78WG

Evolving RAAF fast jet training

The RAAF’s 78 Wing, responsible for all BAE Hawk 127 fast jet aircrew and technical training in the air force, has been undergoing a re-shaping in recent months as it prepares to introduce an enhanced curriculum, take on RAAF fast jet Air Combat Officer training, and to take the Hawk fleet into the next decade.

Officer Commanding 78WG, GPCAPT Alan Clements says it’s been a challenging but rewarding year for the Wing and its two flying squadrons, 76SQN based at Williamtown and 79SQN based at Pearce. The units have worked through and successfully overcome Hawk airworthiness issues while writing and introducing new courses that will see RAAF fast jet crews better prepared for the way air combat will be conducted in the soon to arrive Super Hornets, the F-35 JSF and the recently upgraded ‘classic’ Hornets.