Article Posted on : - Jul 07, 2011

WILLIAMTOWN (BNS): Australia has extended a contract awarded to BAE Systems by two years to provide support to the Royal Australian Air Force’s Hawk trainer jets.

The contract worth $150 million includes maintenance, engineering and logistic support services to 33 Hawk aircraft, two training simulators and a computer-based instruction system.

BAE Systems Australia has been providing support service to the two-seat advanced trainer and light attack fighter jets since they were inducted in the RAAF in 2000.

The Hawk 127s are primarily used for initial or lead-in fighter training to prepare aircrew in operating the F/A-18 Classic Hornets, Super Hornets and the future F-35 Joint Strike Fighters.

The trainer jets are operated by No 76 Squadron at RAAF Base Williamtown, near Newcastle, and No 79 Squadron at RAAF Base Pearce, near Perth.

Announcing the contract on Wednesday, Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare said, “BAE Systems Australia has delivered terrific service to date and the team providing support for this important training system should be congratulated on their efforts.

“This is an important capability for the Air Force – training our future pilots to fly Hornets and eventually the Joint Strike Fighter. It’s important that the aircraft and the other training systems are well-supported and maintained,” the minister said.