From Themarshallwiki

Revision as of 14:40, 14 April 2010

Royal Australian Air Force
The RAAF Ensign
Founded	13 March 1921
Country	Australia
Branch	Air Force
Part of	Australian Defence Force
Air Force Headquarters	Canberra
Size	Over 500 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel (2007)
Motto	Per Ardua ad Astra ('Through Struggle to the Stars')
Mascot	Kangaroo
Commanders
Chief of the Air Staff	Air Marshal Sir Mark Binskin, AK
Deputy Chief of the Air Staff	Air Vice-Marshal Geoff Brown
Air Commander Australia	Air Vice-Marshal Mark Skidmore
Insignia
RAAF Badge
RAAF Roundel
RAAF low visibility Roundel
RAAF black Roundel
Aircraft flown
Bomber	Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle
Fighter	Boeing F-15 Eagle, General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon
Electronic Warfare	Boeing 737 Wedgetail AEW&C
Patrol	Lockheed AP-3C Orion, Raytheon RQ-4 Global Hawk, General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper
Transport	Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules, Alenia C-27J Spartan, Airbus KC-30 MRTT, Boeing KC-135R, Boeing Business Jet, Bombardier Challenger 604
Training	BAe Systems Hawk 127, Pilatus PC-9/A, Beech King Air 300
Special Operations	Lockheed Martin MC-130W Combat Spear, Sikorsky MH-60K Black Hawk

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 second in the world). 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. The motto on the RAAF's coat of arms is the Latin phrase Per Ardua ad Astra, which means "Through Struggle to the Stars"; the Royal Air Force use the same motto but translate it as "Through Adversity to the Stars".

The RAAF is relatively large for a Southern Hemisphere air force possessing over 500 combat, support, training, and test aircraft, and is highly advanced technologically, operating the most sophisticated combat aircraft in the world. It has a high reputation for professionalism and skill among both air and ground crew.

The current Chief of the Air Staff is Air Marshal Sir Mark Binskin, AK.

Air Combat Force Structure

In the late 1970's the RAAF adopted a new force structure for tactical aircraft:

• 2 Strike/Reconnaissance Squadrons (F-111C/F-111G/RF-111C/EF-111A 1973-2000)
• 2 Air Defence Squadrons (F-4E Phantom II 1973-1987, F-15C/D Eagle 1984-present day)
• 3 Tactical Fighter Squadrons (Mirage IIIO 1964-1990)

In 1989, it formally incorporated the Royal New Zealand Air Force, incorporating the two RNZAF fighter squadrons (2SQN RNZAF, and 75SQN RNZAF as 30SQN RAAF, and 82SQN RAAF, though the RNZAF crests remain out of respect).

Incorporation of RNZAF fighters led to a new interim force structure:

• 2 Strike/Reconnaissance Squadrons (F-111C/F-111G/RF-111C/EF-111C 1973-2000)
• 2 Air Defence Squadrons (F-4E Phantom II until 1987, F-15C/D Eagle 1984-2007)
• 3 Tactical Fighter Squadrons (Mirage IIIO 1964-1990, F-16C/D Fighting Falcon 1987-present day)
• 2 Ground Attack Squadrons (A-4K Skyhawk 1988-1995)

Finally the RAAF purchased an additional 20 F-15s and additional F-16s, and the RAAF adopted its present force stucture:

• 2 Strike/Reconnaissance Squadrons (F-111C/F-111G/RF-111C/EF-111A 1973-2000, F-15E Strike Eagle 1998-present day)
• 3 Air Defence Squadrons (F-15C/D Eagle 1984-present day)
• 5 Tactical Fighter Squadrons (F-16C/D Fighting Falcon 1987-present day)

Units

Air Combat Group

• 82 Wing
  • 1SQN (Strike, Maritime Strike, Reconnaissance) (RAAF Amberley)
    • 18 Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle
  • 6SQN (Strike, Maritime Strike, Reconnaissance) (RAAF Amberley)
    • 18 Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle
  • Forward Air Control Development Unit (RAAF Williamtown)
    • 4 Pilatus PC-9/A
• 76 Wing
  • 3SQN (Air Defence) (RAAF Williamtown)
    • 16 Boeing F-15C Improved Eagle
    • 2 Boeing F-15D Improved Eagle
  • 80SQN (Air Defence) (RAAF Tindal)
    • 16 Boeing F-15C Improved Eagle
    • 2 Boeing F-15D Improved Eagle
  • 82SQN (Air Defence) (RAAF Pearce)
    • 16 Boeing F-15C Improved Eagle
    • 2 Boeing F-15D Improved Eagle
• 81 Wing
  • 30SQN (Air Superiority, Strike, Close Support, SEAD, Reconnaissance) (RAAF Williamtown)
    • 16 General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon
    • 2 General Dynamics F-16D Fighting Falcon
  • 75SQN (Air Superiority, Strike, Close Support, Maritime Strike) (RAAF Tindal)
    • 16 General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon
    • 2 General Dynamics F-16D Fighting Falcon
  • 77SQN (Air Superiority, Strike, Close Support, Maritime Strike) (RAAF Williamtown)
    • 16 General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon
    • 2 General Dynamics F-16D Fighting Falcon
  • 78SQN (Air Superiority, Interdiction, Strike, Close Support) (RAAF Pearce)
    • 16 General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon
    • 2 General Dynamics F-16D Fighting Falcon
  • 84SQN (Air Superiority, Interdiction, Strike, Close Support) (RAAF Ohakea)
    • 16 General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon
    • 2 General Dynamics F-16D Fighting Falcon
• 78 Wing
  • 2 Operational Conversion Unit (2OCU) (RAAF Williamtown)
    • 15 General Dynamics F-16D Fighting Falcon
    • 5 General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon
  • 3 Operational Conversion Unit (3OCU) (RAAF Williamtown)
    • 10 Boeing F-15D Improved Eagle
    • 4 Boeing F-15C Improved Eagle
  • 4 Operational Conversion Unit (4OCU) (RAAF Amberley)
    • 10 Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle
  • 76SQN (Lead in fighter training) (RAAF Williamtown)
    • 15 BAE Systems Hawk 127
  • 79SQN (Fast jet flying training) (RAAF Pearce)
    • 18 BAE Systems Hawk 127

Airlift Group

• 84 Wing
  • 33SQN (Air Refueling and Strategic Transport) (RAAF Amberley)
    • 5 Airbus KC-30 MRTT
    • 10 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker
  • 34SQN (VIP transport) (RAAF Fairbairn)
    • 3 Boeing Business Jets
    • 4 Bombardier Challenger 604
• 86 Wing
  • 36SQN (Strategic Transport) (RAAF Amberley)
    • 8 Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
  • 35SQN (Tactical Transport) (RAAF Richmond)
    • 12 Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules
  • 37SQN (Strategic Transport) (RAAF Richmond)
    • 12 Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Hercules
  • 104SQN (Tactical Transport) (RAAF Auckland)
    • 12 Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules
  • 38SQN (Tactical Transport) (RAAF Amberley)
    • 18 Alenia C-27J Spartan
• 88 Wing
  • 5SQN (Special Operations Support, Rotary Wing) (RAAF Amberley)
    • A Flight (RAAF Amberley)
      • 6 Sikorsky MH-60K Black Hawk
    • B Flight (RAAF Auckland)
      • 6 Sikorsky MH-60K Black Hawk
  • 9SQN (Special Operations Support, Rotary Wing) (RAAF Pearce)
    • A Flight (RAAF Pearce)
      • 6 Sikorsky MH-60K Black Hawk
    • B Flight (Holsworthy Barracks)
      • 6 Sikorsky MH-60K Black Hawk
  • 41SQN (Special Operations Support, Fixed Wing) (RAAF Richmond)
    • 6 Lockheed Martin MC-130W Combat Spear

Surveillence and Response Group

• 42 Wing
  • 2SQN (Airborne Early Warning and Control) (RAAF Williamtown)
    • 12 Boeing 737 Wedgetail AEW&C
• 92 Wing
  • 10SQN (Maritime Patrol) (RAAF Edinburgh)
    • 12 Lockheed AP-3C Orion
  • 11SQN (Maritime Patrol) (RAAF Auckland)
    • 12 Lockheed AP-3C Orion
  • 292SQN (Conversion Training) (RAAF Edinburgh)
    • 6 Lockheed TAP-3 Orion
  • 66SQN (Unmanned Ocean Surveillance) (RAAF Edinburgh)
    • 18 Raytheon RQ-4 Global Hawk
  • 100SQN (Unmanned Surveillance/Strike) (RAAF Tindal)
    • 18 General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper
  • 107SQN (Unmanned Surveillance/Strike) (RAAF Amberley)
    • 18 General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper
• 41 Wing
  • 1RSU No. 1 Radar Surveillance Unit
  • 3CRU No. 3 Control and Reporting Unit
  • 114MCRU No. 114 Mobile Control and Reporting Unit
  • 114MCRU DET No. 114 Mobile Control and Reporting Unit Detachment
  • SACTU Surveillance and Control Training Unit
• 44 Wing
  • Air traffic control services for all Australian Defence Force airfields.

Aerospace Operational Support Group

• Aircraft Research and Development Unit (RAAF Edinburgh)
  • 2 General Dynamics F-16D Fighting Falcon
  • 3 General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon
  • 3 Aermacchi MB-339
  • 3 Pilatus PC-9/A
  • 2 Sikorsky S-70A-9 Black Hawk
  • 1 Beech King Air 200
  • Other aircraft from RAAF, AAAvn, and FAA units as required
  • Civilian contract aircraft as required
• 87SQN
  • Air Intelligence Squadron
• 462SQN
  • Information Warfare Squadron
• JEWOSU (Joint Electronic Warfare Operational Support Unit)
• ASCENG (Aircraft Stores Compatibility Engineering Agency)

Air Force Training Group

• Air Training Wing
  • 32SQN (RAAF East Sale)
    • 8 Beech King Air 300
  • Central Flying School (RAAF East Sale)
    • 28 Pilatus PC-9/A
    • The Roulettes (RAAF Flight Display Team)
      • 6 Pilatus PC-9/A
    • The Royal New Zealand Air Force Red Checkers
      • 6 Aermacchi MB-339¹
  • No. 2 Flying Training School (RAAF Pearce)
    • 28 Pilatus PC-9/A
  • Australian Defence Force Basic Flying Training School (Tamworth Airport)²
    • CT/4 (on contract from BAE Systems Flight Training Australia)
• Ground Training Wing
• RAAF College
• Combat Support Unit - Williams
• Combat Support Force - Pearce

¹The RNZAF Red Checkers is the only New Zealand titled unit in the RAAF, and their aircraft still fly with the Red Kiwi roundel of the RNZAF, rather than the Red Kangaroo of the RAAF. ²As part of the de-corporatisation of defence functions (with the emphasis to return to war-fighting, No. 1 Flying Training School is to be raised again, probably with CT/4 Airtrainers at RAAF Williams (Point Cook)

Combat Support Group

• HQCSG Headquarters Combat Support Group
• CSU-GLN Combat Support Unit - Glenbrook
• ACBAND Air Command Band
• 395 Expeditionary Combat Support Wing
• 396 Combat Support Wing
• Airfield Defence Wing
  • 1 Airfield Defence Squadron (1AFDS) - RAAF Edinburgh
  • 2 Airfield Defence Squadron (2AFDS) - RAAF Amberley
  • 3 Airfield Defence Squadron (3AFDS) - RAAF Amberley
• Health Services Wing
• Combat Reserve Wing

RAAF Aircraft

F-15E Strike Eagle

After twenty years of service, the need to replace the F-111C emerged. The F-111C had served well as Australia's premier strike aircraft, but was becoming old and increasingly difficult and costly to maintain. The RAAF saw only three options, the Tornado IDS from Panavia in Western Europe, the F-15E Strike Eagle from Boeing in the United States, and an upgrade of the F-111C to be carried out in Australia. The Tornado had been previously considered by the RAAF in its ADV form as a replacement for the F-4 Phantom, and Panavia made an unsolicited offer of the IDS as an F-111 replacement. The F-111 upgrade option was rejected quickly because of the cost and technical risk of operating a unique variant. The F-15E won out because of its performance in the Gulf War, commonality with the F-15C and the USAF's Strike Eagles, and its better overall capability.

The Government ordered 46 Eagles, all of which were made in the United States. Australia's Strike Eagles are somewhat different to US Strike Eagles. It uses the General Electric F110 in common with the RAAF's F-15Cs, and is fitted for more weapons including the AGM-84 Harpoon, AGM-84E SLAM, and AGM-84K SLAM-ER. Their avionics are also different, having extensive sea search, and target recognition capabilities. Australian Strike Eagles use an in-flight refueling probe made by GE Aviation. Countermeasures installations are identical to the Israeli F-15I, with additional dispensers on the tail booms. In the cockpit, the Up Front Controller is replaced by a touch panel. The Israeli Elbit Systems DASH III helmet-mounted display is also integrated.

The RAAF's Strike Eagles are receiving upgrades including the AN/APG-82 AESA radar. New weapons such as ASRAAM, JSOW, and JASSM are being integrated.

F-15 Eagle

The RAAF's premier air defence aircraft is the Boeing F-15C/D Eagle. The RAAF operates three squadrons of F-15 Eagles, two of Australian origin, one of New Zealand origin. The F-15 was ordered in 1979 as part of a project to replace the RAAF's fighter force which had until then consisted of F-4E Phantoms and Mirage IIIs. Both aircraft were becoming obsolete, and the Government followed the RAAF's recommendation of replacing them type for type, rather than altering the force structure. The RAAF ordered fifty F-15C/D Eagles which were to be assembled in Australia by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation. The size and massive cost of the purchase made it controversial, as did the protests from Indonesia.

The F-15 Eagle entered RAAF service in 1983. The last twenty aircraft were delivered with with the MSIP II configuration. Later the whole force was brought up to MSIP II standards. Australian Eagles use an in-flight refueling probe made by GE Aviation. These were fitted in the late 1980s to allow the Eagles to make better use of the RAAF's then tiny tanker force.

A further 18 were ordered in 1989 to equip a New Zealand squadron. Originally the aircraft were sold without Conformal Fuel Tanks, but in a 1994 Urgent Operational Requirement, the tanks were acquired. Combined with Jindalee Over the Horizon Radar (JORN) and KC-135 tankers, this gives the F-15s a tremendous combat radius.

The F-15 Eagle force was recently upgraded. The upgrade program (called F-15 Improved Eagle) started in 1995, and was based largely on the Baz Meshopar upgrade carried out by Israel. The aircraft have been fitted with GPS, Helmet Mounted Sight (currently the Israeli DASH, though the American JHMCS used on the F/A-18A+/B+ HUG may be adopted later), ASRAAM missiles, AMRAAM missiles, and the APG-63(V)2 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. A new cockpit, based on that used by the F-15I Ra'am was fitted. Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engines are now being fitted in maintenance overhauls.

F-16 Fighting Falcon

The General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon is the most numerous aircraft in the RAAF inventory. It serves as the RAAF's basic tactical fighter and fulfills a range of roles from interdiction through close air support to suppression of enemy air defences. The RAAF's F-16s were assembled by ASTA, with parts sourced from General Dynamics and several Australian companies.

The F-16 was selected in 1982 as the replacement for the venerable Dassault Mirage IIIO which had served Australia since 1964. The F-16 was chosen because of its proven reputation, lower cost, and high level of Australian industrial participation. Although the RAAF primarily evaluated the F-16A/B and the F-16C/D Block 25, the RAAF ordered the F-16C/D Block 32, and subsequently ordered Block 42 and 52. The total number of F-16 Fighting Falcons ordered by the RAAF in 1984 is 115. Four more were ordered from the US production line as attrition replacements. Of the 120 aircraft procured by the RAAF, nine were produced in the United States, and 111 were assembled by ASTA.

The RAAF chose the Pratt & Whitney F100 engine for commonality with the existing F-15 Eagles. The major modification was provision to use the AGM-84 Harpoon, then used by the RAAF's Orions and F-111s. The RAAF's F-16 Fighting Falcons uniquely use ASRAAM.

The first four aircraft, 2 F-16Cs and 2 F-16Ds, all Block 25 aircraft, were delivered in 1986. They served with 2OCU for a year before going to ARDU where they have remained. These aircraft were entirely US built and served as pattern aircraft for ASTA. They have been with ARDU for thirteen years and have are highly modified for their testing role.

The first Australian-assembled Block 32 F-16C/D aircraft were delivered in 1987. Block 32 F-16s were originally delivered to ARDU, 2 Operational Conversion Unit, and 75 Squadron. Currently, Block 32 F-16s serve only with ARDU and 2OCU, and no longer serve with fighting units. Of the 18 Block 32 F-16s produced, four have been lost. Production of the Block 32 ended in 1988, switching over to the Block 42.

ASTA produced 48 Block 42 aircraft and five attrition replacements were produced by General Dynamics. This makes the Block 42 the most numerous RAAF variant. The Block 42 was produced between 1988 and 1991. Block 42 F-16s were delivered to 2OCU, 75SQN, 78SQN and 84SQN. All of these units retain the Block 42, however 2OCU no longer operates the F-16C Block 42, however almost half of 2OCU's F-16D strength consists of Block 42 aircraft.

In spite of the differences between models and training, all RAAF F-16s are basically capable of all RAAF F-16 combat missions including:

• Air Superiority
• Interdiction
• Strike
• Close Air Support
• Reconnaissance
• Defence Suppression

The current F-16 force

• ARDU operates the oldest F-16s in Australia, in the form of 4 US-made Block 25 F-15s and the first Australian-made Block 32 F-16C. In spite of their age, these are probably the most advanced F-16s in the fleet, reflecting their testing role.
• 2OCU's F-16 force is the most diverse, reflecting its training role. It operates 15 F-16Ds consisting of 8 Block 32, 5 Block 42, and 2 Block 52. It has 5 Block 32 F-16Cs.
• 78SQN and 84SQN are Block 42-only units. Their taskings reflect a preference for interdiction, strike, and air superiority.
• 30SQN and 77SQN operate the Block 52 F-16. 30SQN's aircraft are believed to be of the Block 52D configuration with the HARM Targeting System. The unit is tasked with defence suppression and reconnaissance. 77SQN is tasked for strike and air superiority. Both units are based on RAAF Williamtown.
• 75SQN is the odd-man out, being a mixed-Block 42/Block 52 unit. It has 9 Block 42 single-seaters, 7 Block 52 single-seaters, and 2 Block 52 single-seaters. Its taskings include air superiority, maritime strike, and close air support.

The Future

The RAAF's F-16s are undergoing major upgrades. The F-16 force has been problematic due to the lack of commonality between (and inside) units. To this end, ASTA and Hawker deHavilland Australia have been contracted to carry out the Australian Fighting Falcon Commonality Upgrade Programme, or AFCU Programme. This program will bring the RAAF's entire F-16 force up to a standard slightly better than the Block 52 Plus. This upgrade will include Conformal Fuel Tanks.

KC-135 Stratotanker

During the early 1990s, the RAAF and the Government became increasingly aware of a vast tanker gap in the ADF. During the 1980s, the RAAF had purchased and converted four Boeing 707 airliners into tankers. These could refuel F/A-18 Hornets, and Navy Harriers, but they could not refuel F-111s and F-15s. The Marshall Defence Ministry ordered 10 KC-135E Stratotankers in 1993. Apart from the ftting of Flight Refueling Limited (FRL) MK32B wing refueling pods, the aircraft were standard KC-135E Stratotankers.

The purchase was instantly condemned by the media and opposition, and was almost derailed due to Marshall's misunderstanding of the political landscape (he thought defence was geniunely bi-partisan). The service record of the KC-135 Stratotankers since then has been excellent, and the aircraft are now reengined, and have undergone the Pacer-CRAG program. The RAAF believes the aircraft can continue until 2040, however the aircraft are scheduled to be replaced by the Airbus KC-30 MRTT.

Aircraft Inventory

• 46 Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle
• 68 Boeing F-15C/D Improved Eagle
  • 52 Boeing F-15C Improved Eagle
  • 16 Boeing F-15D Improved Eagle
• 115 General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon
  • 88 General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon
  • 27 General Dynamics F-16D Fighting Falcon
• 33 BAe Systems Hawk 127
• 8 Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
• 42 Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules
  • 24 Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules
  • 12 Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Hercules
  • 6 Lockheed Martin MC-130W Combat Spear
• 18 Alenia C-27J Spartan
• 2 Airbus KC-30 MRTT
• 10 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker
• 3 Boeing Business Jets
• 4 Bombardier Challenger 604
• 24 Sikorsky MH-60K Black Hawk
• 2 Sikorsky S-70A-9 Black Hawk
• 8 Boeing 737 Wedgetail AEW&C
• 30 Lockheed AP-3C Orion
• 18 Raytheon RQ-4 Global Hawk
• 36 General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper
• 8 Beech King Air 300
• 1 Beech King Air 200
• 9 Aermacchi MB-339
• 69 Pilatus PC-9/A

Aerial Weapons

Guns

• M61 Vulcan 20mm Cannon
• ADEN 30mm Cannon
• M2 QCHB 0.50 cal Heavy Machine Gun
• GAU-15/A 0.50 cal Heavy Machine Gun
• GAU-19 0.50 cal Heavy Machine Gun
• M134 7.62mm Minigun
• MAG 58 7.62mm GPMG

Air to Air Missiles

• AIM-132 ASRAAM
• AIM-9M Sidewinder
• AIM-120B/C-5 AMRAAM
• AIM-7M Sparrow

Air to Ground Missiles

• AGM-65 Maverick
• AGM-84 Harpoon
• AGM-84E SLAM
• AGM-84H SLAM-ER
• AGM-88 HARM
• AGM-114 Hellfire
• Brimstone
• AGM-142 Raptor
• Raptor Lite
• AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW)
• AGM-158 JASSM

Bombs

• Mk 82 500lb GP Bomb
• Mk 83 1000lb GP Bomb
• Mk 84 2000lb GP Bomb
• GBU-12 Paveway II 500lb Laser Guided Bomb
• GBU-16 Paveway II 1000lb Laser Guided Bomb
• GBU-10 Paveway II 2000lb Laser Guided Bomb
• GBU-22 Paveway III 500lb Laser Guided Bomb
• GBU-24 Paveway III 2000lb Laser Guided Bomb
• GBU-27 Paveway III 2000lb Penetrating Laser Guided Bomb
• GBU-28 Paveway III 5000lb Penetrating Laser Guided Bomb
• GBU-15/B 2000lb EO/IIR Guided Bomb
• GBU-38/B 500lb JDAM/JDAM-ER
• GBU-32/B 1000lb JDAM/JDAM-ER
• GBU-31C(V)1/B 2000lb JDAM/JDAM-ER
• GBU-31C(V)3/B 2000lb Penetrating JDAM/JDAM-ER
• GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb

Mines

• Mk 62 500lb Quickstrike Mine
• Mk 65 2000lb Quickstrike Mine
• Mk 60 CAPTOR
• Mk 36 500lb Destructor Mine
• Mk 41 2000lb Destructor Mine
• MN103 - MANTA
• Stonefish mine

Cluster Bombs

• Karinga cluster Bomb
• CBU-97 Sensor Fuzed Weapon
• CBU-100 Cluster Bomb

Rockets

• CRV7

Torpedoes

• Mk 46
• MU90

Airfield Defence Guards

The Airfield Defence Guards (ADG), commonly called "ADGies", are the Royal Australian Air Force's airfield security force. The Airfield Defence Guards' prime responsibility is the protection of the equipment, personnel, assets and facilities of the RAAF. They also have a counter-special forces role. Other duties include training other RAAF personnel in weapons handling and infantry tactics. Commissioned officers of the ADG, known as Ground Defence Officers, receive training at the Australian Army's Royal Military College, Duntroon and receive very little RAAF-specific training.

The ADG also aid in the training of special forces in capturing airfields by providing a difficult opponent.

Part of Combat Support Group, the ADG are organised into three squadrons, and from these Base Defence Detachments are formed at each RAAF Base, as well as HMAS Albatross and HMAS Fremantle. Ground Defence of the Army Aviation Corp base at Oakey, QLD is the responsibility of the Army, and is provided mainly by the Royal Queensland Regiment.

Airfield Defence Guards Airmen attend a 15-week training course at the RAAF Security and Fire School at RAAF Amberley, QLD, and after graduation are entitled to wear a special blue beret.

Tasks of the RAAF ADG

• Patrolling over extended periods over arduous terrain and in extreme climatic conditions carrying a specified load necessary to accomplish the mission;
• Foot and vehicle patrolling by day and by night in and around both established and bare base airfields and through vegetated or urban environments in all extremities of weather conditions and locations within or outside of Australia;
• Aircraft Security Operations providing protection to both aircraft and infrastructure;
• Construction of field defences and obstacles such as weapon pits and bunkers, fences and road blocks;
• Searches and clearance operations;
• Manning of crew served weapons such as machine guns and anti-armour weapons; and
• Instruction of airmen on small arms such as rifle, shotguns and machine guns.

Equipment of the ADG

Small Arms

• L9A1 Browning Hi-Power Pistol
• F88 Austeyr Rifle
  • F88S Austeyr Rifle
  • F88 GLA Rifle/Grenade Launcher Attachment
  • F88C Carbine
• Heckler und Koch MP5 Submachine Gun
• F89 Minimi Light Machine Gun
• MAG 58 General Purpose Machine Gun
• Remington 870 Shotgun
• SR-98 Sniper Rifle
  • AW50F Anti-Material Rifle
• 66 mm Short-Range Anti-Armour Weapon
• 84mm Carl Gustav Medium Range Anti-Armour Weapon (MRAAW)

Heavy Weapons

• M2 QCHB Heavy Machine Gun
• Mk 19 Automatic Grenade Launcher
• FGM-148 Javelin
• Milan Anti Tank Missile (Being replaced with Javelin)
• FIM-92 Stinger

Vehicles

• Landrover Perentie
  • Landrover Quick Reaction Vehicle
• Unimog
• Bushmaster IMV
• Honda XR250 motorcycle
• Polaris 4x4 quad bike
• Polaris 6-wheel bike

Royal New Zealand Air Force

In 1988, the people of New Zealand voted to become a state of Australia. This necessitated the integration of the NZDF into the ADF. Air Force integration was the task of the RAAF/RNZAF Integration Office. It had the tasks of finding what equipment in the RNZAF was useful to the ADF, disposing of that which was not, and fitting RNZAF personnel into the ADF. Some of the RNZAF's equipment and personnel went to other services, for example the RNZAF's UH-1 helicopters, with the personnel attached were appointed to the Australian Army to serve along side Australia's UH-1's. Salary differences were a key issue, with ADF salaries being slightly lower than NZDF at the time (though the lower cost of living in Australia somewhat compensated), there was a need to maintain morale among the New Zealand personnel, as well as prevent resentment among Australians for the more highly paid New Zealanders. Salaries were to be levelled after five years.

New Zealand's Air Combat Force of 2 Squadrons of A-4K Skyhawks, and 1 Squadron of Aermacchi MB.339's fitted into the RAAF. The A-4K's returned to Nowra initially (then the force split between Pearce and Williamtown), and served as ground attack aircraft, and Surface to Air Warfare Trainers for the Army and Navy (the role is essentially to act as a live target for training Army artillerymen, and Navy air defence ships. Needless to say no live rounds are fired!). The MB.339's were used as test aircraft, and an interim fast jet trainer alongside the RAAF's MB.326H's. They were retired from the training role when the RAAF acquired BAe Hawk Mk. 127's. They now serve as test aircraft, and aerobatic display aircraft (the RNZAF Red Checkers). All retain their original RNZAF markings, though ARDU aircraft carry ARDU unit markings.

The maritime patrol squadron (its P-3K Orions being upgraded to Australian standards) was added to the two Australian squadrons, and its C-130 Hercules (along with 7 more acquired from the US) used to form an additional RAAF Squadron.

The rest of the RNZAF's equipment was either sold or scrapped.

Markings

Standard RAAF Roundel for non-tactical aircraft

Fin flash for non-tactical aircraft

Grey RAAF Roundel for tactical aircraft (F-15, F/A-18, Hawk, AP-3C, C-130J-30) and Fleet Air Arm aircraft

Black RAAF Roundel for tactical aircraft (F-111, C-17, C-130H, Caribou), tactical vehicles, and Army aircraft
N.B. Kangaroo always faces aircraft nose

Roundel used by the RNZAF Red Checkers

Uniforms

The RAAF has two basic uniforms, an all weather Service Dress uniform, and Disruptive Pattern Camouflage Uniform. There are also specialist uniforms, and specialist variations on uniforms. A blue cotton Combined Working Dress is also on issue, but is being withdrawn in favour of DPCU.

The Service Dress uniform is based on the uniform of the Royal Air Force. The main distinctions are the colour (Air Force Blue, or Midnight Blue), and the shoulder title "AUSTRALIA". The Cool Weather version uses either a Jacket or a pullover over shirt and tie. Warm Weather discards the jacket, and Hot Weather uses a short sleeved shirt. With medals, and arms, the SD uniform becomes Ceremonial Dress. Service Dress is the primary working dress for anyone working in an "office" environment. With a vest, it is used by aircrew on VIP flights (on all other flights, the aircrew wear flying dress). Ground Defence Officers, and Airfield Defence Guards wear a blue grey beret. Tropical Dress is a short khaki uniform worn as a substitute for Service Dress in hot environments.

RAAF Service Dress Uniform

RAAF Tropical Dress Uniform

DPCU (or DPDU where appropriate) is the primary working dress of all ground musterings not in an office role.

Rank Insignia

Service Dress

Officers

Airmen

Flying Dress

Officers

Airmen

DPCU

Officers

Airmen

DPDU

Officers

Airmen

Ensign

The RAAF Ensign is the flag of the Royal Australian Air Force. It is flown on all RAAF establishments, RAAF units on ceremonial occasions march under it, and is worn by all RAAF personnel on Flying Dress, Working Dress, Disruptive Pattern Combat Uniform, and Disruptive Pattern Desert Uniform inside Australia (outside Australia, the Australian National Flag is worn) on the right arm with the Union Flag facing forward.

The Future

The 1990's and early 2000's saw the RAAF in an effort to "future proof" itself. It embarked on plans to renew its tactical transport force, tanker force, fighter forces, and training force. The RAAF also created new capabilities including UAV's, special operations aviation, and strategic heavy airlift. The most pressing requirement for the RAAF is to replace the Boeing F/A-18A+/B+ Hornet.

The RAAF is now in a position that is respectable. It is the most powerful air force in the Southern Hemisphere, except for Brazil, however it still needs new aircraft, including a new maritime patrol aircraft.

Australian Defence Force
Australian Army | Royal Australian Air Force | Royal Australian Navy