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{{Infobox Military Unit|unit_name=Royal Australian Air Force|image=|caption=
Royal Australian Air Force Ensign|start_date=
31 March 1921|garrison=[Canberra [Geoff Shepherd|commander2=[Air Vice-Marshal John Blackburn]|notable_commanders=|identification_symbol=|identification_symbol_label=RAAF badge|identification_symbol_2=|identification_symbol_2_label=RAAF roundel|identification_symbol_3=|identification_symbol_3_label=RAAF low visibility roundel|aircraft_attack=|aircraft_bomber=
General Dynamics F-111|aircraft_electronic=Boeing 737 AEW&C|aircraft_interceptor=|aircraft_patrol=[P-3 Orion|aircraft_recon=
General Dynamics F-111|aircraft_trainer=
Pilatus PC-9, BAE Hawk,
Beechcraft Super King Air|aircraft_transport=C-130 Hercules,
de Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou, C-17 Globemaster III, Boeing 707,
Boeing 737, Bombardier Challenger 600-->The
Royal Australian Air Force (
RAAF) is the Air Force branch of the
Australian Defence Force. The RAAF began in March 1914 as the
Australian Flying Corps and became a fully independent Air Force in March
1921. The RAAF has taken part in many of the 20th century's major conflicts including both World Wars, the
Korean War and the Vietnam War. More recently the RAAF participated in the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The motto on the RAAF's coat of arms is the Latin phrase
Ad astra (phrase), which means "Through Struggle to the Stars",{{cite web | title =RAAF Badge and Roundel
| publisher =[Department of Defence (Australia)
| url =http://www.defence.gov.au/RAAF/history/badge.htm
| accessdate = 2007-03-15 -->The [Royal Air Force use the same motto but translate it as "Through Adversity to the Stars".
History
World War I
Soon after the outbreak of
World War I in
1914, the Australian Flying Corps sent aircraft to assist in capturing German colonies in what is now north-west New Guinea. These colonies surrendered quickly however, before the planes were even unpacked. The first operational flights did not occur until
May 27,
1915, when the Mesopotamian Half Flight was called upon to assist the
British Indian Army in protecting British oil interests in what is now Iraq. The Corps later saw action in Egypt,
Palestine and on the Western Front throughout the remainder of
World War I. By the end of the war, four squadrons had seen active service.
AFC World War I flying aces include the following pilots:, France, November 1918. A score board recording the claims for enemy aircraft destroyed by
No. 80 Wing RAF from July-November 1918. The squadrons listed include No. 2 Squadron RAAF and
No. 4 Squadron RAAF. The other columns are headed "In Flames", "Crashed", "O.O.C." (Out of Control), "Driven Down" and "Balloons Destroyed"."
World War II
Europe and the Mediterranean
In
1939, just after the start of World War II, Australia joined the
Empire Air Training Scheme, under which flight crews received basic training in Australia before travelling to
Canada for advanced training. A total of 19 RAAF bomber, fighter, reconnaissance and other squadrons served initially in United Kingdom, and/or with the
Desert Air Force, in North Africa and the
Mediterranean. About nine per cent of the personnel who served under British RAF commands in Europe and the Mediterranean were RAAF personnel.
With British manufacturing targeted by the
Luftwaffe, the Australian government created the
Government Aircraft Factory (DAP; later known as the Government Aircraft Factory) to supply Commonwealth air forces and the RAAF was eventually provided with large numbers of locally-built versions of British designs like the
Bristol Beaufort torpedo bomber.
In the European Theatre of World War II, RAAF personnel were especially notable in RAF Bomber Command: they represented two percent of all RAAF personnel during the war, but accounted for 23% of the total number killed in action. This statistic is further illustrated by the fact that
No. 460 Squadron RAAF, mostly flying Avro Lancasters, had an official establishment of about 200 aircrew and yet had 1,018 combat deaths. The squadron was therefore effectively wiped out five times over.
Pacific War
fighters, flown by many RAAF fighter pilots in the Battle of Malaya, Battle of Singapore and Netherlands East Indies.The beginning of the
Pacific War — and the rapid advance of
Empire of Japanese forces — threatened the Australian mainland for the first time. The RAAF was quite unprepared for the emergency, and initially had negligible forces available for service in the Pacific.
In 1941 and early 1942, many RAAF airmen, including
No. 21 Squadron RAAF and No. 453 Squadron RAAFs, saw action with the
Far East Air Force (Royal Air Force) in the
Battle of Malaya, Battle of Singapore and
Netherlands East Indies. Allied fighter pilots, in particular, performed well in the campaign, despite being outnumbered and the fact that many were allocated sub-standard examples of the Brewster Buffalo.
The devastating Air raids on Darwin, February 19, 1942 on
February 19 1942 drove the point home. Some RAAF squadrons were transferred from the
northern hemisphere — although a substantial number remained there until the end of the war. Shortages of fighter and
close air support planes led to the acquisition of United States-built
Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawks and the rapid design and manufacture of the first Australian fighter, the CAC Boomerang. RAAF Kittyhawks came to play a crucial role in the
New Guinea and Solomon Islands campaigns, especially in operations like the Battle of Milne Bay.
In the
Battle of the Bismarck Sea, imported
Bristol Beaufighters proved to be highly effective ground attack and maritime strike aircraft. Beaufighters were later made locally by the DAP. Although it was much bigger than Japanese fighters, the Beaufighter had the speed to outrun them.
The RAAF's
heavy bomber force was predominantly comprised of 287 B-24 Liberators, which could bomb Japanese targets as far away as
Borneo and the
Philippines from airfields in Australia and New Guinea.
By late
1945, the RAAF had received or ordered about 500 P-51 Mustangs, for fighter/ground attack purposes. The Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation initially assembled US-made Mustangs, but later manufactured most of those used. The RAAF's main operational formation, the
Australian First Tactical Air Force, comprised more than 18,000 personnel and 20 squadrons; it had taken part in the Philippines and
Borneo campaigns and was scheduled to participate in the invasion of the Japanese mainland,
Operation Downfall. So too were the RAAF bomber squadrons in Europe, as part of the proposed
Tiger Force (air). However, the war was brought to a sudden end by the US
Atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasakis on Japan. As a result of the Empire Air Training Scheme, about 20,000 Australian personnel had served with other Commonwealth air forces in Europe during World War II. A total of 216,900 men and women served in the RAAF, of whom 11,061 were killed in action.
Service since 1945
In the
Korean War, Mustangs from No. 77 Squadron RAAF (77 Sqn), stationed in Japan with the
British Commonwealth Occupation Force, were among the first
United Nations aircraft to be deployed, in ground support, combat air patrol, and escort missions. When the UN planes were confronted by
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 jet fighters, 77 Sqn acquired
Gloster Meteors, which enabled some success against the Soviet pilots flying for North Korea. However the MiGs were superior aircraft and the Meteors were relegated to ground support missions, as the North Koreans gained experience. The air force also operated transport aircraft during the conflict.
During the
Vietnam War, from 1966-1972, the RAAF contributed squadrons of Caribou
STOL transport aircraft (No. 35 Squadron RAAF), UH-1 Iroquois helicopters (
No. 9 Squadron RAAF) and English Electric Canberra bombers (
No. 2 Squadron RAAF). The Canberras flew a large number of bombing sorties, and two were lost. One went missing during a bombing raid, and neither the crew nor the aircraft has ever been located. The other was shot down by a surface to air missile, although both crew were rescued. RAAF transport aircraft also supported
anti-communist ground forces. The UH-1 helicopters were used in many roles including Dustoff (medical evacuation) and Bushranger Gunships for armed support.
Military airlifts were conducted for a number of purposes in the intervening decades, such as the peacekeeping operations in Timor Leste from
1999. Australia's combat aircraft were not used again in combat until the
Operation Falconer in 2003, when F/A-18s from
No. 75 Squadron RAAF operated in the escort and ground attack roles.
Ranks and uniform
The RAAF uses RAF-derived ranks for both officers and other ranks, with the exceptions that the RAAF does not use the "Technician" ranks of the RAF and the insignia for Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman is a single chevron, rather than a propeller blade, and there is no Senior Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman rank as there is in the RAF. However, unlike their British, Canadian and New Zealand counterparts, they do not wear a blue-grey uniform. The RAAF uniform is Midnight Blue (also known as Air Force Blues (AFB) with AUSTRALIA on slip-on rank epaulettes and worn on the shoulder of the service dress uniform.
Roundel
The current version of the RAAF Roundel was formally adopted on the 2nd of July, 1956. The Roundel exists of a white inner circle with a
Red Kangaroo surrounded by a royal blue circle. The kangaroo faces left, except when used on aircraft or vehicles, when the kangaroo should always face the front.
Originally, the Air Force used the existing red, white and blue Roundel of the
Royal Air Force. However, during
World War II, the inner red circle was removed when after a No. 11 Squadron Catalina was mistaken for a Japanese aircraft by a US Navy Wildcat in the Pacific Theatre.
After the war, a range of options were proposed, including the Southern Cross, a boomerang, a sprig of wattle and the red kangaroo.
Royal Australian Air Force Badge
The RAAF badge was accepted by the
Chester Herald in 1939. The badge is composed of the Imperial Crown mounted on a circle featuring the words Royal Australian Air Force, beneath which scroll work displays the Latin motto
Per Ardua Ad Astra. Surmounting the badge is a wedge-tail eagle. The badge is similar in design to the Royal Air Force badge. Per Ardua Ad Astra is attributed with the meaning “Through Struggle to the Stars” and is from
Henry Rider Haggard novel The People of the Mist.
Current strength
Aircraft
As of 2007, the following aircraft are operated by the RAAF:
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"],
January 15 2007.
2005-06 Defence Annual Report Page 134! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"]| | Lead-in fighter trainer| Hawk 127| 33| This is a fighter jet conversion trainer. For those going from light fixed wing aircraft to piloting F-111s and F/A-18s.|-----|
Beechcraft Super King Air| | Tanker/transport| 707-338C| 2| They are dual role tanker/transports. While these aircraft were previously used for VIP transport they have been used for military purposes only since the long-term lease of two [Boeing 737s. A20-623 retired June 2007. A20-629 Slated for retirement NOV07. Final Airframe retirement scheduled for 30JUN08 with the retirement of A20-629 "Richmond Town"]| | VIP transport| Boeing Business Jet| 2| Long term lease, transport for the Prime Minister, Queen and Distinguished Guests.|-----| Boeing C-17 Globemaster III| | VIP transport| CL 604| 3||-----| [de Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou| | Strike|
F-111 total F-111C
RF-111C|
19-21 15-17
4| Mixture of the original long-range F-111C type, RF-111C reconnaissance variants, and ex-USAF F-111A (upgraded to most of the C specifications) and F-111G attrition replacements. These aircraft are due to be decommissioned in [2010. The
F/A-18E/F Super Hornet has been selected as an interim replacement. All F-111G Aircraft retired in SEP07.|-----| Lockheed C-130 Hercules| | Maritime patrol|
P-3 total AP-3C
TAP-3B| 21
18
3| TAP-3 aircraft to be withdrawn. All aircraft to withdrawn by [2018. Replaced by
Boeing P-8 Poseidon|
| Fighter/attack| F/A-18 total
F/A-18A
F/A-18B| 71
54
17| Built in Australia under licence from [McDonnell Douglas. The F/A-18 fleet has been the subject of various upgrades since it entered service in the 1980s and remains capable, but fatigue issues mean that it may not remain a viable front-line air defence option until the planned retirement date of 2015, although this is being mitigated through a centre barrel replacement program.
24 F/A-18F Block II Super Hornets will replace the F-111 from 2010.]|
| Advanced trainer|| 65| Produced under licence in Australia by
de Havilland Australia.] basic trainers, better known as the "Plastic Parrot", are owned and operated by
BAE Systems for primary training.
Current flying squadrons
- No. 1 Squadron RAAF - General Dynamics F-111 (Ground Attack)
- No. 2 Squadron RAAF - Boeing Wedgetail (AEW&C) (operational 2009)
- No. 3 Squadron RAAF - McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet (Air Defence)
- No. 6 Squadron RAAF - General Dynamics F-111 (Training/Ground Attack)
- No. 10 Squadron RAAF - Lockheed P-3C Orion (Maritime Patrol)
- No. 11 Squadron RAAF - Lockheed P-3C Orion (Maritime Patrol)
- No. 32 Squadron RAAF - Beechcraft B300 King Air 350 (School of Air Navigation)
- No. 33 Squadron RAAF - Boeing 707 (AAR)
- No. 34 Squadron RAAF - Boeing 737, Bombardier Challenger 604 (Transport)
- No. 36 Squadron RAAF - Boeing Globemaster III (Transport)
- No. 37 Squadron RAAF - Lockheed C-130H/C-130J-30 Hercules (Transport)
- No. 38 Squadron RAAF - De Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou (Transport)
- No. 75 Squadron RAAF - McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet (Air Defence)
- No. 76 Squadron RAAF - BAE Systems Hawk 127 (Advanced Training/Close Support)
- No. 77 Squadron RAAF - McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet (Air Defence)
- No. 79 Squadron RAAF - BAE Systems Hawk 127 (Advanced Training/Close Support)
- No. 292 Squadron RAAF - Lockheed P-3C Orion (Training/Maritime Patrol)
- No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit RAAF - McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet (Training & Type Conversion)
Future equipment
This list includes aircraft on order or a requirement which has been identified.
- Up to 100 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II (CTOL variant) — are scheduled to be delivered from 2013.
- 24 Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. On March 6 2007, Defence Minister Brendon Nelson announced that the Australian Government had purchased 24 F/A-18F aircraft to reduce the risk of a gap in strike capability, between the retirement of the F-111 in 2010 and delivery of the F-35A. .
- Six Boeing Project Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning aircraft, including another single aircraft optioned.
- Five Airbus Airbus A330 MRTTs — to replace the dated Boeing 707s in aerial refueling and strategic transport roles.
- Four Boeing C-17 Globemaster IIIs have been ordered to improve the RAAF's continental and strategic airlift capabilities. The first aircraft was delivered in late 2006 with the fourth aircraft being delivered in February 2008.
- Maritime patrol aircraft to replace P-3 Orion. The RAAF has chosen boeing P-8 Poseidon.
Gallery of RAAF Aircraft
Image:Australian air force 707-368C (code A20-261) Perth Internatinal Airport Australia.jpg |Royal Australian Air Force Boeing 707-368C (code A20-261) at Perth international airport.Image:Twinhornetsd.JPG|F/A-18 Hornets of the Royal Australian Air Force.Image:RAAF_F111.jpg|An Australian F-111Image:JPAU30JUL04CW009.JPG|A RAAF C-130J (front) and a RNZAF P-3K Orion (rear)Image:BAe Hawk Mk127 76 Sqn RAAF 1.jpg|BAe Hawk Mk.127 lead-in fighter of No. 76 Squadron RAAF in special colour-scheme with "cougar" motif.
See also
References
External links
- RAAF official site
- RAAF Air Power Doctrine
- ADF Aircraft Serial Number
- Air Power Australia site
- Parliamentary Inquiry into Australian Defence Force Regional Air Superiority
{{Infobox Military Unit|unit_name=Royal Australian Air Force|image=|caption=
Royal Australian Air Force Ensign|start_date=
31 March 1921|garrison=[Canberra [Geoff Shepherd|commander2=[Air Vice-Marshal John Blackburn]|notable_commanders=|identification_symbol=|identification_symbol_label=RAAF badge|identification_symbol_2=|identification_symbol_2_label=RAAF roundel|identification_symbol_3=|identification_symbol_3_label=RAAF low visibility roundel|aircraft_attack=|aircraft_bomber=General Dynamics F-111|aircraft_electronic=Boeing 737 AEW&C|aircraft_interceptor=|aircraft_patrol=[P-3 Orion|aircraft_recon=General Dynamics F-111|aircraft_trainer=
Pilatus PC-9, BAE Hawk,
Beechcraft Super King Air|aircraft_transport=
C-130 Hercules,
de Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou,
C-17 Globemaster III,
Boeing 707,
Boeing 737, Bombardier Challenger 600-->The
Royal Australian Air Force (
RAAF) is the
Air Force branch of the
Australian Defence Force. The RAAF began in March 1914 as the
Australian Flying Corps and became a fully independent Air Force in March 1921. The RAAF has taken part in many of the 20th century's major conflicts including both World Wars, the
Korean War and the Vietnam War. More recently the RAAF participated in the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The motto on the RAAF's coat of arms is the
Latin phrase
Ad astra (phrase), which means "Through Struggle to the Stars",{{cite web | title =RAAF Badge and Roundel
| publisher =[Department of Defence (Australia)
| url =http://www.defence.gov.au/RAAF/history/badge.htm
| accessdate = 2007-03-15 -->The [Royal Air Force use the same motto but translate it as "Through Adversity to the Stars".
History
World War I
Soon after the outbreak of
World War I in 1914, the Australian Flying Corps sent aircraft to assist in capturing German colonies in what is now north-west
New Guinea. These colonies surrendered quickly however, before the planes were even unpacked. The first operational flights did not occur until May 27,
1915, when the Mesopotamian Half Flight was called upon to assist the British Indian Army in protecting British oil interests in what is now
Iraq. The Corps later saw action in
Egypt,
Palestine and on the
Western Front throughout the remainder of
World War I. By the end of the war, four squadrons had seen active service.
AFC World War I
flying aces include the following pilots:,
France, November 1918. A score board recording the claims for enemy aircraft destroyed by No. 80 Wing RAF from July-November 1918. The squadrons listed include
No. 2 Squadron RAAF and
No. 4 Squadron RAAF. The other columns are headed "In Flames", "Crashed", "O.O.C." (Out of Control), "Driven Down" and "Balloons Destroyed"."
World War II
Europe and the Mediterranean
In 1939, just after the start of
World War II, Australia joined the Empire Air Training Scheme, under which flight crews received basic training in Australia before travelling to Canada for advanced training. A total of 19 RAAF bomber, fighter, reconnaissance and other squadrons served initially in United Kingdom, and/or with the
Desert Air Force, in North Africa and the Mediterranean. About nine per cent of the personnel who served under British RAF commands in Europe and the Mediterranean were RAAF personnel.
With British manufacturing targeted by the
Luftwaffe, the Australian government created the Government Aircraft Factory (DAP; later known as the Government Aircraft Factory) to supply Commonwealth air forces and the RAAF was eventually provided with large numbers of locally-built versions of British designs like the Bristol Beaufort torpedo bomber.
In the European Theatre of World War II, RAAF personnel were especially notable in RAF Bomber Command: they represented two percent of all RAAF personnel during the war, but accounted for 23% of the total number killed in action. This statistic is further illustrated by the fact that
No. 460 Squadron RAAF, mostly flying Avro Lancasters, had an official establishment of about 200 aircrew and yet had 1,018 combat deaths. The squadron was therefore effectively wiped out five times over.
Pacific War
fighters, flown by many RAAF fighter pilots in the
Battle of Malaya,
Battle of Singapore and Netherlands East Indies.The beginning of the Pacific War — and the rapid advance of
Empire of Japanese forces — threatened the Australian mainland for the first time. The RAAF was quite unprepared for the emergency, and initially had negligible forces available for service in the Pacific.
In 1941 and early 1942, many RAAF airmen, including
No. 21 Squadron RAAF and No. 453 Squadron RAAFs, saw action with the
Far East Air Force (Royal Air Force) in the Battle of Malaya, Battle of Singapore and Netherlands East Indies. Allied fighter pilots, in particular, performed well in the campaign, despite being outnumbered and the fact that many were allocated sub-standard examples of the
Brewster Buffalo.
The devastating
Air raids on Darwin, February 19, 1942 on February 19
1942 drove the point home. Some RAAF squadrons were transferred from the
northern hemisphere — although a substantial number remained there until the end of the war. Shortages of fighter and close air support planes led to the acquisition of
United States-built Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawks and the rapid design and manufacture of the first Australian fighter, the
CAC Boomerang. RAAF Kittyhawks came to play a crucial role in the
New Guinea and Solomon Islands campaigns, especially in operations like the
Battle of Milne Bay.
In the Battle of the Bismarck Sea, imported
Bristol Beaufighters proved to be highly effective ground attack and maritime strike aircraft. Beaufighters were later made locally by the DAP. Although it was much bigger than Japanese fighters, the Beaufighter had the speed to outrun them.
The RAAF's heavy bomber force was predominantly comprised of 287
B-24 Liberators, which could bomb Japanese targets as far away as
Borneo and the
Philippines from airfields in Australia and New Guinea.
By late
1945, the RAAF had received or ordered about 500 P-51 Mustangs, for fighter/ground attack purposes. The Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation initially assembled US-made Mustangs, but later manufactured most of those used. The RAAF's main operational formation, the Australian First Tactical Air Force, comprised more than 18,000 personnel and 20 squadrons; it had taken part in the
Philippines and
Borneo campaigns and was scheduled to participate in the invasion of the Japanese mainland,
Operation Downfall. So too were the RAAF bomber squadrons in Europe, as part of the proposed
Tiger Force (air). However, the war was brought to a sudden end by the US Atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasakis on Japan. As a result of the Empire Air Training Scheme, about 20,000 Australian personnel had served with other Commonwealth air forces in Europe during World War II. A total of 216,900 men and women served in the RAAF, of whom 11,061 were killed in action.
Service since 1945
In the
Korean War, Mustangs from
No. 77 Squadron RAAF (77 Sqn), stationed in Japan with the British Commonwealth Occupation Force, were among the first
United Nations aircraft to be deployed, in ground support, combat air patrol, and escort missions. When the UN planes were confronted by Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 jet fighters, 77 Sqn acquired Gloster Meteors, which enabled some success against the Soviet pilots flying for
North Korea. However the MiGs were superior aircraft and the Meteors were relegated to ground support missions, as the North Koreans gained experience. The air force also operated transport aircraft during the conflict.
During the
Vietnam War, from
1966-
1972, the RAAF contributed squadrons of Caribou STOL transport aircraft (No. 35 Squadron RAAF), UH-1 Iroquois helicopters (No. 9 Squadron RAAF) and English Electric Canberra bombers (
No. 2 Squadron RAAF). The Canberras flew a large number of bombing
sorties, and two were lost. One went missing during a bombing raid, and neither the crew nor the aircraft has ever been located. The other was shot down by a
surface to air missile, although both crew were rescued. RAAF transport aircraft also supported anti-communist ground forces. The UH-1 helicopters were used in many roles including Dustoff (
medical evacuation) and Bushranger Gunships for armed support.
Military airlifts were conducted for a number of purposes in the intervening decades, such as the peacekeeping operations in Timor Leste from
1999. Australia's combat aircraft were not used again in combat until the
Operation Falconer in
2003, when F/A-18s from
No. 75 Squadron RAAF operated in the escort and ground attack roles.
Ranks and uniform
The RAAF uses RAF-derived ranks for both officers and other ranks, with the exceptions that the RAAF does not use the "Technician" ranks of the RAF and the insignia for Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman is a single chevron, rather than a propeller blade, and there is no Senior Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman rank as there is in the RAF. However, unlike their British, Canadian and New Zealand counterparts, they do not wear a blue-grey uniform. The RAAF uniform is Midnight Blue (also known as Air Force Blues (AFB) with AUSTRALIA on slip-on rank
epaulettes and worn on the shoulder of the service dress uniform.
Roundel
The current version of the RAAF Roundel was formally adopted on the 2nd of July, 1956. The Roundel exists of a white inner circle with a
Red Kangaroo surrounded by a royal blue circle. The kangaroo faces left, except when used on aircraft or vehicles, when the kangaroo should always face the front.
Originally, the Air Force used the existing red, white and blue Roundel of the
Royal Air Force. However, during World War II, the inner red circle was removed when after a No. 11 Squadron Catalina was mistaken for a Japanese aircraft by a US Navy Wildcat in the Pacific Theatre.
After the war, a range of options were proposed, including the Southern Cross, a boomerang, a sprig of wattle and the red kangaroo.
Royal Australian Air Force Badge
The RAAF badge was accepted by the
Chester Herald in 1939. The badge is composed of the Imperial Crown mounted on a circle featuring the words Royal Australian Air Force, beneath which scroll work displays the Latin motto
Per Ardua Ad Astra. Surmounting the badge is a wedge-tail eagle. The badge is similar in design to the
Royal Air Force badge. Per Ardua Ad Astra is attributed with the meaning “Through Struggle to the Stars” and is from
Henry Rider Haggard novel
The People of the Mist.
Current strength
Aircraft
As of 2007, the following aircraft are operated by the RAAF:
! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"],
January 15 2007.
2005-06 Defence Annual Report Page 134! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"]| | Lead-in fighter trainer| Hawk 127| 33| This is a fighter jet conversion trainer. For those going from light fixed wing aircraft to piloting F-111s and F/A-18s.|-----| Beechcraft Super King Air| | Tanker/transport| 707-338C| 2| They are dual role tanker/transports. While these aircraft were previously used for VIP transport they have been used for military purposes only since the long-term lease of two [Boeing 737s. A20-623 retired June 2007. A20-629 Slated for retirement NOV07. Final Airframe retirement scheduled for 30JUN08 with the retirement of A20-629 "Richmond Town"]| | VIP transport| Boeing Business Jet| 2| Long term lease, transport for the Prime Minister, Queen and Distinguished Guests.|-----|
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III| | VIP transport| CL 604| 3||-----| [de Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou| | Strike| F-111 total
F-111C
RF-111C| 19-21
15-17
4| Mixture of the original long-range F-111C type, RF-111C reconnaissance variants, and ex-USAF F-111A (upgraded to most of the C specifications) and F-111G attrition replacements. These aircraft are due to be decommissioned in [2010. The
F/A-18E/F Super Hornet has been selected as an interim replacement. All F-111G Aircraft retired in SEP07.|-----| Lockheed C-130 Hercules| | Maritime patrol|
P-3 total AP-3C
TAP-3B| 21
18
3| TAP-3 aircraft to be withdrawn. All aircraft to withdrawn by [2018. Replaced by Boeing P-8 Poseidon|
| Fighter/attack|
F/A-18 total F/A-18A
F/A-18B|
71 54
17| Built in Australia under licence from [McDonnell Douglas. The F/A-18 fleet has been the subject of various upgrades since it entered service in the 1980s and remains capable, but fatigue issues mean that it may not remain a viable front-line air defence option until the planned retirement date of 2015, although this is being mitigated through a centre barrel replacement program.
24 F/A-18F Block II Super Hornets will replace the F-111 from 2010.]|
| Advanced trainer|| 65| Produced under licence in Australia by
de Havilland Australia.] basic trainers, better known as the "Plastic Parrot", are owned and operated by
BAE Systems for primary training.
Current flying squadrons
- No. 1 Squadron RAAF - General Dynamics F-111 (Ground Attack)
- No. 2 Squadron RAAF - Boeing Wedgetail (AEW&C) (operational 2009)
- No. 3 Squadron RAAF - McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet (Air Defence)
- No. 6 Squadron RAAF - General Dynamics F-111 (Training/Ground Attack)
- No. 10 Squadron RAAF - Lockheed P-3C Orion (Maritime Patrol)
- No. 11 Squadron RAAF - Lockheed P-3C Orion (Maritime Patrol)
- No. 32 Squadron RAAF - Beechcraft B300 King Air 350 (School of Air Navigation)
- No. 33 Squadron RAAF - Boeing 707 (AAR)
- No. 34 Squadron RAAF - Boeing 737, Bombardier Challenger 604 (Transport)
- No. 36 Squadron RAAF - Boeing Globemaster III (Transport)
- No. 37 Squadron RAAF - Lockheed C-130H/C-130J-30 Hercules (Transport)
- No. 38 Squadron RAAF - De Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou (Transport)
- No. 75 Squadron RAAF - McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet (Air Defence)
- No. 76 Squadron RAAF - BAE Systems Hawk 127 (Advanced Training/Close Support)
- No. 77 Squadron RAAF - McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet (Air Defence)
- No. 79 Squadron RAAF - BAE Systems Hawk 127 (Advanced Training/Close Support)
- No. 292 Squadron RAAF - Lockheed P-3C Orion (Training/Maritime Patrol)
- No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit RAAF - McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet (Training & Type Conversion)
Future equipment
This list includes aircraft on order or a requirement which has been identified.
- Up to 100 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II (CTOL variant) — are scheduled to be delivered from 2013.
- 24 Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. On March 6 2007, Defence Minister Brendon Nelson announced that the Australian Government had purchased 24 F/A-18F aircraft to reduce the risk of a gap in strike capability, between the retirement of the F-111 in 2010 and delivery of the F-35A. .
- Six Boeing Project Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning aircraft, including another single aircraft optioned.
- Five Airbus Airbus A330 MRTTs — to replace the dated Boeing 707s in aerial refueling and strategic transport roles.
- Four Boeing C-17 Globemaster IIIs have been ordered to improve the RAAF's continental and strategic airlift capabilities. The first aircraft was delivered in late 2006 with the fourth aircraft being delivered in February 2008.
- Maritime patrol aircraft to replace P-3 Orion. The RAAF has chosen boeing P-8 Poseidon.
Gallery of RAAF Aircraft
Image:Australian air force 707-368C (code A20-261) Perth Internatinal Airport Australia.jpg |Royal Australian Air Force Boeing 707-368C (code A20-261) at Perth international airport.Image:Twinhornetsd.JPG|F/A-18 Hornets of the Royal Australian Air Force.Image:RAAF_F111.jpg|An Australian F-111Image:JPAU30JUL04CW009.JPG|A RAAF C-130J (front) and a RNZAF P-3K Orion (rear)Image:BAe Hawk Mk127 76 Sqn RAAF 1.jpg|BAe Hawk Mk.127 lead-in fighter of No. 76 Squadron RAAF in special colour-scheme with "cougar" motif.
See also
References
External links
- RAAF official site
- RAAF Air Power Doctrine
- ADF Aircraft Serial Number
- Air Power Australia site
- Parliamentary Inquiry into Australian Defence Force Regional Air Superiority
Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)
The Royal Australian Air Force delivers air and space power to protect Australia and its interests
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