The RAAF’s fleet of eight King Air 350 air combat officer (ACO) training aircraft, operated by 32 Squadron at RAAF Base East Sale, Victoria, recently chalked up 50,000 flying hours in service.
Supplied and supported by Hawker Pacific, the fleet has been operational since 2003, providing the airborne platform for air combat officer and Royal Australian Navy aviation warfare officer training.
The fleet also provides an important light transport option to the ADF under RAAF Air Mobility tasking. This important ADF capability, little known outside of Defence, has proven itself to be very reliable, safe and cost effective.
Management of the fleet is provided by Hawker Pacific under a turn-key performance-based support contract. In 2013, the support lease was extended for five more years, post- celebrating the fleet’s 10th anniversary.
Under the contract, Hawker Pacific provides all elements of required support including aircraft supply, special mission modifications, design engineering, maintenance, project management and spare parts.
