Yesteryear

• Tomake up the shortfall in advanced training capability, the Republic of Singapore Air Force is reported to be taking delivery of 12 Lockheed T-33A trainers previously operated by the French Air Force.

•The CFM56 turbofan has been selected by the USAF to re-engine its Boeing KC-135A tanker fleet. Boeing has received a $13. 65m fixed price contract for prototype work and a seven month flight test programme will be held in 1982 followed by three months of operational testing during 1983. Up to 600 USAF KC-135As may be re-engined as the KC-135RE.

• Congress has been informed by the US Defense Department that it intends to sell 88 surplus A-4C and A-4L Skyhawks to Malaysia. Currently in storage at Davis Monthan AFB, Arizona, the Skyhawks will be sold on an ‘as is, where is’ basis with Malaysia responsible for the likely $1m-$1. 5m per aircraft refurbishment and upgrade cost.

• The last production Saab SF 37 Viggen photo reconnaissance aircraft was handed over on 7 February. Deliveries of the JA 37 second generation Viggen are underway which comprise 90 of the total of 329 Viggens so far ordered.

• The first of 33 Boeing Vertol Chinook HC Mk 1s on order to the RAF was handed over in Philadelphia on 31 January. After the manufacturer’s trials over the next few months have been finalised, deliveries to the UK should begin in September with the first Chinooks going to a training unit at RAF Odiham.

• A Super Guppy of Aeromaritime left Hum on 26 January with the first of three BAe One-Eleven fuselages to be supplied to Romania in connection with the agreement between British Aerospace and CNAIR. A further Series 500 and a Series 475 fuselage will be similarly delivered during the year to be followed by other One-Eleven components carried in CL-44-0 Skymasters in seven stages up to 1985. Production of complete aircraft in Romania will then proceed.

20 Years Ago

• The Federal Government has awarded the Goverment Aircraft Factories a $3. 2m contract for the development and manufacture of two prototypes and a structural test airframe of the twin engined multi purpose ‘Project N aircraft. The 14 January announcement stated that GAF would have about 200 people devoted to the project by the end of this year. It was hoped to have the first prototype flying by the middle of 1971.

•On 16 February the Minister for Civil Aviation announced that Sydney (Kingsford Smith) Air- port’s new International Terminal would b be opened by the Queen on 3 May. The first official movement from the terminal will be the departure of the Queen’s chartered BOAC Super VC10 soon after the opening ceremony.

• On 12 January a Pan American Boeing 747 made a proving flight from New York to London Heathrow as a prelude to the first transatlantic scheduled service ten days later.

• The first pure jet cargo aircraft in Australia commenced operations on 19 February when Ansett’s Boeing 727-77QC VH-RMS inaugura- ted regular services between Melbourne and Perth. This aircraft is the first jet QC aircraft in Australian service and will carry 98 passengers by day and 19 tons at night in freighter configuration.

• Following a £30m pound refit to enable it to carry McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom Ils and Hawker Siddeley Buccaneers. HMS Ark Royal was recommissioned on 24 February.

• A world market for the DC-10 type has now been estimated at 1,000-1,200 aircraft over the next 10 to 12 years by McDonnell Douglas. Current DC-10 sales and options presently exceed 200.

• TAA’s first Twin Otter Series 300 aircraft on delivery across the Pacific crashed on the is land of Tau 75 miles east of Pago Pago on 6 January. Unexpectedly strong winds caused it to run out of fuel and during the forced landing the wings and undercarriage were damaged. Carrying the US registration N93985, it was to have become VH-TGE.

• While TAA has decided to sell its three Lockheed Electras overseas this year, Ansett is looking at proposals to convert their three Electras to an all cargo configuration and they would replace the airline’s three Carvairs and two DC-4 freighters.

• The purchase of four to six Boeing tanker aircraft to extend the range of its 24 F-111s is being investigated by the RAAF. The cost of

the tankers would add about $50m to the overall cost of equipping with the F-111s and would give the type greater operational flexibility.

30 Years Ago

. The US General Electric Company has purchased a Caravelle from Sud-Aviation for 14 July delivery. General Electric CJ-805-23 turbo-fans will be installed in this Caravelle and the powerplant may be offered as an alternative to the Rolls-Royce RB141 in the Caravelle VII.

• The first flight of the Yeoman Aviation YA-1 single seat agricultural aircraft took place at Bankstown on 15 January.

• A fleet of nine Convair 340s has been

purchased by Napier Engines from United Air Lines and they will be re-engined with Eland turboprops. No contracts are held for their resale but it is understood Napier wishes to establish a reserve fleet to enable them to offer immediate delivery when orders are received.

• Aircraft recently transported to Antarctica on board two ships of the Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition were a jet assisted takeoff and ski equipped Dakota, two Hiller 12C helicopters and a wheel and ski DHC-2 Beaver. The Dakota will be operated by the ANARE RAAF Flight in Antarctica from Mawson for photographic surveys, supply and communication duties.

• The USAF will take approximately 900 aircraft out of service this year and will dose 12 bases. Included in the aircraft reductions are five Boeing B-47 Stratojet wings comprising 225 aircraft, at least eight interceptor squadrons, three rescue squadrons and five transport squadrons.

• Qantas has applied through the Minister for Civil Aviation, Senator Paltridge, for approval to increase its Boeing 707-138 fleet from 7 10 10, the three new aircraft to be powered by the recently developed Pratt & Whitney J-57 turbofan. It is also seeking to replace the P&W JT3C-6 engines in its present 7 aircraft with the new turbofans. The new engines will improve takeoff and climb performance, extend the operational range and permit cruise speeds similar to that of the more powerful Intercontinental 707.

• During the delivery of its second Boeing 707 from Seattle, Air India made the first non-stop flight from London to Bombay. A de Havilland Canada DHC-4 HC-4 Caribou CF-LVA was demonstrated in various locations in Australia alia during February. It flew from Port Moresby to Cairns from where it commenced its widespread four. Amongst numerous demonstrations was one to the Army at Puckapunyal Army Camp on 22 February and another to the RAAF at Laverton RAAF Base the following day.

• Two ex RAAF Commonwealth Wirraways A20-624 and A20-704 arrived at Bankstown from South Australia on 21 February and have been offered for sale for £450 each.

• TAA Lockheed Electra VH-TLA set a new Melbourne/Brisbane record of 2hr 9min on 15 February shaving 4 minutes off the previous record set by a Viscount.