Defence Update

Defence Scientists Play Crucial Role in F-18 Acquisition

The reality of Australia’s F /A-18 acquisition programme soon to be seen in the evidence of two disassembled US-manufactured machines being put together again in Australian factories, and the handover of the first two of the RAAF’s new tactical fighters (NTF) at St Louis in October recalls the important contribution Australian Defence scientists made to this project. The actual analysis and evaluation of contenders for the new fighter was the work of many individuals, groups and committees of which the prime input came from the RAAF itself as the future owner.

But the role of the Chief Defence Scientist, Professor Tom Fink and his associates from the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSIO) cannot be underplayed, and in fact remains vital as the 73 Hornets are assembled, tested and come into squadron service in the RAAF through to 1989.

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