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Encyclopedia > Royal Australian Air Force
Royal Australian Air Force

The RAAF Ensign
Founded 31 March 1921
Country Australia
Size 15,430 personnel (2006)
Part of Australian Defence Force
Air Force Headquarters Canberra
Motto Per Ardua ad Astra ('Through Struggle to the Stars')
Commanders
Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Geoff Shepherd
Deputy Chief of Air Force Air Vice-Marshal John Blackburn
Air Commander Australia Air Vice-Marshal Mark Binskin
Insignia
RAAF badge
RAAF roundel
RAAF low visibility roundel The Low visibility Roundel.
Aircraft flown
Bomber F-111
Electronic
warfare
Boeing 737 AEW&C
Fighter F/A-18 Hornet
Patrol AP-3C Orion
Reconnaissance RF-111
Trainer PC-9, Hawk 127, B300
Transport C-130 Hercules, DHC-Caribou, C-17 Globemaster III, Boeing 707, Boeing 737, Challenger 600

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is the Air Force branch of the Australian Defence Force. The RAAF began in March 1914 as the Australian Flying Corps and became a fully independent Air Force in March 1921. The RAAF has taken part in many of the 20th century's major conflicts including both World Wars, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. More recently the RAAF participated in the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The motto on the RAAF's coat of arms is the Latin phrase Per Ardua ad Astra, which means "Through Struggle to the Stars",[1]The Royal Air Force use the same motto but translate it as "Through Adversity to the Stars". Image File history File links Ensign_of_the_Royal_Australian_Air_Force. ... The Royal Australian Air Force Ensign is used by the Royal Australian Air Force in Australia and overseas. ... is the 90th day of the year (91st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1921 (MCMXXI) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar). ... The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is the military organisation responsible for the defence of Australia. ... For other uses, see Canberra (disambiguation). ... Air Marshal Sir Richard Williams, the first and longest-serving chief of the RAAF Chief of Air Force (CAF) is the most senior appointment in the Royal Australian Air Force, responsible to the Chief of the Defence Force (CDF) and the Secretary for Defence. ... An air marshals sleeve/shoulder insignia Air Marshal (Air Mshl or AM) is a rank in the Royal Air Force. ... Air Marshal Geoffrey Shepherd is Chief of Air Force (CAF) of the Royal Australian Air Force, as of 4 July 2005, replacing Air Marshall Angus Houston. ... An Air Vice Marshals sleeve/shoulder insignia Air Vice Marshal is the third most senior rank active in the Royal Air Force today, after the inactivation of Marshal of the Royal Air Force as a substantive rank in peacetime during defence cuts of the 1990s. ... Air Command is the operational arm of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links RAAF-Roundel. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... For other uses, see Bomber (disambiguation). ... The General Dynamics F-111 is a medium-range strategic bomber, reconnaissance, and tactical strike aircraft designed in the 1960s. ... // Electronic warfare (EW) is the use of the electromagnetic spectrum to effectively deny the use of this phenomena by an adversary, while optimizing its use by friendly forces. ... The Boeing 737 AEW&C is an Airborne Early Warning & Control aircraft. ... An A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-86 Sabre, P-38 Lightning and P-51 Mustang fly in formation during an air show at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. ... The McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) F/A-18 Hornet is a modern all-weather carrier-capable strike fighter jet, designed to attack both ground and aerial targets. ... A patrol bomber, or patrol aircraft, is an airplane designed to operate for long times over water in an anti-shipping or anti-submarine role. ... The Lockheed P-3 Orion is a maritime patrol aircraft of numerous militaries around the world, used primarily for maritime patrol, reconnaissance, and anti-submarine warfare. ... English Electric Canberra PR.9 photo reconnaissance aircraft CP-140 Aurora long-range patrol aircraft of the Canadian Air Force. ... The General Dynamics F-111 is a medium-range strategic bomber, reconnaissance, and tactical strike aircraft designed in the 1960s. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... The BAE Systems (BAE) Hawk is an advanced jet trainer which first flew in 1974 as the Hawker-Siddeley Hawk. ... The Beechcraft King Air is a line of twin-turboprop aircraft produced by the Beech Aircraft Corporation (now the Beechcraft Division of Raytheon Aircraft). ... The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop cargo aircraft and the main tactical airlifter for many military forces worldwide. ... The de Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou (known in the US military as CV-2 and C-7 Caribou) was designed as a specialized transport with short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability. ... The Boeing (formerly McDonnell Douglas) C-17 Globemaster III is an American strategic airlifter manufactured by Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, and operated by the United States Air Force, the British Royal Air Force, the Royal Australian Air Force, and the Canadian Forces. ... The Boeing 707 is an American four-engine commercial passenger jet airliner developed by Boeing in the early 1950s. ... The Boeing 737 is an American short to medium range, single aisle, narrow body jet airliner. ... The Bombardier Challenger 600 series is a family of business jets designed by Bill Lear and produced first by Canadair until that company was bought by Bombardier Aerospace in 1986. ... For a particular Air Force, see List of air forces. ... The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is the military organisation responsible for the defence of Australia. ... Year 1914 (MCMXIV) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Wednesday of the 13-day-slower Julian calendar). ... Year 1921 (MCMXXI) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar). ... Combatants United Nations:  Republic of Korea,  Australia,  Belgium,  Luxembourg,  Canada,  Colombia,  Ethiopia,  France,  Greece,  Luxembourg,  Netherlands,  New Zealand,  Philippines,  South Africa,  Thailand,  Turkey,  United Kingdom,  United States Medical staff:  Denmark,  Australia,  Italy,  Norway,  Sweden Communist states:  Democratic People’s Republic of Korea,  Peoples Republic of China,  Soviet Union Commanders... Combatants Republic of Vietnam United States Republic of Korea Thailand Australia New Zealand The Philippines National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam Democratic Republic of Vietnam People’s Republic of China Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea Strength US 1,000,000 South Korea 300,000 Australia 48,000... The subject of this article is the 2003 invasion of Iraq. ... For other uses, see Latin (disambiguation). ... Ad astra is a Latin phrase meaning to the stars. It is used as, or as part of, the motto of many organizations. ... “RAF” redirects here. ...

Contents

History

To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ...

World War I

Soon after the outbreak of World War I in 1914, the Australian Flying Corps sent aircraft to assist in capturing German colonies in what is now north-west New Guinea. These colonies surrendered quickly however, before the planes were even unpacked. The first operational flights did not occur until May 27, 1915, when the Mesopotamian Half Flight was called upon to assist the Indian Army in protecting British oil interests in what is now Iraq. The Corps later saw action in Egypt, Palestine and on the Western Front throughout the remainder of World War I. By the end of the war, four squadrons had seen active service. “The Great War ” redirects here. ... Year 1914 (MCMXIV) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Wednesday of the 13-day-slower Julian calendar). ... is the 147th day of the year (148th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1915 (MCMXV) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Thursday[1] of the 13-day-slower Julian calendar). ... At the start of World War I, the air power of the Allied forces was extremely limited. ... A group of native Indian Muslim soldiers posing for volley firing orders. ... This article is about the geographical area known as Palestine. ... Western Front was a term used during the First and Second World Wars to describe the contested armed frontier between lands controlled by Germany to the East and the Allies to the West. ... “The Great War ” redirects here. ...


AFC World War I flying aces include the following pilots: The Red Baron, Manfred von Richthofen, perhaps the most famous ace of all The first ace, Adolphe Pegoud being awarded the Croix de Guerre A flying ace or fighter ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down five or more enemy aircraft during aerial combat. ...

Serny, France, November 1918. A score board recording the claims for enemy aircraft destroyed by No. 80 Wing RAF from July-November 1918. The squadrons listed include No. 2 Squadron, Australian Flying Corps and No. 4 Squadron, AFC. The other columns are headed "In Flames", "Crashed", "O.O.C." (Out of Control), "Driven Down" and "Balloons Destroyed"."
Serny, France, November 1918. A score board recording the claims for enemy aircraft destroyed by No. 80 Wing RAF from July-November 1918. The squadrons listed include No. 2 Squadron, Australian Flying Corps and No. 4 Squadron, AFC. The other columns are headed "In Flames", "Crashed", "O.O.C." (Out of Control), "Driven Down" and "Balloons Destroyed"."

Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ... A Wedgetail from No. ... No. ... Captain Harry Cobby in 1919 Air CommodoreArthur Henry Harry Cobby CBE, DSO, DFC and Two Bars, GM RAAF (August 26, 1894-November 11, 1955) was a notable Australian military aviator. ... Elwyn Roy King, or Bo to his squadron mates, (1894–1941) was an Australian fighter pilot and ace in World War I. He scored 26 aerial victories in combat during the war, making him the fourth best Australian pilot in terms of kills. ... Alexander Augustus Norman Dudley Pentland (5 August 1884–1983) was an Australian flying ace in World War I. He served in the RFC from 1916 until the end of the war, attaining the rank of Captain. ... Air Vice Marshal Edgar James Kingston McCloughry CB, CBE, DSO, DFC and Bar (10 September 1896–15 November 1972) was an Australian World War I fighter pilot and flying ace. ... Richard Minifie (February 2, 1898–March 31, 1969) was an Australia fighter pilot and flying ace in the World War I. He shot down 21 aircraft during the war, making him the fifth highest-scoring Australian ace. ... Edgar Charles Johnston (30 April 1896 – 22 May 1988) was an Australian fighter pilot and ace of World War I. He shot down 20 German aircraft between his entry into the war in 1917 and the wars end in 1918, making him the 5th highest-scoring Australian pilot of... Andrew King Cowper (16 November 1898 - 25 June 1989) was an Australian fighter pilot and ace of World War I. He shot down 19 German aircraft between his entry into the war in 1917 and the end of the war in 1918, tying him with Cedric Howell as the 6th... Cedric Ernest Howell (17 June 1896 – 10 December 1919), or Spike to his squadron mates, was an Australian fighter pilot and ace of World War I. He shot down 19 German aircraft between his entry into the air war in 1917 and the end of the war in 1918, setting... Fred Parkinson Holliday DSO, MC, AFC (20 February 1888 in Melbourne – 5 March 1980 in Canada) was an Australian fighter pilot and ace of World War I. He shot down 17 German aircraft between his entry into the war and its end, making him the 11th highest-scoring Australian pilot... Wing Commander Allan Hepburn, DFC, (October 11, 1896 – July 21, 1975) was an Australian World War I flying ace, who was born in Melbourne, Victoria. ... John Rutherford Gordon MC (1895-1978) was an Australian fighter pilot and ace of World War I. As a sergeant No 1 section, A Coy, 10 Battalion he took part in the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli, Turkey, 25 April 1915. ...

World War II

Europe and the Mediterranean

In 1939, just after the start of World War II, Australia joined the Empire Air Training Scheme, under which flight crews received basic training in Australia before travelling to Canada for advanced training. A total of 19 RAAF bomber, fighter, reconnaissance and other squadrons served initially in Britain, and/or with the Desert Air Force, in North Africa and the Mediterranean. About nine per cent of the personnel who served under British RAF commands in Europe and the Mediterranean were RAAF personnel.[1] Year 1939 (MCMXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Combatants Allied powers: China France Great Britain Soviet Union United States and others Axis powers: Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Chiang Kai-shek Charles de Gaulle Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tōjō Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead: 33,000... External links The Canadian Contribution (includes newspaper archives) World War II Newspaper Archives — The British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. ... The Desert Air Force (DAF), later known as the First Tactical Air Force, was an Allied tactical air force formed during World War II. The DAF was formed in North Africa to provide close air support to the Eighth Army. ...  Northern Africa (UN subregion)  geographic, including above North Africa or Northern Africa is the northernmost region of the African continent, separated by the Sahara from Sub-Saharan Africa. ... The Mediterranean Sea is an intercontinental sea positioned between Europe to the north, Africa to the south and Asia to the east, covering an approximate area of 2. ...


With British manufacturing targeted by the Luftwaffe, the Australian government created the Department of Aircraft Production (DAP; later known as the Government Aircraft Factory) to supply Commonwealth air forces and the RAAF was eventually provided with large numbers of locally-built versions of British designs like the DAP Beaufort torpedo bomber. The Deutsche Luftwaffe or   (German: air force, literally Air Weapon, pronounced lufft-va-fa, IPA: ) is the commonly used term for the German air force. ... The Government Aircraft Factory (GAF) was an aircraft manufacturer owned by the Government of Australia based at Fishermans Bend, a suburb of Melbourne in Victoria. ... The Bristol Type 152 Beaufort was a large torpedo bomber designed by the Bristol Aeroplane Company, and developed from the earlier Blenheim light bomber. ... A torpedo bomber is a bomber aircraft designed primarily to attack ships with torpedoes, but they could also carry out conventional bombings. ...


In the European Theatre of World War II, RAAF personnel were especially notable in RAF Bomber Command: they represented two percent of all RAAF personnel during the war, but accounted for 23% of the total number killed in action. This statistic is further illustrated by the fact that No. 460 Squadron RAAF, mostly flying Avro Lancasters, had an official establishment of about 200 aircrew and yet had 1,018 combat deaths. The squadron was therefore effectively wiped out five times over. Animation of the WWII European Theatre. ... Bomber Command badge RAF Bomber Command was the organisation that controlled the RAFs bomber forces. ... Squadron Motto: Strike and Return Aircraft operated: Vickers Wellington, Avro Lancaster 460 Squadron RAAF was raised at RAF Breighton, and operated as part of RAF Bomber Command for the duration of WWII. It was disbanded at RAF Binbrook in 1945 In a speech he made in 2003, Chief of the... The Avro Lancaster was a British four-engine Second World War bomber aircraft made initially by Avro for the British Royal Air Force (RAF). ...


Pacific War

Brewster Buffalo fighters, flown by many RAAF fighter pilots in the Malayan, Singapore and Dutch East Indies campaigns.

The beginning of the Pacific War — and the rapid advance of Japanese forces — threatened the Australian mainland for the first time. The RAAF was quite unprepared for the emergency, and initially had negligible forces available for service in the Pacific. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... The Brewster Buffalo, or Brewster F2A, was a U.S. fighter plane which saw extensive service with both Allied and Axis air forces during World War II. The fighters, derided by some American servicemen as flying coffins,[1] had a reputation for poor construction and performance, though they were relatively... Combatants Malaya Command: Indian III Corps Australian 8th Div. ... The Dutch East Indies, or Netherlands East Indies, (Dutch: Nederlands Indië) was the name of the colonies colonised by the Dutch East India Company which came under administration of the Netherlands during the ninteenth century (see Indonesia). ... For other uses, see Pacific War (disambiguation). ...


In 1941 and early 1942, many RAAF airmen, including 21 and 453 Squadrons, saw action with the RAF Far East Command in the Malayan, Singapore and Dutch East Indies campaigns. Allied fighter pilots, in particular, performed well in the campaign, despite being outnumbered and the fact that many were allocated sub-standard examples of the Brewster Buffalo. Categories: ... No. ... The RAF Far East Air Force was the command organisation that controlled all Royal Air Force assets in the east of Asia. ... Combatants Malaya Command: Indian III Corps Australian 8th Div. ... The Dutch East Indies, or Netherlands East Indies, (Dutch: Nederlands Indië) was the name of the colonies colonised by the Dutch East India Company which came under administration of the Netherlands during the ninteenth century (see Indonesia). ... The Brewster Buffalo, or Brewster F2A, was a U.S. fighter plane which saw extensive service with both Allied and Axis air forces during World War II. The fighters, derided by some American servicemen as flying coffins,[1] had a reputation for poor construction and performance, though they were relatively...


The devastating air raids on Darwin on February 19, 1942 drove the point home. Some RAAF squadrons were transferred from the northern hemisphere — although a substantial number remained there until the end of the war. Shortages of fighter and ground attack planes led to the acquisition of US-built P-40 Kittyhawks and the rapid design and manufacture of the first Australian fighter, the CAC Boomerang. RAAF Kittyhawks came to play a crucial role in the New Guinea and Solomon Islands campaigns, especially in operations like the Battle of Milne Bay. Combatants Australia; United States Japan Commanders David V. J. Blake Chuichi Nagumo Strength 30 planes 242 planes Casualties At least 243 killed; (possibly 1,100 dead in total) 23 planes destroyed 10 ships sunk 1 killed  ? missing; 6 POW Four planes destroyed in Australian airspace; ? failed to return. ... [[Media:Italic text]]{| style=float:right; |- | |- | |} is the 50th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1942 (MCMXLII) was a common year starting on Thursday (the link will display the full 1942 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Northern hemisphere highlighted in yellow. ... An Apache attack helicopter provides close air support to United States Army soldiers patrolling the Tigris River southeast of Baghdad, Iraq during the Iraq War. ... Motto: (Out Of Many, One) (traditional) In God We Trust (1956 to date) Anthem: The Star-Spangled Banner Capital Washington D.C. Largest city New York City None at federal level (English de facto) Government Federal constitutional republic  - President George Walker Bush (R)  - Vice President Dick Cheney (R) Independence from... The Curtiss P-40 was a US single-engine, single-seat, low-wing, all-metal fighter and ground attack aircraft which first flew in 1938, and was used in great numbers in World War II. It was a direct adaptation of the existing P-36 airframe to enable mass production... The CAC Boomerang was a World War II fighter aircraft manufactured in Australia between 1942 and 1945. ... Combatants Australia United States Empire of Japan Commanders Cyril Clowes Nishizo Tsukahara Shojiro Hayashi Minoru Yano Strength 9,000 (half non-combat personnel) 3,200 Casualties about 550 dead 1,000 dead New Guinea campaign Battle for Australia Air raids – Darwin – Broome – Coral Sea – Naval attacks – Sydney & Newcastle – Kokoda – Milne...


In the Battle of the Bismarck Sea, imported Bristol Beaufighters proved to be highly effective ground attack and maritime strike aircraft. Beaufighters were later made locally by the DAP. Although it was much bigger than Japanese fighters, the Beaufighter had the speed to outrun them. Combatants United States, Australia Empire of Japan Commanders George C. Kenney Masatomi Kimura Strength 39 heavy bombers; 41 medium bombers; 34 light bombers; 54 fighters 8 destroyers, 8 troop transports, 100 aircraft Casualties 2 bombers, 3 fighters destroyed 8 transports, 4 destroyers sunk 20 fighters destroyed, 5,000 troops killed... The Bristol Beaufighter is also the name of a car produced by Bristol Cars in the 1980s. ...


The RAAF's heavy bomber force was predominantly comprised of 287 B-24 Liberators, which could bomb Japanese targets as far away as Borneo and the Philippines from airfields in Australia and New Guinea. The B-52 Stratofortress, a heavy bomber. ... The Consolidated B-24 Liberator was an American heavy bomber that was produced in greater numbers than any other American combat aircraft during World War II and still holds the record as the most produced allied aircraft. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Kalimantan. ...


By late 1945, the RAAF had received or ordered about 500 P-51 Mustangs, for fighter/ground attack purposes. The Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation initially assembled US-made Mustangs, but later manufactured most of those used. The RAAF's main operational formation, the First Tactical Air Force, comprised more than 18,000 personnel and 20 squadrons; it had taken part in the Philippines and Borneo campaigns and was scheduled to participate in the invasion of the Japanese mainland, Operation Downfall. So too were the RAAF bomber squadrons in Europe, as part of the proposed Tiger Force. However, the war was brought to a sudden end by the US nuclear attacks on Japan. As a result of the Empire Air Training Scheme, about 20,000 Australian personnel had served with other Commonwealth air forces in Europe during World War II. A total of 216,900 men and women served in the RAAF, of whom 11,061 were killed in action. Year 1945 (MCMXLV) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar). ... The North American Aviation P-51 Mustang was an American long-range single-seat fighter aircraft that entered service with Allied air forces in the middle years of World War II. The P-51 became one of the conflicts most successful and recognizable aircraft. ... Wirraway aircraft under construction at a CAC factory in 1940 (AWM 000626/06) CAC Boomerang The prototype CAC CA-15 Kangaroo Mirage III, the engines for which were built by CAC The Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC) was an Australian aircraft manufacturer. ... The Australian First Tactical Air Force (1 TAF) was formed on October 25, 1944 by the Royal Australian Air Force to provide fighter and ground attack support to Allied ground and naval forces, fighting the Empire of Japan in the South West Pacific Area. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Kalimantan. ... Operation Downfall was the overall Allied plan for the invasion of Japan near the end of World War II. The operation was cancelled when Japan surrendered following the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the Soviet Unions declaration of war against Japan. ... Tiger Force was the name given to a World War II British Commonwealth long range heavy bomber force, formed in 1945, from squadrons serving with RAF Bomber Command in Europe, for proposed use against targets in Japan. ... The mushroom cloud over Hiroshima after the dropping of Little Boy. ...


Service since 1945

In the Korean War, Mustangs from No. 77 Squadron (77 Sqn), stationed in Japan with the British Commonwealth Occupation Force, were among the first United Nations aircraft to be deployed, in ground support, combat air patrol, and escort missions. When the UN planes were confronted by MiG-15 jet fighters, 77 Sqn acquired Gloster Meteors, which enabled some success against the Soviet pilots flying for North Korea. However the MiGs were superior aircraft and the Meteors were relegated to ground support missions, as the North Koreans gained experience. The air force also operated transport aircraft during the conflict. Combatants United Nations:  Republic of Korea,  Australia,  Belgium,  Luxembourg,  Canada,  Colombia,  Ethiopia,  France,  Greece,  Luxembourg,  Netherlands,  New Zealand,  Philippines,  South Africa,  Thailand,  Turkey,  United Kingdom,  United States Medical staff:  Denmark,  Australia,  Italy,  Norway,  Sweden Communist states:  Democratic People’s Republic of Korea,  Peoples Republic of China,  Soviet Union Commanders... No. ... The 2nd Battalion, 5th Royal Gurkha Rifles marching through Kure soon after their arrival in Japan. ... UN and U.N. redirect here. ... The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 (Russian: ) (NATO reporting name Fagot) was a jet fighter developed for the USSR by Artem Mikoyan and Mikhail Gurevich. ... The Gloster Meteor was the Allies first operational jet fighter. ... Soviet redirects here. ...

Boeing 707 of the RAAF
Boeing 707 of the RAAF

During the Vietnam War, from 1966-72, the RAAF contributed squadrons of Caribou STOL transport aircraft (No. 35 Squadron), UH-1 Iroquois helicopters (No. 9 Squadron) and English Electric Canberra bombers (No. 2 Squadron). The Canberras flew a large number of bombing sorties, and two were lost. One went missing during a bombing raid, and neither the crew nor the aircraft has ever been located. The other was shot down by a surface to air missile, although both crew were rescued. RAAF transport aircraft also supported anti-communist ground forces. The UH-1 helicopters were used in many roles including Dustoff (medical evacuation) and Bushranger Gunships for armed support. Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (2816x1960, 728 KB) Royal Australian Air Force Boeing 707-368C (code A20-261) at the Royal International Air Tattoo, RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, England. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (2816x1960, 728 KB) Royal Australian Air Force Boeing 707-368C (code A20-261) at the Royal International Air Tattoo, RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, England. ... Combatants Republic of Vietnam United States Republic of Korea Thailand Australia New Zealand The Philippines National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam Democratic Republic of Vietnam People’s Republic of China Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea Strength US 1,000,000 South Korea 300,000 Australia 48,000... Year 1966 (MCMLXVI) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar) of the 1966 Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1972 (MCMLXXII) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... A Zenair CH701 STOL light aircraft Polish STOL light aircraft PZL-104M Wilga of Polish Border Guard at Radom Air Show in 2005. ... Personnel and aircraft of RAAF Transport Flight Vietnam on arrival in South Vietnam in August 1964. ... This article is about the military versions of the Bell 204 and 205 models. ... A No. ... The English Electric Canberra was a first-generation jet bomber manufactured in large numbers through the 1950s. ... A Wedgetail from No. ... Sortie is a term for deployment of one military aircraft or a ship for the purposes of a specific mission, whether alone, or with other aircraft or vessels. ... A surface-to-air missile (SAM) is a missile designed to be launched from the ground to destroy aircraft. ... Anti-communism is opposition to communist ideology, organization, or government, on either a theoretical or practical level. ... A Beech KingAir of the Australian Royal Flying Doctor Service. ...


Military airlifts were conducted for a number of purposes in the intervening decades, such as the peacekeeping operations in Timor Leste from 1999. Australia's combat aircraft were not used again in combat until the Iraq War in 2003, when F/A-18s from No. 75 Squadron operated in the escort and ground attack roles. The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, commonly known as East Timor, is an island nation in Southeast Asia, consisting of the eastern half of the island of Timor, the nearby islands of Atauro and Jaco, and Oecussi-Ambeno, a political exclave of East Timor situated on the western side of... This article is about the year. ... The Australian government was a strong and uncritical supporter of United States policy during the Iraq disarmament crisis and one of only three nations to commit combat forces to the 2003 invasion of Iraq in any substantial numbers, under the operational codename Operation Falconer. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Two F/A-18 Hornets and ground crew from No. ...


Ranks and uniform

The RAAF uses RAF-derived ranks for both officers and other ranks, with the exceptions that the RAAF does not use the "Technician" ranks of the RAF and the insignia for Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman is a single chevron, rather than a propeller blade, and there is no Senior Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman rank as there is in the RAF. However, unlike their British, Canadian and New Zealand counterparts, they do not wear a blue-grey uniform. The RAAF uniform is Midnight Blue (also known as Air Force Blues (AFB) with AUSTRALIA on slip-on rank epaulettes and worn on the shoulder of the service dress uniform. Epaulette pronunciation: ĕp-ǝ-lĕt, a French word meaning little shoulders (epaule, referring to shoulder), originally meant only one type of ornamental shoulder piece or decoration used as insignia or rank by military or other organizations. ...


Roundel

The current version of the RAAF Roundel was formally adopted on the 2nd of July, 1956. The Roundel exists of a white inner circle with a Red Kangaroo surrounded by a royal blue circle. The kangaroo faces left, except when used on aircraft or vehicles, when the kangaroo should always face the front. Binomial name Desmarest, 1822 The Red Kangaroo (Macropus rufus) is the largest of all kangaroos and the largest surviving marsupial. ...


Originally, the Air Force used the existing red, white and blue Roundel of the Royal Air Force. However, during World War II, the inner red circle was removed when after a No. 11 Squadron Catalina was mistaken for a Japanese aircraft by a US Navy Wildcat in the Pacific Theatre.[1] “RAF” redirects here. ... Combatants Allied powers: China France Great Britain Soviet Union United States and others Axis powers: Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Chiang Kai-shek Charles de Gaulle Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tōjō Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead: 33,000...


After the war, a range of options were proposed, including the Southern Cross, a boomerang, a sprig of wattle and the red kangaroo.


Royal Australian Air Force Badge

The RAAF badge was accepted by the Chester Herald in 1939. The badge is composed of the Imperial Crown mounted on a circle featuring the words Royal Australian Air Force, beneath which scroll work displays the Latin motto Per Ardua Ad Astra. Surmounting the badge is a wedge-tail eagle. The badge is similar in design to the Royal Air Force badge. Per Ardua Ad Astra is attributed with the meaning “Through Struggle to the Stars” and is from Sir Henry Rider Haggard's novel The People of the Mist.[2] Chester Herald of Arms in Ordinary is an officer of arms at the College of Arms in London. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article may require cleanup. ... “RAF” redirects here. ... Sir Henry Rider Haggard KBE (June 22, 1856 – May 14, 1925), born in Norfolk, England, was a Victorian writer of adventure novels set in exotic locations. ... The People of the Mist is a classic lost race fantasy novel written by H. Rider Haggard. ...


Current strength

Aircraft

As of 2007, the following aircraft are operated by the RAAF: 2007 is a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Aircraft Origin Type Versions In service[2][3] Notes
BAE Systems Hawk Flag of the United Kingdom United Kingdom Lead-in fighter trainer Hawk 127 33 This is a fighter jet conversion trainer. For those going from light fixed wing aircraft to piloting F-111s and F/A-18s.
Beechcraft King Air Flag of the United States United States Navigational trainer B300 7-8
Boeing 707 Flag of the United States United States Tanker/transport 707-338C 2 They are dual role tanker/transports. While these aircraft were previously used for VIP transport they have been used for military purposes only since the long-term lease of two Boeing 737s. A20-623 retired June 2007. A20-629 Slated for retirement NOV07. Final Airframe retirement scheduled for 30JUN08 with the retirement of A20-629 "Richmond Town"
Boeing 737 Flag of the United States United States VIP transport 737-700 BBJ 2 Long term lease, transport for the Prime Minister, Queen and Distinguished Guests.
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III Flag of the United States United States Transport 2 1st Aircraft delivered December 2006, 2 in 2007 with the final to be delivered in 2008. Heavy transport capability.
Bombardier Challenger 600 Flag of Canada Canada VIP transport CL 604 3
de Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou Flag of Canada Canada Transport 10
General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark Flag of the United States United States Strike F-111 total
F-111C
RF-111C
19-21
15-17
4
Mixture of the original long-range F-111C type, RF-111C reconnaissance variants, and ex-USAF F-111A (upgraded to most of the C specifications) and F-111G attrition replacements. These aircraft are due to be decommissioned in 2010. The F/A-18F has been selected as an interim replacement. All F-111G Aircraft retired in SEP07.
Lockheed C-130 Hercules Flag of the United States United States Transport C-130 total
C-130H
C-130J-30
20
8
12
4 C-130H Aircraft retired 2006
Lockheed P-3 Orion Flag of the United States United States Maritime patrol P-3 total
AP-3C
TAP-3B
21
18
3
TAP-3 aircraft to be withdrawn. All aircraft to withdrawn by 2018. Replaced by Boeing P-8 Poseidon
McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet Flag of the United States United States
Flag of Australia Australia
Fighter/attack F/A-18 total
F/A-18A
F/A-18B
71
54
17
Built in Australia under licence from McDonnell Douglas. The F/A-18 fleet has been the subject of various upgrades since it entered service in the 1980s and remains capable, but fatigue issues mean that it may not remain a viable front-line air defence option until the planned retirement date of 2015, although this is being mitigated through a centre barrel replacement program.
24 F/A-18F Block II Super Hornets will replace the F-111 from 2010.
Pilatus PC-9 Flag of Switzerland Switzerland
Flag of Australia Australia
Advanced trainer 65 Produced under licence in Australia by de Havilland Australia.

In addition, 24 PAC CT/4 basic trainers, better known as the "Plastic Parrot", are owned and operated by BAE Systems for primary training. BAE Hawk T.1 trainer of No. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_the_United_Kingdom. ... The Beechcraft King Air is a line of twin-turboprop aircraft produced by the Beech Aircraft Corporation (now the Beechcraft Division of Raytheon Aircraft). ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... The Boeing 707 is an American four-engine commercial passenger jet airliner developed by Boeing in the early 1950s. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... The Boeing 737 is an American short to medium range, single aisle, narrow body jet airliner. ... The Boeing 737 is an American short to medium range, single aisle, narrow body jet airliner. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... The Boeing Business Jet series are factory conversions of Boeing airliners for the corporate jet market, initially the 737 series airliners. ... The Boeing (formerly McDonnell Douglas) C-17 Globemaster III is a strategic airlifter manufactured by Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, and operated by the United States Air Force, the British Royal Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... The Bombardier Challenger 600 series is a family of business jets designed by Bill Lear and produced first by Canadair until that company was bought by Bombardier Aerospace in 1986. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... The de Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou (known in the US military as CV-2 and C-7 Caribou) was designed as a specialized transport with short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... The General Dynamics F-111 is a medium-range strategic bomber, reconnaissance, and tactical strike aircraft designed in the 1960s. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... 2010 (MMX) will be a common year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a carrier-based fighter/attack aircraft that entered service in 1999 with the United States Navy. ... The Lockheed C-130 Hercules, a four-engine turboprop aircraft, is the main tactical air transport aircraft of the United States and UK military forces. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... The Lockheed P-3 Orion is a patrol aircraft of the United States military used primarily for anti-submarine warfare. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... 2018 (MMXVIII) will be a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA, TYO: 7661) is a major aerospace and defense corporation, originally founded by William Edward Boeing. ... The P-8A Poseidon (formerly the Multimission Maritime Aircraft or MMA) is intended to search for and destroy submarines, conduct shipping interdiction, and also possibly engage in an electronic intelligence (ELINT) role. ... The Boeing (formerly McDonnell Douglas) F/A-18 Hornet is a modern all-weather carrier-capable strike fighter jet, designed to attack both ground and aerial targets. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... DC-10, retired from American Airlines fleet at gate McDonnell Douglas was a major American aerospace manufacturer, producing a number of famous commercial and military aircraft. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Image File history File links Flag_of_Switzerland. ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... de Havilland Australia was formerly part of de Havilland, then later a separate company. ... The Pacific Aerospace Corporation CT/4 Airtrainer series are all-metal construction, single-engine, two place side-by-side seating, fully aerobatic, piston engined, basic training aircraft manufactured in Hamilton, New Zealand. ... BAE Systems plc is the worlds third largest defence contractor,[3] the largest in Europe and a commercial aerospace manufacturer. ...


Current flying squadrons

Royal Australian Air Force
General Informaiton
Current structure of the RAAF
Ranks of the RAAF
List of aircraft
List of bases
List of squadrons
History of the RAAF
Commands
Air Command
Current Operations
Operation Astute
Other
Airfield Defence Guards
Air Force memorial
Main article: Structure of the RAAF

Image File history File links Ensign_of_the_Royal_Australian_Air_Force. ... // Air Force Structure Formations ~A Junior Officer is a Pilot Officer, Flying Officer or Flight Lieutenant Common Appointments Chief of Defence Force (CDF) Air Chief Marshal (Only when RAAF Officer) Vice Chief of Defence Force (VCDF) Air Marshal (Only when RAAF Officer) Deputy Chief of Air Force (DCAF) Air Vice... The Royal Australian Air Force inherited its rank structure from the Royal Air Force. ... Royal Australian Air Force F_18 Hornet. ... This is a list of current and previous Royal Australian Air Force bases. ... This is a list of Royal Australian Air Force aircraft squadrons. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... Air Command is the operational arm of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). ... It has been suggested that Timeline of Operation Astute be merged into this article or section. ... The Airfield Defence Guards (ADG)- commonly called ADGies - are the Royal Australian Air Forces ground security force. ... RAAF Memorial, highlighting the three stone walls with etched photgraphs. ... // Air Force Structure Formations ~A Junior Officer is a Pilot Officer, Flying Officer or Flight Lieutenant Common Appointments Chief of Defence Force (CDF) Air Chief Marshal (Only when RAAF Officer) Vice Chief of Defence Force (VCDF) Air Marshal (Only when RAAF Officer) Deputy Chief of Air Force (DCAF) Air Vice... No. ... A Wedgetail from No. ... No. ... No. ... No. ... No. ... A No. ... No. ... No. ... No. ... No. ... Two F/A-18 Hornets and ground crew from No. ... A No. ... No. ... No. ... No. ... A No. ...

Future equipment

The F-35 Lightning II takes to the air for the first time in late 2006

This list includes aircraft on order or a requirement which has been identified. Image File history File links Size of this preview: 750 × 600 pixel Image in higher resolution (3000 × 2400 pixel, file size: 629 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Source: http://www. ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 750 × 600 pixel Image in higher resolution (3000 × 2400 pixel, file size: 629 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Source: http://www. ...

  • Up to 100 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II (CTOL variant) — are scheduled to be delivered from 2013.
  • 24 Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornets. On March 6, 2007, Defence Minister Brendon Nelson announced that the Australian Government had purchased 24 F/A-18F aircraft to reduce the risk of a gap in strike capability, between the retirement of the F-111 in 2010 and delivery of the F-35A. .[3]
  • Six Boeing Project Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft, including another single aircraft optioned.
  • Five Airbus KC-30B Multi-Role Tanker Transports — to replace the dated Boeing 707s in aerial refueling and strategic transport roles.
  • Four Boeing C-17 Globemaster IIIs have been ordered to improve the RAAF's continental and strategic airlift capabilities. The first aircraft was delivered in late 2006 with the fourth aircraft being delivered in February 2008.[4]
  • Maritime patrol aircraft to replace AP-3C Orions. The RAAF has chosen Boeing's P-8 Poseidon.

Lockheed/BAE/Northrop F-35 Lockheed Trident missile C-130 Hercules; in production since the 1950s, now as the C-130J Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) is an aerospace manufacturer formed in 1995 by the merger of Lockheed Corporation with Martin Marietta. ... The F-35 Lightning II is a single-seat, single-engine, stealth-capable military strike fighter, a multi-role aircraft that can perform close air support, tactical bombing, and air-to-air combat. ... Conventional Take-off and Landing is the process whereby conventional aircraft (such as passenger aircraft) take off and land, involving the use of runways. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... The Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a carrier-based fighter/attack aircraft that entered service in 1999 with the United States Navy. ... is the 65th day of the year (66th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st Century. ... Dr. Brendan John Nelson (born 19 August 1958), Australian politician, has been a Liberal Party of Australia member of the Australian House of Representatives since March 1996, representing the Division of Bradfield, New South Wales. ... 2010 (MMX) will be a common year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA, TYO: 7661) is a major aerospace and defense corporation, originally founded by William Edward Boeing. ... The Boeing Wedgetail is an aircraft designed in response to Australias RFP to vendors for an AEW&C aircraft (and supporting segments) for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). ... United States Air Force E-3 Sentry An Airborne Early Warning (AEW) system is a radar system carried by an aircraft which is designed to detect other aircraft. ... This article is about the airliner manufacturer. ... The Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) is an aerial refueling tanker aircraft based on the civilian A330-200. ... Boom and receptacle: USAF KC-135R Stratotanker, two F-15s (twin fins) and two F-16s, on an aerial refueling training mission IAF Il-76 MD refueling two Mirage 2000 fighter jets German Luftwaffe Airbus A310 MRTT ready for refueling, shown at the Paris Air Show 2007 Aerial refueling, also... The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA, TYO: 7661) is a major aerospace and defense corporation, originally founded by William Edward Boeing. ... The Boeing (formerly McDonnell Douglas) C-17 Globemaster III is an American strategic airlifter manufactured by Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, and operated by the United States Air Force, the British Royal Air Force, the Royal Australian Air Force, and the Canadian Forces. ... Strategic airlift is a military term for using cargo aircraft to transport matériel, weaponry, or personnel over long distances. ... The Lockheed P-3 Orion is a maritime patrol aircraft of numerous militaries around the world, used primarily for maritime patrol, reconnaissance, and anti-submarine warfare. ... The RAAF Roundel is based on that of the British Royal Air Force, with the central circle replaced by a Kangaroo, a symbol of Australia. ... The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA, TYO: 7661) is a major aerospace and defense corporation, originally founded by William Edward Boeing. ... The P-8A Poseidon (formerly the Multimission Maritime Aircraft or MMA) is intended to search for and destroy submarines, conduct shipping interdiction, and also possibly engage in an electronic intelligence (ELINT) role. ...

Gallery of RAAF Aircraft

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Image File history File links Commons-logo. ... Royal Australian Air Force F_18 Hornet. ... This is a list of Royal Australian Air Force aircraft squadrons. ... This is a list of current and previous Royal Australian Air Force bases. ... Most Australian towns and cities have an World War I or ANZAC, and/or World War II, memorial or Cenotaph. ... Air Traffic Control in Australia is provided by two different agencies, one civilian and one military. ... The Airfield Defence Guards (ADG)- commonly called ADGies - are the Royal Australian Air Forces ground security force. ... The Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC), known as the Air Training Corps (AIRTC) until 2001, is a Federal Government funded youth organisation. ... RAAF Memorial, highlighting the three stone walls with etched photgraphs. ... Statue of Queen Victoria in Queens Gardens Queens Gardens, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia showing the old State Library Building Queens Gardens, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia showing the old State Library Building Queens Gardens is located on a city block between George Street, Elizabeth Street and William Street, Brisbane. ... Australian Defence Force Ensign The following image shows the badges of rank and special insignia for officers and enlisted personnel in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) three service branches. ... A RAAF Boeing Business Jet at an airshow in 2006 The Royal Australian Air Force has operated a number of specialised aircraft to transport senior members of the Australian Government and other dignitaries. ... This is a list of air forces, sorted alphabetically by country, followed by a list of former countries air forces. ...

References

  1. ^ a b RAAF Badge and Roundel. Australian Department of Defence. Retrieved on 2007-03-15.
  2. ^ "World Military Aircraft Inventory", Aerospace Source Book 2007, Aviation Week & Space Technology, January 15, 2007.
  3. ^ 2005-06 Defence Annual Report Page 134

The Department of Defence is an Australian government department. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st Century. ... is the 74th day of the year (75th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Aviation Week & Space Technology (often abbreviated as Aviation Week or AW&ST) is a weekly magazine. ... is the 15th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st Century. ...

External links


  Results from FactBites:
 
Royal Australian Air Force - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (1703 words)
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is the air force branch of the Australian Defence Force.
The RAAF's main operational formation, the First Tactical Air Force, comprised more than 18,000 personnel and 20 squadrons; it had taken part in the Philippines and Borneo campaigns and was scheduled to participate in the invasion of the Japanese mainland, Operation Downfall.
The RAAF Roundel is based on that of the British Royal Air Force, with the central circle replaced by a Kangaroo, a symbol of Australia.
Clyde North Aeronautical Preservation Group - CNAPG. (11400 words)
The aircraft was allocated to 22 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
The aircraft was allocated to 21 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
The aircraft was allocated to 24 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
  More results at FactBites »


 

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