ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE
The McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A Hornet is a twin-engined multi-role fighter capable of flying at Mach 1.8 that has been operated by the RAAF since 1984. 57 F/A-18A and 18 F/A-18B two seat versions were purchased (4 have been lost to crashes) to replace the obsolete Dassault Mirage IIIO delta winged interceptor/fighter-bomber (retired in 1988, the first aircraft entered RAAF service in 1963. It was capable of flying at Mach 2.2).
The Hornets fly in 4 RAAF squadrons (No.3, No.75, No.77 and No.2 Operational Conversion Unit) and have received numerous upgrades since their introduction to keep their avionics current. RAAF Hornets conducted air defence for coalition operations in Afghanistan in 2001 and saw active service in combat missions over Iraq in 2003. The Hornet will continue to fly in the RAAF until the planned introduction of the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II into service later this decade.
AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 2009
AVALON INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW 2009
A wet old day but the RAAF performance went on.
AVALON INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW 2011
Aces Flying High 
[…] more advanced and larger version of what is now known as the “Classic Hornet” the F/A-18A Hornet (Super Hornets carry a much heavier payload and have more sophisticated avionics and radar). The […]
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[…] Although an armistice was signed on July 27th,1953 to end the conflict, Number 77 Squadron remained in South Korea until October 16th, 1954. All aircraft were then flown to Japan where they were packed up and shipped to Australia. The squadron finally arrived back home on December 3rd, 1954. The squadron was formed in 1942 and continues to provide the sharp edge of the RAAF today, flying the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet. […]
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