Australia halts air strikes in Syria

A A27 Hawk on the BAE Tarmac with a new paint scheme.Hawk A27-30 is sporting a new colour scheme aimed at increasing visibility and reducing the potential risk of mid-air collision. The decision to trial the new paint scheme followed an assessment of operational risk of Hawk operations in Pearce Airspace in 2010. The trial colour scheme increases the contrast of the Hawk with usual operating backgrounds to make it easier to see. A27-30 uses the existing Hawk camouflage pattern, but with different and darker colours. A gloss finish has also been incorporated into the design to increase the durability of the surface finish. Air Combat Group will undertake a small number of assessment flights to quantify the expected increase in visual detection ranges. A27-30 will remain at Williamtown until it goes to the Avalon airshow later this month as a static display. It will then fly to Pearce...