Australia to Buy 24 Super Hornets As Interim Gap-Filler to JSF

Endangered · 05-04-2007, 04:44 AM

DID has covered the recent controversies over Australia's involvement in the F-35 Lightning II program, amid criticisms that the new aircraft will be unable to compete with proliferating SU-30 family aircraft in the region, lacks the required range or response time, and will either be extremely expensive at $100+ million per aircraft in early (2013-2016) production or will not be available until 2018 or later. The accelerated retirement of Australia's 22 long-range F-111s in 2010 has sharpened the timing debate in particular, with a recently retired Air Vice-Marshal and the opposition Labor Party both weighing in with criticisms and alternative force proposals.

In December 2006, The Australian reported that Defence Minister Brendan Nelson is discussing an A$ 3 billion (about $2.36 billion) purchase of 24 F/A-18F Block II Super Hornet aircraft around 2009-2010, a move that came as "a surprise to senior defence officials on Russell Hill"; but now it's official - as in, a signed contract.

The 2-seat F/A-18F sacrifices some range, carrying only 13,350 pounds of fuel - 900 fewer pounds than the F/A-18E. In exchange, it adds a second crewman with an advanced attack station cockpit to assist in strike roles. The F/A-18F Block II adds a number of enhancements, but all are electronic rather than aerodynamic. The most sigtnificant improvement is its AN/APG-79 AESA radar; Australia will be the first country outside the United States to receive it, and only the third country (UAE APG-80 in F-16 Block 60, Singapore APG-63v3 in F-15SGs) to receive AESA fighter radars in a US sale.

Dr Nelson reportedly decided to opt for the Super Hornet without a detailed study of alternative aircraft types such as the longer-range F-15E Strike Eagle, or more advanced air superiority options like the Eurofighter Typhoon. Despite its name, the Super Hornet is a larger aircraft that offers only 25-30% commonality with the Australian air force's existing Hornets; it does, however, share the same support structure.

The justification advanced for this buy include service as a gap-filler to the F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter after the F-111's retirement in 2010, and also the ability to plus-up aircraft numbers while existing F/A-18A Hornets rotate through the year-long center section replacements designed to lengthen their service fatigue life. The move would have significant impacts on the 2006-2016 Defence Capability Plan, and would reportedly cut the number of F/A-18A Hornets undergoing the $1+ billion HUG mid-life upgrade program to 42. It may also result in cuts to other programs unless additional funding is provided to cover the interim fighter purchase.

For a detailed account of the Super Hornet's origins and its specific differences vs. the earlier model F/A-18 A-D Hornets, plus an in-depth first-person flight report, see "Flying the F/A-18F Super Hornet," originally published in the May/June, 2001 issue of Australian Aviation. Whether these attributes will be enough to deal with present and future Su-30 aircraft on even terms remains a matter of controversy.

URI

Tasman · 05-04-2007, 09:01 AM

The FA-18F purchase by Australia will be fully funded by a supplementary vote from the budget surplus and will not impact on other programs in the Australian Defence Capability Plan (2006/2016). The $A6bn allocated will cover the cost of aircraft, support (maintenance and training) for a ten year period plus a comprehensive weapons package.

The following is a ministerial release from the Australian Defence Minister, Dr Brendan Nelson, on 6 March this year:

Quote:

$6 Billion to MAINTAIN AUSTRALIA’S
REGIONAL AIR SUPERIORITY

Australia is assured of maintaining its air combat capability edge with the Government’s decision to acquire 24 F/A-18F Block II Super Hornet multi role aircraft. At a cost of approximately $6 billion over 10 years, the acquisition of the Super Hornet will ensure the transition to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter over the next decade.

The acquisition will include 24 aircraft, initial support and upfront training for aircrew and maintenance personnel.

The Howard Government has delivered solid economic management and Budget surpluses over a decade. We are now in a position to deliver this for Australia. The acquisition of the Super Hornets will be fully supplemented as part of the 2007/08 Budget process.

The JSF is the most suitable aircraft for Australia’s future combat and strike needs. Australia remains fully committed to the JSF. But the Government is not prepared to accept any risk to air combat and strike capability during the transition to the JSF.

The F/A-18F Super Hornet is a highly capable, battle proven, multi role aircraft that is currently in service with the US Navy through to 2030. The next generation Block II Super Hornets will provide a more flexible operational capability than currently exists with the F-111.

Only last week Aviation Week reported

“Supporters of the design say it will give the Block II Boeing built Navy aircraft a fifth-generation capability similar to that of the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The Hornet’s electronic attack capabilities could become even more sophisticated with additional modifications.” – Aviation Week 26 February, 2007

It is anticipated that Australian personnel will begin Super Hornet training in the United States in 2009.

The selection of the Super Hornet builds on the Royal Australian Air Force’s deep understanding of the current F/A-18 fleet. The Block II Super Hornet will provide Air Force with the flexibility to assign all air combat crew and technical personnel across a relatively common fleet during the transition to the JSF.

The Super Hornet will be based at RAAF Base Amberley. Negotiations for commercial support arrangements will commence immediately. Defence is already engaged with Boeing and the United States Navy to ensure that the maximum potential of Australian Industry Involvement is achieved. Local Industry participation will be a key factor in developing the through life support concepts for the Super Hornets.

The Australian Super Hornet program plans to contain local contractor owned and operated intermediate maintenance and training for aircrew and support personnel. Additionally, the supply chain infrastructure, warehousing and operation will be manned locally in support of both Australian and US Navy Super Hornets in the region.

The selection of a next generation fighter allows for upskilling of the workforce. The Super Hornet brings a significant growth of capability within the support and supply chain, low observable materials (stealth), advanced sensors and IT. This will ensure that Australian industry is trained, qualified and has access to both USN and then JSF markets as they share common technologies.

This in no way diminishes our commitment to the JSF Program subject to final Government approval in 2008. Current planning is for Australia to acquire its first JSF in 2013.

There is no gap in Australia’s air combat capability and the Government is taking all necessary steps to ensure a gap does not emerge.

Air combat capability is vital to defend the approaches to Australia and enables us to operate air power on deployment overseas. Our air combat forces are a key part of enhancing our land and maritime forces. This was most ably displayed by the combat performance of our F/A-18 squadron in Iraq in 2003.

The Australian Government is committed to retaining the leading edge in air combat and the Block II Super Hornet will enable this through the next decade.

The F-111 has been a stalwart aircraft at the centre of Australia's strike capability for over three decades. The Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Shepherd, a pilot with around 2500 hours flying F-111’s, said it is important for Australia to retire the F-111 at a time of our choosing. This ensures that the men and women who operate them are not endangered through the risks of an aging platform.

The withdrawal of the F-111 is expected in 2010 with the F/A-18F Super Hornets to be operational that same year.

Many generations of Air Force personnel and Defence civilians will be sad to see the F-111 withdrawn from service in 2010. The Government acknowledges the tireless efforts and professionalism of personnel at Amberley who have maintained this vital element of Australia's Defence. The immense experience base from decades of F-111 service will boost the new air combat capability in the coming decade.

Our nation is grateful to those who gave Australia this magnificent aircraft, those who have flown and maintained it and who will do so for a further three years.

With the C-17 and KC-30B tanker refuelling aircraft also to be based out of Amberley, as well as the Wedgetail AEW&C support centre, the region is well placed to capitalise on these significant aerospace industry involvement opportunities.

The Super Hornet provides Australia with the greatest capability enhancement and least risk option to ensure Australia’s capability edge.

$6 BILLION TO MAINTAIN AUSTRALIA’S REGIONAL AIR SUPERIORITY

The decision to buy the Super Hornets has caused considerable debate in Australia but the contract has now been signed and evidently the Opposition Labor Party is now in agreement with the purchase.

The RAAF still plans to buy 75 F-35 JSFs to equip 3 squadrons. It will decide later whether to buy another 25 to replace the Super Hornets. Alternatively the FA-18Fs may remain alongside the JSFs as part of a mixed force. The purchase has given the RAAF breathing space to avoid it being rushed into buying early production F-35s.

Cheers

nutter · 05-07-2007, 11:16 AM

Good stuff.

Given our current f/a-18 based support infrastructure and the superhornet's capabilities, I don't think it's a bad choice.

However, I reckon they should use the superhornet as an interim measure and hold off for F-22s... :D

Tasman · 05-07-2007, 17:34 PM

Whilst the RAAF, at present, seems strongly committed to the F-35 the Opposition Labor Party has made no secret of its desire to re-open the possibility of the F-22. Ironically, the purchase of the FA-18F has taken pressure off the need to rush into an early F-35 purchase so the chance of an export F-22 ending up with RAAF roundels has increased from zero to at least an outside chance. Two squadrons of F-22s alongside two squadrons of FA-18E/Fs could still be a possibility. Personally, though, I think that major problems would have to arise with the JSF program for this to happen as the RAAF has stated that its preference for the F-35 is based on its overall versatility and not just on cost and availability. Also, of course, the US would have to agree to sell the F-22 to Australia.

Cheers

RedArmySurplus · 05-08-2007, 08:41 AM

although i dont think the superhornets are nesscisery as a stopgap, because i think we can cope with what we have for the time being. however it would be nice to get some new combat aircraft considering we have 71 F/A-18s and about 25 F-111s at the moment, defending an area similar in size to china.

Stan · 05-08-2007, 10:36 AM

so the US says no you cant have F-22 and your just gonna keep saying "dad can we have f-22s , dad can we have f-22s, dad can we have f-22's"
until they give in?

gunnut · 05-09-2007, 03:55 AM

We will sell F-22s eventually. No one but the USAF had any F-15s for the longest time. Then we sold them to Japan and Israel. Now Korea and Singapore are added to the Strike Eagle customer list.

Give it 15 years and we just might see Australia and Japan with F-22s.

nutter · 05-09-2007, 11:06 AM

What he said.

I personally think we'd be better of using the superhornet as a stopgap until we *can* get F22s (or equivalent) rather than go for the underpowered, comparatively underperforming and not that much cheaper F-35...

05-04-2007, 04:44 AM	#1 (permalink)
Endangered is a *Senior Contributor* Join Date: 08-13-05 Location: Bangalore, India Posts: 1,748	Australia to Buy 24 Super Hornets As Interim Gap-Filler to JSF DID has covered the recent controversies over Australia's involvement in the F-35 Lightning II program, amid criticisms that the new aircraft will be unable to compete with proliferating SU-30 family aircraft in the region, lacks the required range or response time, and will either be extremely expensive at $100+ million per aircraft in early (2013-2016) production or will not be available until 2018 or later. The accelerated retirement of Australia's 22 long-range F-111s in 2010 has sharpened the timing debate in particular, with a recently retired Air Vice-Marshal and the opposition Labor Party both weighing in with criticisms and alternative force proposals. In December 2006, The Australian reported that Defence Minister Brendan Nelson is discussing an A$ 3 billion (about $2.36 billion) purchase of 24 F/A-18F Block II Super Hornet aircraft around 2009-2010, a move that came as "a surprise to senior defence officials on Russell Hill"; but now it's official - as in, a signed contract. The 2-seat F/A-18F sacrifices some range, carrying only 13,350 pounds of fuel - 900 fewer pounds than the F/A-18E. In exchange, it adds a second crewman with an advanced attack station cockpit to assist in strike roles. The F/A-18F Block II adds a number of enhancements, but all are electronic rather than aerodynamic. The most sigtnificant improvement is its AN/APG-79 AESA radar; Australia will be the first country outside the United States to receive it, and only the third country (UAE APG-80 in F-16 Block 60, Singapore APG-63v3 in F-15SGs) to receive AESA fighter radars in a US sale. Dr Nelson reportedly decided to opt for the Super Hornet without a detailed study of alternative aircraft types such as the longer-range F-15E Strike Eagle, or more advanced air superiority options like the Eurofighter Typhoon. Despite its name, the Super Hornet is a larger aircraft that offers only 25-30% commonality with the Australian air force's existing Hornets; it does, however, share the same support structure. The justification advanced for this buy include service as a gap-filler to the F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter after the F-111's retirement in 2010, and also the ability to plus-up aircraft numbers while existing F/A-18A Hornets rotate through the year-long center section replacements designed to lengthen their service fatigue life. The move would have significant impacts on the 2006-2016 Defence Capability Plan, and would reportedly cut the number of F/A-18A Hornets undergoing the $1+ billion HUG mid-life upgrade program to 42. It may also result in cuts to other programs unless additional funding is provided to cover the interim fighter purchase. For a detailed account of the Super Hornet's origins and its specific differences vs. the earlier model F/A-18 A-D Hornets, plus an in-depth first-person flight report, see "Flying the F/A-18F Super Hornet," originally published in the May/June, 2001 issue of Australian Aviation. Whether these attributes will be enough to deal with present and future Su-30 aircraft on even terms remains a matter of controversy. URI __________________ Wild Wild Web

05-07-2007, 17:34 PM	#4 (permalink)
Tasman Regular Join Date: 04-24-07 Location: Hobart, Tasmania Posts: 78 Country:	Whilst the RAAF, at present, seems strongly committed to the F-35 the Opposition Labor Party has made no secret of its desire to re-open the possibility of the F-22. Ironically, the purchase of the FA-18F has taken pressure off the need to rush into an early F-35 purchase so the chance of an export F-22 ending up with RAAF roundels has increased from zero to at least an outside chance. Two squadrons of F-22s alongside two squadrons of FA-18E/Fs could still be a possibility. Personally, though, I think that major problems would have to arise with the JSF program for this to happen as the RAAF has stated that its preference for the F-35 is based on its overall versatility and not just on cost and availability. Also, of course, the US would have to agree to sell the F-22 to Australia. Cheers Last edited by Tasman : 05-07-2007 at 17:40 PM.

05-09-2007, 03:55 AM	#7 (permalink)
gunnut *Senior Contributor* Join Date: 01-27-06 Location: DPRK, Democratik People's Republik of Kalifornia Posts: 10,223 Country:	We will sell F-22s eventually. No one but the USAF had any F-15s for the longest time. Then we sold them to Japan and Israel. Now Korea and Singapore are added to the Strike Eagle customer list. Give it 15 years and we just might see Australia and Japan with F-22s. __________________ "Only Nixon can go to China." -- Old Vulcan proverb.

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05-07-2007, 11:16 AM	#3 (permalink)
nutter Patron Join Date: 05-27-06 Posts: 187 Country:	Good stuff. Given our current f/a-18 based support infrastructure and the superhornet's capabilities, I don't think it's a bad choice. However, I reckon they should use the superhornet as an interim measure and hold off for F-22s... :D

05-08-2007, 08:41 AM	#5 (permalink)
RedArmySurplus Regular Join Date: 07-27-06 Location: melbourne, australia, 127.0.0.1 Posts: 93 Country:	although i dont think the superhornets are nesscisery as a stopgap, because i think we can cope with what we have for the time being. however it would be nice to get some new combat aircraft considering we have 71 F/A-18s and about 25 F-111s at the moment, defending an area similar in size to china.

05-08-2007, 10:36 AM	#6 (permalink)
Stan Contributor Join Date: 07-11-06 Posts: 436 Country:	so the US says no you cant have F-22 and your just gonna keep saying "dad can we have f-22s , dad can we have f-22s, dad can we have f-22's" until they give in?

05-09-2007, 11:06 AM	#8 (permalink)
nutter Patron Join Date: 05-27-06 Posts: 187 Country:	What he said. I personally think we'd be better of using the superhornet as a stopgap until we can get F22s (or equivalent) rather than go for the underpowered, comparatively underperforming and not that much cheaper F-35...

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