Mustang Flights Australia CAC CA-18 Mk21 Mustang VH-MFT (commonly known as 'Snifter') departed it's home base at Caboolture on Tuesday, October 11, with Mackay as the destination.
However, during the northbound trek, Snifter made a welcomed stop at Rockhampton where it spent time visiting Rockhampton Aero Club. Needless to say, the World War II era fighter plane was meet by a gathering of onlookers, aviation enthusiasts, planespotters and WIN News.
After a couple of hours on the ground which allowed a closer inspection of the aircraft, VH-MFT departed for Mackay where it is expected to remain until Friday, October 14. On this date, Snifter will continue onwards to Townsville for the T150 Defence Force Air Show which is scheduled to be held on Saturday, October 15. There will also be an Open Day at RAAF Base Townsville on Sunday, October 16.
During Snifter's stay at Mackay and Townsville, joyflights aboard the aircraft will be available, and for those who may be interested, feel free to contact Dave Kelly on 0402 788 980 for further information.
Additionally, to learn more about the T150 Defence Force Air Show at Townsville, click onto the following link : https://whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au/events/t150-defence-force-air-show-and-townsville-bulletin-sky-show
Additionally, to learn more about the T150 Defence Force Air Show at Townsville, click onto the following link : https://whatson.townsville.qld.gov.au/events/t150-defence-force-air-show-and-townsville-bulletin-sky-show
Based on the North American P-51D Mustang and powered by a Packard Merlin, 12 cylinder, liquid cooled engine - VH-MFT was manufactured in Australia in 1947 by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC) for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) where the all-round fighter served as A68-110. However, you will note 'Snifter' is painted to represent A68-769, the personal aircraft of the Commanding Officer of No.82 Squadron in Japan.
Of interest, the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation built 200 Mustang aircraft at Fishermans Bend, Victoria under licence from North American Aviation in the USA.
The decision to manufacture Mustang aircraft in Australia was reportedly made during World War II as a result of the outstanding success achieved by the type as a long-range escort fighter on missions in Europe and the Pacific, and commonly regarded as the best all-round fighter of World War II.
To learn about the brief history of each individual Mustang that was operated by the Royal Australian Air Force, you will find the link below useful :
