The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has taken delivery of six additional F/A-18F Super Hornets at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland.

The F/A-18Fs, known as Rhinos, will replace the RAAF’s F-111s, which will be retired by the end of 2010.

With a strong resemblance to the air force’s existing F/A-18A/B classic aircraft, the new Super Hornets feature other stealth characteristics, an enlarged airframe and more powerful engines.

It will also include greater weapons and fuel payload, as well as advanced avionics and radar system.

Once the delivery is complete in 2011, Australia will have a total of 24 F/A-18F Super Hornets, ahead of the transition to the F-35 joint strike fighter.