четверг, 1 марта 2012 г.
FED: Early warning planes to be based at RAAF Williamtown
AAP General News (Australia)
04-15-1999
FED: Early warning planes to be based at RAAF Williamtown
CANBERRA, April 15 AAP - Australia's new early warning surveillance aircraft will be based
at RAAF Williamtown in New South Wales, Prime Minister John Howard said today.
The establishment of the new defence capability, the airborne early warning and control
(AEWC) aircraft, will bring a further $50 million and 280 jobs to the Hunter region which is
still reeling from BHP's closure at Newcastle.
"Basing of the AEWC aircraft at RAAF Williamtown will mean significant opportunities for
local business in the Hunter region," Mr Howard said.
"The government anticipates expenditure of approximately $50 million on new infrastructure
such as facilities and taxiways at RAAF Williamtown."
The government announced project approval two years ago for six or seven surveillance
aircraft and associated support systems and facilities to provide Australia with early warning
of military threat.
US defence companies Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Raytheon are competing to supply the
aircraft. The winning tender will be announced in two months with the first deliveries
expected in 2004, an RAAF spokesman said.
Aircraft under consideration are the 737-700 (Boeing), the Airbus A-310 (Raytheon) and a
stretch version of the Hercules, the C-130 (Lockheed Martin).
RAAF Williamtown, the main operating and training base for RAAF air defence units including
two FA-18 Hornet squadrons, will also become home to 33 lead-in (training) fighters to be
provided by British Aerospace, an RAAF spokesman said.
AAP rmg/cjh
KEYWORD: WARNING
1999 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.
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