Newsdesk- Military Aviation

Most of the RAAF’s 51 remaining Macchis have been grounded since late 1990 when serious wing fatigue cracks were initially discovered. Recently, only 11 aircraft have been available and even with the fitting of new wings to some Macchis the question of a new light jet multirole aircraft for the RAAF must soon be addressed.

One of RAAF’s retired Macchis has meanwhile found a new home at the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra where it will serve as a training aid for aeronautical engineering students. ADFA’s Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering offers a four year aeronautical engineering degree course and a three year Bachelor of Technology (Aeronautical) degree.

‘Super Sukhoi’ Coming:

Russia’s newest jet fighter, the Sukhoi Su-35 ‘Flanker Plus’ will soon be entering service with the Russian Air Force in single seat air superiority and two seat multi role versions.

The Su-35 is an advanced development of the familiar Su-27 Flanker with some interesting features including a rearwards facing air interception radar (mounted between the two jetpipes) which allows ‘over the shoulder radar guided air-to-air missile engagements.

According to the Russians, the Su-35 has been flown to an angle of attack of 120 degrees (with the capability for more), has an unrefuelled range of 2160nm (4,000km) and can carry an operational payload of 8000kg (17,600lb). The aircraft’s conven-radar has a217nm (400km) rangefor airtargets and up to 110nm (200km) for ground targets and can simultaneously track more than 15 targets with the capability to engage up to six of them.

The Su-35 is in the final stages of completing its flight test programme.

 Dutch and Belgian F-16 Cuts:

The Royal Netherlands Air Force is suffering from cuts which if carried out, will see the service’s fleet of F-16 fighters reduced from a peak of 198 in the 1980s to 104 in the near future.

A 1991 decision saw Dutch F-16 strength reduced to 144 but the latest move will see the loss of another two squadrons in the middle of the decade.

Meanwhile, Belgium has been talking to Hungary with a view to selling the former Soviet Bloc country up to 45 F-16s, or more than one third of the 117 currently on strength. For its part, Hungary is unlikely to be able to afford more than 15 aircraft at the moment, but the move has sparked a row between the Belgian air force chief of staff and his government.

Gen Guido Vanhecke says he needs to have 120 F-16s available to properly do his job – 72 combat ready all the time, 18 for training, 20 to cover aircraft which are out of service at a given time while an electronic countermeasures refit programme is in operation and 10 to cover attrition.

Asia/Pacific Migs:

Thailand and Malaysia have both become possible regional operators of the MiG-29 Fulcrum following recent Russian initiatives.

Malaysia has been considering the MiG-29 for some time (it signed an MoU with Russia for 18 MiG-29s and six Mi-24 Hind helicopter gunships last year) but has needed to overcome the problem of training and logistical support. This has been largely solved with the signing of an engineering and maintenance agreement with India (which has 47 Fulcrums in service). Malaysia’s fighter or deris also being contested by the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet, Dassault Mirage 2000 and General Dynamics F-16 which is already operated by Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia.

Russia has also approached Thailand with a view to selling them MiG-29s at a bargain basement price, although budget constraints will probably prevent an order being placed in the immediate future. It is believed however that Thailand is uncertain about the longer term support for the aircraft due to continuing instability within what was once the Soviet Union. The Philippines and South Korea are also reported to be considering the purchase of Russian aircraft, although this has been denied by the Russians.

The whole question of former Soviet states raising desperately needed hard currency by selling military equipment at low prices is one which could eventually have a destabilising effect on some parts of the world, particularly the Middle East.

The Ukraine, for example, is offering a large quantity of used military equipment for sale including MiG-27Ks at just $US16m each, Sukhoi Su-27 Flankers ($US31m), Yak- 288 ($US13m) and other combat, transport and helicopter types.

Got Some Historic Footage?:

Film maker and aviation buff Jeff Watson is planning a major aviation series for television and is keen to obtain any film footage shot during World War II of the Lancaster, Mosquito, Sunderland, Spitfire, Boston, Mitchell and Hurricane.

He’s also after footage of some postwar types, namely the Sea Fury, Meteor, Vampire and Sabre. Jeff can deal with any format (16, 9. 5 or 8mm) and promises that any material lent will be handled with the greatest care.

If you have any cans of film in the attic which you think Jeff may find of use, you can contact him at PO Box 929, Artarmon, 2064 or phone/fax (02) 979 7067.

Sukhoi Privatised:

Designbureau Sukhoi is to become the first major Russian military defence establishment to be privatised following a battle with Russia’s aircraft industry department.

The department opposed the move on the grounds of national security despite it having been approved by the Russian government. A compromise has been reached which will see 30% of Sukhoi being sold to private investors this year and a further 20% in 1994.

The state will retain the other half of the shareholding until 1995 when it will also be sold, but will have the power of veto over corporate decisions until then.

37 Squadron Golden Jubilee:

No37 Squadron is celebrating its 50th anniversary in July and many activities are planned to mark the occasion including a parade, flying display, reunion and ball. ” An invitation has been extended to all past and present squadron members to join the celebrations, which are being conducted on July 16-18 at its base, RAAF Richmond.

The liaison officer for the celebrations is Flt Lt Keith Beaty, who can be contacted on (045) 70 3711 who would love to hear from anyone who would like to be involved.