Australian International Air Show 2015 - Royal Australian Air Force Lockheed AP-3C Orion A9-665

As highlighted earlier, it was pleasing to observe the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) go to  lengths to provide the Australian International Air Show 2015 with a number of military aircraft enabling the public to take a closer look at some of the platforms currently operated by the air arm of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

 

Among the displays enjoyed by thousands of spectators was Lockheed AP-3C Orion A9-665, and is one of sixteen examples remaining in service with the Australian Air Force.

 

In 2014, the Australian Air Force retired three Orions marking the beginning of a gradual draw-down of the current maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) fleet in preparation for replacement by a mix of manned Boeing P-8A Poseidon's and unmanned Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Tritons.