Aircraft of the ADF – A20 Boeing 707

The first two RAAF Boeings were both ex Qantas 707-338C models, VH-EAD (Boeing constructor’s number 19624) and VH-EAG (c/n 19627). The RAAF took delivery of these on March 30 1979, and serialled A20-624 and A20-627 respectively. Both were initially operated by No 37 Squadron, already equipped with C-130E Hercules, based at RAAF Base Richmond. On February 2 1981, No 33 Flight was formed to take over Boeing duties from No 37 Squadron, and in turn this unit became No 33 Squadron on June 20 1983.

A further two Qantas 707-338Cs were obtained in 1983, but this procurement was by a more indirect route. VH-EAC (c/n 19623), after a short stint in the United Kingdom as G-BDKE, and then later in Canadian service as C-GRYN, was delivered to the RAAF on June 17 1983 as A20-623. Similarly, VH-EAI (c/n 19629) served in the UK as G-BDLM, and in Canada as C-GGAB. This aircraft was delivered on June 17 1983 as A20-629.

These four aircraft served with No 33 Squadron on VIP and regular military transport roles. However, tankers were seen as essential by the RAAF to support the planned F/A-18 Hornet force, and a Request For Tender for the conversion of these aircraft was finally issued in October 1987. Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) won this $15 million contract, in conjunction with Hawker de Havilland.

The modification involved the installation of underwing pods for hose and drogue equipment for the probe-equipped Hornet. However, this traditional US Navy approach to air-to-air refuelling prevented the modified 707s from tanking the RAAF’s F-111 force, which were equipped with the USAF type receptacle, designed for boom refuelling.

On December 17 1987, the RAAF ordered two refurbished Boeing 707s from the Boeing Military Airplane Company. These two, which had seen service with the airline Saudia, were 707-368C models. HZ-ACG (c/n 21103) had become N1987B, and HZ-ACI (c/n 21261) was now N7486B. Both had been withdrawn from use in March 1986, and were in storage in Italy. This “new” pair of 707s were delivered to the RAAF on March 11 1988, as A20-103 and A20-261.

Additionally, a third Saudia aircraft was obtained for breakdown, as a source of spares for the enlarged RAAF 707 fleet. HZ-ACC became N1486B (c/n 19809) and arrived at RAAF Richmond on March 16 1988. This aircraft was not flown by No 33 Squadron, nor has it worn the serial A20-809, but has purely been “cannibalised” for components. It has affectionately been dubbed “Hulksbury”, and now serves as a training aid.

IAI, with its Australian partner Hawker de Havilland, converted the original four aircraft to tanker/transport configuration. The prototype, A20-629, was formally handed over to the RAAF at Tullamarine on February 12 1990. The first production modification, A20-627, was then accepted by the RAAF in April 1991. Only the four 338C aircraft were converted in this upgrade programme; the ex-Saudia aircraft were retained purely as transports.

Tragically, 707 A20-103 was lost with its crew of five on October 29 1991, off the Gippsland coast near East Sale. It appears now that A20-261 will be retained as the sole 707 transport. Options considered were the sale of this aircraft together with the possibility of leasing a more modern type, such as the Boeing 757, for the strategic transport role. More recently however, press speculation has focussed on the retention of this aircraft with a VIP upgrade. Such a modification would most probably include the hush kitting of its early generation noisy jet engines and improved communications equipment.

A further ex Qantas 707-338C has also seen military service. VH-EAF was purchased from Korean Air for the USAF/US Army E-8 J-STARS program. The E-8 programme uses rebuilt ex airline 707 airframes to provide airborne commanders with a real time display of the ground war, and the two prototypes were hurriedly pressed into service and performed well in the 1991 Gulf War.

During 1991, the last of 1011 Boeing 707 airframes was completed. This total included 878 commercial versions (of which seven saw RAAF service) and 133 military variants including the C-137 transport, E-3 AWACS, and the US Navy E-6 Tacamo. This was in addition to over 600 KC-135 aircraft built for the USAF as air-to-air tankers.