Issue 1: Australian Aviation & Defence Review 1977

1977 is an important year for Australian aerospace.

The industry is desperately in need of coherent government decisions as to its future, while DOD further delays decisions on vital air­ craft replacements for the RAAF. The in­ dustry itself, despite bureaucratic restraint, is ably demonstrating its abilities to develop and produce world class sophisticated technological systems. lnterscan and the Jin­ dalee project are just two examples of what this nation could achieve if any government cared enough to give real support to our aerospace industry.

Australian Aviation & Defence Review reports on every facet of aviation in Australia.

On the following pages we carry detailedreports on the all-important TFF requirement, the Tactical Transport and Trainer replacements, a review of the potential wide­ body domestics for TAA and Ansett, an analysis of airline performance through the financial year and a complete review of new General Aviation aircraft available including a concise chart detailing, at a glance, all light and medium aircraft available including a concise chart detailing, at a glance, ali light and medium aircraft available in Australia.

We have an article of historical significance on RAAF Mustang operations in Korea. A com­ plete analysis of operational strength ot the RAAF and RAN Fleet Air Arm including a brilliant pictorial to back up the fig­ urework, an article on the Harrier Carrier and what it means to Australia in the 80s, hydrogen as an aviation fuel source – we tell it all in Australian Aviation & Defence Review.

Though it is at its lowest ebb for many decades, the Australian aerosP. ace industry has· much to look forward·,to with several major programs set for the 1980s. And as the national economy slowly gains momentum it will reflect heavily on every facet of aviation in Australia. As this rebirth takes-place we will look forward to reporting it to you in each annual edition of Australian Aviation & Defence Review.