RAAF Peregrine in full markings
On 16 January 2025, a future Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Gulfstream MC-55A Peregrine, bearing test registration N540GA (5540), began a second series of test flights from the L3Harris facility in Greenville/Majors (TX).
The aircraft, part of Australia's new airborne ISREW (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Electronic Warfare) capability, displayed full RAAF-markings, including the unit insignia of No. 10 Squadron, featuring the motto 'Strike First'. The RAAF serials for these aircraft will start with A51-, most likely ranging from A51-001 to A51-004.
In March 2019, Australian Defence Minister Christopher Pyne and Minister for Defence Industry Linda Reynolds announced a USD1,6 billion acquisition of four modified Gulfstream G550 aircraft. These are designated as MC-55A Peregrine and form part of Project AIR 555.
L3 Technologies (now L3Harris) was awarded a contract valued at over USD628 million to deliver these aircraft with next-generation airborne electronic warfare capabilities. The modifications include airframe enhancements, installation of mission systems, secure communications equipment, and self-protection suites. The modifications are being performed at L3's facility in Greenville (TX) and at Gulfstream's facility in Savannah (GA).
Delivery of the first aircraft to Australia is expected in 2025/2026, marking a significant milestone in enhancing the RAAF's airborne electronic warfare capabilities.
Credit photos: @SR_Planespotter (via X)