The End

[Ash W]

Originally Posted by Adam P.

Not really, hence why the thing is still flying!

Haven't they ordered some Italian or Spanish aircraft as their replacement?

[Andrew McLaughlin]

Originally Posted by Ash W

Haven't they ordered some Italian or Spanish aircraft as their replacement?

No replacement yet. Project Air 8000 Phase 1 has been held over until after the White Paper has been finalised. As part of the White Paper process, Defence is undertaking a whole Airlift review, but most observers expect an order for 12-18 Alenia C-27Js to be placed, along with some more Chinooks.

[damien b]

Originally Posted by Jethro H

I am guess that would make it more years than any other operational military aircraft.

Is there any replacement?

The DC-3 survived for 58 years in RAAF service from 1939 until 1997, the last 15 plus years mostly in support of operations of the RAAF Aircraft Resreach and Development Unit at RAAF Edinburgh.

[Bob C]

Hi Andrew

That's what I've read (in "Australian Aviation" ?)

But the withdrawal of the 'bou would still leave a capability gap for several years until any new equipment arrives.

[Raymond Rowe]

Originally Posted by Bobby C

Speaking of Caribous, one was in the news recently "



Does anyone know if the aircraft has been recovered yet ?

Anyone know the RAAF serial number.

[Andrew McLaughlin]

Originally Posted by Bobby C

That's what I've read (in "Australian Aviation" ?)

Must be right then!

But the withdrawal of the 'bou would still leave a capability gap for several years until any new equipment arrives.

Yep, but it's not like the Caribou is able to operate in a warzone. It has no secure comms, no EW or self protection capabilities, and runs on AvGas!

But if another tsunami or cyclone were to hit a near neighbour, it would certainly be missed.

[Tony G]

Originally Posted by Ash W

Haven't they ordered some Italian or Spanish aircraft as their replacement?

From what i have heard the choices are between the Spanish EADS CASA C-295 airlifter and Italian Alenia C-27J Spartan. As mentioned it will been known with Project 8000. The interim A/C to be used are king air Army A/C.

[Jethro H]

Originally Posted by Dave Powell

I'm not sure but I think that the KC-135 and B-52 are of late 1950's vintage in the USAF

I'm sure someone can enlighten us on this point

Cheers

Dave

About 94 B-52H are still flying after 46 years. Previous models were destroyed as part of the 1991 Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty.

[Andrew McLaughlin]

Originally Posted by Tony G

From what i have heard the choices are between the Spanish EADS CASA C-295 airlifter and Italian Alenia C-27J Spartan. As mentioned it will been known with Project 8000. The interim A/C to be used are king air Army A/C.

C-295 is more or less out of it. EADS aren't even seriously bidding it any more. It's C-27J - the only question is how many, and whether they're ordered through the US JCA office via an FMS deal, or directly through Alenia.

[Nigel C]

The C-27J seems to have quite a good usable payload, but how does it stack up against the Caribou for short field performance?