Historic aircraft land safely in Townsville after long trip
Two historic RAAF ‘birds’ have arrived in Townsville safely, after a mammoth convoy through Western and Central Queensland.
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Two historic RAAF “birds” have arrived in Townsville safely after a mammoth convoy through western and central Queensland.
Thousands of spectators lined the road near Lavarack Barracks to stand in awe of the Mirage jet fighter A3-55 and Winjeel Trainer A85-403 as the convoy made its last leg of the logistic miracle to bring them to their final resting place at the RAAF Townsville Heritage Centre.
It’s a “project of love” for Warrant Officer Mike Downs, who was part of a team to restore and deliver the aircraft.
“Not an ounce of trouble the whole way,” WO Downs said.
“Back down the track at places like Banana and Moranbah we just had so many people come out and were all so interested in what we were doing.”
In a nod to history, the Mirage has been painted in the same colours as the 76 Squadron which was based in Townsville during World War II before fighting in the Pacific.
The Winjeel (Indigenous word for young eagle) Trainer A85-403 was designed and built in Australia and was the aircraft every pilot learnt to fly in between 1955 and 1974.
WO Downs said they were aircraft to be admired.
“That is just one fast jet (Mirage jet fighter A3-55), that is one lovely lady the French lady,” WO Downs said.
“It just looks like it’s going fast while it’s standing still and the Winjeel is a tough old bird and is what taught our pilots how to fly.”
The retired aircraft were transported from RAAF Base Amberley.
Originally published as Historic aircraft land safely in Townsville after long trip