Page 4 - David Coles Australian Military Aircraft Book Interior Sample

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Foreword
There have been many books written that address the progress of military avia- tion in Australia. What is unique about this book is that Dave Coles has drawn on several sources to provide a consolidated and comprehensive guide to the history of the aircraft that were considered and rejected, and those that were subsequently purchased to meet the air power needs of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), the Australian Regular Army (ARA) and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) since the inception of military aviation. Today, the collective term for the three Australian military Services is the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
2021 being the centenary anniversary of the RAAF, the organisation has amassed a suite of aircraft that has cutting edge technology by world standards. The various air power roles that the RAAF’s current aircraft inventory can undertake, and the wider air power capabilities of the RAN and ARA, provides the Australian Government with a range of options to meet any contingency that may arise at short notice. This supe- rior capability in regional terms will endure for the foreseeable future. Equally, the expertise of the members of the ADF in operating, maintaining, and supporting these complex systems has been gained over a century.
The ADF’s air power capabilities, spearheaded by the RAAF, will continue to be at the forefront of providing for the security needs of Australia.
Dave Coles’ book serves as an easy reference source for anyone wanting to enhance their knowledge of Australian military aviation.
Phil Edwards AM
Group Captain Royal Australian Air Force Active Reserve. February 2021
AUSTRALIAN MILITARY AIRCRAFT