An F/A-18 Hornet taxies onto the catapult prior to launch during flight operations aboard the USS Harry S Truman.
Photo: AFP
Staff reporter
January 8, 2008 - 8:41AM
Two F/A-18 fighter aircraft from the US navy's fifth fleet have crashed in the Persian Gulf, further clouding the future of the Super Hornet's role in Australia's air strike force.
The crashes come as the Federal Government reviews all aspects of the program to update Australia's air force - including the contract to buy 24 Super Hornets as part of a $30 billion program to deliver air superiority in the region.
The US navy said that the fighters crashed "during operations" and three air crew were "in good physical condition" after ejecting from the fighters and being rescued by teams from the nuclear aircraft carrier USS Harry S Truman.
"The cause of the accident is under investigation," the navy said.
It said the aircraft were providing close air support from Iraq when they crashed....
