The End

[Tony G]

2009 will be the end of an era for another RAAF aircraft type.

[AdamC]

Tony are they finally retiring the H model Hercs?

Or is it something smaller.

[Tony G]

Tony are they finally retiring the H model Hercs?

Or is it something smaller.


the smaller one.

[Raymond Rowe]

The gravel truck (BOU). After many years of valuable service.A lot of places up in New Guinea will miss that sight.

[damien b]

No surprise that the Boo is on the way out. 45 years of service is an excellent achievment.

[Jethro H]

I am guess that would make it more years than any other operational military aircraft.

Is there any replacement?

[Adam P.]

Not really, hence why the thing is still flying!

[Dave Powell]

[QUOTE=Jethro H;13280]I am guess that would make it more years than any other operational military aircraft.

QUOTE]

Perhaps in Australia - I'm not sure but I think that the KC-135 and B-52 are of late 1950's vintage in the USAF

I'm sure someone can enlighten us on this point

Cheers

Dave

[Bob C]

If the Caribou is retired in 2009, won't that leave a a big gap in the RAAF's transport fleet because a replacement is still far away ?

And the problem is compounded by having two C130Hs already withdrawn from service and several other C130Hs and/or Js permanently deployed in the MEAO.

[Bob C]

Speaking of Caribous, one was in the news recently "


"Defence
MEDIA RELEASE

MSPA 289/08

CARIBOU HARD LANDING IN PNG

A RAAF Caribou made a hard landing at Efogi Airfield, approximately 64 kilometres north east of Port Moresby, at about 11.30am today,05/09/2008.

The aircraft was carrying a RAAF crew of four, along with nine Australian and PNG civilian passengers, contracted under the Australian Aid Program. There were no reported injuries.

The Caribou experienced a strong downdraft as it approached the airstrip resulting in a heavy landing. The crew have inspected the aircraft and confirmed that it has suffered structural damage as a result of the landing.

The aircraft remains at Efogi airfield.

“Air Force provides intensive training so its crews can handle contingencies such as this,” Officer Commanding 86 Wing, Group Captain Gary Martin said.
“The fact no one was injured in this incident is a tribute to the RAAF air crew. They handled this situation very professionally,” PCAPT Martin said.
“RAAF personnel with the assistance of the PNGDF will secure the aircraft while a thorough damage assessment is undertaken. We will then determine options to recover the aircraft.”

Air Force takes safety very seriously. The Directorate of Defence Aviation and Air Force Safety has formed an investigation team which will travel to PNG shortly.

RAAF Caribous conduct training activities in PNG, and often undertake tasks in support of AusAID and the PNG community.

No. 38 Squadron operates a fleet of 14 Caribous from RAAF Base Townsville. Caribous are the Air Force’s light tactical transport capability."


Does anyone know if the aircraft has been recovered yet ?

[Ash W]

Not really, hence why the thing is still flying!

Haven't they ordered some Italian or Spanish aircraft as their replacement?

[Andrew McLaughlin]

Haven't they ordered some Italian or Spanish aircraft as their replacement?

No replacement yet. Project Air 8000 Phase 1 has been held over until after the White Paper has been finalised. As part of the White Paper process, Defence is undertaking a whole Airlift review, but most observers expect an order for 12-18 Alenia C-27Js to be placed, along with some more Chinooks.

[damien b]

I am guess that would make it more years than any other operational military aircraft.

Is there any replacement?

The DC-3 survived for 58 years in RAAF service from 1939 until 1997, the last 15 plus years mostly in support of operations of the RAAF Aircraft Resreach and Development Unit at RAAF Edinburgh.

[Bob C]

Hi Andrew

That's what I've read (in "Australian Aviation" ?)

But the withdrawal of the 'bou would still leave a capability gap for several years until any new equipment arrives.

[Raymond Rowe]

Speaking of Caribous, one was in the news recently "



Does anyone know if the aircraft has been recovered yet ?


Anyone know the RAAF serial number.

[Andrew McLaughlin]

That's what I've read (in "Australian Aviation" ?)

Must be right then! ;)

But the withdrawal of the 'bou would still leave a capability gap for several years until any new equipment arrives.

Yep, but it's not like the Caribou is able to operate in a warzone. It has no secure comms, no EW or self protection capabilities, and runs on AvGas!

But if another tsunami or cyclone were to hit a near neighbour, it would certainly be missed.

[Tony G]

Haven't they ordered some Italian or Spanish aircraft as their replacement?

From what i have heard the choices are between the Spanish EADS CASA C-295 airlifter and Italian Alenia C-27J Spartan. As mentioned it will been known with Project 8000. The interim A/C to be used are king air Army A/C.

[Jethro H]

I'm not sure but I think that the KC-135 and B-52 are of late 1950's vintage in the USAF

I'm sure someone can enlighten us on this point

Cheers

Dave
About 94 B-52H are still flying after 46 years. Previous models were destroyed as part of the 1991 Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty.

[Andrew McLaughlin]

From what i have heard the choices are between the Spanish EADS CASA C-295 airlifter and Italian Alenia C-27J Spartan. As mentioned it will been known with Project 8000. The interim A/C to be used are king air Army A/C.

C-295 is more or less out of it. EADS aren't even seriously bidding it any more. It's C-27J - the only question is how many, and whether they're ordered through the US JCA office via an FMS deal, or directly through Alenia.

[Nigel C]

The C-27J seems to have quite a good usable payload, but how does it stack up against the Caribou for short field performance?

[Stephen Brown]

Nigel, Nothing stacks up against the Caribou for short field performance...

[Nathan Long]

The Buffalo would come close...

[Andrew McLaughlin]

Nigel, Nothing stacks up against the Caribou for short field performance...

...unless you put a decent load on it. The Caribou has great field performance, but only with a few troops and maybe a Land Rover on board. Put anymore on it and it very quickly comes back to the field.

[Grant Smith]

Stick with the MD-11... Now that is crime performunze! :D

[Nigel C]

Hmmm...MD-11 for the Army...I like it!

[Nigel C]

The Buffalo would come close...


Is that the Brewster Buffalo? I thought it was a bit outdated and a little underpowered for current operational needs, but if that's what floats your boat.........
http://www.warbirdalley.com/images/buffalo-01.jpg

The Finnish variety!

http://www.bluejacket.com/usn/images/ac/f/f2a-3_brewster_buffalo_8-42.jpg

And one in action!
:D

[Raymond Rowe]

But the Buffalo like's to collapse its wings.

[Bob C]

Hi Nathan

I've often thought that the DH Buffalo may have been a natural follow on to the Caribou but I don't think it was anywhere near as successful as the 'bou which is odd given DH Canada's success with other models.

And somehow I can't picture a C27J getting banged down on rough strips like the Caribou. The C27 looks too pretty to be treated that way !!

Time will tell.

[damien b]

The DHC-5 Buffalo (A Caribou with turbo props and a weather radar) wasn't as succesful as the US Army didn't buy any, unlike the Caribou which it brought for service in Vietnam. It didn't have quite the same STOL perormance as the Caribou, although it was still pretty good.

The Caribou could take a load of 26 troops or a land rover which was basically its full load into a airstrip at 800ft in length on memory, depending on the airfields altitude.

I recall on several ocassions whilst 38 SQN was based at Richmond watching Caribous struggle on circuits due to the head winds and requiring extra pwoer to get the aircraft down. On more than one occasion the aircraft had negative airspeed.

These days the Chinnok would perform the roles that the Caribou can do, the C-27 if brought, would slot into another role between the Chinook and the C-130 fleet roles.

[Alec Goldfinch]

Ok whack on the same engines as the Dash 8 and the Bou would be just as good, and don't the airframes on the Caribou have an infinite lifespan??

[Brenden S]

I think re engine the bou and put some nice avionics into it and she will have a new lease of life. However from previous experience on various "old" aircraft with new avionics it doesn't work terribly to well (ie 717 - DC-9, Seasprite etc etc)

[Gerard M]

19 Feb 2009 MIN16/09

RETIREMENT OF THE DHC-4 CARIBOU

The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, today announced the Government has accepted the reality that it will be necessary to bring forward the retirement of Australia’s remaining thirteen DHC-4 Caribou aircraft to December 2009.


“The Government has been left with little choice but to retire the Caribou and has reluctantly agreed to do so despite the fact that poor planning by the former Government has denied us the opportunity to produce a replacement aircraft before 2013,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

“After 45 years of tireless and distinguished service with the Royal Australian Air Force, the Caribou fleet is suffering badly from a range of ageing aircraft issues, and contains asbestos parts which I am determined to weed out of the Defence Force.”



The rest can be read at :
http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/Fitzgibbontpl.cfm?CurrentId=8789


It goes on to talk about replacement options and the transfer of the King Airs to 38 Squadron.

[Raymond Rowe]

God bless the reliable gravel truck. airshows will never be the same again.avalon will be a good place to say farewell.

[Mike W]

And we still don't know what's going to fill the void. There's been a serious amount of procrastination from successive governments and various committees, etc. Is it going to be a similar Aircraft, CASA C-295 or the larger and Herc friendly Lockheed Martin Alenia C-27J, or a Chopper... or something else?

[Andrew McLaughlin]

God bless the reliable gravel truck. airshows will never be the same again.avalon will be a good place to say farewell.

I hear four Caribous are being generated for Avalon, so hopefully at least two of them will get there! :D

[Andrew McLaughlin]

And we still don't know what's going to fill the void. There's been a serious amount of procrastination from successive governments and various committees, etc. Is it going to be a similar Aircraft, CASA C-295 or the larger and Herc friendly Lockheed Martin Alenia C-27J, or a Chopper... or something else?

Hopefully all will be revealed in the White Paper in April/May, and some concrete projects can get some funding in the follow-on DCP in July! :cool:

[Nigel C]

Hopefully all will be revealed in the White Paper in April/May, and some concrete projects can get some funding in the follow-on DCP in July! :cool:

How's our government going to afford any type of replacement when they're already throwing a good proportion of $42 billion into a black hole?:confused:

[Stephen Brown]

Ya gotta love the Bou!!

[Chris Griffiths]

Seems so very long ago but my dad was there at the beginning.....
http://www.pbase.com/chrisg/image/32089478.jpg
RTFV Vung Tau 1964.
Dad is far right, back row.
Some more.... http://www.pbase.com/chrisg/rtfv

Cheers

[Jethro H]

Nice photo Chris. The plane shines with its new skin!
A colleague of mine Bev Barry was a navigator on the delivery then went off to Orions, I have asked him if he is in photo.

I also notice this on Wiki about the DHC-5 Buffalo:
New production
In December 2008 Viking Air, who hold the type certificate for the Buffalo, indicated that they intend to put the aircraft back into production at their factory in Victoria, British Columbia or Calgary, Alberta. The new production Buffalo will feature Pratt & Whitney Canada PW150 engines, a glass cockpit, enhanced vision and night vision goggle capability. The company intends to propose the aircraft as a replacement for the Canadian Forces fleet of existing DHC-5As
Does anyone know if this is a goer? Maybe the most suitable replacement for us too?

[Andrew McLaughlin]

Does anyone know if this is a goer? Maybe the most suitable replacement for us too?

Interesting question Jethro. If they can spec the 'new' Buffalo to meet military requirements (i.e. comms, self protection, networking etc), it would certainly make an interstion option. I'm not sure if they'll be able to do it within the timeframe the ADF is looking at. There would probably also need to be a fairly strong order book for it before the ADF got on board too.

Word is the C-27J is the most likely successor - the only decision to be made really is whether to buy it direct through Alenia and get it sooner, or buy it via a Foreign Military Sale deal through the USAF/Army which could take a little longer.

[Jethro H]

Since the Airlift White Paper is out, it has had me searching.

There is more information about comparing the two aircraft here.
I just thought the Buffalo would be 'too old' of a design, but there is similar age designs for the both. The C-27J has a greater weight capacity but can't do the STOL/unprepared runway work that the Buffalo can.

I suppose it depends how what we need this aircarft to do? Will it be required for places like PNG with goat tracks as runways or will be for carrying stuff from prepared runways?

http://www.casr.ca/doc-news-viking-buffalo-specs.htm

[Pat Stevens]

An ex RAAF Caribou pilot i know reckons that Chinooks will be the replacement.

[Andrew McLaughlin]

Being careful not to use too many quotes here, but they are relevant...

There is more information about comparing the two aircraft here.
I just thought the Buffalo would be 'too old' of a design, but there is similar age designs for the both. The C-27J has a greater weight capacity but can't do the STOL/unprepared runway work that the Buffalo can.

Working against the Buffalo 'NG' is the timeframe in which it will be available - at the moment it's just a paper airplane and I doubt the RAAF would sign up for it unless there was already a substantial order in place from a lead customer. Remember the Seasprite...

I suppose it depends how what we need this aircarft to do? Will it be required for places like PNG with goat tracks as runways or will be for carrying stuff from prepared runways?

Much of the 'goat track' work will be conducted by the Chinook. The new Battlefield Airlifter to be acquired under Air 8000 will partially replace both the Caribou and the C-130H in the light-medium haul tactical transport role. The C-130Js are now almost as proficient in the tactical and SOF support role as the C-130Hs, the two extra C-130Js will also go some way towards replacing some of the Hs, while the C-17s have as well already. The KC-30As will also have a substantial strategic transport capacity via underfloor containers, thus freeing up C-17 and C-130J capacity to further replace the C-130Hs.

Overall, seems like a pretty good balance.

Cheers

[Jethro H]

An ex RAAF Caribou pilot i know reckons that Chinooks will be the replacement.
If public servants with accountancy backgrounds still really run Defence I doubt it.

Chinooks cost about 3 times the running costs and can only fly less than 1/2 the distance.

and as stated in the White Paper:
there is a gap between the capabilities of the Chinook and the C-130 which only a fixed wing aircraft can economically fill.... and then goes on about the C-27... and no mention of a Buffalo.

[Craig Murray]

Most amusingly, while sorting through some boxes in my garage, I stumbled across the following article in an Australian Aviation mag:

RAAF Set to acquire Caribou replacement

The magazine is dated April, 1997 :eek:

So it is fair to say that the replacement of the mighty, and I mean that in every sense of the word, Caribou has been kicked around by the ADF and Australian Government for a lot longer than it probably should have been.

The article by Max Hawkins says, and I quote:

A decision on the preferred contractor/aircraft would likely be announced in late 1998 with contract signature early the following year. First deliveries are planned for late 2000, which is timed to coincide with the Caribou's withdrawl from service.

Even the Indonesians were expected to tender for the replacement with the IPTN CN-235-220 Phoenix (displayed at the 1997 Avalon show). I suspect this was revenge for the ADF virtually gifting them our remaining fleet of ADF N-24 Nomad?!

The retirement of the DHC-4 Caribou and F-111 in the near future will no doubt be a sad time for the Airmen, Airwomen and Officers at RAAF Amberley where these aircraft have been based since Adam first started dating Eve!!!

Long live the gravel truck!

[Craig Murray]

It has started :(

While perusing the outstanding ADF Serials (http://www.adf-serials.com/) website this morning I noted that two 'Bou have been put out to pasture at Oakey.

A4-228 was the first Cairbou to be placed in long term storage during May 2009.

A4-231 arrived in Oakey for storage on June 23rd.

Photograph them while you can, the majority won't be flying for too much longer. Thankfully three of our aerial Vietnam Vetrans will find good homes with one being quite local to Sydney!

[Brenden S]

Craig, isnt one heading out to Temora as well?
1 RAAF Sale
2 AWM
3 HARS
4 Temora

[Andrew McLaughlin]

Brenden - correct, except its RAAF Point Cook, not Sale. Hopefully Temora will find the funds to keep theirs flying...

Meanwhile, Australian Aerospace at BNE will have a ceremony on Monday July 6 for the last Caribou to go through heavy maintenance there.

Army 173SQN's three King Airs will transfer over to 38SQN by the end of this year, and the first of the new aircraft should arrive in the new year.

I noticed in the DCP released last week that a decision on the proper replacement for the Bo won't be made until the 2011 timefrme, so it's unlikely we'll see a new tactical transport before 2014/15.

[Craig Murray]

Thanks for the update Andrew.

Noted outside Aerospace Australia this morning were:

A4-152 (eventually bound for the RAAF Museum)
A4-140 (tagged for the Australian War Memorial)
A4-204 (minus tail)

Here's a token picture of 152 from this morning.

http://craigmurray.gallery.netspace.net.au/albums/album01/IMG_0760.jpg

[Craig Murray]

Howdy,

Visited Oakey today for the fly-in and observed four Caribou now in open storage post withdrawl from active service with the Royal Australian Air Force.

In addition to A4-228 and A4-231 mentioned previously, A4-234 and A4-275 (all pictured below) are now also resident at the Army Aviation Centre.

http://craigmurray.gallery.netspace.net.au/albums/album01/a4228.jpg

http://craigmurray.gallery.netspace.net.au/albums/album01/a4231.jpg

http://craigmurray.gallery.netspace.net.au/albums/album01/a4234.jpg

http://craigmurray.gallery.netspace.net.au/albums/album01/a4275.jpg

[Gerard M]

Despite it being a great set of photos Craig, it is defiantly a sad sight to see. It may have been answered already but what happens to them now whilst in storage?

[Andrew Neil]

good question. Are they looking to get rid out them of let them rot away. Would love to see them in civilian aviation if someone had the cash

[Stephen B]

On the 17th of last month I visited Amberly and saw F-111 A8-145 which had made its last flight and been grounded the day before. The base is littered with stripped fuselages. That's going to be another very sad day with the F-111's are retired as well.

[Craig Murray]

A4-225 was seen at Oakey today confirming it has been retired from active RAAF service.

This brings the number of 'Bou in storage at Oakey to 5. An additional two parking positions have been prepared so I expect two more units to arrive in the near future.

http://craigmurray.gallery.netspace.net.au/albums/album01/a4225.jpg

[Mick F]

I was fortunate enough to have a look through the last Caribou to come through Mount Isa. They used to be a regular visitor to the town, but, the last one has departed. Sad sight.

On a flight to Townsville yesterday, noticed they had the formal Caribou farewell ceremony in the morning, with several parked on the Military Apron area.

Mick

[lloyd fox]

One landed at BNE about 30mins ago and the pilot told the controller this was his last flight.There may have been a water cannon salute as well.

I know i will miss them out of BNE and flying over my house.

[Mark Grima]

On a flight to Townsville yesterday, noticed they had the formal Caribou farewell ceremony in the morning, with several parked on the Military Apron area.

My other halves old man was invited to travel up to TSV for this do and from all reports it was a wonderful affair with one quote I heard for him being "I had tingles down my side" This coming from a bloke that usally has no emotion what so ever.

To be honest I am not 100% sure of his assiciation with the Bou, I don't even know how long he has been retired from the RAAF, decades maybe, I must find out. If i see any photos from the ceremony over the weekend I will be sure to share them.

Cheers

M

[Dave Parer]

The Caribous flew in formation for the last time yesterday over Townsville. Sad day. End of an era.....

http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2009/11/14/93941_hpphoto.html

[Marty H]

Anyword if 152 and 140 have departed TSV today (23/11) for the trip down to Point Cook?

[Steve Jones]

My info is that the last RAAF Caribou flight will be on Friday from Point Cook to Canberra, where it will be handed over to the War Memorial (will be dismantled at the airport over the following weeks for transport).

[Joseph Saragozza.]

silly question but will the bou at point cook be left in a flyable condition for reason such as an ANZAC day flyover or anything along those lines?

[Jethro H]

For anyone in Canberra on Friday
THE HON. GREG COMBET MP
Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science

RAAF CARIBOU RETIRES TO AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL

Following a flypast at a height of 500 feet over the Australian War Memorial and Canberra Airport, Caribou A4-140 will be received by the Australian War Memorial

Qantas Hangar, Canberra Airport
Friday, 27 November 2009
Flypast approx 12.50 pm
Hand over ceremony 1.00 pm

A4-140 is the Air Force's oldest remaining Caribou, and is the oldest aircraft in the Australian Defence Force fleet. It was part of the initial three Caribou which were delivered to Australia in April of 1964. In its 45 year career, A4-140 flew in Vietnam from 1968 to 1971. In 1975, it was involved in evacuation missions between East Timor and Darwin. The aircraft supported further flood relief in Australia in 1983 and 1988, and supported the Search and Rescue detachment at RAAF Base Pearce in the 1980s. A4-140 has continued active service with 38 Squadron.

The aircraft will officially be handed over by Air Commodore John Oddie, Commander Air Lift Group to Ms Nola Anderson, Assistant Director, Branch Head National Collection.

[Tony P]

Where will they display it at the AWM?

[Jethro H]

What I can gather she will be in storage for a while.

A bit off topic...., but if anyone is in Canberra tomorrow before the Bou comes in:
NEW MRH90 HELICOPTER TO VISIT THE CAPITAL
Friday, 27 November 2009. 9:25am for a 9:30am briefing, followed by aircraft arrival at 10:00am.

The aircraft inspection is in Blamey Square, Russell Offices ACT.

Director of Aviation Capability Implementation – Army, Colonel Neil Turton, will provide a presentation on the MRH90 Helicopter at 9:30am. The aircraft Captain, Lieutenant Commander Paul Hannigan, RAN, will be available for interview shortly after the aircraft lands.

Background:
The MRH90 project which will see 46 aircraft introduced into service across Army and Navy, and is intended to replace the Army Black Hawk helicopter and the Navy Sea King helicopter fleets.

The MRH90 represents a new generation of rotary wing aircraft, and features fly-by-wire controls, fully digital ‘glass’ cockpits and composite fuselages. The weather radar, forward looking infra-red sensor and night vision devices are fully integrated to enhance the ADF’s ability to operate aircraft in challenging conditions. The MRH90 has a large cabin space and carries seating for up to 20 troops.

The MRH90 aircraft will be based at Army’s 5th Aviation Regiment in Townsville and 6th Aviation Regiment in Holsworthy, at Navy’s 808 Squadron in Nowra, and at the Army Aviation Training Centre in Oakey.

I am guessing that since it will land within Russell Offices, access maybe restricted to authorised media.

[Peter JB]

Saw a Caribou doing 2 circuits of Melbourne CBD about 12.45 today.

[Jethro H]

Here is Bou at Richmond in May this year. I had not 'heard' one taxiing for many years, and when this rolled along it had that distinctive "gravel truck" rumble.

[Noel White]

and when this rolled along it had that distinctive "gravel truck" rumble.

This could be why you heard that rumble. Note the tyres fitted :eek:

Photo (not mine) taken of the remains of A4-264 at Richmond on 24 Nov.

[Jethro H]

:) Very good...
See what happens when you let the army play with planes!, they whack truck tyres on it....
Or was it the mechanic was told it was AKA "Gravel Truck"... so we just get parts from a gravel truck!

[Gerard M]

With the Army King airs having already been handed over, it looks like RAAF will be using Dingo as their callsign possibly. Noted today:

1819 - A32-437 - Dingo002

[Jethro H]

THE HON. GREG COMBET AM MP
Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science

SHAYNE NEUMANN MP
Federal Member for Blair

AMBERLEY TO RECEIVE A CARIBOU
A retired Caribou aircraft will become a permanent static display at RAAF Base Amberley in recognition of the Caribou’s 45 years of service to Australia and its long association with the local area.

Air Force Caribou has a long history of operational activity from Amberley and part of the fleet was based there until 2 years ago,” said Mr Neumann.

“Air Force Caribou were based at RAAF Amberley from 1992 until 2007. For 15 years, Amberley-based Caribou provided vital support to ADF operations and exercises across Australia, East Timor, PNG and the South Pacific.”

“The establishment of a static display is a fitting tribute to the thousands of people who proudly flew and maintained the Caribou in South-East Queensland.”

Australia received a total of 29 Caribou between 1964 and 1971. The light tactical transport aircraft were well known for their ability to operate from short and unprepared airstrips. Caribou conducted tasks across Australia, and in Vietnam, South East Asia, Kashmir and the South Pacific.

“In recent years, the ageing Caribou became increasingly labour intensive and costly to operate. It was a tribute to the aircrew and maintenance personnel that the Caribou was able to operate as long as it did,” said Mr Combet.

“In the interim, the Caribou will be replaced by the King Air, which will provide a modern and efficient transport capability for the Australian Defence Force. A long term replacement for the Caribou will be selected in consultation with Defence.”

“The Caribou’s lengthy and illustrious Air Force career has also been recognised with one aircraft being provided to the Australian War Memorial and another to the RAAF Museum at Point Cook, Victoria.”

Disposal of the remaining Caribou aircraft is being managed by the Defence Materiel Organisation.

Does anyone know what/where they will dispose the rest of the fleet to?

[Jethro H]

The End continues for another part of the fleet. This was sent out this week
As the end of the F-111 era draws to a close the long-range strike aircraft are still flexing their muscle as they take part in their final Exercise Pitch Black.
Four F-111s from No. 6 Squadron RAAF Amberley, Qld are taking part in the exercise which commenced on 16 July.
After 37 years, the iconic F-111s are the longest current serving aircraft in the Royal Australian Air Force's fleet.
Wing Commader Micka Gray, Commanding Officer No. 6 Squadron, said the F-111 has been very successful for a very long time.
"The F-111 was an aircraft ahead of its time. It was one of the first twin-engine swing-wing aircraft and has enormous flexibility for range and endurance".
It is affectionately known as the 'Pig' for its ability to hunt at night with its nose in the weeds, thanks to its terrain-following radar.
"No. 6 Squadron has a long and proud history," Wing Commander Gray said. "I am sure the end of 2010 will be an emotional time for many people when we say goodbye to the Pig. But for now we have F-111s to prepare, fly and fight".
The F-111 arrived at Amberley in 1973 and No. 6 Squadron has now flown the formidable strike jet for nearly four decades.
"The F-111 is just a magnificent aircraft. I first flew it 22 years ago as a young fella and I've flown a lot of hours in it. It touches you just to be part of the F-111 community whether you are flying it, maintaining it or supporting it".
The F-111 can strike day or night in any weather. Its Pave Tack targeting system can locate targets at night and in bad weather and provides laser designation for laser-guided weapons. The radar warning system detects incoming radar emissions and alerts the crew to potential surface or air attacks.
The F-111 remains a vital component of Australia's air combat capability in concert with the F/A-18 Classic and Super Hornets.
Exercise Pitch Black is a three week multi-national air combat exercise, conducted in the Northern Territory.
PB10 is the largest RAAF Field Training Exercise for 2010 and involves a combination of day and night flying from RAAF bases at Darwin and Tindal.
The exercise involves participants from the Australian Army and elements of the Singapore, New Zealand and Thailand air forces participating in the tasking, planning and execution of Offensive Counter Air and Offensive Air Support operations in a coalition environment.
The F-111s will return to Darwin for Exercises Kakadu and Singaroo later next month. The venerable aircraft will be duly farewelled from service at the end of the year.

Photo and info c/- Defence Media.

[Jethro H]

It will be interesting to see who will collect one.
It would be nice to see a couple preserved around the place....
From Defence:
Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare announced the release of the tender to dispose of retired Caribou aircraft.
Mr Clare said that two of the fleet will be reserved for sale to historical organisations that will preserve the aircraft as flying examples of military heritage.
A number of Caribou components will also be made available only to historical organisations and Returned Service Organisations, such as RSL’s.
“The Caribou has had a long and distinguished history with the Australian Defence Force,” Mr Clare said.
“It was first brought into service in Vietnam and has served with distinction for nearly half a century.
“The aircraft was famous for its ability to take off and land on short and unprepared runways.
“This unique ability allowed the Caribou to play a major role in relief operations both within Australia and internationally.
“Due to the historic significance of the aircraft, we have reserved a number of Caribou components for preservation at RSL’s and historical organisations.”
During service, the Caribou aircraft were based at RAAF Richmond NSW, RAAF Amberley QLD and RAAF Townsville QLD.
Two of the aircraft have already been presented to the RAAF Museum at Point Cook and the Australian War Memorial.
Interested parties should go to www.tenders.gov.au or contact the Defence Disposals Agency on (02) 9393 2914 for more information.
The closing date for tenders is 1 March 2011.
Imagery is available at: http://adfmedia.smugmug.com/Clare/20101108/14560930_Sbn69#1082087671_JQ72h