Time's up for F-111s

Posted on: Apr. 17th, 2006 || Source: news.com.au | E-mail Article | Print Article

AUSTRALIA'S frontline strike aircraft could be grounded within two years as costs blow out and the risk of accidents escalates.
Senior air force officers and defence scientists are pushing to "fast track" plans to buy long-range missiles and upgrade other planes so the F-111s can be withdrawn from service.

The planes are due to be phased out from 2010 but The Courier-Mail has learned moves are under way to bring that forward to 2008.

Opponents fear Australia's defences would be left exposed before new US-built Joint Strike Fighters are ready.

Based at Amberley, west of Brisbane, the aircraft known as "pigs" for their ability to use ground-hugging radars to hunt close to the ground, have been Australia's leading long-range strike weapon since the 1970s.

They have become less effective due to modern electronic warfare and stealth technology.

The aircraft must also be escorted by more up-to-date F/A-18 Hornet fighters.

Nine RAAF officers have died in F-111 crashes and statistics indicate the ageing planes are overdue for an incident.

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