Step inside the Australian War Memorial's new Anzac Hall
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The cover image for WM issue 3 features the McDonnell Douglas F/A‑18A Classic Hornet, displayed in the new Anzac Hall, marking a pivotal era in Australia’s modern military history.
During Operation Falconer, 75 Squadron operated throughout the Middle East area of operations, initially to provided protection to coalition aircraft including air to air refuelers and intelligence aircraft.
The Squadron's role was later extended to include to strike missions against military targets including tanks, artillery and anti-aircraft systems. 75 Squadron operated in the Middle East as part of the Australian commitment to the Coalition forces assembled to disarm Iraq.
Facts (as fast as a Hornet)
- F/A stands for Fighter/Attack - the F/A-18 Hornet is capable of performing both air-to-air fighter missions and air-to-ground strike missions
- Max. speed - is around 2,200 km/h, which is roughly 1.8 times the speed of sound
- Flying hours - the F/A-18 Hornet in Anzac Hall was retired after 30 years and over 6,000 flying hours
🎧Watch and listen
Hear from the Memorial’s Large Technology Conservator, Kim “Woody” Wood.
From dismantling the aircraft in the late 1980s to preparing it for repair, to welcoming the F/A‑18 back into the National Collection years later—this is a story of craftsmanship, memory and a reunion with an old friend.
Supersonic jet, timeless pipes
Wing Commander Melvin E G Hupfeld, 75 Squadron RAAF, celebrates the completion of the Squadron's last combat mission as part of Operation Falconer by playing the bagpipes from his F/A-18 Hornet aircraft.
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Learn more about the new gallery Conflict in the Middle East from 1990.
