Following the F-111 retirement in Dec 10, the Australian Government agreed to fund and retain several aircraft, crew modules and the F-111C simulator at various RAAF Bases and museums throughout Australia. An F-111 Disposals Team was formed within DMO and managed the task superbly. Several F-111Cs and modules were successfully restored and delivered in pristine condition. After much discussion, the Chief of Air Force decided that all aircraft would be painted in their original camouflage and adorned with both 1 and 6 SQN markings.
Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare MP(Right) and the Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Brown, AM inspects F-111 A8-113 new paint work.
Media Release - 30 Sep 11
Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare today announced that up to seven retired F-111 fighter jets will be made available to Australian aircraft museums and other historical organisations.
The iconic F-111s were the front line of the Australian Defence Force for almost four decades.
Following their retirement in December last year, aircraft museums and historical organisations around the country expressed strong interest in displaying the F-111.
“I’ve met with museum operators around the country and I understand how important it is that as many Australians as possible have access to this piece of Australia’s aviation history,” Mr Clare said.
“I have therefore decided that up to seven F-111s will be made available to Australian aircraft museums and other historical organisations.”
The aircraft will be loaned to museums so that Defence can continue to manage the risk of hazardous material in the aircraft like asbestos and will be subject to a number of conditions to ensure the safe preservation of the aircraft.