Friday, December 14, 2018

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.  












 

 

  






















 


Friday, August 03, 2018

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.