Air Force Aviation – Australia

Australia post issued a set of stamps to marks the retirement of the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) most prominent aircraft – the F-111 “Pig”. After 37 years service, this stalwart of aviation combat is being replaced from 2010. The aircraft represent a range of military functions and capabilities and includes F-111′s replacement.

F-111
The F-111 “Pig” is a twin-engine, swing-wing aircraft that can take off and land at relatively low speeds. The aircraft gets its nickname from its ability to hunt at night with its nose to the ground due to its terrain-following radar. The aircraft was introduced to the RAAF in 1973.

F/A-18F
The F/A-18F Super Hornet is the new strike fighter that replaces the long-serving F-111. The Super Hornet, is a battleproven aircraft with a multi-role capability. It has exceptional manoeuvrability and a limitless angle of attack.

Wedgetail
The Wedgetail functions as a surveillance aircraft and entered Australian service in 2009. It has sophisticated mission systems and radars that increase the RAAF’s air-combat capability. It will also be used in civil operations. It is named for Australia’s native eagle.

C-17
The C-17 “Globemaster III” has been in use by the RAAF since 2006, and is a strategic airlift and transportation vehicle. It was acquired to address a shortfall in Australia’s sea and airlift capabilities, and it has three times the carrying capacity as the C-130 Hercules.

Title: Air Force Aviation – Australia
Date of Issue: 22 February 2011
Country: Australia
Denominations: 60c x 2, $1.20, $3.00