Defence Update

Four of the Mach 2. 5 swingwing twinjets have been converted to the reconnaissance role and are designated as RF-111s.

Since delivery from the USA in the early 1970s six F-111s have been lost in mishaps. To help make up the deficit the RAAF bought four USAF F-111A model planes and converted and upgraded them to meet the RAAF’s C model standards which included longer wingtips, stronger undercarriage, and some communication improvements. The possibility of leasing or buying further USAF F-111s has arisen because of a Defence Review by the US Administration following the easing of tensions in Europe and the new mood for cooperation between the Superpowers (the United States and the Soviet Union) which is speeding the rate of disarmament and troop reductions in Europe.

Although some troop reductions already have been announced by the US Defence Secretary, it is not clear if reductions extend to pulling out F-111 units in Britain. The USAF F-111s, which originally were A models, have a specialist role of low level strike, either nuclear or conventional, in the order of battle, and because of their extended range are rated as superior to anything else available to Western Air Forces for this role. So although therehave been suggestions that a considerable number of USAF F-111s could be mothballed, this is far from a foregone conclusion.

For example, the US Pacific Command for a long time has expressed an interest in getting additional F-111 strike capability. It could well be that if these aircraft are withdrawn from the NATO European theatre, they could be switched to the Pacific. Some also could go to USAF Reserve formations. What is clear though is that if some USAF F-111s become surplus to requirement, RAAF planners will urge the Australian Defence Force hierarchy and the Government to approve the lease or purchase of additional attrition aircraft. But any such move also would have to consider that the Defence Department/ RAAF already has a submission ready to upgrade the avionics of the F-111Cs from analogue to digital.

Along with several other key proposals, this Avionics Update Project, expected to cost several hundred million dollars, has been held up because of the recent Federal election campaign. Thishas raised fears that the update to enhance the F-111’s operational capabilities so that they can continue to be operational through to about the year 2010 could stall. However, senior Defence planners are adamant that the project will proceed.

As the USAF’s F-111As are more comparable to Australia’s C models than other models, the RAAF interest lies in any A models mothballed or considered surplus. What is not clear as yet is if such aircraft have had the Avionics Update carried out.

The USAF Pacer Strike Avionics Update program has already begun, but it has been a relatively slow process. There are three contractors: General Dynamics (the original manufacturer), Rockwell and Grumman.

GD and Rockwell are also heading up two teams vying for the AustralianF-111C Avionics Update programme.

This is designed to keep the USAF F-111s fully mission capable for another 15 years, and addresses such issues as supportability, maintainability and reliability. So, as one senior Defence source put it, there would not be much point in acquiring F-111s from the USAF if they had not had the avionics and rad. ?r improvements. Even so, the price would have to be considered reasonable.

Senior Australian officials do not expect any quick decisions on the future of the USAF F-111s to be made under the Defence Review. Nevertheless, they are keeping their eyes and ears open for any renewed prospect of further F-111 acquisitions because the strike jets are considered, even in the current atmosphere of more peaceable East-West relations, as priceless assets