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The RAAF’s full fleet – profiled
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Last year, the RAAF shot this incredible photo showing one example of every active aircraft in its fleet to mark its centenary.
The assets – gathered at Base Amberley, Queensland – were joined by personnel representing every specialisation and mustering standing in a 100 formation.
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Such a gathering hadn’t been attempted in more than 50 years, given the logistical difficulties of bringing everything together.
“We’ve been on continuous joint operations for more than 20 years and quietly been doing our jobs and achieving outcomes, but to rack and stack every aircraft type in the inventory into one place at one time, and have the people represented, is quite unique,” said Warrant Officer Ian Gosper, who was the photographer on the day.
Since that photo was taken, on 17 March 2021, there has been a huge change in the fleet, following the formal retirement of the F/A-18B Classic Hornets and its replacement with the incredible, fifth-generation F-35A.
Now, while we couldn’t achieve anything quite as impressive as that photo, we decided it was time to profile every aircraft of the fleet, circa 2022. You can see them below, which will be continually updated.
We also decided it was time for a fitting farewell to the Hornet. So, below, Hannah Dowling, sits down with Commanding Officer of No. 77 Squadron Wing Commander Tim Ireland, as well as Officer Commanding No. 81 Wing Group Captain Matt McCormack, to talk about its legacy.
Profiles
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