End of a long era in aviation – down under

Much loved and missed. Newsreaders even expressed there sadness at the type retiring!:eek:

where one for the RAAF heritage flight:D

‘Unlikely to be needed’? So nobody down under that worried about a nuclear capable and increasingly belligerent N Korea then?
I should find that reassuring I suppose.

The interim replacement Super Hornets are in service. The Australian government is certainly concerned with N Korea.

]I’m amazed that such an ‘end of service’ display could be sanctioned by a government.
I can’t imagine ours laying out all those pennies to burn (literally) in fuel.

There are reasons why. Taking a couple of possible aspects – The recent financial crisis hasn’t hit Australia as hard as it did the UK and most European countries. The RAAF is has a smaller range of service types and a closer, positive relationship with the people local to their fewer bases than the RAF, with less of a ‘P!ss off Biggles’ attitude by the rest of the population. Most Australians know of the F-111, by name, and it’s retirement is a TV newsworthy event.

Regards,

Hello,

I have finally edited/cropped some of my photos of the day, once again thanks to fellow members of the forum who advised me on the days program. On another matter I see that the latest edition of Air Force News claims that there will be some C models going to tender for museums or other parties, anyone interested only needs to fork out approx 2.5 million aussie dollars to have the aircraft demilitarised and removed of asbestos! Full article is here on page 36, in the blue box.

http://digital.realviewtechnologies.com/default.aspx?xml=defencenews_airforce.xml

Paul

‘Unlikely to be needed’? So nobody down under that worried about a nuclear capable and increasingly belligerent N Korea then?
I should find that reassuring I suppose.

I’m amazed that such an ‘end of service’ display could be sanctioned by a government.
I can’t imagine ours laying out all those pennies to burn (literally) in fuel.

The 4 being looked after at the moment are the best players of the fleet, and include 2 RF-models, for contingeny activation upto july 2011, and as this is unlikely to be needed, it leaves it open for 1 or 2 too make it to Avalon.(provided it can be done for minimal cost)

– Of course if the UK Heritage Lottery were to pony up @ $16M AUD and another $1.2M per annum we would be very pleased to keep one flying for “future generations” (including visiting UK Tourists) smiles

I personally dont see a role for an F-111 in the AWM its combat missions arent significant, unless you rate its role by Bob Hawke? in the Battle for the Franklin Dam?

Having 4 preserved out of @ 30? operational airframes and @10? parts ships seems a reasonable long term preservation target? thats effectively a 10% survival rate.

regards

Mark Pilkington

speculation and rumour is that upto 3 are to be maintained for another three months, for a final appearance at avalon to celebrate 90 years of the RAAF. idea being to keep 3 so as to have one or two flyers. also ARDU to keep one in reserve for testing for a while. not sure how reliable, but given the public affection, a posibility

I would be very surprised if any fly on. The reason the F-111 has been retired is aging-driven increase to a level of ‘unsustainable’ maintenance. Unsustainable may be a political / Treasury concept, but they would be the ones to sign off on more flying.

The ‘public affection’ is very local, and / or nostalgia based. I don’t think the great Aussie public would be too pleased to underwrite the additional cost of flying a very expensive type for ‘a bit longer’.

Just 4?
Sad, I am sure they can easily find more spots to perch them.

Other way up. As many as four is good. They are still a nuclear capable intercontinental bomber type (the RAAF ones don’t have that capability) and retention of any requires US permission, even though they are Australian owned. Two are to be retired to the RAAF Museum, one, F-111G A8-272 ‘The Boneyard Wrangler’ is already there, and two to other displays. Interestingly, the Australian War Memorial didn’t feel they could make a watertight case to take one, for various reasons.

Or keep 1 for special missions or uses (like NASA did).

Not if I’m paying (which I sorta am;) ). Great display aircraft, the most effective strike aircraft in the area, and I’ve always been impressed by the dump & burn, but things come to an end…

Regards,

Excellent report and photos Phil. Love the ones of the crews taxiing by.. just shows the sheer bulk of the aircraft in comparison to the crews. And even now with the wings swept right back they still look incredibly futuristic.

Going slightly off thread it reminds me of when i used to watch the 111’s operating at Lakenheath. At the time you just took them for granted, but maybe you don’t really appreciate what your watching until they’re gone forever!

Pig Tales – the offficial RAAF F-111 retirement, December 3rd 2010 at RAAF Amberley – here is my view of the day –

http://heritageflightgear.blogspot.com/2010/12/end-of-era-raaf-retires-f-111_06.html

Regards

Phil Buckley

Thanks for that wieesso. Now thats how a country should say farewell to a long serving and much loved aircraft, but more importantly what a fitting way to remember aircrew lost while flying the type and serving their country!

…with three image galeries
http://www.defence.gov.au/defencenews/stories/2010/Dec/1206.htm

Just 4?
Sad, I am sure they can easily find more spots to perch them.
Or keep 1 for special missions or uses (like NASA did).

Look forward to pics.

yes only 4 at moment, yanks very sensitive about its technology
lots of museums begging for them(as are we!!!!)

If that does happen, its a shame the RAF couldnt have done something similar with the Harrier to make its departure from RAF service accessible to more of its fans.

No it is a shame the tight fisted excuse for a government couldn’t release the funds to let the RAF do this but then all the services are being shafted so what is the point? 🙁

speculation and rumour is that upto 3 are to be maintained for another three months, for a final appearance at avalon to celebrate 90 years of the RAAF. idea being to keep 3 so as to have one or two flyers. also ARDU to keep one in reserve for testing for a while. not sure how reliable, but given the public affection, a posibility

If that does happen, its a shame the RAF couldnt have done something similar with the Harrier to make its departure from RAF service accessible to more of its fans.

With the help of another forumite I managed to attend the event as well, will try and post some photos early next week.

Paul

speculation and rumour is that upto 3 are to be maintained for another three months, for a final appearance at avalon to celebrate 90 years of the RAAF. idea being to keep 3 so as to have one or two flyers. also ARDU to keep one in reserve for testing for a while. not sure how reliable, but given the public affection, a posibility

Today was a sad occasion for many people as we witnessed an end of a fondly liked Australian icon – the “Pig” aka other wise known as the General Dynamics F-111.

Only 4 out of 21 will be preserved at the moment, rest to be scrapped.

Just 4?
Sad, I am sure they can easily find more spots to perch them.
Or keep 1 for special missions or uses (like NASA did).

Look forward to pics.