iscover
707 A20-624 is one of the original two Boeings the RAAF purchased direct from Qantas in the late 1970s. The fleet was subsequently expanded with the acquisition of further ex-Qantas and ex-Saudia aircraft, although one of the latter was lost in highly controversial circumstances performing double-engine-out asymmetric training over Bass Strait in October 1991. (Rob Finlayson)
Aircraft of the ADF – A20 Boeing 707
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A20 – Boeing 707
The acquisition of the Boeing 707 as a strategic transport and aerial refueller for the RAAF had long been discussed. The first two aircraft were obtained in 1979 to supplement the C-130 Hercules fleet as long range transports, with the intention to obtain more and eventually acquire an air-to-air tanker capability. The 707 family of airliners had begun as the Boeing model 367-80, built as a private venture to demonstrate the potential for jet commercial and military developments. The prototype, dubbed Dash 80, flew on July 15 1954, and a developed version, the Boeing 717 or KC-135 Stratotanker, was ordered in large numbers as a USAF tanker.
The initial civil production version was the Boeing 707-120, which Boeing developed into the enlarged long range 707-320 Intercontinental, which first flew on January 31 1962. Qantas ordered this airliner as the model 707-338C, and received the first of its fleet of 22, VH-EBN, in February 1965. The Boeing 707 was duly replaced in Qantas service by the 747 during the 1970s.
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