What happened to the RAAF Mirages?

What happened to the RAAF Mirages?

No 79 Squadron operated the Mirage until disbanding in April 1988, leaving No 75 Squadron at Darwin and Aircraft Research and Development Unit (ARDU) at Edinburgh as the remaining operators.

How many mirages did the RAAF have?

Built under licence in Australia by the Government Aircraft Factories (GAF), 100 single-seat and 16 two-seat Mirages were operated by seven RAAF units. The first Australian-assembled Mirage flew at Avalon airfield in March 1963, and this and the following 48 aircraft were built as Mirage IIIO(F) interceptors.

What was the nickname for the F-111?

The General Dynamics F-111C (nicknamed “Pig”) is a variant of the F-111 Aardvark medium-range interdictor and tactical strike aircraft, developed by General Dynamics to meet Australian requirements.

What was significant about the CAC Boomerang?

The Boomerang was handicapped by the available engine variant, which gave low power at altitude and resulted in the aircraft proving to be slower than contemporary fighter aircraft. The Boomerang rarely engaged in aerial combat….CAC Boomerang.

Did Australia have Mirage jets?

Mirage A3-3 was the first Mirage aircraft built under license in Australia and was delivered to the RAAF on 20 December 1963. Initially serving with ARDU, it subsequently served with 2OCU, 76 SQN and 77 SQN at RAAF Base Williamtown.

Is the Mirage still in service?

All Mirage III/Mirage 5 aircraft are to be retired and replaced with the Pakistan/China produced JF-17 by 2025.

What is the nickname for a chinook?

The ACH-47A was originally known as the Armed/Armored CH-47A (or A/ACH-47A). It was officially designated ACH-47A as a U.S. Army Attack Cargo Helicopter, and unofficially referred to as Guns A Go-Go.

Why is the F-111 called Aardvark?

F-111 ‘Aardvark’ fighter jet design The F-111 was given the name Aardvark due to its long and slightly overturned nose. The F-111’s design features variable geometry wings and is mostly built with aluminium, titanium steel.

What does boomerang mean in Aboriginal?

For Aboriginal people the boomerang is a symbol of cultural endurance and a tangible link to their long presence on this continent. The boomerang features in Aboriginal creation mythology, and for Aboriginal people the boomerang is considered as old as the continent.

Is the Mirage maneuverable?

Often considered to be a second-generation fighter aircraft, the Mirage III experienced a lengthy service life with several of these operators; for some time, the type remained a fairly maneuverable aircraft and an effective opponent when engaged in close-range dogfighting.

How many Mirage jets have been lost in RAAF operations?

No 75 Squadron became operational in 1965 and the last RAAF Mirage flight was on 8 February 1989, making the Mirage the longest serving fighter in RAAF history. During that time, of the 114 aircraft delivered, 40 were lost in accidents.

How common were Mirage losses in the late 1960s?

I still remember that RAAF Mirage losses in the late 1960s and early 1970s seemed to be fairly common, not all were related to problems with the aircraft.

What was the last Mirage jet to fly?

A selection of drop tanks and bombs could also be carried. No 75 Squadron became operational in 1965 and the last RAAF Mirage flight was on 8 February 1989, making the Mirage the longest serving fighter in RAAF history. During that time, of the 114 aircraft delivered, 40 were lost in accidents.

What is an Australian Mirage IIIE?

The Australian Mirage was essentially a Mirage IIIE with alternative avionics. Whilst Dassault went on to develop more advanced fighter designs, the Mirage III / 5 family continued in production into the 1980s, assisted by the ability of the airframe to adapt.