An F/A-18 Classic Hornet that has served the Royal Australian Air Force with distinction for over three decades has received one of the nation’s highest honours – a place in the National Collection at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
The defence department, in association with Boeing Defence Australia, yesterday officially handed over F/A-18 Classic Hornet, A21-022, to the War Memorial’s Treloar Technology Centre in Canberra.
Join other significant exhibits
It will join other significant exhibits in the collection, including ‘G for George’ – a Lancaster bomber that belonged to No. 460 Squadron RAAF Bomber Command during World War II.
Minister for Defence Industry, Melissa Price, said it was important to retain significant objects in the Memorial’s National Collection that reflect the Australian Defence Force’s proud service.
“This is an appropriate new home for F/A-18 Classic Hornet A21-022, which will be the first of two Classic Hornets to be honoured in such a way,” Price said.
A favourite with RAAF pilots
“With three operations in the Middle East under this Classic Hornet’s belt, it is a fitting tribute to the Classic Hornet jet, which has long been a favourite with RAAF pilots.”
A21-022 was retired on 14 May 2020 after completing 30 years in service, including more than 6,000 flying hours with the RAAF. While operating in the Middle East, the aircraft participated in more than 70 combat missions.
F/A-18 Classic Hornet A21-022 was partially disassembled at RAAF Base Williamtown in NSW so that it could be transported by road to Canberra.
Second handover in mid-June
The second aircraft, F/A-18 Classic Hornet A21-040, is scheduled to be handed over to the War Memorial in mid-2022.
The air force’s fleet of 71 F/A-18 Classic Hornets is being progressively withdrawn as the Australian Defence Force transitions to a fleet of 72 F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters.
Air combat power is a critical capability under the Force Structure Plan 2020 released in July 2020 by the armed forces and the Federal government.
