ADF-SERIALS
Australian
& New Zealand Military Aircraft Serials &
History
RAAF A21 McDonnell Douglas/Boeing F/A-18A & F/A-18B Hornet
| Aircraft Serial | Const.No..... | Aircraft History |
| A21-1 | 228/AF-01 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 14, A model Hornet. Delivered 25/11/85. The first 14 aircraft (A21-1 to A21-7, A21-101 to A21-107) were all allocated to 2OCU to enable the commencement of Hornet instructor training. 2OCU's Hornets were marked with a yellow and black tail flash, to which the unit's tiger head insignia was later added. Painted for at least 2 years with toned down grey roundels (no red/white/blue) with no Fin flashes. In Service 77SQN 27/05/2004. In Service 77SQN 26/01/06. Participant Australia Day Flyover of Melbourne 26/01/2006, noted at Tenix hanger afterwards. In Service 77SQN 16/06/2006, To RCAF as 188001
|
| A21-2 | 245/AF-02 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 14, A model Hornet. Delivered 28/02/86. The first 14 aircraft (A21-1 to A21-7, A21-101 to A21-107) were all allocated to 2OCU to enable the commencement of Hornet instructor training. 2OCU's Hornets were marked with a yellow and black tail flash, to which the unit's tiger head insignia was later added. Used as a reserve aircraft for the deployment to Diego Garcia in 2002. Participant of Richmond Airshow 2006. In Service 77SQN 16/06/2006. Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-3 | 250/AF-03 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 14, A model Hornet. Delivered 27/03/86. The first 14 aircraft (A21-1 to A21-7, A21-101 to A21-107) were all allocated to 2OCU to enable the commencement of Hornet instructor training. 2OCU's Hornets were marked with a yellow and black tail flash, to which the unit's tiger head insignia was later added. Still with 2OCU in 1990. In Service 3SQN 01/09/2000. Fired Aim 7 01/09/2000. In Service 3SQN 15/03/2005. Flyover for Melbourne GP 2005. Avalon Airshow 2005. In Service 03/05/2005. Participant Richmond Airshow 2006. 77SQN 21/10/2006. Returning from Darwin to Williamtown with 3Sqn on Friday 27/06/08, wearing 3SQN markings. Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-4 | 263/AF-04 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 15, A model Hornet. Delivered 20/06/86. The first 14 aircraft (A21-1 to A21-7, A21-101 to A21-107) were all allocated to 2OCU to enable the commencement of Hornet instructor training. 2OCU's Hornets were marked with a yellow and black tail flash, to which the unit's tiger head insignia was later added. Served with 77SQN 24/07/02. Deployed to Diego Garcia in 2002 for the War on Terrorism, returned to Australia via Perth and arrived at RAAF Williamtown 22/05/02. Used by both 77 and 3SQN during deployment and carried the markings of each Sqn on the tail for 3 months each. Was in Service 77SQN 2002. Avalon Airshow 2003. In Service 77SQN 2003. In Service 77SQN 16/06/2006. Noted returning from Darwin to Williamtown with 77Sqn on Friday 27/06/08, wearing 77SQN markings. Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-5 | 271/AF-05 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 15, A model Hornet. Delivered 30/06/86. The first 14 aircraft (A21-1 to A21-7, A21-101 to A21-107) were all allocated to 2OCU to enable the commencement of Hornet instructor training. 2OCU's Hornets were marked with a yellow and black tail flash, to which the unit's tiger head insignia was later added. Served with 3SQN. Deployed to Diego Garcia in 2002 for the War on Terrorism, returned to Australia via Perth and arrived at RAAF Williamtown 22/05/02. Used by both 77 and 3SQN during deployment and carried the markings of each Sqn on the tail for 3 months each. Completed Phase 1 of HUG Program. In Service 77SQN. Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-6 | 287/AF-06 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 15, A model Hornet. Delivered 21/07/86. The first 14 aircraft (A21-1 to A21-7, A21-101 to A21-107) were all allocated to 2OCU to enable the commencement of Hornet instructor training. 2OCU's Hornets were marked with a yellow and black tail flash, to which the unit's tiger head insignia was later added. Served with 2OCU. Avalon Airshow 1999 (3SQN). In Service 3SQN 16/06/2006. Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-7 | 292/AF-07 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 15, A model Hornet. Delivered 27/06/86. The first 14 aircraft (A21-1 to A21-7, A21-101 to A21-107) were all allocated to 2OCU to enable the commencement of Hornet instructor training. 2OCU's Hornets were marked with a yellow and black tail flash, to which the unit's tiger head insignia was later added. Painted for some years (6-7 years?) a similar F111 battle Grey overall. Deployed to Diego Garcia in 2002 for the War on Terrorism, returned to Australia via Perth and arrived at RAAF Williamtown 22/05/02. Used by both 77 and 3SQN during deployment and carried the markings of each Sqn on the tail for 3 months each. Completed Phase 1 of HUG Program. In Service 77SQN 02/06/2006. In Service 77SQN 04/07/2006. In Service 77SQN 16/06/2006, with low viz 77SQN markings. In Service 77SQN 22/10/2006. Returning from Darwin to Williamtown with 3Sqn on Friday 27/06/08, wearing 77SQN markings. Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-8 | 306/AF-08 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 16, A model Hornet. Delivered 28/08/86. The first operational RAAF Hornet unit was No 3 Squadron, reformed at Williamtown. The first two aircraft, A21-8 and A21-9, were collected from GAF at Avalon and delivered to Williamtown on 29 August 1986. These aircraft were in low-visibility squadron markings with the Southern Cross on the fins and the Fleur-de-Lis (from No 3 Squadron's heritage in France during World War I) and flash on the fuselage spine. This marking was later changed to the No 3 Squadron winged-bomb badge. Served with 3SQN. In Service 75SQN 16/01/2006. Noted returning from Darwin to Williamtown with 77Sqn on Friday 27/06/08, wearing 75SQN markings (Low Vis). Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-9 | 316/AF-09 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 16, A model Hornet. Delivered 29/08/86. The first operational RAAF Hornet unit was No 3 Squadron, reformed at Williamtown. The first two aircraft, A21-8 and A21-9, were collected from GAF at Avalon and delivered to Williamtown on 29 August 1986. These aircraft were in low-visibility squadron markings with the Southern Cross on the fins and the Fleur-de-Lis (from No 3 Squadron's heritage in France during World War I) and flash on the fuselage spine. This marking was later changed to the No 3 Squadron winged-bomb badge. In Service with 3SQN 22/02/88. In Service 77SQN 14/07/04. Noted with 77Sqn markings 09/05/08. Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-10 | 326/AF-10 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 16, A model Hornet. Delivered 08/10/86. In Service 3SQN 9/11/1989. In Service 75SQN 2000. In Service 75SQN 16/07/02. Participant of Pitch Black 2002. In Service 77SQN 16/06/2006. In Service 77SQN 03/2007. Static Display Avalon 2007. Fuselage Centre Barrel replaced under Project Air 5376 Phase 3.2. Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-11 | 334/AF-11 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 16, A model Hornet. Delivered 10/10/86. Ingested a metal 'banner weight' off a towed target during air to air gunnery. The engine was destroyed. It occurred sometime in 87 I think, and the aircraft took about 12 months to repair. In Service 3SQN 21/07/04. Completed Phase 1 of HUG Project. In Service 3SQN 16/06/06. In Service 3SQN 03/2007. Part of Green Lions Display Team at Avalon 2007. Noted as returning from Townsville to Williamtown with 2OCU on Thursday 26/06/08, wearing 3SQN markings. Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-12 | 339/AF-12 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 17, A model Hornet. Delivered 31/10/86. Served with 3SQN. In Service 75SQN 1999. In Service 75SQN 2000. In Service 75SQN 01/01/200. Deployed to the Gulf (based in Qatar?) on operations Bastille and Falconer with 75SQN (or a composite unit based on 75SQN) 08/02/2003-15/05/2003. Missions undertaken by RAAF Hornets between 20 March and 2 May 2003 ranged from defensive counter-air (DCA) to close air support (CAS), and strike. Noted in a photograph as having markings which indicated 8 bombing missions. Upgraded to HUG Phase 2. Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-13 | 345/AF-13 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 17, A model Hornet. Delivered 03/07/87. In Service 3SQN 9/11/1989. Noted in special 90th anniversary paint scheme for 3SQN 27/06/2006. In Service 3SQN 27/06/2006. Returning from Darwin to Williamtown with 3Sqn on Friday 27/06/08, wearing 3SQN markings (90th Anniversary markings). Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-14 | 353/AF-14 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 17, A model Hornet. Delivered 19/12/86. Avalon Airshow 1995. Served with 3SQN. Was used for testing purposes with DSTO from 25/02/02. Deployed to the Gulf (based in Qatar?) on operations Bastille and Falconer with 75SQN (or a composite unit based on 75SQN) 08/02/2003-15/05/2003. Missions undertaken by RAAF Hornets between 20 March and 2 May 2003 ranged from defensive counter-air (DCA) to close air support (CAS), and strike. Upgraded to HUG Phase 2. Noted returning from Darwin to Williamtown with 77Sqn on Friday 27/06/08, wearing 3SQN markings. Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-15 | 361/AF-15 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 17, A model Hornet. Delivered 21/01/87. Avalon Airshow 1997. In Service 3SQN 16/06/2006. Noted returning from Darwin to Williamtown with 77Sqn on Friday 27/06/08, wearing 3SQN markings, To RCAF as 188015.
|
| A21-16 | 368/AF-16 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 17, A model Hornet. Delivered 07/04/87. In Service 3SQN 9/11/1989. In Service 77SQN 26/01/06 after Australia Day Flyover of Melbourne. Was in Service 77SQN 2006. First Hornet for re-barreling per the RAAF's Air 5376 Phase 3.2B/C F/A-18 centre barrel replacement (CBR) program. It was sent in April 2006 to a Plant in Canada. Fuselage Centre Barrel replaced under Project Air 5376 Phase 3.2. Noted wearing 77Sqn markings (incomplete spine marking, due to 1st new centre barrel replacement) 07/03/08. Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-17 | 376/AF-17 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 17, A model Hornet. Delivered 08/05/87. Avalon Airshow 1999 (3SQN). Avalon Airshow 2001 (3SQN). Edinburgh Airshow 10/2007. In Service 3SQN 10/2007. Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-18 | 382/AF-18 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 17, A model Hornet. Delivered 15/04/87. Served with 3SQN. In Service with 2OCU 12/11/2007. Noted as returning from Townsville to Williamtown with 2OCU on Thursday 26/06/08, wearing 2OCU markings. Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-19 | 454/AF-19 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 19, A model Hornet. Delivered 19/11/87. In Service 77SQN, 2003. Deployed to the Gulf (based in Qatar?) on operations Bastille and Falconer with 75SQN (or a composite unit based on 75SQN) 08/02/2003-15/05/2003, in 77SQN markings. Missions undertaken by RAAF Hornets between 20 March and 2 May 2003 ranged from defensive counter-air (DCA) to close air support (CAS), and strike. Noted in a photograph as having markings which indicated 3 bombing missions. Upgraded to HUG Phase 2. Noted with 77SQN marking 26/01/06 after Australia Day Flyover of Melbourne. In Service 77SQN 19/06/2006. In Service 77SQN 03/2007. Part of Green Lions Display Team at Avalon 2007. Spotted at RAAF Edinburgh, SA still in 77Sqn markings Sep 2008. Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-20 | 462/AF-20 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 19, A model Hornet. Delivered 10/12/87. Painted for some years (over 6-7 years) Gunship Grey overall. In Service 77SQN 16/07/02. Participant of Pitch Black 2002. Was in Service 77SQN 2003. Deployed to the Gulf (based in Qatar?) on operations Bastille and Falconer with 75SQN (or a composite unit based on 75SQN) 08/02/2003-15/05/2003, in 77SQN markings, but the grumpy monkey was replaced by a backwards facing magpie at some stage. Missions undertaken by RAAF Hornets between 20 March and 2 May 2003 ranged from defensive counter-air (DCA) to close air support (CAS), and strike. Noted in a photograph as having markings which indicated 3 bombing missions. Upgraded to HUG Phase 2. In Service 77SQN 28/03/2006. In Service 3SQN 03/2007. Part of Green Lions Display Team at Avalon 2007. Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-21 | 470/AF-21 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 19, A model Hornet. Delivered 21/01/88. Served with 77SQN. In Service 3SQN 03/11/2004. Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-22 | 476/AF-22 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 20, A model Hornet. Delivered 29/01/88. Failure of the input bearing of the Aircraft Mounted Accessory Drive gearbox resulted in in-flight fire in right hand engine, November 1993. Repaired in US Navy Depot San Diego at a cost of $4 million. Back in Jan'95. In Service 75SQN 2000. Deployed to the Gulf (based in Qatar?) on operations Bastille and Falconer with 75SQN (or a composite unit based on 75SQN) 08/02/2003-15/05/2003, in 75SQN markings. Missions undertaken by RAAF Hornets between 20 March and 2 May 2003 ranged from defensive counter-air (DCA) to close air support (CAS), and strike. This aircraft dropped the first bomb in the first days of this period which was the first dropped in combat by an RAAF aircraft since the Vietnam War. Upgraded to HUG Phase 2. In Service 75SQN 16/06/2006. Noted returning from Darwin to Williamtown with 77Sqn on Friday 27/06/08, wearing 75SQN markings (Low Vis), Transferred to the Australian War Memorial (AWM).  |
| A21-23 | 483/AF-23 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 20, A model Hornet. Delivered 08/02/88. In Service 75SQN 2000. Had a 75SQN 60th Anniversary commemorative scheme applied to the tail in in 2002. Deployed to the Gulf (based in Qatar?) on operations Bastille and Falconer with 75SQN (or a composite unit based on 75SQN) 08/02/2003-15/05/2003. Missions undertaken by RAAF Hornets between 20 March and 2 May 2003 ranged from defensive counter-air (DCA) to close air support (CAS), and strike. Noted in a photograph as having markings which indicated 8 bombing missions. Upgraded to HUG Phase 2. In Service 3SQN 16/06/2006. Noted wearing 75SQN markings 09/05/08. Transferred to History & Heritage – Air Force (HH-AF) and on display RAAF Base Williamtown AHC.
|
| A21-24 | 489/AF-24 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 20, A model Hornet. Delivered 29/02/88. In Service 75SQN 2000. Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-25 | 496/AF-25 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 20, A model Hornet. Delivered 03/05/88. Richmond Airshow 1991, with 2OCU. Was with 77SQN. In Service with 75SQN 17/11/95. In Service 2OCU 03/10/2004. In Service 2OCU 06/04/2006. In Service 2OCU 25/06/2006. In Service 2OCU 21/09/2006. Noted as returning from Townsville to Williamtown with 2OCU on Thursday 26/06/08, wearing 2OCU markings. Fuselage Centre Barrel replaced under Project Air 5376 Phase 3.2. Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-26 | 506/AF-26 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 20, A model Hornet. Delivered 31/03/88. 75Sqn's first aircraft, A21-26, had been painted in the black diamond markings of No 75 Squadron and flown in April 1988. A further unit marking was No 75 Squadron's magpie, with a flash on the spine. No 75 Squadron commenced operations at RAAF Tindal with Hornets in September 1988. In Service 2OCU 01/07/03. In Service 2OCU 15/03/05. Special 20th Anniversary paint scheme of Hornet operations in Australia in 2005. Avalon Airshow 2005. Despite being told at the Airshow that this was a 3SQN machine, it is operated by 2OCU, and it is the 2OCU OC's machine. Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-27 | 514/AF-27 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 20, A model Hornet. Delivered 10/05/88. In Service 75SQN 2000. Deployed to the Gulf (based in Qatar?) on operations Bastille and Falconer with 75SQN (or a composite unit based on 75SQN) 08/02/2003-15/05/2003. Missions undertaken by RAAF Hornets between 20 March and 2 May 2003 ranged from defensive counter-air (DCA) to close air support (CAS), and strike. Noted in a photograph as having markings which indicated 7 bombing missions. Upgraded to HUG Phase 2. Returning from Darwin to Williamtown with 3Sqn on Friday 27/06/08, wearing 75SQN markings. Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-28 | 521/AF-28 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 21, A model Hornet. Delivered 10/05/88. Was in Service 75SQN. In Service 2OCU 14/03/2005. In Service 2OCU 16/01/2006. In Service 2OCU 16/06/2006. Noted as returning from Townsville to Williamtown with 2OCU on Thursday 26/06/08, wearing 2OCU markings (Low Vis). Spotted at RAAF Edinburgh SA in Oct 2008 still in low viz 2OCU markings. Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-29 | 527/AF-29 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 21, A model Hornet. Delivered 07/04/88. Collided with A21-42 on 02/08/90 (75SQN). Recovered to RAAF Tindal. Has a Top Hat and Cane painted on the tail fins to designate it as the CO's aircraft. Ironically this was first put on by WGCDR Ross Fox in May 1990 at Clarke Air Base in the Philippines. This aircraft was later in the accident that WGCDR Ross Fox was killed. In Service 75SQN 01/01/2002. In Service 75SQN 2000. In Service 75SQN 16/07/02. Participant of Pitch Black 2002. 75SQN CO's Top Hat marked aircraft 16/06/2006. In Service 75SQN 06/04/2006. Noted wearing 75Sqn "Top Hat" tail marking 07/04/08. A21-29 and -30 were loaded on to an Antonov at Williamtown on 07/04/08. Fuselage Centre Barrel replaced under Project Air 5376 Phase 3.2. Transferred to HH-AF and on display as a sentinel/static display at RAAF Base Tindal.  |
| A21-30 | 535/AF-30 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 21, A model Hornet. Delivered 25/05/88. In Service 75SQN 2000. Noted wearing 75Sqn markings 07/04/08. A21-29 and -30 were loaded on to an Antonov at Williamtown on 07/04/08. Fuselage Centre Barrel replaced under Project Air 5376 Phase 3.2. To RCAF as 188030.
|
| A21-31 | 552/AF-31 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 21, A model Hornet. Delivered 02/06/88. Richmond Airshow 1988. In Service 75SQN 2000. In Service 75SQN 16/07/02. Participant of Pitch Black 2002. Participant Richmond Airshow 2006. In Service 75SQN 22/10/2006. Noted wearing 75Sqn markings 23/05/08. Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-32 | 560/AF-32 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 21, A model Hornet. Delivered 16/08/88. Laverton Airshow 1988. In Service with 3SQN 13/10/95. This aircraft has flight test instrumentation. In Service ARDU. Transferred to HH-AF and on display at South Australian Aviation Museum as the ARDU jet.
|
| A21-33 | 569/AF-33 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 22, A model Hornet. Delivered 29/06/88. In Service 75SQN 2000. Retired from service and stored. |
| A21-34 | 577/AF-34 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 22, A model Hornet. Delivered 20/07/88. Participant Avalon Airshow 1992. In Service 03/10/2004. Participant Avalon Airshow 2005. In Service 2OCU 21/03/2005. Retired from service and stored.  |
| A21-35 | 588/AF-35 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 22, A model Hornet. Delivered 31/07/88. In Service 75SQN 16/07/02. Participant of Pitch Black 2002. In Service 2OCU 03/10/2004. Returning from Darwin to Williamtown with 3Sqn on Friday 27/06/08, wearing 75SQN markings. ??/09/2020 To RCAF as 188035.
|
| A21-36 | 595/AF-36 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 22, A model Hornet. Delivered 31/07/88. Richmond Airshow 1988. In Service 75SQN 2000. In Service 75SQN 16/06/2006. Noted returning from Darwin to Williamtown with 77Sqn on Friday 27/06/08, wearing 75SQN markings. Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-37 | 640/AF-37 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 23, A model Hornet. Delivered 27/10/88. Served with 75SQN. Avalon Airshow 1992. Was in Service 3SQN. Deployed to the Gulf (based in Qatar?) on operations Bastille and Falconer with 75SQN (or a composite unit based on 75SQN) 08/02/2003-15/05/2003. Missions undertaken by RAAF Hornets between 20 March and 2 May 2003 ranged from defensive counter-air (DCA) to close air support (CAS), and strike. Noted in a photograph as having markings which indicated 3 bombing missions. Upgraded to HUG Phase 2. Noted wearing 3SQN markings (new "bird" design) 04/03/08. Fuselage Centre Barrel replaced under Project Air 5376 Phase 3.2. To RCAF as 188037.
|
| A21-38 | 651/AF-38 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 23, A model Hornet. Delivered 29/10/88. Avalon Airshow 1992. In Service 75SQN 16/07/02. Participant of Pitch Black 2002. In Service 75SQN 2003. Deployed to the Gulf (based in Qatar?) on operations Bastille and Falconer with 75SQN (or a composite unit based on 75SQN) 08/02/2003-15/05/2003. Missions undertaken by RAAF Hornets between 20 March and 2 May 2003 ranged from defensive counter-air (DCA) to close air support (CAS), and strike. Carried nose art of a triple towered castle "Gin ye daur", not sure what this is meant to represent. However RAF 603SQN used this as part of their crest, it appears that there was a link to this aircraft from a unit which has involvement with RAF 603SQN or from a related unit. Upgraded to HUG Phase 2. Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-39 | 657/AF-39 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 23, A model Hornet. Delivered 30/11/88. In Service 3SQN 16/06/2006. In Service 3SQN 03/2007. Aircraft was flying display aircraft at Avalon 2007. Tail markings appeared to show both 2OCU and 3SQN markings on the tail. Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-40 | 665/AF-40 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 23, A model Hornet. Delivered 09/12/88. Nowra Airshow 1998. In Service 77SQN. Deployed to the Gulf (based in Qatar?) on operations Bastille and Falconer with 75SQN (or a composite unit based on 75SQN) 08/02/2003-15/05/2003, in 77SQN markings. Missions undertaken by RAAF Hornets between 20 March and 2 May 2003 ranged from defensive counter-air (DCA) to close air support (CAS), and strike. A21-40 and A21-43 are two aircraft known to have flown in the strike configuration. All aircraft flew in the DCA and CAS configurations at some point throughout the operation. Noted in a photograph as having markings which indicated 3 bombing missions. Upgraded to HUG Phase 2. In Service 77SQN 02/06/2006. Transferred to the Australian War Memorial.
|
| A21-41 | 674/AF-41 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 24, A model Hornet. Delivered 20/12/88. Crashed, 05/06/91 (75SQN). 100 km North East of Weipa. Pilot FLGOFF Cameron Conroy Killed. Found July '94. |
| A21-42 | 680/AF-42 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 24, A model Hornet. Delivered 25/07/89. Crashed, 02/08/90 (75SQN). Collided with A21-29, Pilot WGCDR Ross Fox (CO 75SQN) Killed. Memorial to WGCDR Fox located at Darwin Aviation Museum, where part of the aircraft wheel well is displayed. |
| A21-43 | 689/AF-43 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 24, A model Hornet. Delivered 28/02/89.
Avalon Airshow 1992. Deployed to the Gulf (based
in Qatar?) on operations Bastille and Falconer
with 75SQN (or a composite unit based on 75SQN)
08/02/2003-15/05/2003. Missions undertaken by RAAF
Hornets between 20 March and 2 May 2003 ranged
from defensive counter-air (DCA) to close air
support (CAS), and strike. A21-40 and A21-43 are
two aircraft known to have flown in the strike
configuration. All aircraft flew in the DCA and
CAS configurations at some point throughout the operation.
Noted in a photograph as having markings which indicated 6
bombing missions. Upgraded to HUG Phase 2. In Service 75SQN
08/10/2005. Noted as returning from Townsville to
Williamtown with 2OCU on Thursday 26/06/08,
wearing 75SQN markings. Transferred to HH-AF and on display at the RAAF Museum. Point Cook.
|
| A21-44 | 707/AF-44 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 24, A model Hornet. Delivered 30/06/89. In Service 75SQN 2000. Noted wearing 75Sqn markings 09/05/08. Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-45 | 722/AF-45 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 25, A model Hornet. Delivered 14/07/89. Failure of the input bearing of the Aircraft Mounted Accessory Drive gearbox resulted in in-flight fire in February 1993. Wangaratta Airshow Vic on 10/9/2005 in 77SQN markings. In Service with 77SQN 29/09/2007. Returning from Darwin to Williamtown with 3SQN on Friday 27/06/08, wearing 77SQN markings. To RCAF as 188045.
|
| A21-46 | 729/AF-46 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 25, A model Hornet. Delivered 28/06/89. Richmond Airshow 1991. Participant Richmond Airshow 2006. In Service 77SQN 01/04/2006. F1 GP Display Aircraft 2006. In Service 77Sqn 16/06/2006. In Service 77SQN 21/10/2006. Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-47 | 741/AF-47 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 25, A model Hornet. Delivered 31/07/89. Avalon Airshow 1995. In Service 3SQN. Noted wearing -"20 Years of Hornets" anniversary tail markings", with 3SQN spine marking 23/05/08. Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-48 | 750/AF-48 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 25, A model Hornet. Delivered 18/08/89. Deployed to Diego Garcia in 2002 for the War on Terrorism, returned to Australia via Perth and arrived at RAAF Williamtown 22/05/02. Used by both 77 and 3SQN during deployment and carried the markings of each Sqn on the tail for 3 months each. In Service 77SQN 03/2007. Part of Green Lions Display Team at Avalon 2007. Special Tail Markings for 77SQN possibly indicating this is the CO's aircraft. 77Sqn special tail markings 07/03/08. To RCAF as 188048.
|
| A21-49 | 757/AF-49 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 25, A model Hornet. Delivered 21/09/89. Served with 75SQN. Was in Service 77SQN. Deployed to the Gulf (based in Qatar?) on operations Bastille and Falconer with 75SQN (or a composite unit based on 75SQN) 08/02/2003-15/05/2003, in 77SQN markings. Missions undertaken by RAAF Hornets between 20 March and 2 May 2003 ranged from defensive counter-air (DCA) to close air support (CAS), and strike. Noted in a photograph as having markings which indicated 5 bombing missions. Upgraded to HUG Phase 2. In Service 77SQN 16/06/2006. Noted wearing 3Sqn markings (new "bird" design) 07/03/08. Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-50 | 763/AF-50 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 26, A model Hornet. Delivered 27/09/89. In Service with 77SQN 29/09/2007. Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-51 | 773/AF-51 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 26, A model Hornet. Delivered 31/10/89. Avalon Airshow 1992. In Service 77SQN 1992. In Service with 77SQN 01/07/94. Avalon Airshow 2003. In Service 77SQN 2003. Noted with 77SQN marking 26/01/06 after Australia Day Flyover of Melbourne. In Service 77SQN 16/06/2006. To RCAF a2 188051.
|
| A21-52 | 782/AF-52 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 26, A model Hornet. Delivered 30/11/89. Avalon Airshow 1992. Avalon Airshow 1999. In Service 3SQN. Deployed to the Gulf (based in Qatar?) on operations Bastille and Falconer with 75SQN (or a composite unit based on 75SQN) 08/02/2003-15/05/2003, in 3SQN markings. Missions undertaken by RAAF Hornets between 20 March and 2 May 2003 ranged from defensive counter-air (DCA) to close air support (CAS), and strike. Missions undertaken by RAAF Hornets between 20 March and 2 May 2003 ranged from defensive counter-air (DCA) to close air support (CAS), and strike. Noted in a photograph as having markings which indicated 5 bombing missions, dropping 5 LGB's. Upgraded to HUG Phase 2. In Service 3SQN 16/06/2006. Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-53 | 794/AF-53 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 26, A model Hornet. Delivered 13/12/89. Collided with a Malasian F-5 during an air to air exercise on 14/10/1994 about 64 km south west of Butterworth Malaysia. Pilot of the F/A-18 was FltLt Andrew Gillespie. The pilot of the F-5 ejected. In Service 3SQN 01/01/1999. In Service 75SQN 2000. In Service 3SQN 16/06/2006. Fuselage Centre Barrel replaced under Project Air 5376 Phase 3.2. Participant in 'Red Flag 1/19' at Nellis Air Force Base. Did not return to Australia Handed over to Canadian Defence Force at CFB Cold Lake, Alberta 16/02/2019 To RCAF as 188053.
|
| A21-54 | 807/AF-54 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 27, A model Hornet. Delivered 17/01/90. Served with 77SQN. In Service 3SQN 02/06/2006. Returning from Darwin to Williamtown with 3Sqn on Friday 27/06/08, wearing 3SQN markings. ??/??2020 To RCAF as 188054.
|
| A21-55 | 814/AF-55 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 27, A model Hornet. Delivered 22/03/90. Avalon Airshow 1997 (3SQN). In Service 3SQN 01/01/1999. Avalon Airshow 2001, painted in Centenary colours (3SQN). Was in Service 3SQN. Deployed to the Gulf (based in Qatar?) on operations Bastille and Falconer with 75SQN (or a composite unit based on 75SQN) 08/02/2003-15/05/2003, in 3SQN markings. Noted in a photograph as having markings which indicated 8 bombing missions. Upgraded to HUG Phase 2. Participant of Jamestown Airshow 2006. In Service 3SQN 15/10/2006. Returning from Darwin to Williamtown with 3Sqn on Friday 27/06/08, wearing 3SQN markings. Participant in 'Red Flag 1/19' at Nellis Air Force Base. Did not return to Australia Handed over to Canadian Defence Force at CFB Cold Lake, Alberta 16/02/2019 To RCAF as 188055.
|
| A21-56 | 824/AF-56 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 27, A model Hornet. Delivered 06/04/90. Avalon Airshow 1992, In Service 2OCU. In Service with 2OCU 12/11/2007. Noted wearing 2OCU markings 09/05/08. Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-57 | 834/AF-57 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 28, A model Hornet. Delivered 12/05/90. Last Australian Built Hornet and last delivered. Was painted in 3SQN 75th Anniversary Colours 1991. Avalon Airshow 1992 (3SQN). Avalon Airshow 1999 (3SQN). Avalon Airshow 2001, painted in Centenary Colours (3SQN). In Service 3SQN 16/06/2006. To RCAF as 188057.
|
| A21-101 | 213/ATF-101 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 14, B model Hornet. First Australian
Hornet. Built in the USA. First Flight 13/08/1984. First public appearance at the McAir plant at St Louis on 29 October 1984, where they were officially handed over to the RAAF. Delivered 09/03/85. Has Flight test instrumentation. This and A21-102 were ferried to Australia in a non stop 15 hour flight. Arrived in Australia at 16:00hrs 17/05/1985. The first 14 aircraft (A21-1 to A21-7, A21-101 to A21-107) were all allocated to 2OCU to enable the commencement of Hornet instructor training. 2OCU's Hornets were marked with a yellow and black tail flash, to which the unit's tiger head insignia was later added. In Service with 2OCU 13/10/95. In Service with 2OCU 21/12/98. In Service ARDU 08/2004. In Service ARDU 11/01/2005. Preserved awaiting advice from HH-AF.
|
| A21-102 | 214/ATF-102 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 14, B model Hornet. Delivered 09/03/85. Second Australian Hornet. Built in the USA. This and A21-101 were ferried to Australia in a non stop 15 hour flight. Arrived in Australia at 16:00hrs 17/05/1985. The first 14 aircraft (A21-1 to A21-7, A21-101 to A21-107) were all allocated to 2OCU to enable the commencement of Hornet instructor training. 2OCU's Hornets were marked with a yellow and black tail flash, to which the unit's tiger head insignia was later added. Collided with A21-107 Feb'86, took two years to return to service. East Sale Airshow 1996, 2OCU. In Service 3SQN. In Service 2OCU 16/06/2006. To RCAF as 188102.
|
| A21-103 | 215/ATF-103 | Built as a Block 14, B
model Hornet. A21-103 and A21-104 had been flown inside a USAF C-5 Galaxy from St Louis, Missouri, arriving at Avalon, Victoria, on 06/06/84. These were in a knocked-down state for Australian assembly and, on 16/11/84, A21-103 was rolled out by GAF at Avalon. Considered the first Australian built Hornet. A21-103 made its first flight at Avalon on 26/02/85 in the hands of McAir test pilot, Rudi Haug. On this flight, A21-103 reached a speed of Mach 1.6 at an altitude of 40,000 ft. This aircraft was accepted by the RAAF on 30/04/85, formally handed over on 04/05/85, and then delivered to 2OCU at Williamtown on 17/05/85. The first 14 aircraft (A21-1 to A21-7, A21-101 to A21-107) were all allocated to 2OCU to enable the commencement of Hornet instructor training. 2OCU's Hornets were marked with a yellow and black tail flash, to which the unit's tiger head insignia was later added. In Service 3SQN 25/01/2005. In Service 3SQN 05/03/2005. Participant of Flying display for F1 GP 2005. Noted as returning from Townsville to Williamtown with 2OCU on Thursday 26/06/08, wearing 3SQN markings. Preserved awaiting advice from HH-AF.
|
| A21-104 | 216/ATF-104 | Built as a Block 14, B
model Hornet. A21-103 and A21-104 had been flown inside a USAF C-5 Galaxy from St Louis, Missouri, arriving at Avalon, Victoria, on 06/06/84. These were in a knocked-down state for Australian assembly. Delivered 25/07/85. The first 14 aircraft (A21-1 to A21-7, A21-101 to A21-107) were all allocated to 2OCU to enable the commencement of Hornet instructor training. 2OCU's Hornets were marked with a yellow and black tail flash, to which the unit's tiger head insignia was later added. First RAAF Hornet Lost. Crashed, 18/11/87 (2OCU). Great Palm Island QLD. Pilot FLGOFF Rick Jefferies Killed.
|
| A21-105 | 217/ATF-105 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 14, B model Hornet. Delivered 25/10/85. The first 14 aircraft (A21-1 to A21-7, A21-101 to A21-107) were all allocated to 2OCU to enable the commencement of Hornet instructor training. 2OCU's Hornets were marked with a yellow and black tail flash, to which the unit's tiger head insignia was later added. Was in Service 77SQN. Avalon Airshow 2003. In Service 77SQN 2003. In Service 77SQN 16/06/2006. In Service 77SQN 21/10/2006. In Service 77SQN 03/2007. Visitor to Avalon 2007. Noted wearing 77Sqn markings ("Daphne De Dual" nose art) 23/05/08. Fuselage Centre Barrel replaced under Project Air 5376 Phase 3.2. To RCAF as 188105.
|
| A21-106 | 224/ATF-106 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 14, B model Hornet. Delivered 30/09/85. The first 14 aircraft (A21-1 to A21-7, A21-101 to A21-107) were all allocated to 2OCU to enable the commencement of Hornet instructor training. 2OCU's Hornets were marked with a yellow and black tail flash, to which the unit's tiger head insignia was later added. Served with 77SQN. Named "Daphne de Dual", this is/was the name given to the 77SQN dual seater. Short visit to Richmond Airshow 1991. Crashed, 19/05/92 (77SQN), the correct term for the cause is 'Controlled Flight into Terrain". Shoalwater Bay (Cape Clinton) QLD. Both the Pilot FLGOFF Robert Jepsen (23 years old) from St Huberts Island & passenger Mr Michael Howlett (DSTO scientist, 36 years of age) from Melbourne were Killed.
|
| A21-107 | 235/ATF-107 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 14, B model Hornet. Delivered 21/12/85. The first 14 aircraft (A21-1 to A21-7, A21-101 to A21-107) were all allocated to 2OCU to enable the commencement of Hornet instructor training. 2OCU's Hornets were marked with a yellow and black tail flash, to which the unit's tiger head insignia was later added. Collided with A21-102, Feb'86 at 27,700 feet. Both aircraft recovered ok. In Service 2OCU 14/03/2005. In Service 2OCU 01/04/2006. In Service 2OCU 16/06/2006. In Service 2OCU 03/2007. Visitor to Avalon 2007. Fuselage Centre Barrel replaced under Project Air 5376 Phase 3.2. To RCAF as 188107.
|
| A21-108 | 392/ATF-108 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 18, B model Hornet. Delivered 24/06/87. In Service with 3SQN 09/11/1989. Avalon Airshow 1999 (2OCU). Edinburgh Airshow 10/2007. In Service 2OCU 10/2007. Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-109 | 398/ATF-109 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 18, B model Hornet. Delivered 17/09/87. In Service 2OCU 03/10/2004. In Service 2OCU 14/03/2005. Participant Richmond Airshow 2006. In Service 2OCU 21/10/2006. In Service 2OCU 03/2007. Located at Avalon 2007 possibly as a spare aircraft for flying displays. Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-110 | 413/ATF-110 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 18, B model Hornet. Delivered 14/09/87. Based at Tullamarine in support of F1 Grand Prix 2002, in Service 2OCU at the time. In Service with 2OCU 2007. Noted as returning from Townsville to Williamtown with 2OCU on Thursday 26/06/08, wearing 2OCU markings (20 years of Hornet markings). Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-111 | 423/ATF-111 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 18, B model Hornet. Delivered 04/11/87. Edinburgh Airshow 10/2007. In Service 2OCU 10/2007. Noted as returning from Townsville to Williamtown with 2OCU on Thursday 26/06/08, wearing 2OCU markings. Fuselage Centre Barrel replaced under Project Air 5376 Phase 3.2. Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-112 | 427/ATF-112 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 18, B model Hornet. Delivered 23/09/87. Was in Service 2OCU. Edinburgh Airshow 10/2007. In Service 75SQN 10/2007. Noted as returning from Townsville to Williamtown with 2OCU on Thursday 26/06/08, wearing 75SQN markings. Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-113 | 436/ATF-113 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 19, B model Hornet. Delivered 30/09/87. In Service 2OCU 01/08/94. In Service 2OCU 03/09/01. Still in Service with 2OCU 27/06/2006. Noted as returning from Townsville to Williamtown with 2OCU on Thursday 26/06/08, wearing 2OCU markings. To RCAF as 188113.
|
| A21-114 | 443/ATF-114 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 19, B model Hornet. Delivered 24/11/87. East Sale Airshow 1993 (2OCU). In Service 2OCU. In Service 77SQN 16/06/2006, with low viz 75SQN markings. In Service 75SQN 21/09/2006. Edinburgh Airshow 10/2007, didn't have any Sqn markings on the tail of the aircraft. Noted wearing no unit markings still on 06/03/08. To RCAF as 188114.
|
| A21-115 | 604/ATF-115 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 22, B model Hornet. Delivered 28/09/88.
Based at Tullamarine in support of F1 Grand Prix 2002. In Service 2OCU 16/06/2006. In Service 2OCU 21/09/2006. Edinburgh Airshow 10/2007. In Service 2OCU 10/2007. To RCAF as 118115.
|
| A21-116 | 614/ATF-116 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 22, B model Hornet. Delivered 31/08/88. In Service with 2OCU 13/10/95. In Service 2OCU 16/06/2006. Noted as returning from Townsville to Williamtown with 2OCU on Thursday 26/06/08, wearing 2OCU markings. Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-117 | 623/ATF-117 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 23, B model Hornet. Delivered 13/09/88. Avalon Airshow 1992. In Service 2OCU 26/10/02. Participated in Indy 2002 on the Gold Coast with Flyby's. In Service 2OCU 16/06/2006. Noted wearing 2OCU markings 06/03/08. Retired from service and stored.
|
| A21-118 | 632/ATF-118 | Ordered 11/1981. Built
as a Block 23, B model Hornet. Delivered 15/12/88. Last two seater Hornet delivered. Avalon Airshow 1999. Flyby at AFL Grand Final 2000. In Service 2OCU 12/2007. Retired from service and stored.
|
Hornet Operating Unit Markings
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| 2OCU | 3SQN | 75SQN | 77SQN | ARDU |
| The Tiger Head and yellow and black markings of No.2OCU (Operational Conversion Unit) based at RAAF Williamtown, NSW | The Southern Cross fin markings of No.3 Squadron based at RAAF Williamtown, NSW. | No.75 Squadron has checkered fin tops as well as a magpie mascot on the fuselage. Based at RAAF Tindal, NT | This black fin flash represents No.77 Squadron. There is a Korean Lion (Hae Tae) mascot on the fuselage side (also known as a Grumpy Monkey). Based at RAAF Williamtown, NSW. | The triangulated "ARDU" badge denotes the Aircraft Research and Development Unit based at RAAF Edinburgh, SA. |
