RAAF Super Hornet weapons load-outs in Operation: USELESS BUSH

Deployed RAAF Supers with GBU-38s (500lb-class JDAM GPS-INS) and Paveways (Laser-guided with the possibility of Enhanced dual mode (GPS/INS). Wonder if the configuration will change as they do this more?

The reason I mention that is note the classic Hornet family problem with precision munitions is shown in these photos.  They are flying with 3 bags of gas.

U.S. Navy method: when putting an E/O pod on the left waist (in this case ATFLIR), you put a tank on the centerline, a tank on the right wing, and no tank on the left. Otherwise the field of view of the ATFLIR is blocked significantly. And with that left-centric field of view... a lot of left turns.

3 bags of gas isn't a deal-breaker, but notice the second photo you can see how the left tank limits the field-of-view of the ATFLIR.






These are very long missions (unless they re-stage the aircraft further up North-West).

(photos via Defence)