More RAAF Super Hornet

[pyro-manic]

Wish they'd paint one in the old Mirage camo. That would look fantastic.

[oz rb fan]

or the old f111 camo that would rock in my mind.
these are great but i'm going to miss the pigs 

[JJC]

anyway we don't have rivet-joints yet.......do we?

[GTX]

anyway we don't have rivet-joints yet.......do we?

Regards,

Greg

[GTX]

Should be nore photos within a week - the first Super Hornets arrive at RAAF Amberley next Friday just after lunch.  Work permitting, I will be there watching as they land.

Regards,

Greg

[coops213]

Should be nore photos within a week - the first Super Hornets arrive at RAAF Amberley next Friday just after lunch.  Work permitting, I will be there watching as they land.

Regards,

Greg

So jealous! Are they coming straight from the States?

Chris

[GTX]

Yep.

Regards,

Greg

[GTX]

Well they are on their way - a little bird has told me they're already in Auckland in case anyone in the area wants to pop out and have a look  (BTW, the pics below go Hig Res if you click them):

Super Hornets on the way
24 March 2010

The FA/18F Super Hornets, Australia's first new air combat aircraft in 25 years will fly into their home base, RAAF Amberley this Friday.

Defence Minister John Faulkner will formally welcome the new aircraft to Australia during a ceremony at Amberley, along with RAAF members, industry representatives and community leaders.

Five Super Hornets have departed Naval Air Station Lemoore in California after extensive preparations, including acceptance flights and ground tests. While air to air refuelling is occurring, the long journey to Australia involves several stops, including Hawaii and New Zealand.

Air Force is planning to mark the Super Hornet arrival with an escort of F-111s, as the new aircraft fly over Brisbane and Gold Coast on approach to Amberley. The F-111s which have been stalwarts of Australia's air combat fleet will be retired at the end of 2010.

"The Super Hornets represent a major step forward in air combat capability for Australia. The Royal Australian Air Force has acquired 24 multi-role Super Hornets which will provide a bridging capability during the transition to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter," Senator Faulkner said.

"The Super Hornets are an important acquisition," Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, Greg Combet said.

Australia's Super Hornets will arrive at RAAF Amberley progressively during 2010 and 2011.

Regards,

Greg

[GTX]

Video of RAAF Super Hornets arriving in Auckland

Regards,

Greg

[GTX]

Transit pics (click to expand to high res):

Leaving Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, USA:



In ferry across the Pacific Ocean:



At Pago Pago , American Samoa, USA:




Being refuelled by the Omega Tanker:




In Auckland:



Regards,

Greg

[GTX]

They're here!!!!  Watched them come in yesterday  (click to expand pics):

















Regards,

Greg

[GTX]

Latest images (click to see high Rez):









Regards,

Greg