Significant RAAF survivors

[Dave Homewood]

I know little about aircraft in musuems or collections in Australia, and I thought I'd ask the Aussie members (and others) a bit of a pop quiz so i can learn more:

What is the oldest surviving RAAF aircraft in a museum, static?

What is the oldest genuine RAAF aircraft still flying today?

What, in your opinion, is the most historically significant RAAF aircraft still in existence today? (flying or static)

What RAAF type would you most like to see flying if none are today?

What significant types are about to take to the air again? I know of the Beaufort project, anything else?

What's the best museum to visit in Aussie for aircraft? Why?

Which in your opinion is the most interesting flying collection? Why?

Personally, the aircraft I'd most like to see flying that you have in Aussie is the lovely Hudson. I wish that one was to be restored to fly here, but alas I doubt this will ever be the case.

So, can anyone answer these questions and enlighten me?

[corsair67]

I think the oldest surviving RAAF is an SE-5a which is on display at the AWM in Canberra. I actually don't know much about the history of this aircraft (or whether it actually is the oldest!), but since I live in Canberra, I should get off my butt and find out!

I'd say that most likely the oldest RAAF aircraft still flying is a Tiger Moth; but if anyone can advise if there's something older still airworthy, I would love to know.

The Boomerang would probably have to be the most historically significant RAAF still around today, due to the fact that it was manufactured during a very difficult time, as a last ditch defence against possible Jap invasion.

I would love to see a RAAF Liberator flying again; but I won't hold my breath! I know that one is being restored in Victoria, but I don't think to flying standard.

I don't know about significant types about to take to the air again here, but I know we seem to be getting a few more Kittyhawks in the air soon!

The AWM would be rate pretty highly as worth a visit for it's aircraft (and all it's other displays too), as many are in quite original condition. The RAAF Museum at Point Cook is also very good.

Temora's Aviation Museum's flying collection would rate pretty highly in my mind as a very interesting collection, especially since they've acquired the Hudson (Wigram has a good static Hudson!). The fact that they also have examples of the Meteor, Canberra and Vampire rates highly with me too.

Well, that's my 5 cents worth.

[Dave Homewood]

Thanks Corsair67,

Welcome to the forum. I'd love to see that Temora Hudson flying some day (or any Hudson for that matter, one of my all time favourites). I love the Wigram Hudson, a beautiful restoration, especially when you know what they started with. MOTAT in Auckland also has a nicely restored Hudson, which is still awaiting its wings being attached since 1973. But at least its kept under cover. I had a look inside it last year and was very surprised just how complete it is, it looks like you could just crank the engines up there and then. It is a little dusty and could do with a clean and wing re-assembly, but it is certainly one of the world's most complete examples, and it has quite a history too.

Apart from the Temora example, are there any other Hudsons in Australian collections?