F-111's Have Been Flying Down Under Since 1968

Boeing received an Engineering Excellence Award, Resource Development category, from the Queensland Division of Engineers Australia on Oct. 2 in Brisbane. The award from the state's top engineering organization recognizes Boeing Defence Australia's best practices in support of Australia's F-111 strike aircraft fleet.

"For almost 15 years, Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) has implemented innovative maintenance and engineering practices for the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) aging F-111 aircraft to ensure the platform's air superiority, despite the emergence of more modern fighter/bomber aircraft," said John Duddy, managing director and vice president of BDA.

"We have worked closely with the RAAF on key projects to keep the F-111 flying safely and effectively, such as the Avionics Upgrade Program, hardware/software installations, and Wing Sustainment Program," Duddy added. "The successful rollout of these projects and new technologies exemplifies the BDA engineering team's professionalism and innovation. We are honored to be recognized for our efforts."

"This recognition, and the honor it bestows, belongs wholly to our team and our customer," said Murray Brabrook, BDA director of Platform Maintenance for Global Services & Support – Australia. "It is a fitting tribute for a much-loved national resource before it is officially retired from service at the end of next year."

Engineers Australia, the country's largest and most diverse professional body for Australian engineers, holds annual Engineering Excellence Award ceremonies in each state to showcase the achievements, sustainability and innovation of engineers within the profession and the wider community.

As a winner of the Queensland Awards, Boeing qualifies for an Australian Engineering Excellence Award should it choose to enter the national competition.

Australia received its first F-111 aircraft -- a replacement for the F-100, F-101 and F-105 that could operate at speeds exceeding Mach 2, at altitudes up to 60,000 feet, and in all weather conditions -- in July 1968. A full fleet was in operation by June 1973. The RAAF has been the sole operator of the F-111 since 1998, when the U.S. Air Force retired its F-111s from service. BDA provides maintenance and engineering support for Australia's F-111 fleet at RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland.

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