The End

[Tony G]

2009 will be the end of an era for another RAAF aircraft type.

[AdamC]

Tony are they finally retiring the H model Hercs?

Or is it something smaller.

[Tony G]

Originally Posted by AdamC

Tony are they finally retiring the H model Hercs?

Or is it something smaller.

the smaller one.

[Raymond Rowe]

The gravel truck (BOU). After many years of valuable service.A lot of places up in New Guinea will miss that sight.

[damien b]

No surprise that the Boo is on the way out. 45 years of service is an excellent achievment.

[Jethro H]

I am guess that would make it more years than any other operational military aircraft.

Is there any replacement?

[Adam P.]

Not really, hence why the thing is still flying!

[Dave Powell]

[QUOTE=Jethro H;13280]I am guess that would make it more years than any other operational military aircraft.

QUOTE]

Perhaps in Australia - I'm not sure but I think that the KC-135 and B-52 are of late 1950's vintage in the USAF

I'm sure someone can enlighten us on this point

Cheers

Dave

[Bob C]

If the Caribou is retired in 2009, won't that leave a a big gap in the RAAF's transport fleet because a replacement is still far away ?

And the problem is compounded by having two C130Hs already withdrawn from service and several other C130Hs and/or Js permanently deployed in the MEAO.

[Bob C]

Speaking of Caribous, one was in the news recently "

"Defence
MEDIA RELEASE

MSPA 289/08

CARIBOU HARD LANDING IN PNG

A RAAF Caribou made a hard landing at Efogi Airfield, approximately 64 kilometres north east of Port Moresby, at about 11.30am today,05/09/2008.

The aircraft was carrying a RAAF crew of four, along with nine Australian and PNG civilian passengers, contracted under the Australian Aid Program. There were no reported injuries.

The Caribou experienced a strong downdraft as it approached the airstrip resulting in a heavy landing. The crew have inspected the aircraft and confirmed that it has suffered structural damage as a result of the landing.

The aircraft remains at Efogi airfield.

“Air Force provides intensive training so its crews can handle contingencies such as this,” Officer Commanding 86 Wing, Group Captain Gary Martin said.
“The fact no one was injured in this incident is a tribute to the RAAF air crew. They handled this situation very professionally,” PCAPT Martin said.
“RAAF personnel with the assistance of the PNGDF will secure the aircraft while a thorough damage assessment is undertaken. We will then determine options to recover the aircraft.”

Air Force takes safety very seriously. The Directorate of Defence Aviation and Air Force Safety has formed an investigation team which will travel to PNG shortly.

RAAF Caribous conduct training activities in PNG, and often undertake tasks in support of AusAID and the PNG community.

No. 38 Squadron operates a fleet of 14 Caribous from RAAF Base Townsville. Caribous are the Air Force’s light tactical transport capability."

Does anyone know if the aircraft has been recovered yet ?