RAAF slashes heritage fleet
Royal Australian Air Force will dispose of eight of its 19 heritage aircraft following a review of “technical and airworthiness factors”.
CAPTION: A94-983 Sabre in RAAF’s 75 Squadron markings on its first flight after restoration at Temora Aviation Museum. Photo by Brian Hartigan.
Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell said the review was essential to balancing heritage preservation with operational safety.
“Our heritage fleet holds deep significance to the Royal Australian Air Force and the Australian public,” Air Marshal Chappell said.
“While withdrawing aircraft is never easy, this step ensures we preserve aviation history responsibly.
“By transferring these aircraft to museums and heritage organisations, their stories of service and innovation will remain accessible for future generations.”
However, the cost of operating a fleet of 19 aged aircraft was also a significant deciding factor, with RAAF’s official announcement citing ‘sustainability’ and ‘long-term viability’.
“Streamlining the fleet will allow 100 Squadron to maintain quality heritage displays, engage communities, and protect the long-term viability of the Royal Australian Air Force’s heritage capability,” the statement said.
“As aircraft age, upkeep becomes increasingly complex [and costly], especially for flying displays.
“Reducing the fleet will allow 100 Squadron to focus on operating a select group of historic aircraft for ceremonial duties and flying displays, maintaining a living connection to Royal Australian Air Force traditions.
“The withdrawn aircraft – DH-115 Vampire T.35, Gloster Meteor F.8, Cessna A-37B Dragonfly, Ryan STM-S2, English Electric Canberra, CA-27 Sabre, CT4A, and RE8 – will be transitioned with dignity.
“Five aircraft originally transferred from Temora Aviation Museum will return there, while the remaining three will be considered for static display at approved institutions.”
Royal Australian Air Force will continue to operate 11 heritage aircraft – Mustang, Harvard, Winjeel, two Tiger Moths, Sopwith Pup, Hudson, Spitfire Mk8, Spitfire Mk16, Boomerang and Wirraway.
The pain is not over yet, though, with heritage operations to be further reviewed over the next 12 months “to ensure sustainability and continued public engagement”.
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RELATED STORY: RAAF 100 Squadron re-formed [February 2021]
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EDITOR’S NOTE: CONTACT believes RAAF is deliberately dropping ‘Royal Australian’ from its name – despite Defence formally assuring us it isn’t true. Campaigning against this name-change-by-stealth, CONTACT has amended the above story appropriately. See here for the back story
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