Lockheed Hudson Mk IV bomber A16-105 : 1 Operational Training Unit, RAAF

Lockheed Hudson IV twin engined, twin tail, all metal multi-role monoplane aircraft.

The American designed and built Lockheed Hudson is a significant aircraft in the history of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). They saw extensive use in RAAF service and with RAAF aircrew in RAF Squadrons onboard around the world in a diverse range of roles during the majority of the Second World War (1939 to 1945). From bombing to reconnaissance, air-sea rescue, transport, air-resupply, crew training and liaison it was one of the true work horses of the RAAF. It was a trail blazer in that it was the very first non-British designed aircraft to enter RAAF service.

This particular Lockheed Hudson aircraft was given the RAAF serial number A16-105 (USAAF serial 41-23175) and served as a training aircraft with 1 Operational Training Unit (OTU) at Bairnsdale and East Sale, Victoria.

From December 1942 to January 1943 it flew operationally with a special detachment from the OTU in New Guinea, carrying out supply flights to forward airfields during the Allied advance on Buna, Gona and Sanananda. The extremely hazardous flying conditions found in and around the Owen Stanley mountain range of Papua and New Guinea was compounded by the presence of highly trained and motivated Imperial Japanese Army and Naval air forces and ground troops.

After returning safely to mainland Australia in January 1943, '105' resumed its important job of training and qualifying young RAAF aircrew on the Lockheed Hudson in Eastern Victoria.

After the Second World War it was converted into a non-military configuration and amongst its diverse civilian career flew as a photographic survey aircraft for Adastra. It was acquired by the Australian War Memorial in 2001, and subsequently restored to its former military configuration.

As of 2022 this Lockheed Hudson is on public display at Canberra Airport.