Memorial to welcome RF-111C aircraft into National Collection
The Australian War Memorial can confirm a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) RF-111C aircraft currently at the South Australian Aviation Museum will be transferred to the Memorial’s collection.
Aircraft A8‑134 is the sole surviving RF-111C that participated in missions over East Timor and has the greatest operational provenance of the preserved Australian F-111 fleet.
Memorial Assistant Director Major General Brian Dawson (Rtd) said the aircraft is an exciting addition to the Australian War Memorial’s collection.
“This RF-111C aircraft is a major piece of Australian aviation history, which will one day be an invaluable addition to the Memorial’s displays. It will be a powerful visual demonstration to visitors of the important work of the men and women of the RAAF who supported and flew the RF-111C aircraft in theatres like East Timor and the F-111 fleet more broadly over nearly 40 years,” said Major General Dawson.
“I offer my thanks to the South Australian Aviation Museum for its assistance with the transfer. We are also working with the museum and the RAAF to secure a replacement aircraft for South Australia.”
The F-111 fleet contained supersonic tactical attack aircraft that also filled the roles of strategic strike, aerial-reconnaissance, and electronic warfare.
From 1973 A8-134 served with both No. 1 and No. 6 Squadrons in the RAAF. In 1980 reconnaissance equipment was added to a special bay in its underbelly. The aircraft remained in this reconnaissance role until its retirement on 3 December 2010.
The transfer will be completed by mid-2019, and after restoration the aircraft will be considered for future display in the Memorial’s galleries.
Media Contact
Contact Name
Media team
Contact Email
Contact Phone Number
02 6243 4575
Contact Mobile Number
0409 600 038