RAAF retires classic Hornets

[Wildcat]

After 37 years of sterling service, the RAAF has officially retired its F/A-18A and B hornets. While these squadrons are transitioning to the F-35, Hornets in the shape of Super Hornets and Growlers continue to serve over Australian skies.
Tears and tributes flow as Classic Hornet leaves the nest
Classic Hornet retired after over 30 years of service

 

[Graeme]

I remember buying a magazine in 1971 with an article dedicated to the Mirage replacement options (I still have it - somewhere). The search started in 1968.
One author called it "a Case of Studies and a Torturous Path".
Damn we were slow to decide!

 

[Wildcat]

But we got it right in the end. I was reading that in 36 years of service and approx 410 000 flying hours we only lost 4 aircraft to accidents. Not a bad effort.

 

[Graeme]

I do remember one the contenders being the Vought V-1000 way back in 1971.
And of course, the Northrop P-530 Cobra - which in a way was kinda what we got in the end.

Others were...
Viggen.
MRCA.
F-14.
F-15 - according to one source, McDonnell Douglas never supplied data and were therefore eliminated. Hard to believe?
Mirage F1 ("the obvious choice"- according to some).

Years later as the studies continued....

I liked the Viggen.

 

[GTX]

I liked the Viggen.

An oldie but I thought you might appreciate this:

 

[GTX]

And one more:

 

[Wildcat]

Nice!

 

[Graeme]

Thanks GTX!

 

[GreenKnight121]

GD had to kludge up the F-16 to try to get it to equal the Hornet... the USAF Falcons did not have AIM-7 Sparrow capability in its radar, and a shortage of dedicated missile stations compared to the Hornet (2 wingtip vs 2 wingtip + 2 fuselage), so this is what GD proposed (to Japan as well as to the RAAF)...

Yes, AIM-7 Sparrows on the landing gear doors!

 

[GTX]

The final F/A-18 Hornet aircraft to fly in Australia, tail number A21-117, arrives at RAAF Base Williamtown, New South Wales.