order was reviewed and confirmed by the newly-elected Australian Government in late 2007, and the first Australian Super Hornet (A44-201) first flew from Boeing�s St Louis facility on 20 July 2009. Rapid delivery of all twenty-four aircraft to the RAAF was facilitated by the fact that Boeing had consistently delivered Super Hornets to the United States Navy (USN) ahead of schedule.

The RAAF�s 24 F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft were acquired in 2010, and were operated in two squadrons. These aircraft replaced the RAAF�s 21 F-111 strike/reconnaissance aircraft, which were withdrawn from service in 2010. As of 2023, the Planned Withdrawal Date for the Super Hornets was 2025.The first five of 24 Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet (Rhino) aircraft on order for the Air Force arrived at RAAF Base Amberley, becoming the Air Force�s first new air combat aircraft in 25 years. After further deliveries of Super Hornets were received, No 1 Squadron was declared operational on 8 December 2009. Twenty-four Super Hornets were ordered in 2007 and were delivered by the end of October 2011. The initial crews were trained in the USA until No 6 Squadron took over that role.

On 28 April 2015 the US State Department made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia for F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler Aircraft Sustainment and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $1.5 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale.

The Government of Australia has requested a possible sale of follow-on sustainment support and services for twenty four (24) AF/A-18Fs Super Hornet and twelve (12) AEA-18G Growler aircraft. The sustainment efforts will include software and hardware updates, Engineering Change Proposals, System Configuration upgrades, system integration and testing, engine component improvement, tools and test equipment, spare and repair parts, support equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, aircrew trainer devices upgrades, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance, and other related elements of logistics and program support.

This sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a major contributor to political stability, security, and economic development in Southeast Asia and around the world. Australia is an important ally and partner that contributes significantly to coalition, peacekeeping, and humanitarian operations around the world. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives and facilitates burden sharing with a key ally.

The proposed sale of follow-on sustainment support and services enabled the Royal Australian Air Force to ensure the reliability and performance of its F/A-18 fleet. The follow-on support will allow Australia to maintain aircraft availability/operational rates, and enhance interoperability with the U.S. and other nations.

Twenty-four F/A-18F Block II Super Hornet aircraft were operated by 82 Wing in support of air combat capability requirements. The F/A-18F Super Hornets were based at Number 1 and Number 6 Squadrons at RAAF Base Amberley. They participated in a range of exercises and operations including Exercise Pitch Black in the Northern Territory, Exercise Bersama Shield on the Malaysian Peninsula, and Operation OKRA in the Middle East.

Air Force had 24 F/A-18F Super Hornets, which will ensure that Australia's air combat capability edge is maintained until the full introduction into service of the planned F-35A Lightning II. The F/A-18F Super Hornet achieved Final Operational Capability in December 2012.

The twin seat F/A-18F Super Hornet can undertake:

• air interception;
• air combat;
• close air support of ground troops; and
• interception of enemy supply lines including shipping.

Air Combat and Electronic Attack Systems Program Office (ACEASPO) is responsible for the sustainment and upgrade Super Hornet and Growler; ACEASPO is located at RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland. ACEASPO has a Technical Liaison Office (TLO) based in Patuxent River, Maryland USA, co-located with the United States Navy (USN) who provide support via Foreign Military Sales (FMS) arrangements. The Air Combat and Electronic Attack Enterprise includes industry partners include Boeing Defence Australia (BDA), General Electric and Raytheon Australia. The Super Hornet aircraft continue to be updated via a spiral upgrade program that ensures Australia's air combat capability edge is maintained.

Australia - EA-18G Growler

Australia is the only country outside of the US to operate the Growler. The EA-18G Growler is an airborne electronic attack aircraft capable of providing force level electronic warfare support by disrupting, deceiving or denying a broad range of military electronic systems, including radars and communications. The 12 EA-18G Growlers are based at RAAF Base Amberley and operate in conjunction with air, land and sea forces. The capability will reduce the risk to Australian forces and improve their situational awareness. The aircraft are able to support the full spectrum of Defence tasks, from peacetime evacuations to major conflicts.

The electromagnetic spectrum is not just some enabling function, but it�s actually a domain that forces need to fight and win in. The use of the electromagnetic spectrum is everywhere in every conflict. And even in counterinsurgency operations, the adversary side is heavily dependent on the electromagnetic spectrum. The threat is lethal, it is mobile, and it�s often hidden. The ability to find it becomes a key part of military operations, to target it either kinetically or non-kinetically. There is increased surveillance, broadly, around the battlespace. Around the world there is a highly dynamic and evolving military battlespace, and the security environment around it continues to change rapidly.

Force Level EW systems in the Air Force were very limited in the early 1990s. Across the fast jet fleet, they were very, very poor. That has changed rapidly. Each of these platforms has its own inherent EW capabilities, some of them more than others. Some of them can distribute the capability in different ways; some of them can achieve effects across the battlespace that go beyond their own environment. What Growler does particularly well is it adds EW effects to the battlespace that go far beyond protecting itself. It protects others.

Growler denies and delays and degrades the opposition�s use of the electromagnetic spectrum. The target is actually the human decision-maker in the system. Growler uses the electromagnetic spectrum to get to the humans in the system. Growler creates confusion and sows the fog of war. This provides time and space for friendly forces. Growler gives opportunities to frindlies, and lowers the risk. Growler does that through enemy radars � one of the things that most people immediately equate with Growler operations is jamming radars. But it�s far more. The Growler�s spectrum goes right down into the comms bands and it has significant capability in the communication space. All of that supports decision superiority.

The aircraft is based on the F/A-18F Super Hornet airframe and fitted with additional avionics, enhanced radio frequency receivers, an improved communications suite and ALQ radio-frequency jamming pods which enable it to jam enemy systems. It provides a complementary capability to the F/A-18F Super Hornet and the future F-35A Lighting II aircraft. Wing fences and aileron �tripper strips� have been added. The Super Hornet�s cannon has been removed to house more electronic attack equipment. The wingtips (and if needed the nine weapons pylons) also house electronic warfare equipment.

In February 2009, the Australian Government announced that twelve of the twenty-four Super Hornets then on order would be wired on the production line for future modification as E/A-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft. While the last twelve airframes were so delivered, the conversion option was not taken up and was replaced in February 2013 with the announcement that Australia would purchase an additional twelve new production airframes delivered as EA-18G Growlers (see entry A46 in the third series). The first E/A-18G for Australia was rolled out on 29 July 2015.

In August 2012 Government approved the acquisition of an EA-18G Growler Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) capability to be operated by Air Force to provide a Force Level EW (FLEW) capability for the ADF. In 2013, following the Air Combat Capability Transition Review, this decision was amended to allow the purchase of twelve new-build EA-18Gs in lieu of modifying any of the twenty-four Super Hornets already in service. Subsequent approvals enabled the procurement of training capabilities and new infrastructure.

The acquisition of the Growler force was planned to leverage from the ADF�s experience with operating and maintaining the Super Hornet force and is expected to achieve IOC in 2018. The Growler FLEW capability is complementary to Air Force�s combat capability and support systems, and it is a joint asset to support military and national operations.

The ALQ-218 receiver is the main sensor, the ears for the aeroplane. That�s the 60 odd antennas that cover the spectrum. Highly sensitive, highly capable of geolocation, and also, clearly, highly capable of identifying the different threats in the battle space. The ALQ-218 uses a suite of advanced algorithms and physics across the antennas on the aeroplane to figure out what the emitters are and where they are. And it does this quickly. the ALQ-218 pods on the wing tips are the obvious visual giveaway that the plane is a Growler and not a Super Hornet [as well as the giant jamming pods, normally three, as many as five]. The ALQ-227 gives all round communications capability. That is the system that brings the aircraft down into the communications spectrum, right down the bottom of the EM spectrum. The ALQ-227 gives 360 degree coverage and is an important system when working with land forces, but also an important system when we start talking about taking adversary systems or adversary kill chains and breaking them apart.

The main jamming capability is in the ALQ-99 pods. They�re very high powered pods and they�ve been in constant evolution since they were initially brought into service in the �70s. The ALQ-99 is multi-configurable, and can be configured at the flight line quickly to adapt to any given mission. The transmitters are powered primarily by the ram air turbine at the front. They�re the things with the small propellers on the front creating plenty of drag but generating lots of electricity. It enables one versus many electronic attack from stand-off or modified escort positions. The Growler is a penetrating platform; it can defend itself and it�s got awareness so that it can survive in contested environments.

The air-to-ground capabilities consist of the anti-radiation missiles. The assumed load-out is the AGM-88B/C High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM) and/or AGM-88E Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM). The AARGM itself is the latest version, which provides an active millimetric wave seeker to the previous HARM, which was clearly just a passive seeker. However, it does share air=to-air missiles from the Super Hornet: the AIM120 and the AIM-9. The airframe, radar, targeting pod and the networking are broadly the same as the Super Hornet. There are differences in network design, for good reason. Propulsion is the same and from the logistics point of view the Growler is leveraging the Super Hornet foundation that we have established over the last few years and continue to refine.

Growler can function as a weapon controller for network enabled weapons. It is clearly a network node. It can be an EW battle manager, as well as an EW contributor. In other words, it can stand back, it can sense and watch with its multiple awareness tools, both passive and active. And it can drive the best response to an evolving tactical execution piece.

Project AIR 5349 Phase 3 acquired 12 Boeing EA-18G "Growler" airborne electronic attack aircraft, ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System (TJS) and associated weapons, support and training systems. The aircraft were acquired through the United States Navy (USN) under a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement and were delivered to Australia during the first half of 2017. Initial Operational Capability (IOC) was achieved in 2019. The $1.5 billion EA-18G Growler purchase includes the aircraft, required mission and support systems, training, and ongoing support to effectively develop and operate a Growler capability.

The Growler aircraft shares 90% commonality with the F/A-18 Super Hornet, which it can support to enhance capability. The Growler aircraft represent a new capability for the Australian Defence Force and will be based in RAAF Amberley, QLD. Two training ranges will also be established in support of the Growler capability, at Delamere Weapons Range, Northern Territory and near RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland.

By 2023 the EA-18G Growler capability was being overhauled through Project AIR 5349 Phase 6 - Advanced Growler, providing the Air Force with critical world-leading technology. The electronic attack aircraft is capable of disrupting, deceiving or denying a broad range of military electronic systems, including radar and communications. Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said the project was delivering the leading-edge technology the Air Force needed �to face an increasingly complex and uncertain strategic environment�.

The project will ensure commonality with United States Navy aircraft. Upgrades include:

• Cooperative development of the Next-Generation Jammer weapon system with the United States Navy to gradually replace the ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System
• Aircraft modifications, including sensor upgrades
• Anti-radiation missile war stock
• Longer-range and more advanced anti-radiation missiles
• Enhanced electronic warfare training ranges capability
• Facility improvements at Amberley near Brisbane and the Delamere Air training area near Katherine in the Northern Territory

Australian radar company CEA Technologies was awarded a $277 million contract to provide advanced capabilities for Australia�s electronic warfare ranges. The contract will include a number of fixed and portable emitters to support training exercises and strengthen capability across the joint force. It is the first contract to be awarded under Phase 6, which has an approved budget of more than $2 billion. Conroy said the Australian companies would be �involved as much as possible throughout the life of this project�.

The EA-18G Growler continues to be updated to better control the electromagnetic spectrum and remain an effective capability multiplier. Growler continues to evolve as a capability. There�s an ongoing spiral upgrade program that Australia is part of, and that will continue through the sustainment budget. Parts of that may not be affordable and could need to be rolled into the Defence Capability Plan. The next generation jammer is one of those that is being considered for the Defence Capability Plan and the Growler is the lead platform for that capability. Suffice to say it�s a multi-generational leap in EW and jamming capability. It is a Program of Record in the US.

The Growler airframe itself will require, through the spiral upgrade, ongoing subtle changes to meet the evolving threat, support the latest pods and the latest techniques. The aircraft could blind enemy ships or ground radar. The Growler can help establish an EW 'bubble' to support key attack aircraft. The F-35 takes another generational leap in terms of capability. There is a range of supporting platforms and complementary platforms�the Growler being one of them. It is very low density, but it will be in high demand.

Australia - F/A-18 Offsets

Specific offset activities requested by Australia included orders for Australian manufactured goods or services; part production or assembly; joint or collaborative ventures; software development; research and development; design and development; technology transfer, and certain types of technical training by the overseas suppliers.

The F/A-18 offset agreement provides for three distinct types of offsets. The first is called Defence Designated and Assisted Work. Under this program, elements of the F/A- 18 were required to be manufactured, assembled, and/or tested in Australia. As a result, Australia is the only country outside the United States where a production and assembly facility exists for F/A-18s. This portion of the F/A-18 offsets is valued at approximately $200 million dollars. Work for this portion of the offset was completed when the last Australian aircraft is finished in 1990.

The second element of the F/A-18 offset package is usually called Eligible Offsets. This is a firm commitment, with liquidated damages for non-fulfillment. Some of the eligible offsets were directly related to the F/A-18s (such as the production of parts for use in F/A-l8s in the United States), while others were indirect. However, in order to meet the Australian criteria for satisfying the requirements, the transaction must have technological significance and contribute to the self-reliance of the Australian defense industry through the establishment, enhancement, or maintenance of defense capabilities. The period of fulfillment for these offsets is 1981-1999.

The final aspect of the Australian F/A-l8 industrial compensation package was �Best Efforts� offsets which were in addition to the firm Eligible Offsets commitment. This includes such indirect offsets as the promotion of Australian exports and tourism. This portion of the offset package was primarily a marketing tool used by MDC to make its overall offset proposal more desirable.

The final assembly and test of the RAAF F/A-18 was carried out by ASTA, a 100 percent Govemment-owned company which until 1987 was known as the Government Air Factory. ATSA also produced forward fuselage installations, trailing edge flaps and shrouds, windscreen and canopy transparencies and assemblies, and the radome assembly. Specific components of the F/A-18 being produced in Australia in addition to those being produced by ASTA, as well as the name of the Australian and US.

Australian business TAE Aerospace significantly increased its share of maintenance work on the F414 engines that power the Air Force�s F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft. Officer in Command Air Combat Electronic Attack System Program Office Group Captain Adam Spinks said 09 November 2020 TAE Aerospace had increased its proportion of deeper maintenance work from 25 per cent to 85 per cent in five years. �This is a remarkable achievement for an innovative local business and acknowledges the industry capability that exists across the country,� Group Captain Spinks said. �TAE Aerospace is a partner to General Electric International Incorporated (GEII) and holds additional contracts to maintain the engines for the M1 Abram tanks and F-35A Lightning II aircraft.� Group Captain Spinks said TAE Aerospace had been innovative in the maintenance of the F414 engines, developing repairs for components which otherwise would have been thrown away when they failed. He said this led to reduced costs and improved engine availability for Air Force. �The repairs, as well as the ingenuity displayed by TAE, shows how much Australian industry has to offer the ADF, but also Australia�s allies,� he said. TAE Aerospace has 220 employees at several sites across Australia. TAE Aerospace chief executive officer Andrew Sanderson said the expansion of the company�s F414 engine maintenance capability was a significant milestone. This is the first time Australian industry has supported the US Navy engine fleet. Sanderson said the company�s expansion of its F414 works was timely considering the withdrawal of the F404 engines for the F/A-18 and A/B fleets. �We�ve been working in partnership with GE for more than 11 years now on support contracts for both aircraft engines right here in Australia,� Sanderson said. �Building on this strong relationship, the opportunity to now commence F414 engine component repair work in support of the US Navy is a significant step for us. �We are now be able to export our repair know-how, skills and quality of support to the US Navy, which demonstrates our capabilities as a global aerospace engine maintenance provider.� He said TAE Aerospace would employ up to 10 new staff to conduct the new work and prepare for future opportunities.

Australia - F/A-18 Upgrades

The RAAF�s fleet of F/A-18A/B Hornet combat aircraft, delivered in the late 1980s, could not be expected to retain its original relative capability over three decades without significant weapons and systems upgrades. Since 1995, there has been an extensive program of RAAF F/A-18A/B aircraft and weapon-system upgrade projects that have budgets totalling $3.245 billion. By May 2012, expenditure on these projects totalled $2.784 billion, and as a result, the RAAF�s F/A-18A/B aircraft are now significantly more capable than they were when introduced into service between 1985 and 1990. These upgrades have been undertaken by firms under contract to Defence, and have progressed within an effective system of technical-airworthiness regulation, which has been established and managed by the RAAF and the ADF�s Directorate General Technical Airworthiness since 1993. The regulations encompass the release into operational service of new and modified aircraft, as well as the maintenance of ADF aircraft by RAAF, DMO and contractor personnel.

In 1991 the RAAF commenced forward-looking infra-red (FLIR) pod operations with the Hornet. This pod enables the pilot to navigate and acquire the target at night by the passive use of FLIR, which is displayed on the head-up display. The target can then be designated with a laser spot tracker for the guidance of laser-guided munitions.

Since 1995, there had been an extensive program of RAAF F/A-18A/B aircraft and weapon-system upgrade projects that have budgets totalling $3.245 billion. By May 2012, expenditure on these projects totalled $2.784 billion, and as a result, the RAAF�s F/A-18A/B aircraft were significantly more capable than they were when introduced into service between 1985 and 1990.

The new weapons capabilities acquired for the Hornet fleet under the upgrade program include new short-range and medium-range air-to-air missiles, precision-bombing capability, and long-range cruise missiles for ground-strike operations, specifically:

• the AIM-132A Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM);
• the AIM-120B and AIM-120C5 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM);
• the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) air-to-ground bomb-guidance system;
• the AGM-158A Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM).

The aircraft themselves have received significant mission-system upgrades, including:

• upgrades of voice communications, the Identification Friend-or-Foe (IFF) system, and the inertial navigation system, as well as software for the radar-warning receivers, radars and new operational software;
• new fire-control radar, and electronic-protection techniques for the radar;
• a LINK 16 secure data link, an upgraded counter-measures dispenser, color displays, an upgraded digital moving-map system, the Joint Mission Planning System, and a helmet-mounted cueing system;
• replacement of the radar-warning receiver, supplementation of the counter-measures dispenser and of jammer capability, and enhancement of the aircraft�s data-recording capability;
• an upgraded target-designation system;
• a GPS protection system;
• a Variable Message Format data system.

The RAAF has also received updated flight-training simulators that take account of the upgrades to the aircraft and weapons.

The upgrade of all 71 RAAF F/A-18A/B Hornet aircraft was due for completion by 2015, at a total cost of $3.245 billion. Together with the fleet�s original acquisition cost of $4.44 billion, the total acquisition cost of the F/A-18A/B Hornet fleet amounts to some $7.685 billion over the period 1985� 2015, covering the aircraft, aircraft upgrades and weapons upgrades.

On 11 July 2017 the US State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia for upgrades for F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft. The estimated cost is $101.4 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on July 10, 2017. The Government of Australia requested the possible sale of thirty-two (32) Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS) with four channel Concurrent Multi-Network (CMN-4), and thirty-nine (39) AN/ALQ-214A(V)4 Countermeasure Systems. This will also include all system integration and testing, component improvement, test and tools equipment upgrades, support equipment replenishment, supply support, publications and technical document updates, personnel training and training equipment upgrades, aircrew trainer device upgrades, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance and other related elements of logistical and program support.

Australia - F/A-18 Service Life

The RAAF�s 71 F/A-18A/B Hornet aircraft were assigned to three operational squadrons and a training squadron. The Hornets entered service during the period 1985�90, and were originally planned to be withdrawn from service in 2010�15. However, Government decisions made in 2006 and 2009 extended the withdrawal period to 2017�20, and in May 2012 the need for a possible further extension arose.

While F/A-18A/B operational availability and logistics support satisfy the RAAF, this is becoming increasingly difficult to achieve, because significant aged-aircraft issues were resulting in maintenance durations and costs becoming less predictable. Annual spending to sustain the Hornet fleet has averaged $118 million since 2000�01, but is trending towards $170 million per annum over the next several years. The cost of airframe corrosion-related repairs has also increased significantly, from $721 000 in 2007 to $1.367 million as estimated in 2011.

The F/A-18A/B Hornet was designed for a safe life of 6000 airframe hours under specified flight profiles. At the current [2012] fleet flying rate of 13 000 hours per year, reducing to 12 000 from 2013�14, there is capacity on that basis for the Hornet fleet to continue flying until the end of 2020. However, this would require continuing close management of flying hours, to ensure that safe-life limits were not exceeded, and an expansion of the safety-by-inspection regime to include airframe structures that were increasingly susceptible to wear or corrosion-initiated fatigue-cracking. Using the fleet beyond 2020 may well require an expanded, and hence more costly, safety-by-inspection regime, structural modifications and capability upgrades.

The structural integrity of aircraft is assured by a combination of maintenance regimes applied to airframe structures. While the integrity of most Hornet airframe structures is managed according to a safe-life regime based on airframe hours flown, the integrity of certain structures is managed through a safety-by-inspection regime. When a particular airframe structure has reached its safe-life limit according to hours flown, it may continue to be maintained under a more intensive�and therefore more expensive�safety-by-inspection regime. Using the fleet beyond 2020 may well require an expanded, and hence more costly, safety-by-inspection regime, structural modifications and capability upgrades.

The rates of fatigue accrual declined with the advent of precision weaponry lessening to some extent the need for high-g manoeuvres, which increase aerodynamic loads on critical airframe structures. Nevertheless, the development and maintenance of tactical skills still requires air-combat training that includes high-g manoeuvres.

Far from being the originally intended transition aircraft between the retirement of the F-111 and the delivery of the F-35A, the Super Hornet now serves as a fully operational component of the RAAF, flown by No 1 Squadron out of RAAF Base Amberley in South East Queensland.

At the time the Defence White Paper 2009 was developed, the RAAF�s air combat capability consisted of a fleet of 21 F-111C fighter-bomber aircraft and 71 F/A-18A/B Hornet aircraft. At the same time, the acquisition process to replace the F-111 fleet with 24 F/A-18F Super Hornets was underway. The RAAF�s 24 F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft were acquired in 2010, and were operated in two squadrons. These aircraft replaced the RAAF�s 21 F-111 strike/reconnaissance aircraft, which were withdrawn from service in 2010. The Planned Withdrawal Date for the Super Hornets was 2025.

Australia - F/A-18 Operations

RAAF Hornets from Air Combat Group maintained a presence for the five-power Integrated Air Defence System (IADS) at Butterworth, Malaysia and Singapore, with deployments several times a year. In addition, Hornets have exercised in the Philippines, Thailand and United States. Since 2001, RAAF F/A-18 Hornets have also been deployed to Diego Garcia and the Middle East Area of Operations as a part of the RAAF's commitment to the International Coalition Against Terrorism, and have also flown aerial patrols within Australia as a security force during the Commonwealth Heads of Government conference and the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

The Hornet's first operational deployment was in November 2001 to May 2002 under Operation Slipper, following the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks. The Australian Government agreed to deploy F/A-18A/Bs to protect the major United States Air Force air base on the Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia, which was being used to stage operations in Afghanistan.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced 28 April 2015 that the Australian government sought a possible sale and services for 24 Super Hornets and 12 Growler aircraft, whose sustainment support efforts will have software and hardware updates. DSCA noted that the sale will assist Australia to have a strong and ready self-defense capability, and will enable the Royal Australian Air Force to ensure the reliability and performance of its F/A-18 fleet. �The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia for F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler Aircraft Sustainment and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $1.5 billion�.

No 1 Squadron�s Super Hornets achieved FOC in time to commit an air component in support of coalition operations against the Islamic State in Iraq. In September 2014, under Operation Okra, six RAAF F/A-18Fs joined an Airbus KC-30A tanker and a Boeing E-7A Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft in deploying to the United Arab Emirates to take part in operations against Islamic State militants. By early October, the Super Hornets were undertaking strike missions, the first by the RAAF since the 2003 deployment of Classic Hornets for the invasion of Saddam Hussein�s Iraq under Operation Falconer.

In March 2015, Classic Hornets replaced the Super Hornets on operations. They had completed 418 sorties, over 3361 combat flying hours, released 278 precision-guided munitions and achieved a mission success rate of approximately ninety-seven per cent without loss. In May 2017, No 1 Squadron returned to operations over Iraq and also Syria for a final rotation. During this period over 376 sorties were flown by RAAF F/A-18Fs, comprising 3091 combat flying hours and the employment of a further 398 precision guided munitions in support of the international effort to combat the Islamic State.

Following capture of the last remaining Islamic State-held areas in December 2017, it was announced that the strike component of the Air Task Group (ATG) would return to Australia. Fittingly, the F/A18F, having flown the first strike missions over Iraq in 2014, would also fly the last combat sortie of Operation Okra on 14 January 2018. Until late 2016, No 6 Squadron had been providing F/A-18F operational conversion training.

However, No 6 Squadron was soon to receive twelve E/A-18G Growlers and operate the aircraft as a frontline squadron. To prepare for this transition, the RAAF�s entire fleet of twentyfour F/A-18F Super Hornets was consolidated in No 1 Squadron and aircrew began conducting operational conversion training in the United States (US) through integration into VFA-106, one of the USN's Training Squadrons. No 1 Squadron maintained an indigenous training capability for F/A-18F aircrew to bridge the gap for those returning from the US and to provide some �in house� conversion training at a reduced capacity. The start of 2020 saw the inception of 82 Wing Training Fight which has allowed Australianbased conversion courses to return to Amberley in a more substantial capacity.

While the F/A-18F Super Hornet is stationed at RAAF Amberley, it is regularly involved in training detachments both here in Australia and further abroad. These exercises, such as Pitch Black, Thai Boomerang and Red Flag help develop the Super Hornet�s interoperability, maintain strong connections with our local partners in the AsiaPacific region and with enduring strategic partners around the world.

Air Force�s 71 F/A-18A/B Hornets were replaced with 72 fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II aircraft from 2018. The F-35A JSF aircraft, which is to eventually replace both the F/A-18A/B Hornet and F/A-18F Super Hornet fleets, was expected to enter Full-Rate Production by 2019, by which time the oldest RAAF F/A-18 would have been in service for 34 years.

Australia - F/A-18 Specificatinos

DESCRIPTION	Single-seat multi-role fighter.
POWER PLANT	Two 7258 kg (16,000 lb) thrust General Electric F404-GE-400 turbofans.
DIMENSIONS
Length	17.06 m (56 ft);
wingspan	12.39 m (40 ft 8 in);
height	4.64 m (15 ft 3 in).
WEIGHTS
Empty	9355 kg (20 580 lb);
max	22 755 kg (50 060 lb).
PERFORMANCE
Max speed	1915 km/h (1190 mph);
ceiling	above 50,000 ft;
combat range	740 km (460 miles);
ferry range	3700 km (2000 miles).
ARMAMENT	Two AIM-7 Sparrow and two AIM-9M Sidewinder AAMs, 20mm M61 gun, variety of air-to-surface weaponry, such as Mk 82 bombs, 70mm rockets, Harpoon anti-ship missiles

Australia - F/A-18 Specificatinos