The Boeing P-8A Poseidon (above) and E-7A Wedgetail are both based on the commercial 737 aircraft. Photos: ADF.
A new hangar capable of accommodating four 737-sized aircraft is being constructed at Adelaide’s RAAF Base Edinburgh to support the deep maintenance of Australian Defence Force (ADF) aircraft.
The $200 million 240-metre-long hangar will be primarily used to support the deep maintenance of the RAAF’s fleet of 14 Boeing P-8A Poseidon and six Boeing E-7A Wedgetail aircraft, both of which are based on the commercial 737 airliner.
The P-8As are all based at RAAF Edinburgh and operated by No 11 and No 292 Squadrons, while the E-7As are operated by No 2 Squadron and are based at RAAF Base Williamtown near Newcastle in NSW.
Edinburgh is also the home base for the RAAF’s No 9 Squadron which operates the MQ-4C Triton high altitude long range maritime patrol UAS, the RAAF’s Air Warfare Centre, No 1 Remote Sensor Unit which operates the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN), a growing Australian Army contingent, and various airbase support units.
The design and construction of the hangar is being undertaken by Australian company BESIX Watpac on a 2.1 hectare parcel of SA Government-owned land adjacent to the base. The structure will contain a four-bay aircraft hangar, offices, workshops, stores, amenities areas and plant rooms.
Some 450 jobs will be created during the hangar’s construction, and Boeing will employ more than 50 skilled workers including mechanical, avionics and structural engineers, painters and ground servicing equipment trades.
The RAAF Boeing E-7A Wedgetail will be maintained at the new hangar.
Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy said the facility would allow the ADF to maintain, repair and overhaul RAAF aircraft in Adelaide, reducing its reliance on offshore maintenance services.
“It means Australian aircraft will be maintained by Australian workers, using their skills to keep RAAF aircraft safely in the skies for years to come,” he said.
South Australian Minister for Defence and Space Industries Stephen Mullighan said the state had a proud history of directly investing in infrastructure to grow the defence industry.
“Because of our investment, for the first time, the [ADF] will be able to modify and maintain its fleet of Boeing military aircraft on Australian soil,” he said.
“The state has a strong track record delivering Defence projects and this will further enhance South Australia’s reputation as a leader in this space.”
CEO BESIX Watpac Mark Baker said the company was “thrilled” to be partnering with the State Government project.
“BESIX Watpac is committed to building the best projects together with our people and partners and we look forward to delivering another complex infrastructure facility.”
