Williamtown, Australia: BAE Systems Australia has congratulated the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) on achieving 100,000 flying hours for its Hawk 127 Lead-In Fighter fleet.
Since the 33-strong fleet first entered service in 2001, the Company has proudly provided in-service support from RAAF Bases Williamtown and Pearce, along with global experience and knowledge from BAE Systems Plc as the aircraft manufacturer and the Hawk has been the premier lead in fighter trainer for the last 15 years, training a generation of fighter aircrew for conversion onto Air Combat Group’s front line fighter aircraft.
Steve Drury, BAE Systems Australia Aerospace Director handing over the certificate of achievement and congratulating Group Captain Terry vanHaren, Officer Commanding Number 78 Wing.
“This considerable milestone has been achieved with the highest professionalism by the men and women of 78 Wing; 76 and 79 Squadrons; and in partnership with BAE Systems Australia and our program subsidiaries,” Officer Commanding Number 78 Wing, Group Captain Terry van Haren said.
Group Captain David Langlois, Officer Commanding Tactical Fighter Systems Project Office, Group Captain Terry vanHaren, Officer Commanding Number 78 Wing, and Steve Drury, BAE Systems Australia Aerospace Director, mark the 100,000 hour milestone for the Hawk fleet.
“100,000 hours is a significant milestone in the life cycle of a fast jet system, and even more significant when it is achieved without loss of an aircraft or aircrew.”
Hawks A27-18 and A27-28 on show at BAE SYSTEMS facility at Williamtown today.
“The Royal Australian Air Force, Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group and BAE Systems Australia look forward to another 100,000 hours of safe flying in the soon to be upgraded Hawk 127 LIFCAP (Lead-In Fighter Capability Assurance Program) aircraft,” Group Captain van Haren said.
BAE Systems Australia Aerospace Director Steve Drury said: “Reaching this milestone is a testament to the capability of the Hawk aircraft; the skill of the RAAF crews and our employees; and our enduring partnership with the Commonwealth to sustain the fleet.”
Mr Drury added: “The support from BAE Systems is ensuring the ongoing success of the fleet as an effective and reliable training platform in preparing RAAF pilots to protect Australia’s national security. It is a great example of how the Commonwealth can effectively partner with industry to maximise platform availability and quality, while achieving significant savings.”
The partnership will expand in July when BAE Systems starts delivering all Hawk operational maintenance, becoming the total sustainment provider for the fleet.
“We’re proud to extend our support of this important capability to provide all maintenance support on the flight line. This more holistic approach maximises aircraft serviceability and mission success – directly supporting the training of Australia’s next generation of combat aircrew,” Mr Drury said.
Our thanks and congratulations to the Royal Australian Air Force and BAE SYSTEMS.
