Tuesday 5 July 2016

68 new jobs for Williamtown RAAF Base

BY JARROD MELMETH

BAE Systems Australia has created 68 new jobs as the Company starts providing operational maintenance to the Royal Australian Air Force's Hawk 127 Lead-In Fighter fleet.

The Hawk 127 is a tandem, two-seat jet, used to prepare the RAAF's fast jet aircrew for the F/A-18 Hornet, F/A-18 Super Hornet and, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

The company is directly supporting the training of Australia's next combat aircrew, delivering all Hawk maintenance support on the flight line at the RAAF Base.

Under the new arrangement, BAE Systems is responsible for aircraft launch and recovery, rectifications, life support, stores and mission equipment, on-site management and deployed operations.

Operational maintenance was previously provided by the RAAF's 76 and 79 Squadrons. Transitions to the new arrangement started in October 2015 to ensure seamless change.

A Hawk 127 conducts an aerial display at Williamtown RAAF Base.
Photo courtesy of defence.gov.au