Defence Update

Raaf Review Begins Evaluating Next Lead-in Jet Fighter

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is undertaking a review of the capabilities that may be required to replace the Macchi MB-326 which has been the advanced jet trainer/leadin fighter since the late sixties.

A specialist team was overseas in September and October examining the capabilities of a range of possible contenders in the eventual replacement programme. Most of the Macchi MB-326Hs have been grounded for a considerable time due to wing structural problems, a matter which has been the subject of several articles in the past few years in this magazine. However a wing replacement programme being carried out by Hawker de Havilland Victoria began earlier this year, with the arrival of two new wing sets from Italy in March. Three orders for a total of 27 wing sets were made, starting in early 1992. The first order was for eight wing sets. This was followed by ordering another batch of 11 wing sets. At that stage it was hoped that some of the Macchi wings found to have suffered structural damage might also be repaired.

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