News Review: Boeing secures ongoing Hornet work | ADM Oct 2010

Boeing Australia Component Repairs (BACR) has signed a contract of undisclosed value with the Defence to repair and refurbish structural components for the RAAF’s ‘classic’ F/A-18 A/B Hornet fleet.

Under the contract, Tullamarine, VIC-based BACR will repair and refurbish Hornet flight control surfaces, doors and panels.

The three-year contract took effect on 18 August 2010, and also has one-year extension options and will provide ongoing work for BACR’s Melbourne-based employees.

Meanwhile, Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) has modified the 32nd wing pylon under the RAAF’s Hornet Upgrade Phase 2.3 (HUG 2.3) program, and has now delivered the number of pylons required for the project’s Interim Operational Capability (IOC) milestone.

IOC is the minimum capability a new system needs to be effectively used in operations.

Under HUG 2.3 BDA is responsible for upgrading the active electronic warfare threat receivers on all 71 of the RAAF’s classic Hornets from its facilities at RAAF Base Williamtown.

This includes modifying the wing pylons on each aircraft to carry Saab BOL countermeasures dispensers and re-wiring the electrical system to accommodate the new system.

BDA commenced the pylon modification program in March 2010 and is expected to complete the remaining 44 pylons by August 2011.