Wonder what they will do when the F-35 falls on its face?
Minister for Defence Materiel – Release of Tender – Deeper maintenance for the RAAF Classic Hornet fleet
4 May 2012
Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare announced the release of a Request for Tender (RFT) for the deeper maintenance of the F/A-18 Classic Hornet fleet.
“The F/A-18 Hornet is a very capable multi-role fighter which can undertake a wide range of air-to-air and air-to-ground missions including air combat, close air support of ground troops, and interdiction of enemy supply lines,” Mr Clare said.
“This contract will provide all deeper maintenance requirements for the 55 single-seat and 16 dual-seat aircraft and associated systems.
“This includes operational fight trainers, computer‑based training systems, maintenance training systems and Classic Hornet unique ground support and test equipment.”
The RFT closes in July 2012 with the new contract expected to take effect from April 2013.
Media contact: Korena Flanagan – 0418 251 316
Imagine if someone suggested this back in the days of Air 6000? Or, back in the days of the original Australian commitment to the Just So Failed in 2002?
How much has the F-35 Just So Farcical cost the taxpayer?
$6.6B for the Super Hornet gap-filler
$3-4B in lost F-111 capability
$1B in obsolete Growler upgrades.
Probably another $1.8B (minimum) for the geriatric jets mentioned above. Today, rebarrel work on Hornets goes for around $25M each. That doesn't count things like corrosion and wear on other parts of the airframe. Double the $1.8B.
$3.6B.
Add that all up and the dumbassery of Defence senior leadership has just surpassed the cost of the first 72 jets in the F-35 recap plan developed by the jet-setting NACC.
What a disaster.
Just think of the many more billions it will take to clean up this mess.
