First Aussie Super Hornet - Page 2

Nicholas Togias · #11 10th July 2009, 01:46 AM

Does the RAN have any plans to buy an aircraft carrier, because if I'm not mistaken there are navy personnel in that picture!

it'd be awesome if Australia had aircraft carriers again

Bob C · #12 10th July 2009, 04:43 AM

Nicholas, they are U S Navy personnel as the F/A18F and earlier model F/A18s were first built more than 20 years ago to USN specifications to replace other types in service.

So the USN maintains an F/A18 Project Office to co-ordinate purchases and liaise with foreign countries such as Australia, Spain, Switzerland etc.

And no, the RAN does not have plans to buy an aircraft carrier but will be purchasing a Spanish designed helicopter carrier which will enter service in a few years and will operate the new MRH90 helicopter amongst others. It may also have the capability to operate Harrier type aircraft and no, the RAN doesn't have any plans for Harriers.

Nigel C · #13 10th July 2009, 09:43 AM

Cheers for the info Bob.

Mick F · #14 10th July 2009, 10:03 AM

What, wasn't mine and Murray's info good enough for you Nigel?

Nigel C · #15 10th July 2009, 10:10 AM

Nope. Just not enough detail.

But thanks for pointing out its got the jizz and the shiz of the maniz, with the nizz and whizz that makes it fizz. All this biz makes me dizz.

Ok, thanks to all who responded, including Muzz and Fludz.

Nicholas Togias · #16 10th July 2009, 11:02 AM

cheers Bob

Dan Hammond · #17 10th July 2009, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nigel C

But thanks for pointing out its got the jizz and the shiz of the maniz, with the nizz and whizz that makes it fizz. All this biz makes me dizz.

I think i have just gone cross eyed

Damian N · #18 11th July 2009, 09:56 AM

That "201" forward of the canopy is "oh-so Top Gun"! Does anybody know or even has a bit of an insight into whether this is likely to be a permanent addition to Hornets (eg eventually filtering down to A and B models) or whether it's prob just there for initial flight test programs and training in the US where Aussie -F's are likely to sit on flightlines beside USN versions to help in base/ ATC ID etc.

Andrew McLaughlin · #19 11th July 2009, 05:27 PM

The first six Aussie Fs will remain in the US until they are delivered to Australia next March. In that time, they'll be flying alongside US Navy jets and will carry their USN MSN numbers on the rear fuselage, and the abbreviated last three digits in big numbers on the front.

Was a really good rollout ceremony - well attended and very well done. The jet looks awesome up close!

Cheers