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Eight RAAF heritage aircraft are being withdrawn from flying after a “comprehensive review of technical and airworthiness factors”.
A DH-115 Vampire T.35, Gloster Meteor F8, Cessna A-37B Dragonfly, Ryan STM-S2, English Electric Canberra, CA-27 Sabre, CT4A and RE8, all from No. 100 Squadron, will be “transitioned with dignity” out of service, with No. 100 Squadron to continue flying 11 other aircraft.
“Streamlining the fleet will allow 100 Squadron to maintain quality heritage displays, engage communities, and protect the long-term viability of Air Force’s heritage capability,” Defence said in a statement.
“As aircraft age, upkeep becomes increasingly complex, especially for flying displays. Reducing the fleet will allow 100 Squadron to focus on operating a select group of historic aircraft for ceremonial duties and flying displays, maintaining a living connection to Air Force traditions.”
Five of these retired aircraft will return to Temora Aviation Museum, while the other three will be considered for static displays at other approved locations.
According to the Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell, the review was “essential to balancing heritage preservation with operational safety”.
“Our heritage fleet holds deep significance to Air Force and the Australian public,” he said.
“While withdrawing aircraft is never easy, this step ensures we preserve aviation history responsibly. By transferring these aircraft to museums and heritage organisations, their stories of service and innovation will remain accessible for future generations.”
No. 100 Squadron will continue to fly the Mustang, Harvard, Winjeel, two Tiger Moths, Sopwith Pup, Hudson, Spitfire Mk8, Spitfire Mk16, Boomerang and Wirraway.
The heritage squadron was reformed in 2021, having been disbanded in its previous incarnation in May 1946. The original No. 100 Squadron was formed from surviving personnel from the British Royal Air Force’s No. 100 Torpedo Bomber Squadron that had escaped from Malaya.
The first Royal Australian Air Force Squadron to be equipped with Australian-built Beauforts, No. 100 Squadron was deployed to Queensland in May 1942, where it conducted further torpedo bomber training and anti-submarine patrols.
Notable deployments also included flying reconnaissance and bombing missions against coastal shipping in Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea, and conducting the first land-based torpedo strike in 1942 sinking a Japanese cruiser.
