RAAF Base Amberley Gate Guard - General Dynamics F-111C A8-138

As the General Dynamics F-111 Fighter-Bomber is among the most familiar and popular military aircraft of all time, an introduction of the aeroplane is unnecessary, however, will highlight A8-138 is one of thirteen retired Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F-111s preserved in aviation museums and RAAF air bases. 

Unfortunately, remaining airframes were disposed (buried) at a Swanbank landfill. 

The preserved machines consist of twelve F-111C's and a single F-111G, and while twelve of the fighter-bombers remain on Australian soil, a single example (F-111C A8-130) was shipped to Pacific Aviation Museum, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, USA. 

Of interest, A8-138 was accepted into service by the RAAF in 1973 after sitting idle in the United States for a number of years while concerns with the design of the F-111 were resolved, and operated until retirement in 2010. 

While A8-138 may no longer be a flying machine with the RAAF, the aircraft still proudly remains on duty as Gate Guard at RAAF Base Amberley, near Ipswich, Queensland.  

 

 

  

 

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing 737-700 (BBJ) A36-002 - Rockhampton Airport

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing 737-700 (BBJ) A36-002 was captured resting on the apron at Rockhampton Airport on Sunday 22 July 2018. 

Operating as Wisdom 71, it appears A36-002 flew direct to Rockhampton from Wagga Wagga on Saturday 21 July, and after remaining overnight at the beef capital, made a mid-afternoon departure to Gladstone on Sunday 22 July before continuing further afield that evening. 

Operated by No.34 Squadron at Canberra Airport, the RAAF accepted delivery of Boeing 737-7DT (BBJ) A36-001 and A36-002 in 2002 on a long term lease arrangement as VIP aircraft. 

Boeing Business Jets are primarily 737 airframes (although other Boeing models are available) incorporating modifications that include the fitment of self-contained stairs, conference suites, secure satellite and communication capabilities, blended winglets for improved fuel economy and additional fuel tanks to allow intercontinental range.