News Review: BAE Systems to support RAAF F/A-18 Hornet Fleet | ADM June 2011

BAE Systems has secured a $3 million, three year contract to provide usage monitoring services for the RAAF’s F/A-18 Hornets. The contract, with extension options, will support 10 jobs at Williamtown in NSW and Richmond in Victoria.

Under the contract, BAE Systems will gather, track and report fatigue-related information about the Hornet’s airframe and engines using a unique, Australian-developed Maintenance Diagnostic and Service Life Monitoring System.

BAE Systems Australia has also developed a suite of diagnostic software tools that provide the RAAF with the capability to conduct detailed investigations into generic aircraft operational characteristics, and into the causes of specific aircraft incidents.

In 2008, BAE Systems was selected to develop a similar capability for the RAAF’s new fleet of 24 F/A-18F Super Hornets.

BAE Systems aerospace business unit director John Monaghan said the Hornet Usage Monitoring contract was a crucial element of ensuring that the F/A-18 Hornet fleet remains the backbone of Australia’s tactical fighter capability.

“Leveraging our unique system will give the RAAF and Defence Science Technology Organisation (DSTO) the data required to make informed decisions on the F/A-18 fleet to ensure it remains viable until the introduction of the F-35 Lightning II aircraft into service,” Monaghan said.