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The RAAF's F-111 force is the sharp end of the ADF's combat capability. The recently acquired F-111G will need a range of avionic changes to allow the RAAF to fully exploit this additional capability, while minimising long term support costs. (Mal Lancaster, Defence PR)
Upgrading the RAAF’s F-111Gs
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The Acquisition of the RAAF’s 15 F-111G Aircraft
The acquisition of the RAAF’s 15 F-111G aircraft was without doubt one of the best value for money defence purchases of the last decade. These capable aircraft are aerodynamically superior to the RAAF’s F/RF-111C fleet, with better climb performance, range and a more robust inlet design.
While the purchase of these aircraft was by all means a sensible decision, budgetary constraints set by the former government meant that no additional expenditure was authorised to provide type specific support. It was expected that resources required to support the aircraft would be found elsewhere in the existing defence budget, including Air Force programs.
The initial funds for purchasing the aircraft amounted to $A70m, and an additional$A74m was reallocated in the existing budget to provide logistical support. Per airframe this amounts to just under $A10m, which compares very favourably with the circa$A65m one would pay for a new fighter bomber today, excluding logistical support costs.
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