Defence plan to scrap F-111s

The RAAF's 35 F-111 warplanes - Australia's front-line strategic strike
force - could be retired from service from 2006, a decade earlier than
originally planned, if the Government accepts a controversial option put
forward by the Defence Department. A key issue is whether early
retirement for the long-range F-111s could leave a gaping hole in
Australia's front-line defences early next decade.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au...55E601,00.html

David Bromage wrote:

The RAAF's 35 F-111 warplanes - Australia's front-line strategic strike
force - could be retired from service from 2006, a decade earlier than
originally planned, if the Government accepts a controversial option put
forward by the Defence Department. A key issue is whether early
retirement for the long-range F-111s could leave a gaping hole in
Australia's front-line defences early next decade.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au...55E601,00.html

Exactly who does Australia intend 'striking' ?

Why shouldn't a 60's design a/c be scrapped ?

Which country does Australia reckon it needs 'front-line a/c' to defend itself from ?

In the unrealistic above event how would ancient F-111s perform ?

Yawn......


Graham

Brash wrote:
Bring on the leased F15E's. We've done it before.

The F-15E (or K) is my favoured replacement for the F-111.

Cheers
David

Is it actually a gap in our fronnt line defence when it is actually a strike
aircraft ?


"David Bromage" wrote in message
.. .
The RAAF's 35 F-111 warplanes - Australia's front-line strategic strike
force - could be retired from service from 2006, a decade earlier than
originally planned, if the Government accepts a controversial option put
forward by the Defence Department. A key issue is whether early
retirement for the long-range F-111s could leave a gaping hole in
Australia's front-line defences early next decade.


http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au...6866971%255E60
1,00.html

"Pooh Bear" wrote in message
...


David Bromage wrote:

The RAAF's 35 F-111 warplanes - Australia's front-line strategic strike
force - could be retired from service from 2006, a decade earlier than
originally planned, if the Government accepts a controversial option put
forward by the Defence Department. A key issue is whether early
retirement for the long-range F-111s could leave a gaping hole in
Australia's front-line defences early next decade.


http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au...55E601,00.html

Exactly who does Australia intend 'striking' ?

Ships and various targets belonging to "the enemy". I would have thought
that was self-evident.


Why shouldn't a 60's design a/c be scrapped ?

Because its still better at what it does than anything else for its cost.


Which country does Australia reckon it needs 'front-line a/c' to defend
itself from ?

The one that decides it can threaten us or our interests.


In the unrealistic above event how would ancient F-111s perform ?

Better than a JSF without in-flight refuelling.


--
De Oppresso Liber.




Yawn......


Graham

"Glenn" wrote in message
...
Is it actually a gap in our fronnt line defence when it is actually a
strike
aircraft ?

Yes, when it has a powerful deterrent quality.

--
De Oppresso Liber.





"David Bromage" wrote in message
.. .
The RAAF's 35 F-111 warplanes - Australia's front-line strategic strike
force - could be retired from service from 2006, a decade earlier than
originally planned, if the Government accepts a controversial option put
forward by the Defence Department. A key issue is whether early
retirement for the long-range F-111s could leave a gaping hole in
Australia's front-line defences early next decade.



http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au...6866971%255E60
1,00.html

:-)
"Brash" wrote in message
u...
"Glenn" wrote in message
...
Is it actually a gap in our fronnt line defence when it is actually a
strike
aircraft ?

Yes, when it has a powerful deterrent quality.

--
De Oppresso Liber.





"David Bromage" wrote in message
.. .
The RAAF's 35 F-111 warplanes - Australia's front-line strategic
strike
force - could be retired from service from 2006, a decade earlier than
originally planned, if the Government accepts a controversial option
put
forward by the Defence Department. A key issue is whether early
retirement for the long-range F-111s could leave a gaping hole in
Australia's front-line defences early next decade.




http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au...6866971%255E60
1,00.html

"Pooh Bear" wrote in message
...


David Bromage wrote:

The RAAF's 35 F-111 warplanes - Australia's front-line strategic strike
force - could be retired from service from 2006, a decade earlier than
originally planned, if the Government accepts a controversial option put
forward by the Defence Department. A key issue is whether early
retirement for the long-range F-111s could leave a gaping hole in
Australia's front-line defences early next decade.


http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au...6866971%255E60
1,00.html

Exactly who does Australia intend 'striking' ?

Why shouldn't a 60's design a/c be scrapped ?

Which country does Australia reckon it needs 'front-line a/c' to defend
itself from ?

In the unrealistic above event how would ancient F-111s perform ?

Yawn......


Graham



When the F-111 was purchased its intention was to bomb Jakarta....

Stupot

Stuart Chapman wrote:
When the F-111 was purchased its intention was to bomb Jakarta....

The actual requirement for replacing the Canberra was for the strategic
defence of Australia anywhere in the region and an offensive tactical
strike capability if Malaya went pear shaped.

Also Australia still had ideas about joining the nuclear club when they
were ordered in 1963. The alternatives under consideration included the
TSR-2 and Mirage IV.

Cheers
David

"Pooh Bear" wrote in message
...


David Bromage wrote:

The RAAF's 35 F-111 warplanes - Australia's front-line strategic strike
force - could be retired from service from 2006, a decade earlier than
originally planned, if the Government accepts a controversial option put
forward by the Defence Department. A key issue is whether early
retirement for the long-range F-111s could leave a gaping hole in
Australia's front-line defences early next decade.


http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au...55E601,00.html

Exactly who does Australia intend 'striking' ?

Whoever's attacking.

Why shouldn't a 60's design a/c be scrapped ?

Because it has 90-00 technology added to it that offsets the 60's elements.
Noting that few newer aircraft can match some of the more desirable
capabilities it has had since the 60's.

Which country does Australia reckon it needs 'front-line a/c' to defend
itself from ?

Not all enemies arrive using a country.

In the unrealistic above event how would ancient F-111s perform ?

Pretty damn good, for their specific capability requirements.

--
The Raven
http://www.80scartoons.co.uk/batfinkquote.mp3
** President of the ozemail.* and uunet.* NG's
** since August 15th 2000.