ADF-SERIALS
Australian &
New Zealand Military Aircraft Serials & History
RAAF A94 Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation CA-26/CA-27 Sabre Mk.30/31/32
A brief history of the CAC Avon Sabre, written by Rod Farquhar
Click here to see service histories and data on CAC Sabres in Malaysian service
Click here to see service histories and data on CAC Sabres in Indonesian service
Aircraft are listed in order of construction number (C/No.), i.e. A94-101, A94-901 to 990, A94-351 to 371.
Click on thumbnail for individual aircraft image albums
| RAAF.Serial | Const/No | Aircraft.Type | Aircraft History |
| A94-101 | 1428 | n/a | The
one and only CA-26 was the prototype CAC Sabre. It first flew on 03/08/53, piloted by Flt Lt Bill Scott. To ARDU 14/04/55. To RSTT Wagga Wagga as Instructional Airframe No.1 25/08/57 and stayed there until 06/1975. To Point Cook 08/11/76 as instructional airframe and then acquired by the RAAF Museum. Currently on static display at Point Cook, Vic.
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| A94-901 | CA27-1 | Mk.30 | First
production Sabre delivered to Number 1 Aircraft
Depot at Laverton (1 AD) 19/08/54. To ARDU 20/08/54. To 1 AD 26/09/55. To CAC Fisherman's Bend for major repair 28/09/55. At some stage modified to Mk.31. To 1 AD 15/01/57. To 78 Wing 19/11/58. To 2 (F)OCU 12/01/59. To 1 AD 18/08/60 for E Servicing. To 81 Wing 06/04/61. To 1 AD 24/05/62 for Mods and back to 81 Wing. Whilst with 76 Squadron flown by Squadron Leader (later Air Vice Marshall) Jim Flemming DFC. Part of the Black Panthers Aerobatic Team 1961-65 (76 Sqn). To 3 AD 18/12/63 for E Servicing. To ARDU 30/06/64 for vibration tests. To 81 Wing 10/64. To 3 AD 11/11/66 to be held pending inspection. According to RAAF status card it was due to be converted to components 20/12/66. However it survived and was displayed at the Mildura Warbirds Museum, Vic. Colin Justice adds "The photos shown on your web page of it at Mildura Warbirds Museum were taken in 1989 or possibly 1990 as I can't quite remember. I'm in the the 5th photo wearing the blue overalls." Donated to Bankstown Museum 1999. Moved to the HARS hangar at Albion Park 11/2006 Currently on static display. HARS Albion Park, NSW
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| A94-902 | CA27-2 | Mk.30 | Delivered
to 1 AD 15/09/54. To ARDU 04/10/54. Noted as repairable at Laverton 13/09/55 but beyond capacity of unit. To 1 AD 30/11/55. To CAC for major repairs 01/56. At some stage modified to Mk.31. To 1 AD 13/03/58. To 2 OCU 01/12/58. To 1 AD 30/05/60 for E Servicing. To 81 Wing 24/04/61. To 3 AD 12/11/63 for E Servicing. To 81 Wing 09/04/64. To ARDU 11/02/66 for Technical Evaluations and then back to 81 Wing. To 2 OCU 08/12/66. To 3 AD and due to be converted to components 13/04/67. Reported as held at Point Cook 15/11/84 as a display unit. Fuselage was on display at RAAF Museum, Wagga Wagga, NSW Removed in 2010, current location unknown
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| A94-903 | CA27-3 | Mk.30 | Delivered
to 1 AD 04/11/54. To ARDU 25/11/54. On 12/05/56 8 miles east of Woomera the port fuel drop tank released due to a faulty electrical release circuit. Modified to Mk.31 22/08/56. To 1 AD 27/08/56. To 78 Wing 05/09/57. Tyre blow out on landing at Williamtown on 23/04/58. To 1 AD 06/10/58. To 75 Sqn 17/03/59. To 1 AD 05/04/60. To reserve at WLM 24/01/61. To 76 Sqn 13/02/61. To 81 Wing 24/02/61. To 3 AD for E Servicing. To 81 Wing 03/12/63. To 3 AD and converted to components 25/02/66.
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| A94-904 | CA27-4 | Mk.30 | Delivered
to 1 AD 18/01/55. To 2 OCU Sabre Trials Flight 22/02/55. Wheels up forced landing 18/09/55 at Williamtown after loss of power. To CAC at Fishermans Bend for major repairs 22/11/55. During this time as well as repairs it was modified to Mk.31. To 1 AD 30/04/57. To 78 Wing 16/05/57. Served with 75 Sqn. Served with 3 Sqn. To 2 (F)OCU 28/01/59. To 1 AD 19/06/59 for E Servicing. To 2 OCU 02/02/60. To 81 Wing 23/02/61. To 1 AD for Mods and back to 81 Wing. . To 3 AD 14/05/63 for E Servicing. To 81 Wing 04/11/63. To 3 AD and converted to components 03/02/66.
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| A94-905 | CA27-5 | Mk.30 | Delivered
to 1 AD 09/12/54. To 2 OTU Sabre Trials Flight 19/12/54. On 24/01/55 incident when starboard flap partially extended and port flap fully extended Still at Trials Flight 03/02/55. To 1 AD 05/06/55. To ARDU 06/10/55. To 1 AD 29/11/55 for Sabre mods by CAC (Modification to Mk.31). To 78 Wing 13/04/56. On the 12/07/56 this aircraft was damaged by a 30mm round accidentally fired from Sabre A94-914 in a hanger. To 2 AD 08/11/57. To 1 AD 02/03/59 for mods. Now modified to Mk.31. To 75 Sqn 19/08/59. To 2 OCU 11/09/59. 14/12/60 suffered accident (no further details) 18/01/61 requested to obtain approval for conversion to components & disposal of badly damaged **** (can't decipher hand writing on status card) No mention of incident that caused this damage. Port under carriage has been forced backwards and up through flap. Starboard wing is in very unusual attitude, back to front and almost upside down. Perhaps it was ripped off and ended up leant against fuselage side. To 81 Wing 20/02/61. Became Instructional Airframe No.2 on 16/10/61. Wagga advised airframe no longer acceptable as training aid and on 27/11/61 was recommended it for fire crash/rescue duties at Williamtown. Approval given for use as a fire fighting aid on 18/01/62 and unit advised so on 26/1/62. Residue to be scrapped when hulk no longer required.
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| A94-906 | CA27-6 | Mk.30 | Delivered
to 1 AD 16/02/55. To 2 OTU Sabre Trials Flight 10/03/55. Modified to Mk.31 23/03/56. To 78 Wing 30/11/56. To 2 AD for E Servicing. To 2 OCU 21/11/58. To 1 AD 22/04/59, to be used by ARDU for 3 days. To 75 Sqn 28/10/59. To 2 OCU 12/11/59. Transferred to 81 Wing 23/02/61 To 3 AD 03/05/62 for E Servicing. To 81 Wing 29/10/62. Served with 3 Sqn at some stage. Engine removed 12/09/63 after aircraft sustained Cat 4 damage to the air intake duct, while in flight, by ammunition carried by the aircraft. The engine issued to CAC for survey/repair. Aircraft not flyable to 3 AD on 24/09/63. Still at 81 Wing 12/01/65. To 3 AD 31/03/65. Converted to components at 3 AD. Photographed on an unknown date at what is believed to be a Salvation Army Boy's Home in outer suburban Melbourne (The Basin?) Front fuselage marked ''06'' noted in a front yard in Tiernan Street, East Preston c1968 Sabre marked A94-906 noted at Warbirds Museum Mildura along with A94-989 Rear fuselage fitted to A94-989. at Moorabbin Air Museum
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| A94-907 | CA27-7 | Mk.30 | Delivered
to 1 AD 21/12/54. To 2 OTU Sabre Trials Flight 01/02/55. To 1 AD 11/05/55. To 2 OTU 09/06/55. Modified to Mk.31 23/05/56. To 1 AD 11/06/56. Damaged wheel 21/08/56, during landing at Laverton. To 78 Wing 05/11/56. To 2 AD 05/04/57 for E Servicing and mods. To 78 Wing 23/09/58. To 1 AD 19/11/58. To 75 Sqn 21/04/59. To 2 OCU 30/04/59. To 81 Wing 23/02/61. To 3 AD 16/02/62. To ARDU 02/11/62 for vibration check. To 81 Wing 25/09/66. To ARDU 11/66 for immediate reserve. To RSTT Wagga Wagga 11/06/68 as Instructional Airframe No.4. Used as a Gate Guard at Wagga Wagga 08/10/80. Used as Exhibit at 1 SD Tottenham 29/06/88. Mounted up a pole 10/89 at Tottenham. Noted at RAAF Laverton 05/93. Seen in the sea-plane hanger at Point Cook 11/95. Purchased by Jeff Trappett as source of spares in restoration of A94-352 Moved to Latrobe Valley airport and stored outside Jeff's hanger without wings . Currently held by Jeff Trappett at Latrobe Valley airport.
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| A94-908 | CA27-8 | Mk.30 | Delivered
to 1 AS 03/02/55. To 2 OCU Sabre Trials Flight 22/02/55. To 78 Wing 19/03/56. To 1 AD 18/04/56. Modified to Mk.31 23/05/56. To 78 Wing 20/09/56. To 2 AD 05/06/57 for E Servicing and Mods. To 78 Wing 18/06/58. To 1 AD 11/09/58. To 75 Sqn 21/04/59. Held at 2 OCU 22/05/59. To 81 Wing 23/02/61. To 3 AD 11/07/62 for E Servicing. To 81 Wing 13/11/62. To 3 AD 31/03/65 for "E" servicing. However engine was removed and the airframe was converted to components by 08/65.
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| A94-909 | CA27-9 | Mk.30 | Delivered
to 1 AD 30/03/55. Into storage 03/06/55 as immediate reserve. Mainplane and undercarriage damaged 09/06/55. Allocated to replace A94-905 at Sabre Trials Flight 17/06/55 but replaced by A94-920. To 2 OCU Sabre Trials Flight 18/10/55 to replace A94-906. Modified to Mk.31 Standard 23/03/56. To 1 AD 11/04/56. To 78 Wing 09/10/56. To 1 AD 21/07/58. To 75 Sqn 02/02/59. To 2OCU 24/02/59. To 1 AD 25/02/60 for E Servicing. To Base Sqn WLM for Immediate Reserve 02/11/60. To 2 OCU 24/02/59. To 1 AD 25/02/60 for E Servicing. To Base Sqn WLM 02/11/60 for Immediate Reserve. To 2 OCU 10/11/60. To 81 Wing 13/02/61. To 3 AD 30/08/63 for E Servicing. To 81 Wing 09/01/64. To 3 AD 30/06/66. To 2 OCU 05/12/66. To RSTT Wagga Wagga as Instruction Airframe No.5 29/08/68. To 2 AD 15/10/87 for testing. Offered for disposal from 29/06/88. To Lang Kidby/Transcorp, Redcliffe Qld. Was under restoration to fly by Sanders Aviation at Chino Ca. Purchased by Temora Aviation Museum 1999 and was under restoration to fly. Registration VH-SBR reserved. (Since allocated to Jeff Trappett's A94-352) (There is also a fuselage at RAAF Forrest Hill at Wagga Wagga that some sources identified as A94-909. It is reported to have a constructors plate with serial number cac9 and this could be an original fuselage of A94-909. We would love to have some clarification on this. Wagga is also reported to be the home of the forward fuselage of A94-902 that was at Point Cook as a display. This may be the same aircraft.) Restoration to airworthiness stopped when Temora signed agreement with RAAF Museum to fly A94-983 Currently in store at Temora Aviation Museum
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| A94-910 | CA27-10 | Mk.30 | Delivered
to 1AD 18/03/55. To ARDU for high velocity gun installation trials 22/03/55. This was due to ingestion of gases caused by the firing of the Aden cannons causing engine surge. Various tests were carried out and these resulted in a re-design of the gun blast panel and modifications to the Avon engine. The engine modifications resulted in the Avon 26 built by CAC. The early gun blast panel is pictured in the first image and the later type in the other photos. Modified to Mk.31 30/08/55. To 81 Wing 04/03/63. To 2OCU 08/12/66. Recommended for conversion to fire training aid at Point Cook 26/03/74. Instructional No.19. Recorded as held by RAAF Museum 06/77. On view for many years including being displayed in a nose-up take off pose. Was in store at RAAF Museum Pt. Cook. Vic. 10/2014 due to be transported to Wagga to replace A94-982 on display Arrived Wagga 16/10/2014 Was to be displayed on gate at RAAF Wagga Wagga 05/2018 a change of plan has seen it gifted to ANAM Moorabbin It will be eventually replace at gate by a Macchi jet trainer.
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| A94-911 | CA27-11 | Mk.30 |
Received 1 AD 11/03/55. Held at 1 AD for Sabre Trials Flight. Landing Accident 03/05/55 at Williamtown, NSW, Held u/s at 2OCU 12/05/55. Approval for conversion to components 14/07/55. Unit carried this out 03/08/55 |
| A94-912 | CA27-12 | Mk.30 | Received
1 AD 18/02/55. Held at 1 AD for Sabre Trials Flight. Received 2 OCU 30/03/55. Noted in Marksmen display team colours. Unserviceable at 2 OCU from 05/05/55 until downgraded to maintenance pool awaiting engine 11/10/55. New engine available 24/01/56. Allocated for re-activation of 3 Sqn 28/02/56. Modified to Mk.31 15/06/56. To 75 SQN 28/01/59. To 81 Wing 06/04/61. Status card indicates approval for Conversion to components 09/66. Photographed at Laverton Airshow dated 17/09/67 so there is a contradiction of dates.
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| A94-913 | CA27-13 | Mk.30 | Received
1 AD 06/04/55. Held at 1 AD for Sabre Trials Flight 29/04/55. To 2 OCU 12/05/55. Modified to Mk.31 29/11/55. Engine change at 1 AD 21/12/59. To 81 Wing 23/05/61. Converted to components 01/66.
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| A94-914 | CA27-14 | Mk.30 | Received
1AD 28/04/55. To 2OCU 19/05/55. to 78 Wing 25/02/56. Modified to Mk.31 18/07/56. On the 12/07/56 a 30mm round accidentally fired from this aircraft damaged Sabres A94-905 and A94-919 in a hanger. Forced landing at Avalon 13/06/57. Struck off Charge 02/11/64. Warbirds Directory reports held by Les Arthur, Toowoomba Aero Museum 84/86, Gold Coast War Museum, Coolangatta 86/89, sold for $9250 at museum auction incomplete 10/06/89. With Sanders Aviation at Chino Ca. 89/95. Flightpath magazine 01/90 also reports A94-914 being in the USA as "major components only being used as templates in airworthy restoration of 909". Bob Ogden's museums guide describes Darwin Aviation Museums aircraft as being A94-914 fitted with the rear fuselage of A94-921 and wings from a Mk.32. It would appear that the front section of 914 remained in Australia with the rear section of the fuselage exported to the USA. As mentioned below we have a Sabre in two places at once! A Sabre marked A94-914 is on static display at the Darwin Aviation Museum, NT.
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| A94-915 | CA27-15 | Mk.30 | Delivered
to 1 AD 21/04/55. To Air Trials Unit, Avalon for Blue Jay missile acceptance trials 22/04/55. (Blue Jay went into production as the Firestreak missile). Also positioned at Edinburgh during these trials. To CAC Fishermans Bend 26/10/60 for removal of Blue Jay equipment and return to standard (Mark 31) spec. To 81 Wing 11/06/62.(76 sqn) To 2 OCU 12/66. Flew with Marksmen display team 1968. To ARDU 21/05/70. To 5 OTU 14/09/70. Noted at RAAF 50th Anniversary Airshow, Laverton 18/04/71. To 2 OCU 02/05/72. To No.2 Stores Depot, Chester Hill (Auburn) for display in domestic area. (Instructional No.20). Displayed on main gate in 2 OCU scheme 01/08/83. Last entry on RAAF Status card states still held on display 12/88. Moved to Dubbo and was displayed on gate at No.6 Stores depot. After No.6 Stores Depot closed in 1995 A94-915 was taken to Narromine Airport approx 40k west of Dubbo. Currently on display in WW2 Bellman hangar at Narromine Aviation Museum, NSW.
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| A94-916 | CA27-16 | Mk.30 | Received
at 1 AD 20/05/55. Allocated to storage 03/06/55. To 2 OTU for Sabre Trails Flight 17/06/55. To 78 Wing 19/03/56. Modified to Mk.31 25/06/56. To CAC Avalon for mainplane repair 02/05/58. To 81 Wing 23/02/61. Crashed Williamtown 09/09/63. Crashed into swamp next to base following engine flame-out. Engine removed 12/09/63. Converted to components in situ and unserviceable remains disposed as scrap 11/10/63. A request was made to use as instructional airframe but advised not suitable on 24/10/63. This would seem to be the end of -916 however according to Warbirds Directory A94-916 was acquired by Sanders Aviation of Chino Ca. in 1990, it was then at Stallion 51 at Kissimmee Fl. in 90/92, and then to Charles Osbourne of Louisville Ky. 92/93 and under restoration. .In yet another case of the uncertainty of surviving airframe identity, possibly due to the interchangeability of aircraft sections, we have recieved the following from Barry Wilson " ADF-serials says that A94-916 ended up in the USA. I doubt this is the case. Roger Carmichael was practicing in it for an airforce week display. He came across the runway at right angles inverted at 500-ft. As he crossed the RW he extended his wheels (pointed them up), the idea being to roll out onto downwind and land. Unfortunately, whilst still inverted, his engine quit (probably due a faulty boost pump). Roger didn't like ejecting so he left his wheels down (I think) and put the aircraft down into a swamp halfway around base leg and about halfway to the Stockton Beach sandhills. He went over one set of power lines and under another set on the far side of a road. As I recall he was basically uninjured. The engine intake bottom was pushed up to the top, probably by the nosewheel. From memory, the fuselage was somewhat flattened. The aircraft was put on the airfield for fire Pilot practice and I had the fin removed for use as a 76 Sqn sign and planted in concrete outside the Pilot room. I think it is still there. So I doubt whether there was anything worthwhile being sent to America." If this is the case what is the identity of the aircraft in the USA? Aircraft claimed to be A94-916 is on display on a pole at Clark County Airport, Jeffersonville, Indiana, USA. It is displayed as a US Navy FJ-3 Fury
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| A94-917 | CA27-17 | Mk.30 |
Received 1 AD 16/06/55, into storage 11/07/55, to 2 OTU for Sabre Trials Flight 11/10/55, to 78 Wing for re-activation of 3 Sqn 28/02/56. Modified to Mk.31 25/06/56. Served with 3 Sqn. Served with 77 Sqn. Crashed 12/09/57, near Newcastle NSW after loss of control . Pilot FLTLT G Boord ejected at 10,000 ft and 300 kts over water and was rescued. RAAF Ejection number 13. Approval given for write off including installed Avon No.3065 29/04/58. Link to National Australian Archives report into loss of A94-917.
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| A94-918 | CA27-18 | Mk.30 | Received
1 AD 29/07/55, to 2 OCU for Sabre Trials Flight 10/10/55. Damaged flap, mainplane and aileron 18/01/56. Modified to Mk.31 15/02/56. To 78 Wing 30/05/56, to 75 Sqn 28/10/59, to 81 Wing 23/02/61. To 3 AD 19/05/65 for "E" service however by 28/05/65 a decision had been made to convert to components. It was converted to components by 12/65.
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| A94-919 | CA27-19 | Mk.30 |
21/07/55 Received 1 AD
ex CAC 11/10/55 Allocated to 2OTU for Sabre Trials Flight (replacing A94-908). 21/02/56 to 1AD Modified to Mk.31 . 14/05/56 To 81 Wing ex 1AD 12/07/56 Damaged in hangar by 30mm round accidentally fired from A94-914. . Noted with 76 Sqn. 26/11/57 Whilst flying out of Williamtown a drop-tank became dislodged 27/11/57 to 2AD for E service, returned 23/01/58 27/11/58 to 2OCU 03/09/59 requested engine change 10/09/59 to 1AD ex 2OCU for retro mods 16/03/60 to 2OCU ex 1AD 23/02/61 To 81 Wing 24/05/62 to 1AD for Sabre Mods by CAC working party and returned 17/08/62 12/11/62 to 3AD for E servicing 17/05/63 to 81 Wing ex 3AD 12/03/65 To 3 AD for scheduled E service however it was decided that aircraft would be converted to components. 16/03/65 Conversion to components, completed by 11/10/65.
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| A94-920 | CA27-20 | Mk.30 | Received
1 AD 10/06/55. Fitted with CAC
built Avon 26 Number 107 Allocated to 2 OCU for Sabre Trials Flight replacing A94-909. Modified to Mk.31 15/02/56. To 78 Wing 08/10/56. Noted with 3 Sqn 1956. On 30/05/57 on a flight out of Williamtown suffered a loose starboard aileron access panel. To 2 OCU 03/11/60. To 81 Wing 23/02/61. To 3 AD 02/02/66 for conversion to components. Converted to components by 04/66.
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| A94-921 | CA27-21 | Mk.30 | Received
1 AD 29/07/55. Allocated to 2 OCU for Sabre Trials Flight 11/10/55 replacing A94-912. However remained unserviceable at 1 AD and on 28/02/56 this was cancelled. Remained u/s until 13/02/57 when it was allocated to 78 Wing. During this period it was modified to Mk.31 standard. To 2 OCU 14/01/59. Held by 75 Sqn 22/05/59. Engine changed 08/02/60. To 2 OCU 10/60. To 81 Wing 23/02/61. To 3 AD 19/07/65 for conversion to components. Converted to components by 9/65. Rear fuselage reported fitted to A94-914 at Darwin Air Museum.
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| A94-922 | CA27-22 | Mk.30 | Received
at 1 AD 29/03/56. To Air Trials Unit at Avalon 28/04/56 for development of Blue Jay Missile (which went into production as Firestreak). Blew a port tyre on landing on 26/07/56. Returned to CAC for further modifications on 01/08/56 . Returned to ATU 10/11/56. Held at Edinburgh 12/07/57. Held at Woomera 12/08/57. To Maintenance Sqn Edinburgh for engine repairs on 21//3/58 and 17/04/58 and repainting on 04/07/58. To 1 AD on 14/10/60 and CAC on 18/11/60 for removal of Blue Jay equipment and modification to Mk.31 standard. To 81 Wing 01/10/62. To 2 OCU 08/02/66. To ARDU 24/02/67 for "technical investigation 184". Returned to 2 OCU 20/06/67. Flew with Marksmen display team 1968. To GAF Avalon 11/08/69. To 3 AD 04/08/69. On 21/05/73 allocated for "covered storage and preservative maintenance pending issue to national aviation museum, to be retained at Amberley until museum established" (I hope they weren't holding their breath!). Installed Avon 26 engine no. CAC128. Was still held as a training aid at Amberley as of 12/88. Used by 501 Wing for surface finisher training. During this period the following story happened. The picture available via a link below was printed in Navy News 17/06/83. The colours and markings are the same as The RAN's VC724 Sqn Macchis. The Navy News article says that 3 sailors were sent to RAAF Amberley for a surface finisher's course and ordered to repaint the Sabre. Apparently the RAAF guys weren't impressed with the colour scheme chosen. Also appeared in a unique multi coloured scheme, no doubt done as a training exercise for the refinishers. Mark Webb contacted me to say "G'day Martin. I was one of the 3 sailors who painted this aircraft. Tony Brooks and Andy Brown were the other two. We also painted it light gull grey (A-4G skyhawk) and also HOT PINK (air force colours!!!) The air force were not impressed." It was at RAAF Amberley in hanger 289. About mid 1994 the efforts of the RAAF to restore the two Bostons at Amberley were helped when aircraft enthusiast and collector Geoff Moesker swapped a large collection of Boston parts, including wheels tyres and engines, for this Sabre. Then at Camden Aviation Museum, NSW mid 90's (up to 1997?) intended for restoration to airworthiness and the registration VH-SRE was reserved. Noted in the hangar of Mil Aviation 09/00. Classic Wings magazine, Issue 37, carried an advert offering this Sabre for sale by Geoff Moesker with an asking price of AU$100,000. As of 10/2004 -922 was located at Aviation Training Australia at Brisbane Airport and was to have been rebuilt to flying condition. This deal will not be going ahead and -922 will be moving to Geoff Moesker's hangar at Archerfield. In what can only be described as exciting news the new owner of -922 is the American Warbird identity Jerry Yagen. The aircraft is currently being restored to airworthiness at AVSpecs, Ardmore Airfield, New Zealand. The restoration is very much on the go and we can expect to see another Avon Sabre in the sky in the not too distant future. Ex RNZAF Strikemaster and Skyhawk pilot, and current Yak 52 display pilot, Bryan Coppersmith is the lucky individual who will pilot it. Brian is trying to get hold of any performance information and pilots' notes so if you can help please contact us via the link below. An update received 03/10/05 "The Sabre project is proceeding well. The area beneath the rear fuselage fuel tank was badly corroded and has now been restored. The rest of the airframe is in good repair. Avionics are being rationalised as some of the older equipment is terrible out of date (and heavy! - the transponder was the size of 2 shoe boxes and weighed in at 50lbs!). The engine has had fuel and oil through it with no apparent problems. The injector nozzles are with Air NZ being tested and calibrated." Under restoration to airworthiness at Ardmore, NZ
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| A94-923 | CA27-23 | Mk.31 | First
Sabre Mk.31. The major change from MK.30
specification was a solid leading edge instead of
having leading edge slats. The new leading edge
increased wing chord by six inches at the root and
three inches at the tip thus being known as the
'6-3' wing. This was a change brought about by the
US Air Forces' experiences in the Korean War. This
new leading edge greatly increased maneuverability
and was retrofitted to all surviving Mk.30 Sabres. First Flight 30/06/55. Delivered to 1 AD 25/07/55. To 2 OCU for Sabre Trials Flight 09/09/55. Allocated for re-activation of 3 Sqn 28/02/56. Suffered an engine failure on 24/01/57 whilst flying south of Newcastle however a successful re-light of the engine was managed. To 2 OCU 10/06/59. To 81 Wing 24/05/62. To 3 AD 12/03/65 for conversion to components. Struck off 16/06/65. Converted to components 08/65. Forward fuselage of A94-923 along with rear fuselage of A94-954 located at John Hill's property at Capalaba / Springwood Qld Located in the general area from early 1970s to late 1980s/1990 Acquired by Geoff Moesker and moved to Sydney (with A94-922 at Camden?). Moved to WA and front fuselage and wings noted at Jandakot on 26/05/98 Dave Sanders of Western Warbirds restored A94-923 to static display standard then organised a trade deal that saw a Yak-11 (LET C.11) coming to Australia and a Mig-23 going to the USA. Was on outside display at Kbely Aviation Museum Czechoslovakia This aircraft is now on inside display at Stara Aervka Aviation Museum, Prague Czech Republic.
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| A94-924 | CA27-24 | Mk.31 | To
1 AD 11/08/55. To 2 OTU for Sabre Trials Flight 10/09/55. Returned to 1 AD 29/09/55 for incorporation of drop tank pipelines by CAC. To 78 Wing 23/03/56 replacing A94-907. Damaged in belly landing 02/05/56, possible cause electrical malfunction. Damage was beyond unit's repair capacity. To CAC Fishermans Bend for repairs 28/05/56. Must have needed quite a repair as it wasn't returned to 1 AD until 02/06/59. To ARDU 07/09/59. To 75 Sqn 29/09/59. Crashed 10/02/60. The pilot, FLTLT R Allen, attempted to eject after a engine failure shortly after an overshoot. He became incapacitated after jettisoning the canopy, being struck on the head, and crashed onto Stockton Beach at Newcastle, NSW. (There were three instances of pilot fatalities caused by unsuccessful ejection. These involved Sabres A94-924, 926 and 937. In each case the pilot was struck on the head by the canopy. A modification was devised were the canopy was shattered by a spring loaded bolt. This modification was carried out to all Sabres by ground crew, including at Butterworth by kits supplied from Australia. The modification was proved successful with the safe ejections on 27/07/60 from A94-961 and -976 after they collided). A drop tank from this aircraft washed up on Stockton beach in 1994 (had 75 Sqn diamonds on it, and it was severely damaged), went from the RAAF base to Fighter world in 1995, it is believed that the tank ended up in the scrap. |
| A94-925 | CA27-25 | Mk.31 | Received
1 AD 05/08/55. Allocated to 2 OCU for Sabre Trials Flight but not collected. To ARDU 28/09/55. Fuel tank problems kept it u/s until 07/02/56. To 78 Wing 16/10/57. To 75 Sqn 11/12/56. To 2 OCU 22/05/59. To 81 Wing 24/02/61. To 3 AD for E service 07/11/66 however a decision was made it should undergo conversion to components 10/12/66. Converted to components 01/67.
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| A94-926 | CA27-26 | Mk.31 |
Received 1 AD 27/03/56. Held u/s 1 AD 29/06/56. Tyres burst on landing at Laverton 18/07/56. To CAC Fishermans Bend for repairs 16/08/56. Returned to 1AD 06/05/58. To 78 Wing 10/11/58. To 2 OCU 18/11/58. Starboard wing dropped and contacted runway immediately after touchdown 17/02/59. Crashed 07/03/60 after dive bombing practice near Raymond Terrace, NSW. The pilot, SGT A. Hincenbergs, died after becoming incapacitated when hit on the head after the jettison of the canopy. (There were three instances of pilot fatalities caused by unsuccessful ejection. These involved Sabres A94-924, 926 and 937. In each case the pilot was struck on the head by the canopy. A modification was devised were the canopy was shattered by a spring loaded bolt. This modification was carried out to all Sabres by ground crew including at Butterworth by kits supplied from Australia. The modification was proved successful with the safe ejections on 27/07/60 from A94-961 and -976 after they collided) Approval for write off 30/05/60.
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| A94-927 | CA27-27 | Mk.31 | Received
1 AD 06/09/55. To 78 Wing 10/04/56. Report of unusual noises in engine 05/09/56 (Avon engine no. CAC122 installed). Wore "Standing Kangaroo" roundel To 1 AD 23/01/57 To 78 Wing 18/07/57. Blew tyre on landing and damaged wheel hub 15/04/58. Suffered bird strike to air intake on final approach, landing at Williamtown 22/04/58. Engine change 08/02/60. To 2 OCU 11/06/60. To 81 Wing 24/02/61. To 3 AD for conversion to components 25/02/66. Converted to components 04/66.
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| A94-928 | CA27-28 | Mk.31 | 18/10/55 Received
1 AD with installed Avon Mk.20 engine no. CAC115.
15/12/55 To ARDU. 19/01/56 Noted at Darwin . 08/04/58 Noted as "Non standard at present" . 06/04/59 To 1 AD. 01/07/59 To 75 Sqn . 20/03/61 To 81 Wing . 18/08/66 Allocated to 3 AD for conversion to components . Converted to components by 01/67. |
| A94-929 | CA27-29 | Mk.31 | Received
1 AD 16/11/55. To 78 Wing 27/03/56. Suffered a ricochet strike during air to ground gunnery causing holes in fuselage lower skin 02/05/58. Suffered another ricochet strike on 17/06/58 this time damaging the fuselage underside and nose wheel door. Served with 2 OCU. Crashed 12/11/63 Mayfield (Newcastle), NSW. Pilot, PLTOFF R. Slater, experiencing a loss of control, ejected at 12,000 ft with only minor injuries. The aircraft crashed into a house in Newcastle NSW. RAAF Ejection number 23. Bruce Budd adds "I was an ATC officer at Williamtown when this happened and recall that there was a great deal of concern that the aircraft went into a unrecoverable flat spin due to the Sidewinder rails. These were a fairly new installation and there were concerns that they may induce aerodynamic problems. In fact, the spin was so flat that the aircraft pancaked into a back garden and only caused some damage to the rear wall of the house. Agreed this memory is now 41 years old but I'm pretty certain that the story is basically correct."
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| A94-930 | CA27-30 | Mk.31 |
Received 1 AD 04/11/55. To 78 Wing 13/05/56. Suffered engine flame out at Williamtown 30/08/56. Damaged nose wheel doors whilst being towed when chock fell off tractor 13/03/56. These were repaired the next day by unit. To 2 OCU 29/09/58. To 75 Sqn 30/05/59. To 81 Wing 24/02/61. To 3 AD for conversion to components 10/01/67. Converted to components 01/67.
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| A94-931 | CA27-31 | Mk.31 |
Received 1 AD 14/11/55. To 78 Wing 05/07/56. To 2 OCU 27/11/58. To 76 Sqn 08/09/59. To 81 Wing 24/02/61. Served with 76 Sqn. Crashed 11/03/63, 12 miles south of Goulburn, NSW. (35 nm northeast of RAAF Fairbairn, Canberra, ACT) Engine failure. Pilot, GPCAPT A. Mather, ejected at 2,000 ft and 250 kts with only minor injuries. RAAF Ejection number 20. Status card notes "part of engine flew 150 yards through the air and crashed into a utility car....aircraft extensively damaged". Approval given for conversion to scrap and disposal, whole aircraft entirely unsalvageable 15/05/63. Written off 05/06/63 |
| A94-932 | CA27-32 | Mk.31 |
Received 1 AD 28/01/56 with installed Avon engine
no. RR3441. To 78 Wing 20/08/56. To 2 OCU 27/07/59. To 81 Wing 23/02/61. To 3 AD for conversion to components 12/03/65. Converted to components 16/03/65. |
| A94-933 | CA27-33 | Mk.31 | Received
1 AD 30/04/56 with installed Avon engine no.
CAC124. To 78 Wing 30/05/56. In 09/56, 5 minutes south east of Williamtown, suffered a leak in servo cylinder of fuel pump. Suffered an engine flame out on 21/02/57. Right hand side armament panel dislodged and was lost on 18/06/58. To 2 OCU 29/09/58. To ARDU 07/09/59 for testing until 20/09/59, then to 1 AD. To 75 Sqn 28/04/60. To 81 Wing 24/02/61. To 3 AD for conversion to components 12/07/65. Converted to components 09/65.
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| A94-934 | CA27-34 | Mk.31 | Received
1 AD 15/06/56 with installed Avon engine no.
RR3436. To 78 Wing 27/06/56 replacing A94-923. Suffered minor aileron damage 21/03/57. To 2 OCU 19/11/58. Flew in Marksmen display team. To 81 Wing 23/02/61. To 3 AD for conversion to components 29/10/65. Converted to components 02/66.
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| A94-935 | CA27-35 | Mk.31 | Received
1 AD 20/07/56 with installed Avon engine no.
RR3447. Allocated to 78 Wing 10/09/56. Served with 3 Sqn at Williamtown. Suffered engine stall and flame out 27/11/56. Made wheels down forced landing at abandoned strip at Bulga, south west of Singleton, NSW. Major damage to aircraft. Taken to CAC Fishermans Bend for repairs 28/03/57. Rebuilt and redelivered to 1 AD 16/09/59. To 75 Sqn 15/12/59. Returned to 1 AD 17/05/60 for investigation of excessive vibration . To 81 Wing 24/02/60. Served with 3 Sqn. According to RAAF status card, on 26/10/61 aircraft crashed at 185 mph when pilot lost control on take off and crashed back on runway. Aircraft extensively damaged. Ken Jackson adds " Re: Crashes of A94-935, Crash 1; Bulga belly landing: Pilot was Sabre simulator instructor. Did have flame out but pilot had accidentally left Master Electrical Switch "Off" during restart procedure. Crash 2; Ray Fox was pilot. Had been fully kitted up and sitting in cockpit for some hrs at eastern end of Williamtown strip to simulate scramble exercise. No cockpit shade provision. On scramble order he and two other Sabres took off westerly towards late afternoon sun. Instrumentation obscured by glare of sun and attempted to rotate at too low a speed. Left wing touched runway which slowed the aircraft down more and it then cartwheeled off runway into scrub. Bolts holding wings sheared off and fuselage and wings separated. fuselage continued along upside down with canopy smashed and Ray Fox having his face d ragged through the sandy Williamtown soil. When fuselage stopped Ray escaped uninjured but shaken through smashed canopy. He moved away from crash site fearing a fire and then sat down for a "fag" to relax himself. RAAF rescue Pilots found the Sabre cockpit empty! Ray returned to the crash site and assured everybody he was OK except for nostrils and mouth full of sand from ploughing the ground upside down!" To RSTT, Wagga Wagga 06/11/61 for conversion to instructional airframe (Instructional No. 3). 28/09/76 the No. 1 Central Ammunition Depot requested an obsolete airframe for a training aid to be used by Explosives Ordinance Demolition Flight, adding "complete destruction will eventuate". 14/09/77 No.1 CAMD advised destruction had been completed by 08/07/77. This is one Sabre that despite two major crashes and use for explosives training refuses to die! Now reconstructed at Queensland Air Museum, Caloundra Qld. They used a damaged rear fuselage off A94-955 (see image taken in 1996) which I presume was removed before -955 was given to Indonesia. Currently on display at QAM in 3 Sqn markings.
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| A94-936 | CA27-36 | Mk.31 | Received
by 1 AD 30/04/56 with installed Avon engine no.
RR3442. To 78 Wing 29/05/56. To 75 Sqn 19/11/58. To 81 Wing 24/02/61. Flew with 2 OCU. To 3 AD for conversion to components 30/12/65. Converted to components 12/02/66.
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| A94-937 | CA27-37 | Mk.31 |
Received 1 AD 14/05/56 with installed Avon engine
no. CAC125. To 78 Wing31/05/56. Engine developed extreme roughness on 01/09/56 at Williamtown. 18/02/57 it blew a tyre on take off. 12/02/58 it suffered a torn fuselage from a rocket ricochet. To 75 Sqn 28/01/59. To 2 OCU 22/05/59. On 12/04/60 it suffered an accident at Williamtown NSW. The pilot, SGT R. Holding, reported smoke in the cockpit shortly after take off. He commenced the ejection sequence but he was struck on the head. (There were three instances of pilot fatalities caused by unsuccessful ejection. These involved Sabres A94-924, 926 and 937. In each case the pilot was struck on the head by the canopy. A modification was devised were the canopy was shattered by a spring loaded bolt. This modification was carried out to all Sabres by ground crew, including at Butterworth by kits supplied from Australia. The modification was proved successful with the safe ejections on 27/07/60 from A94-961 and -976 after they collided.) The aircraft then rolled inverted and SGT Holding fell out of the aircraft as a result of his seat harness not being secured properly and his body was located within the wreckage area. Subsequent investigations believed that the smoke seen was actually fog from the air conditioning system. A request was made on 12/05/60 to approve conversion to scrap and write off in-situ. Approval given 20/07/60 |
| A94-938 | CA27-38 | Mk.31 | Received
1 AD 28/03/58 with installed Avon Mk.20 engine no.
CAC118. Damaged mainplane and fuselage 15/05/56. To CAC Avalon for repairs and modifications 11/06/57. This aircraft was one of two Mk.31s fitted with leading edge fuel tanks, giving an extra 84 gallons. This would become a standard feature of the Mk.32. Returned to 1 AD 14/08/57. To 78 wing 25/09/57. To 2 OCU 12/01/59. Reported as written off 08/03/60. but no mention of this on Status Card. However on 09/05/60 Dept of Air requested to approve conversion to components or conversion to instructional airframe. On 02/02/61 transferred to 1 AD for conversion and issue of front fuselage, less undercarriage, to ARDU On 13/03/62 ARDU advised transfer to RAAF Fire Training School at Point Cook. By 11/06/62 the transfer was still being arranged when it was found aircraft not to be suitable and not used. No further entries on Status Card. It has been reported elsewhere as being converted to components in 1981. I have no idea where it spent the missing 19 years! Rod Farquhar has part of the mystery solved, he contacted us with this information; "In January 1961 I was posted to ARDU at Laverton, whilst there I took the attached photo of A94-938. The front fuselage section was mounted on a bomb trolley and I was told that it had been used for ejection seat trials. These trials were a consequence of the numerous fatal ejections previously and resulted in the adoption of the canopy breaker bolt that allowed through the canopy ejections. The trials were done during 1959/60 so the aircraft must have been converted to components shortly before then, this is consistent with the fate of most of the Mk. 31s. What happened to it after 1961 I have no idea" Whilst that may of shed some light on the subject a further contact clouds the issue but gives us an interesting insight into the development of the canopy bolt modification. From Evan (Willie) Williams " One thing I noticed was the photo of A94-938 nose mounted on a bomb trolley, however this set up was not used for through canopy ejection trials which saw the introduction of the "breaker bolt" modification. I was involved with these trials from beginning to final acceptance of the concept. S/LDR R (Dick) Sanders and I worked day and night one weekend to come up with ideas about safe ejection from the A/C and had by Monday of that weekend decided that we could satisfactorily weaken the canopy to allow the seat and pilot to punch through. We had made perspex frames and tried various shapes of breaker bolt heads with various springs etc. (finally using a 20mm return spring) to obtain the desired effect. Finally fabrication a frame we could attach to the back of the seat complete with breaker bolt. Dick Sanders, W.Off. Roger Keary, John Sparling and I (armament), ARDU Senior Engineering Officer (can't remember his name) and 4 Central photographic Unit bods took 25 canopies to Wagga for use in the static firing trials using the old A94-901 Prototype Sabre Nose and firing the seat which was caught in a landing net suspended by two cranes. We had a fully articulated dummy, suited and helmeted with pig under belly sewn on upper thighs, arms, shoulders etc. All these firings were successful and it was concluded that a modification should be introduced tallow this ejection sequence to be applied. I may be able to remember some further finer details but the above is the general outline of how it came about."
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| A94-939 | CA27-39 | Mk.31 |
Received 1 AD 01/08/56 with installed Avon engine
no. RR3445. Available for collection by 3 Sqn 15/08/56. 02/11/56 2 NM SE of Williamtown was struck by two birds, damaging the mouth of the air intake. 19/01/57 it was damaged by hail. To 2 OCU 10/11/58. To 1 AD 30/01/59. To 75 Sqn 05/08/59. To 81 Wing 20/03/61. Part of the Black Panthers Aerobatic Team 1961-65 (76 Sqn). To 3 AD for conversion to components 02/12/65. Converted to components 02/66. |
| A94-940 | CA27-40 | Mk.31 |
Received 1 AD 22/06/56 with installed Avon engine
no. RR3444. Damaged undercarriage and port mainplane 02/07/56. To 78 Wing 18/07/56. Crashed 15/10/57, Williamtown NSW. On 08/01/58 Authorisation given to convert to scrap with the residue of the engine to go to Wagga for instructional purposes. By 03/02/58 Conversion was complete however insufficient engine or other components to issue to Wagga. |
| A94-941 | CA27-41 | Mk.31 | Received
1 AD 06/06/56 with installed Avon Mk.26 engine no.
CAC126. To 78 Wing 12/06/56. Served with 76 Sqn Suffered flame out Swansea, NSW 09/08/56. To 1 AD for modifications 16/08/56. To 78 Wing 11/12/56. To 75 Sqn 10/11/56. To CAC Fishermans Bend for repairs 25/07/60. To 81 Wing 18/05/62. To ARDU 05/09/62 to be used, between 10/09/62 and 16/09/62, in Airforce Week displays. Then returned to 81 Wing. To 2 OCU 05/12/66. To GAF Avalon 30/04/70 To 5 OTU 02/09/70. 20/07/71 advised aircraft needs change of engine following overheat condition. As aircraft is a Mk.31 it is not selected for gift to RMAF and it was suggested that aircraft be disposed of at Amberley. 30/04/74 free issue to ARL . Was gate guard at DSTO, Fishermans Bend Vic. In 04/08 we received the following information from Colin Antony "A94 - 941 now resides in a back lot of Fowles Auctions, Geelong Road Laverton North. It appears to be complete minus engine of course. The Fuselage is in two pieces and the wings are complete with drop tanks and gear down beside the fuselage. The rudder still swings freely at the slightest touch. I was told that it was sitting there in the open for at least two to two and a half years." In early 2010 A94-941 was reported to have been moved into storage at Point Cook.
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| A94-942 | CA27-42 | Mk.31 | Received
1 AD 25/09/56 with installed Avon Mk.20 engine no.
RR3448. This aircraft was one of two Mk.31s fitted with leading edge fuel tanks, giving an extra 84 gallons. This would become a standard feature of the Mk.32. To Air Trials Unit 07/11/56. To 12 JSTU 06/03/57 with the instruction 'Aircraft to be unarmed but fitted with gunsight'. Suffered a couple of tyre blowouts whilst at Edinburgh on 12/02/57 and 12/11/57. Starboard wing leading edge fillet missing after flight 11/10/57. To 1 AD 03/05/60 for retrospective mods. To 81 Wing 06/04/61. Reported during period 1961-66 serving with the Red Diamonds and the Black Panthers aerobatic teams. To ARDU 21/05/66. To GAF Avalon 20/05/70. To ARDU 02/09/70. To RSTT 04/09/73 for temporary instructional purposes. Authorised for conversion to Instructional Airframe No 15 on 18/10/73. Issued to No.1 CAMD 01/06/77. Last entry on status card 12/88 shows still held by 1 CAMD. Was on static display at No.1 Central Ammunition Depot, Kingswood, NSW. One of three Sabres acquired by Temora Aviation Museum 04/2005 Held in store by Temora Aviation Museum
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| A94-943 | CA27-43 | Mk.32 | First
Mk.32. The Sabre Mark 32 incorporated Australian
built Avon 26 engines and the "dual store" wing
with 4 instead of 2 under-wing hard points.
(Although as will be seen not all Mk.32s were
delivered with CAC built Avons) Received 1AD 10/10/56 with installed Avon CAC127. To 78 Wing, Williamtown 08/11/56. Dropped starboard wing on landing 14/03/57 aileron and tip damaged. Lost gun panel 30/01/58 fuselage and mainplane damaged. Incorporation of Sidewinder missiles 15/09/59 at 1AD. To 2AD 23/11/59 for dismantling for transfer to Malaysia by Hercules. To 78 Wing Malaya 12/01/60. 1962/63 part of 79 Squadron's initial deployment to Ubon Thailand. Wore the short lived Cobra tail art (see below) Aircraft damaged 24/07/63 in collision with A94-951 near Butterworth. On 21/08/63 Department of Air requested advice whether aircraft should be returned to Australia for repairs using parts from A94-964 to effect repairs or should it be converted to components in-situ? On 07/01/64 approval was given to convert to components in-situ. The port mainplane was fitted to A94-951, the aircraft it collided with. Butterworth advised aircraft written off 18/02/64
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| A94-944 | CA27-44 | Mk.32 | Received
1AD 26/03/56 with installed Rolls Royce built Avon
RR3431 (although it later appears with CAC built
Mk.26 CAC191). To 78 Wing 22/04/56. To 75 SQN 28/01/59. To 77 SQN 25/10/67. To 2 OCU 12/06/69. To GAF Avalon 26/08/69. To ARDU 29/01/70 but still listed as serving with 2 OCU. Allocated to RSTT Wagga Wagga as training aid 02/07/71. Ferried along with A94-970 to Wagga 16/06/71. Instructional Airframe No.8 with installed Avon CAC191. Held at RSTT Wagga Wagga until at least 01/07/88. To Mt Gambier to be displayed at 12th Flight Air Training Corp. Reported as transported to RAAF Museum, Point Cook in May 2007.
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| A94-945 | CA27-45 | Mk.32 | Received
1 AD 12/10/56 with installed Avon CAC128. To 78 Wing 24/09/56. Damaged by hail at Williamtown 10/01/57. Repairable in unit, estimated time 200 man hours. Held by 75 SQN 12/01/59. To 78 Wing Malaya 12/06/62. 1962/63 part of 79 Squadron's deployment to Ubon Thailand. Was the first to wear the short lived Cobra tail art (see below) To 2 OCU 17/11/66. To GAF Avalon for rewiring 03/10/68. To 2 OCU 05/08/69. To 5 OTU 15/03/71. To storage at 2 OCU 05/08/71. On 05/10/72 approval given to free issue as gift with installed Avon CAC122. Free Issue to TNI-AU (Indonesia) 07/03/73 as F-8604 with installed Avon CAC122 One of ten purchased by Kermit Weeks and exported to USA 1989. In store at Aero Traders, Ocotillo Wells, California, USA.
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| A94-946 | CA27-46 | Mk.32 | There is a discrepancy on the
aircraft status card, it states it was received
1 AD 04/09/56 with installed Avon CAC101. Then states allocated to ARDU on 27/08/56 It served as Sidewinder missile trials aircraft wearing DayGlo nose, tail and wing panels. To 3 AD 22/06/62 for dismantling for air uplift to 78 Wing Malaya. To 79 Sqn 25/10/67. To 77 SQN 30/07/68. To 2 OCU 14/08/69. To GAF Avalon 05/03/70. To 5 OTU 27/05/70. On 23/11/71 approval given for free transfer to Malaysia. To 11 SQN RMAF 08/12/71 as FM1946, phased out 1976.
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| A94-947 | CA27-47 | Mk.32 | Received
1 AD with installed Avon RR3443. To 78 Wing 25/10/56. Damaged by hail at Williamtown 10/01/57. To 75 SQN 28/01/59. Noted as part of the 76 Sqdn's Black Panthers and Red Diamonds display teams. To 81 Wing 23/02/61. To 3 AD for dismantling prior to dispatch to 78 Wing Malaya. To 78 Wing 12/11/63. Served with 3 SQN. Crashed into sea 19/12/63, 18 nm northwest of RAAF Butterworth, Malaysia. Multiple control and system failures. Pilot ejected at 10,000 ft and 250 kts over water with only minor injuries. Pilot; FLGOFF Maxwell Leon Norsworthy. RAAF Ejection number 24. Airframe and engine written off 13/03/64.
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| A94-948 | CA27-48 | Mk.32 | Received
at 1 AD 12/10/56 with installed Avon CAC129. To 78 Wing 02/11/56. Held 78 Wing Malaya 12/01/63. To 79 SQN 25/10/67. To 77 SQN 15/05/68. To 79 SQN 05/07/68. Back to 77 SQN 30/07/68. To GAF Avalon for rewiring 30/07/69. To 3 AD 06/11/69. To 2 OCU 10/04/70. To 5 OTU 01/03/71. To 3 AD 27/07/71 for repainting and on completion returned to 5 OTU. On 23/11/71 approval given for free transfer to Malaysia. To 11 SQN RMAF 08/12/71 as FM1948, phased out 1976. Mounted on a plinth at the Crown Prince of Johors' (Malaysia) palace.
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| A94-949 | CA27-49 | Mk.32 | Received
at 1 AD 18/12/56 with installed Avon RR3449. To ARDU 13/06/56. On 12/02.59 aircraft damaged by rain erosion, radome collapsed. On 13/12/61 damaged port leading edge and starboard side of fuselage. Damage caused by bird strike. To CAC for repairs 19/12/61. Returned to ARDU 29/05/62. 07/05/66 Crashed on take off due to ingestion of bird down intake at Laverton. Ended up blocking Sayers Rd. Pilot FLTLT Richard Whittman To 3 AD for survey and submission of report 24/06/66. To 2 OCU 03/10/66. To GAF Avalon 26/06/69. To 3 AD 29/09/69. To 2 OCU 02/03/70. To 5 OTU 24/02/71. Approval given 05/10/72 for free issue as gift with installed engine RR 3447. Free Issue to TNI-AU (Indonesia) 07/03/73 as F-8605 with installed Avon RR3447 One of ten purchased by Kermit Weeks and exported to USA 1989. 08/2017 sold by Aero Traders, Ocotillo Wells, California, USA. for a static restoration. Price US$100,000.
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| A94-950 | CA27-50 | Mk.32 | Received
1 AD 19/12/56 with installed Avon CAC130. To 78 Wing 22/01/57. On 30/10/58 A94-963 had problems with the oxygen system and -950 escorted it to Townsville. Suffered engine flame out and crashed 26/11/58, 2 nm north of Bruthen, Vic. The pilot FLTLT Ralph V Oborn DFM ADFC ejected at 600 ft and 180 kts with only minor injuries. RAAF Ejection number 15. Approval given 21/04/59 for installed Avon RR3076 to be converted to instructional item and residue of airframe to be converted to scrap metal. Part of the wreckage is displayed in Bruthen with a plaque remembering the crash, other wreckage is at the Gippsland Armed Forces Museum at West Sale.
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| A94-951 | CA27-51 | Mk.32 | Received
1 AD 04/12/56 with installed Avon CAC169. To 78 Wing 13/12/56. To RAAF Butterworth, Malaya 30/10/59. Damaged 29/07/63 in collision with A94-943. Repaired in situ by the fitment of the port mainplane off A94-943 which was written off after the collision. Served with 79 Sqn at Ubon, Thailand during the period 1962 to 1968 To 77 Sqn 25/10/67. To 2 OCU 02/09/69. On 16/06/71 approval was given to convert aircraft and installed Avon CAC113 for display purposes at Base Sqn Williamtown entrance gate. Allocated as Instructional No.7. Was displayed at gate until moved inside new display hangar. Currently on display Fighter World, Williamtown NSW.
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| A94-952 | CA27-52 | Mk.32 |
Received 1 AD 18/12/56 with installed Avon CAC141.
To 78 Wing 23/01/57. Suffered compressor blade and compressor casing damage during 1957 and then suffered a flame out at the beginning of the take off run on 12/12/57. 1962/63 part of 79 Squadron's initial deployment to Ubon Thailand. Wore the short lived Cobra tail art (see below) Served with 79 Sqn at Ubon, Thailand during the period 1962 to 1968 To 77 Sqn. 25/10/67 Held at RAAF Butterworth, Malaya. To 2 OCU 14/01/70. Approval given 05/10/72 for free issue to TNI-AU (Indonesia) with installed Avon CAC202. Delivered 11/73 to 14 Sqn TNI-AU as F-8606. Crashed 12/76.
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| A94-953 | CA27-53 | Mk.32 |
Received 1 AD 03/12/56 with installed Avon engine
no.RR3069. To 78 Wing 12/12/56. Damaged starboard mainplane mainplane and undercarriage at Williamtown 23/01/57. Aircraft repaired at unit. Issued to RAAF Butterworth, Malaya on 30/10/58. Transferred from 77 Sqn to 79 Sqn 18/01/68. To 2 OCU 26/06/68. To RSTT Wagga Wagga 07/12/72 as Instructional Airframe No.12. Including installed Avon Mk.26 CAC188. Allocated to RAAF Museum 01/07/88 but believed to have remained at RAAF Forrest Hill, Wagga Wagga NSW. One of three Sabres acquired by Temora Aviation Museum 04/05 Held in store by Temora Aviation Museum.
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| A94-954 | CA27-54 | Mk.32 |
30/01/57 received 1 AD
with installed Avon CAC112 14/02/57 to 78 Wing 30/10/58 issued Butterworth Served with 79 Sqn at Ubon, Thailand at various times during the period 1963 to 1968 (photo at Ubon 1966) 14/11/66 photo with 3 Sqn at Tengah, Singapore 25/10/67 to 77 Sqn 1968 noted with 2 OCU 03/10/69 to GAF Avalon 16/02/70 to 3 AD after landing with main landing gear retracted at Williamtown (see photo) 21/07/70 to 5 OTU 25/06/71 to storage at Williamtown 06/08/71 it was advised the fuselage section of -954 was to be used for heat radiation tests at Darwin, NT. 13/10/71 HQ Williamtown advised this airframe written off Later acquired by Guido Zuccoli . Exported to USA in 1989. In partnership with Dennis Sanders of Sanders Aviation it was offered for sale as a potential warbird. There was apparently little interest in it, as seems the case with most of the Avon Sabres currently in the USA. (Perhaps a case of "not built here" syndrome). Moved on to Planes of Fame at Chino who displayed it at their Fighter Jets Museum hangar painted as USAF 51-2747/FU-747. "Honest John" (For those interested in the story behind this paint scheme it represents an F-86E Sabre that was flown in the Korean War by Col. Walker (Bud) Mahurin, the World War 2 Ace. He commanded the 4th Fighter Group before being shot down, in another Sabre, on 13/05/52 and becoming a POW.) 07/99 After Guido's untimely death Lynette Zuccoli decided to bring the Sabre back home and it was shipped to Toowoomba, Qld. Was displayed at Toowoomba Airport still in the USAF scheme. Exported to New Zealand after being purchased by the Reid family of Nelson. Offered for sale on an on-line auction site. It had its USAF scheme slightly modified from the one it wore previously. 2011 purchased by the Australian War Memorial and returned to Australia. Currently in storage at the AWM Treloar Technology Centre.
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| A94-955 | CA27-55 | Mk.32 |
Received 1 AD 13/03/57 with installed Avon CAC131.
To 78 Wing 21/03/57. Issued to RAAF Butterworth, Malaya 30/10/58. To 77 Sqn. 25/10/67. To 2 OCU 14/03/68. To GAF Avalon 07/05/70. To 3 AD 04/08/70. To 5 OTU 24/11/70. Free Issue to TNI-AU (Indonesia) 07/03/73 as F-8617 with installed Avon CAC164. One of ten purchased by Kermit Weeks and exported to USA 1989. 08/2017 sold by Aero Traders, Ocotillo Wells, California, USA. for a static restoration. Price US$100,000
A rear fuselage originally off -955 is used on the Queensland Air Museum's Sabre A94-935. |
| A94-956 | CA27-56 | Mk.32 |
Received 1 AD 13/03/57 with installed Avon CAC132.
To 78 Wing 21/03/57. Issued to RAAF Butterworth, Malaya 30/10/58. Served with 3 Sqn. To 77 Sqn. 25/10/67. To 79 Sqn at Ubon, Thailand 01/12/67 and returned to 77 Sqn 31/01/68. To 2 OCU 23/09/69. To RSTT Wagga Wagga 07/12/72 as Instructional Airframe No.13. Allocated to RAAF Museum as exhibit 01/07/88. Aero Australia magazine reported this aircraft acquired from a private owner by Matthew Haughey's "World Wide Wings" at Bankstown Airport, along with a rumor it may be acquired by a well known warbirds operation. One of three Sabres acquired by Temora Aviation Museum 04/2005 Held in store by Temora Aviation Museum
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| A94-957 | CA27-57 | Mk.32 |
Received 1 AD 13/03/57 with installed Avon CAC106.
To 78 Wing 29/03/57. Issued Butterworth 30/10/59. To 2 OCU 17/11/66. To GAF Avalon for rewiring 03/10/68 then returned to 2 OCU. Free Issue to TNI-AU (Indonesia) 07/03/73 as F-8607 with installed Avon CAC196. The rear fuselage was fitted to F-8612 and One of ten purchased by Kermit Weeks and One of ten purchased by Kermit Weeks and exported to USA 1989 On display up a pole at Taman Rekreasi Umbu, Indonesia.
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| A94-958 | CA27-58 | Mk.32 |
Received 1 AD 19/03/57 with installed Avon CAC111.
To 78 Wing 27/03/57. Served with 3 Sqn. Suffered bird strike 07/01/58 damaging starboard side intake panel. On 10/09/62 at RAAF Butterworth, Malaya, aircraft suffered multiple birdstrikes soon after taking off and this induced a compressor stall. First contact with ground was 120 feet from end of strip and came to rest a further 1,000 feet away. FLTLT Ronald Offord attempted to eject at low level but died after he ejected outside the designed capabilities of the seat. RAAF ejection number 20. Aircraft and installed Avon RR3074 written off 08/02/63. |
| A94-959 | CA27-59 | Mk.32 |
Received 1 AD 05/04/57 with installed Avon CAC
108. To 78 Wing 18/04/57. Served with 77 Sqn 1959-60. Flew from Richmond (departing 05/02/59 as Williamtown was closed) - Townsville - Darwin - Biak - Guiuan - Labuan - Butterworth arriving 13/02/59. Part of the 76 Sqn Black Panthers Aerobatic Team. Held at Butterworth Malaya 12/10/62. To ARDU 06/02/63 for structural examination. Returned to 78 Wing 09/01/64. To 2 OCU 17/11/66. To GAF Avalon for rewiring 09/12/68 and returned to 2 OCU 18/08/69. Noted at RAAF 50th Anniversary Airshow, Laverton 18/04/71. Approved for disposal 31/03/74. On 02/03/75 disposal action suspended until treasury approval is obtained to retain aircraft for restoration group at Williamtown. Disposal action taken off suspension 11/10/76, From 1981 to 2013 was displayed mounted on a pole at Raymond Terrace, NSW. It ended up in very poor condition suffering from the elements and vandals. The local council was undecided what to do with it (all boils down to money I guess). There were a number of groups and individuals fighting for its survival. Incorrectly reported to have been acquired by HARS in 2010. Removed from pole 03/2013 and transported to Fighter World at Williamtown 02/2016 Repainted in 79 Squadron scheme with Cobra on tail Under restoration for static display at Fighter World.
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| A94-960 | CA27-60 | Mk.32 |
Received 1 AD 11/04/57 with installed Avon CAC133.
To 78 Wing 18/04/57. Served at Butterworth Malaya with 3 Sqn (1964) and 77 Sqn. To 2 OCU 17/11/66. To ARDU 01/03/67 for dismantling of fuselage and issue to CAC Fishermans Bend on 30/10/67 for survey of electrical wiring. Returned to ARDU 02/05/68. To 3 AD 08/11/68. To RSTT Wagga Wagga 04/09/73 for conversion to instructional airframe No16. Sections of fuselage skin have been removed to enable it to be used as a training aid. Currently in storage at RAAF Museum, Point Cook.
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| A94-961 | CA27-61 | Mk.32 |
23/09/57 Received at 1AD ex CAC
with installed Avon CAC134 2/04/57 to 78 Wing (Served with 77 Sqn.) 8/04/58 to 1AD for retro mods 29/05/58 to 78 Wing 27/07/60 ccollided with A94-976 at 14,800 meters and crashed , 40 nm east of RAAF Butterworth Malaysia. Pilot: FLGOFF O Bartrop ejected at 38,000 ft and landed in jungle with only minor injuries. RAAF Ejection number 17. Wreckage landed in inaccessible jungle and was not recovered. 1/12/60 Written off along with installed Avon RR3445
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| A94-962 | CA27-62 | Mk.32 |
2/05/57 Received at 1AD ex CAC
with installed Avon RR3540 17/05/57 to 78 Wing 9/12/57 to 1AD for retro mods 6/05/58 to 78 Wing 30/10/58 Issued Butterworth ex-Williamtown 12/02/61 Held unit equipment 78 Wing 1962/63 part of 79 Squadron's initial deployment to Ubon Thailand. Wore the short lived Cobra tail art (see below) 25/10/67 to 77 Sqn. 1/12/67 to 79 Sqn. Thailand 19/6/68 to 77 Sqn. 4/03/70 Allocated for rewire 31/03/70 to GAF Avalon 3/07/70 to 3AD 11/11/70 to 5OTU 3/09/71 to 3AD 18/07/71, during a low level navigation exercise, PLTOFF Pietsch flew into some uncharted high tension power lines near Beaudesert, Qld and caused a major blackout. One of the lines damaged the air intake and snapped. Another damaged the front windscreen, cut the top off the canopy and broke the top of the pilot's helmet and shattered his visor. The cable then cut into the fin and snapped. His wingman was Jim Rothwell. After jettisoning his drop tanks the aircraft was recovered to Amberley. 16/09/71 recommended for disposal 7/02/72 "advised that a decision is still awaited from the other Commonwealth Departments concerned with regard to the possibility of further gifts as aid projects to S/E Asian Nations. Until the extent of any possible gifts is known it is not intended to process for disposal/dispersal any current Sabre holdings" 16/08/73 "advised that until a decision is reached concerning spares support for RSTT, individual Sabre disposal submissions will not be processed" 15/07/74 Unreadable entry on status card 21/02/75 advised testing of fire protection systems still not complete. 25/11/76 Approval to convert to 12 Sqn training aid as external load for Chinook The wire strike damage remained untouched at least until 1976 when repaired by patches as can be seen by some of our photos. The Sabre was used by 12 Squadron in a training role as a slung load under their Chinooks. It was also used as a training aid for Surface Finishers and wore quite a few different schemes. The aircraft is owned by the RAAF Museum and was located in the restoration hangar at RAAF Amberley. 10/2004 static display at the Amberley Airshow Currently on display at RAAF Amberley Aviation Heritage Centre. Video of A94-962 under Chinook.
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| A94-963 | CA27-63 | Mk.32 | 16/05/57
received 1AD ex CAC. with
installed Avon CAC135 31/05/57 to 78 Wing, 26/03/58 suffered bird strike. 21/04/58 to 1AD for retro mods 6/02/59 noted at Townsville en-route to Butterfield via Darwin Served with 77 SQN at Butterworth 6/03/68 transferred to 79 SQN. Served with 79 Sqn at Ubon, Thailand at various times during the period 1963 to 1968 30/07/68 returned to 77 SQN . 19/05/69 to GAF Avalon 24/09/69 to 2OCU . 3/03/70 Requested to be allocated as Instructional airframe no.60 . 30.09.70 to 5OTU . 18/04/71 Noted at RAAF 50th Anniversary Airshow, Laverton . 25/06/71 to Base Squadron Williamtown 2/05/72 to 2OCU 5/10/72 Approval for free issue (including installed Avon CAC127) to 14 Sqn TNI-AU (Indonesia) 07/03/73 to TNI-AU as F-8608 Painted blue with yellow stripe. Carries "08" on forward fuselage with rear fuselage marked TS-8614 On display at the entrance of Palembang Airport, Sumatra, Indonesia.
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| A94-964 | CA27-64 | Mk.32 |
23/05/57 Received at 1AD ex CAC
with installed Avon CAC137 10/06/57 to 78 Wing 24/02/58 to 1AD for retro mods 3/10/58 to 78 Wing 16/01/59 77 Sqn. aircraft taxied under starboard wing of parked Hercules, leading edge of fin damaged 13/02/59 2AD pending further instructions 24/03/59 to 78 Wing 22/03/61 held unit equipment 78 Wing 23/06/62 Damaged aircraft held unserviceable at Ubon, Thailand whilst with 79 squadron 4/07/62 to CAC Fisherman's Bend 1962/63 part of 79 Squadron's initial deployment to Ubon Thailand. Wore the short lived Cobra tail art (see below) 19/04/63 as a result of damage at Ubon on 23/06/62 it is recommended that repairs do not proceed and aircraft be converted to components 23/07/63 allotted to 3AD for conversion to components 26/08/63 Allotment deferred aircraft still held at CAC as of 12/03/64 Unclear final status card entry "Hercules will uplift -964 ex Laverton 9/4, aircraft issued CAC Laverton 3/4" Converted to components.
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| A94-965 | CA27-65 | Mk.32 | 15/05/57
Received at 1AD ex CAC with installed Avon
CAC138 28/05/57 to 78 Wing 28/01/58 suffered damage from ricochet during air to ground gunnery at Salt Ash Range. Lodged in leading edge of main plane 15/04/58 to 1AD for retro mods 4/09/58 to 78 Wing 3/11/58 Engine failed to relight after deliberate flame out (that would be interesting!) 12/03/61 held unit equipment 78 Wing 12/07/62 held unit equipment 78 Wing Malaya 25/10/67 to 77 Sqn. 14/11/67 to 79 Sqn. Would have served at Ubon, Thailand 8/01/68 to 478 Maintenance Sqn. E servicing ?/68 Corrosion Control Program 6/01/69 to 2OCU 12/11/69 to GAF Avalon 27/02/70 to 2OCU 18/04/71 noted at RAAF 50th Anniversary Airshow, Laverton 31/07/74 Defence has approved disposal of this aircraft 2/03/75 Disposal action to be suspended until treasury approval is obtained to retain for restoration group at Williamtown 27/06/77 Confirmed item still held at Williamtown 5/01/79 Converted at Williamtown for use as training aid at 1 Central Ammunition Depot at RAAF Kingswood (Orchard Hills) 7/09/87 Issued to sales account at 1CAMD 12/88 reported as still held as training aid at 1CAMD Was reported as being sold by tender for $26,000 to Griffair, UK in 1988 and stored pending restoration. However we have a photo of it still at Orchard Hills taken around 1992. I don't believe it ever left Australia and it had been reported located at a paint-ball range? Its last reported location was on a property at West Hoxton in Sydney although there have been no confirmed sightings. Any information on A94-965's current status and location would be most appreciated!
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| A94-966 | CA27-66 | Mk.32 |
24/06/57 Received at 1AD ex CAC
with installed Avon CAC139 4/07/57 to 78 Wing 5/02/58 to 1AD for retro mods 15/06/58 to 78 Wing 20/10/58 issued Butterworth ex-Williamtown 13/3/61 held unit equipment 78 Wing, Malaya 25/10/67 to 77 Sqn. 12/11/68 held 77 Sqn. 27/03/69 Request allocated storage pending decision 2/04/69 3AD 10/10/69 to 2OCU 12/02/70 Allotted rewire 13/02/70 GAF Avalon 21/05/70 5OTU 15/03/71 the aircraft was on a pre-D Service test flight when it went into a spin at 10,000 feet during a stall test and, after passing through 5,000 feet and with no sign of recovery, the pilot decided to eject. PLTOFF O. James Elsbury ejected at 4,000 ft and 130 kts with only minor injuries. RAAF ejection number 40. Crashed into the sea approx 20 miles off coast near Williamtown, NSW. 31/05/71 Aircraft and installed Avon written off.
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| A94-967 | CA27-67 | Mk.32 |
17/07/57 Received at 1AD ex CAC
with installed Avon CAC149 7/11/57 to 78 Wing (Intermediate reserve) 27/11/57 to 78 Wing replacing A94-906 10/01/58 Unreadable entry about an explosion and something blown off in flight? 17/12/58 77 Sqn. Starboard tyre burst causing some damage to main plane, flap and wheel well. 12/03/61 held 78 Wing Served with 77 Sqn 1962 12/06/63 held 78 Wing, Malaya 09/10/63 Crashed 12 nm northeast of Butterworth after loss of control at 35,000 ft during 4 x 4 ACM. Pilot WGCDR R. Hanstein ejected at 10,000 ft and 170 kts with only minor injuries. RAAF ejection number 22. 21/01/64 Write off of aircraft and installed engine CAC192.
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| A94-968 | CA27-68 | Mk.32 |
2/07/57 Received at 1AD ex CAC
with installed Avon CAC142 16/07/57 to 78 Wing 11/03/58 to 1AD for retro mods 24/06/58 to 78 Wing 26/08/58 Electrical fire in left forward console in cockpit 16/01/59 Heavy landing. Aircraft stalled Starboard aileron tip bent, fuselage damage, drop tank and speed brake damaged 30/01/59 78 Wing Maintenance Pool 6/02/59 to CAC Avalon for repairs 9/03/60 to 1AD for inspection 23/05/60 to 75 Sqn. 13/02/61 to 81 Wing 22/09/61 to 3AD for E servicing 27/06/62 to 81 Wing 6/02/63 to ARDU 22/07/63 to 78 Wing 12/08/65 held 78 Wing 12/07/60 held 78 Wing Malaya 25/10/67 to 77 Sqn. 12/09/68 held 77 Sqn 6/01/69 to 2OCU 16/10/69 Allocated rewire, to GAF Avalon 5/02/70 to 3AD 2/07/70 to 5OTU 5/07/71 advised uneconomical to prepare for ferry flight to location other than Williamtown for disposal. 28/07/71 advised decision on disposal of this aircraft not yet available 2/05/72 to 2OCU 5/10/72 Approval for free issue (including installed Avon CAC166) to 14 Sqn TNI-AU (Indonesia) 07/03/73 to TNI-AU as F-8609 Serial changed to TS-8609 A rear fuselage marked F-8609 was fitted to F-8601 and exported to USA in 1989 On display at at Taman Wisata, Indonesia.
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| A94-969 | CA27-69 | Mk.32 |
31/05/57 Received at 1AD ex CAC
with installed Avon CAC143 10/05/57 to 78 Wing 14/03/58 to 1AD for retro mods 24/06/58 to 78 Wing 12/03/61 held by 78 Wing 12/10/62 held by 78 Wing Malaya Served with 79 Sqn at Ubon, Thailand during the period 1962 to 1968 25/10/67 to 79 Sqn. 14/11/67 to 487 Maintenance Sqn. ?/07/68 to 79 Sqn. 30/07/68 to 77 Sqn. 3/02/70 to 3AD 21/06/70 to GAF Avalon 5/03/71 to ARDU 18/04/71 Noted at RAAF 50th Anniversary Airshow, Laverton . 20/09/71 to Williamtown 2/05/72 to 2OCU 5/10/72 Approval for free issue (including installed Avon RR3079) to 14 Sqn TNI-AU (Indonesia) 07/03/73 to TNI-AU as F-8610 10/74 Crashed.
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| A94-970 | CA27-70 | Mk.32 | On
static display at Richmond Airshow 1991. Wings removed and transported by road to Point Cook mid-1997. Was in storage at Point Cook, Vic. held for Australian War Memorial, ACT. It is reported the AWM declined this aircraft and the wings were used in the airworthy restoration of A94-983. (The AWM acquired A94-954 in 2011.) Believed in storage at Point Cook.
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| A94-971 | CA27-71 | Mk.32 | Served
with 3 Sqn. 1962/63 part of 79 Squadron's initial deployment to Ubon Thailand. Wore the short lived Cobra tail art (see below) Served with 5 OTU. Free Issue to TNI-AU (Indonesia) 07/03/73 as F-8611 with installed Avon CAC110. One of ten purchased by Kermit Weeks and exported to USA 1989. In store at Aero Traders, Ocotillo Wells, California, USA. (This aircraft had previously been incorrectly identified as F-8603).
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| A94-972 | CA27-72 | Mk.32 | Free
Issue to TNI-AU (Indonesia) 07/03/73 as F-8612
with installed Avon RR 3447. The rear fuselage of F-8607 is fitted to this aircraft. One of ten purchased by Kermit Weeks and exported to USA 1989. Was stored at Aero Traders, Ocotillo Wells, California, USA. Now on display in USAF scheme at Palm Springs Air Museum.
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| A94-973 | CA27-73 | Mk.32 | Written
Off 12/63. Converted to components after takeoff accident at Butterworth, Malaysia.
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| A94-974 | CA27-74 | Mk.32 | Accepted
by RAAF 13/03/57. Served with 79 Sqn at Ubon, Thailand during the period 1962 to 1968 Served 5 OTU. Purchased by Bob Jarrett. This aircraft has a constructors plate with serial CA 2-74 marked on it. Was on static display at Classic Jets Fighter Museum, Parafield SA. Sold 2016. The new owner plans to restore to airworthy condition. (Any more details would be most welcome!).
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| A94-975 | CA27-75 | Mk.32 | Served
with 5 OTU. Free Issue to TNI-AU (Indonesia) 07/03/73 as F-8613 with installed Avon CAC131. Crashed 09/75.
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| A94-976 | CA27-76 | Mk.32 | Served
with 77 Sqn. Collided with A94-961 at 14,800 meters and crashed 22/07/60, 40 nm East of RAAF Butterworth Malasia. Pilot: Flt Lt Owen Worth ejected and was in the jungle for 3 nights before he was rescued by an RAF Whirlwind. RAAF ejection number 18. |
| A94-977 | CA27-77 | Mk.32 | Served
with 77 Sqn. Crashed 10/06/61, Sungei Patani - Malaysia. Pilot FLGOFF M. Curtiss killed. |
| A94-978 | CA27-78 | Mk.32 | Served
with 77 Sqn 1962. 1962/63 part of 79 Squadron's initial deployment to Ubon Thailand. Wore the short lived Cobra tail art (see below) To RMAF 11/71 as FM-1978, phased out 1976. To TNI-AU (Indonesia) 07/76 as F-8620 (Some sources have A94-978/FM-1978 being F-8619 but our photos show the Malaysian serial FM-1909 showing through the Indonesian serial).
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| A94-979 | CA27-79 | Mk.32 | Served
with 3 Sqn. To RMAF 11/71 as FM-1979, phased out 1976. To TNI-AU (Indonesia) 07/76 as F-8621 Serial changed to TS-8621 Displayed at Iswahjudi Air Base.
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| A94-980 | CA27-80 | Mk.32 | Free
Issue to TNI-AU (Indonesia) 07/03/73 as F-8614
with installed Avon CAC207. Serial changed to TS-8614 Photographed at Bandung, PT Nurtanio factory 1989. One of ten purchased by Kermit Weeks and exported to USA 1989. In store at Aero Traders, Ocotillo Wells, California, USA.
(Sabre marked as TS-8614 on display at the entrance of Palembang Airport is F-8608 fitted with the tail of TS-8614). |
| A94-981 | CA27-81 | Mk.32 |
31/10/57 received 1AD ex CAC with
installed Avon No. CAC161 11/03/58 to ARDU ex 1AD for test schedule Noted at 1958 Laverton Air Show with red nose and tail markings (probably outer wings as well) 9/07/58 at ARDU Darwin detachment starboard tyre blew out on application of brakes during landing. Aircraft continued the landing on blown tyre. Starboard rim assembly damged and suspected damage to Stbd outer leading edge 5/08/58 to 1AD for repair to main plane 22/10/58 to 78 Wing ex 1AD 28/01/59 to 75 Sqn. from 78 Wing 19/02/59 object passed through engine caused severe damage to intake guide vanes 25/06/59 "Aircraft completely disintegrated with parts scattered over large area" Crashed into the ground after a high speed dive near Singleton. Pilot PLTOFF Bannerman killed 14/09/59 approval granted for disposal. Complete write off including installed engine No.130 Residue to scrap metal if recovery uneconomical.
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| A94-982 | CA27-82 | Mk.32 |
30/01/58 Received at 1AD ex CAC
with installed Avon No.CAC169 3/04/58 to 78 Wing ex 1AD 13/08/59 during Malayan Emergency 77 Sqn's -982 took part in strike mission against 3 communist targets, the results were inconclusive. 06/60 The only two other strike sorties were flown this month. 12/03/61 held wing equipment 78 Wing 1962/63 part of 79 Squadron's initial deployment to Ubon Thailand. Wore the short lived Cobra tail art (see below) 25/10/67 transferred to 77 Squadron 18/01/68 transferred to 79 Squadron Thailand 15/05/68 transferred to 77 Squadron 24/04/69 to 3AD from 77 Squadron 25/06/69 to 2OCU from 3AD 22/04/70 allocated for re-wire, to GAF Avalon 15/07/70 to 3AD 5/11/70 to 5OTU 5/08/71 to 2OCU for storage 2/05/72 2OCU 7/12/72 to RSTT Wagga as Instructional Airframe No.14 Last entry on status card held at Wagga 12/88 On display RAAF Forest Hill Museum, Wagga Wagga NSW. 10/2014 It was announced that it is to be transported to Point Cook for restoration. It will be replaced on display by A94-910 which was trucked up from Point Cook arriving 16/10/2014 Claimed to be the "only RAAF Sabre in captivity to have fired a shot in anger during Malayan Emergency" (see above) 09/2018 Transferred and relocated/transferred to the RAAF Museum, Point Cook (September 2018) for restoration.  |
| A94-983 | CA27-83 | Mk.32 |
28/11/1957 received 1AD ex CAC
with installed Avon engine no. 163 28/02/1958 to ARDU for tests scheduled three weeks 22/04/1958 to 78 Wing ex-ARDU 30/12/1958 received Butterworth ex-Williamtown 05/02/1959 made wheels up landing while serving with 3 Squadron. Extensively damaged underneath 04/03/1959 to CAC for survey of damage and submission of cost estimate 31/03/1959 request delay in loading aircraft until further advised 13/02/1961 to 76 Squadron ex-CAC Avalon 23/02/1961 transferred ti 81 Wing as Wing Equipment 26/02/1963 request allocation for E servicing available mid-March 06/03/63 to 3AD for E service ex-81 Wing 31/07/1963 to 78 Wing ex-3AD This aircraft to be dismantled at 3AD 12/09/63 held as 78 Wing Equipment at Butterworth 1964-65 served with 77 Squadron Butterworth 17/11/66 to 2 OCU ex-78 Wing Unit Equipment as of 01/02/1967 29/08/1967 to ARDU ex-2 OCU Unit Equipment during malfunction period of A94-942 15/10/1967 returned to 2 OCU 13/09/1968 to 3AD for E servicing 05/03/1969 returned to 2 OCU 16/02/1970 request allocation for rewire available 23rd March, Allocation action nearer available date 10/03/1970 to GAF Avalon 25/06/1970 to 5 OTU 18/04/1971 noted at RAAF 50th Anniversary Airshow, Laverton 14/07/1971 to 3AD for repainting and returned to 5 OTU 05/08/1971 transferred to 2 OCU 04/09/1971 advised no aircraft held by 5 OTU, all transferred to 2 OCU 11/11/1971 to Base Squadron Butterworth 12/1971 free issue to 11 Squadron Royal Malaysian Air Force as FM-1983, phased out 1976. Handed to 75 Sqn Butterworth for major servicing in 1977, it flew again 07/07/78. Pilot WGCDR Mick Parer It was then dismantled and returned to Australia. After further rebuilding at 2 AD. it flew again on 26/03/81 in the hands of SQNLDR Dave Leach. Registered VH-PCM 02/05/88. A94-983 was based at Point Cook Vic. and flown regularly at air shows. It was withdrawn from use, de-registered and stored at RAAF Williams. On 26/11/2005 an agreement was signed between the RAAF Museum and the Temora Aviation Museum that would see A94-983 restored to flying condition and operated by the latter. Registered VH-IPN 9/10/2006 On 29/06/2009 with Group Captain Mike Nixon at the controls high speed taxi runs were made. On 16/07/2009 with Darren Crabb in the cockpit the first post restoration flight was made. The first flight of an Avon Sabre anywhere in the world for over 16 years. Well done Temora Aviation and RAAF Museums. Unfortunately A94-983 is currently grounded indefinitely due to Martin Baker no longer providing support for the ejection seat fitted. Ironically during restoration the Martin Baker seat was fitted replacing the original NAA seat to avoid this exact situation. RAAF policy requires it to be flown with an operable ejection seat A one off extension was granted to participate in the 2015 Avalon Air Show. It is proposed to retrofit a later model seat. 04/2016 a team from TAM, RAAF and Martin Baker trail fit and measure a number of different ejection seats 13/01/2017 still no news to report on -983's return to the air Held at Temora Aviation Museum.
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| A94-984 | CA27-84 | Mk.32 |
08/04/1958
received 1AD ex-CAC with installed Avon
engine no. CAC171
From AVM Dave Rogers: " I was on the Thai rescue chopper that flew out of Ubon when this aircraft crashed. As there seems to be few pix of the aircraft during its life, perhaps a few that I took after it died might be different! It missed the village of Ban Kok Talat by only a small margin as you can see and by the time we got there, the word had spread and the locals were coming from all around via the paddy fields! The engine was initially given to the village chief but by direction from Canberra, was recovered months by a 5SQN Huey flown in from Butterworth for the task (there being no roads in the area)." |
| A94-985 | CA27-85 | Mk.32 |
Received 1 AD 23/04/58 with installed Avon engine
no. CAC172. To 78 Wing 15/03/61. Held 78 Wing Malaya 12/03/62. To 79 Sqn 25/10/67. To 77 Sqn 31/01/68/ and to 478(M) sqn for "E" servicing. 03/68 Pilot Officer David Cassebohm had a lucky escape when his aircraft suffered compressor disintegration and burst into flames after a crash landing in a paddy field approx 3 miles from Butterworth, Malaysia. Despite a partially jammed canopy he escaped with only minor injuries. All RAAF Sabres were grounded for 20 days after whilst the cause was investigated. 77 Sqn was advised there would not be a replacement aircraft supplied. On 10/06/68 A94-985 was formally written off and disposed of as scrap.
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| A94-986 | CA27-86 | Mk.32 |
Received 1 AD 03/06/58 with installed Avon engine
no. CAC177. To 78 Wing 13/06/58. Issued to Butterworth 30/10/58. Served with 3 Sqn. To 77 Sqn 25/10/64. In 06/66 PLTOFF Dickens suffered a compressor stall at low level but made a successfull landing. To 79 Sqn 11/04/67. On 03/01/68, whilst serving with 79 Sqn, PLTOFF M. McGrath was killed when A94-986 stalled and crashed on base circuit at Ubon, Thailand. The aircraft or wreckage from the aircraft also killed 3 year old Prataisre Sangdang Nuan on the ground. Officially written off 15/03/68. |
| A94-987 | CA27-87 | Mk.32 |
Served with 79 Sqn at Ubon,
Thailand during the period 1962 to 1968 To RMAF (Malaysia) 11/71 as FM-1987, phased out 1976. To TNI-AU (Indonesia) 07/76 as F-8623 Serial changed to TS-8623 One of ten purchased by Kermit Weeks and exported to USA 1989 TS-8623 is in store at Aero Traders, Ocotillo Wells, California, USA.
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| A94-988 | CA27-88 | Mk.32 | Served with 77 Sqn
at Butterworth Malaya Served with 79 Sqn at Ubon, Thailand during the period 1962 to 1968 Free Issue to TNI-AU (Indonesia) 07/03/73 as F-8615 with installed Avon RR 3447. Serial changed to TS-8615 On display at the TNI-AU Academy (Yogyakarta, Akademi Angkatan Udara).
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| A94-989 | CA27-89 | Mk.32 |
Received 1 AD 08/12/58 with installed Avon CAC181.
To 78 Wing 30/01/59. Held Butterworth Malaya 12/03/61. To 77 Sqn 25/10/67. To 3 AD 14/10/68. To 2 OCU 22/10/69. To 5 OTU 01/04/70. On the 18/05/70 at Williamtown FLGOFF Bailey experienced difficulty during take off and crashed back onto the runway with wheels retracted. The drop tanks split and caught fire seriously damaging the aircraft. The pilot escaped uninjured. To 3 AD with Cat.4 damage 26/05/70. Allocated 05/05/71 to Point Cook for use as instructional airframe No.6 by Fire Fighting Section . On 17/05/72 approval given to dispose of this airframe as surplus to requirements. Disposed of 31/05/72. Noted at Warbirds Museum Mildura along with A94-906 Acquired by Australian Aircraft Restoration Group in 1982 Restored for staic display using the rear fuselage from A94-906 and the tailplane and fin from another rear fuselage originally off A94-946 On display Moorabbin Aviation Museum, Vic as A94-989.
A rear fuselage marked A94-989 is at the Gippsland Armed Forces Museum at West Sale , Vic. |
| A94-990 | CA27-90 | Mk.32 |
17/06/59 received 1AD ex CAC
with installed Avon 26 engine serial CAC184 19/06/59 to 75 Sqn 23/02/61 transferred to 81 Wing 13/09/62 allocated to Butterworth replacing A94-958 lost on 10/09/62. Dismantled prior to dispatch at 3AD 1/10/62 to 78 Wing as replacement aircraft 12/02/64 held 78 Wing 22/01/66 held 78 Wing 22/02/67 held 78 Wing 25/10/67 to 77 Sqn 2/01/68 to 79 Sqn at Ubon, Thailand 1968 photo shows it wearing 79 Sqn Cobra on tail 11/07/68 to 77 Sqn at Butterworth 19/12/68 to 3AD 6/01/69 to 2OCU 6/10/69 request allocation for rewire available 17/10/69 6/10/69 to GAF 20/01/70 to 3AD 25/05/70 to 5 OTU. 25/06/71 to Base Squadron Williamtown 5/08/71 to 2OCU for storage 2/05/72 held 2 OCU 5/10/72 approval given for free issue as a gift this aircraft with installed engine RR3431 to 14 Sqn TNI-AU (Indonesia) 7/03/73 to TNI-AU as F-8616 Serial changed to TS-8616 On display in Sendang Asri park, Waduk Gajah Mungkur, Indonesia.
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| A94-351 | CA27-91 | Mk.32 | Delivered
to 1 AD 17/12/59 with installed engine CAC199. To ARDU 19/01/60. To 75 Sqn 08/02/60. To 1 AD 09/11/60 for Mods. To Williamtown 04/01/61. To 75 Sqn 27/01/61. To 81 Wing 23/02/61. To 3 AD 25/06/62. To 81 Wing 24/12/62. To 3 AD 15/09/64. To 81 Wing 03/02/65 via ARDU. To 2 OCU 08/12/66. To 3 AD 01/03/67 for E Service. To 2 OCU 19/05/67. To 3 AD 01/07/68. To 2 OCU 07/68. Crashed and written off 09/12/68. Aircraft stalled on turn into base circuit just after dropping an air to air banner at Williamtown, NSW. FLGOFF Malcolm Chick killed. Bob Alford adds "I was an Armourer with 2 OCU at the time and it was a late afternoon air-to-air gunnery detail of four 'Swords' with FLGOFF Malcolm Chick flying the banner tug aircraft. The element of four landed OK and we were at the end of the strip unplugging the Aden 30mm cannon when Chick flew over and dropped the banner. Apparently the wind changed and the tower altered the landing direction - for some reason Chick, instead of doing a complete circuit, decided to do a sharp turn back to the active runway - he sideslipped in and hit the ground across the base road and close to the Nelson Bay Road. I remember the element leader, FLTLT Roger Phillips watching and beating his head (fortunately with helmet on) on the windscreen frame. Chick was dead when the rescue team got to the site and I was part of the Honour Guard at his funeral at I think Raymond Terrace. Malcolm Chick was a very tall man and we couldn't quite figure out how he got into an aircraft - he was able to put one foot on the Sabre wing and then he'd be standing on it! He was a popular part of the 2 OCU team and was missed by all. That is one accident I won't forget of a number I saw. I have a copy of the RAAF's Flying Safety publication in which there is a detailed survey of the incident". Remains converted to components.
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| A94-352 | CA27-92 | Mk.32 | Delivered
to 1 AD 28/01/60 with installed engine CAC200. To 75 Sqn 02/60. To 1 AD 17/02/61. To 81 Wing 23/02/61. To 3 AD 03/62. To 81 Wing 03/08/62. To 3 AD 06/08/64 for E Servicing. To 81 Wing 27/11/64. To 3 AD 14/10/66 for E Servicing. Noted as being part of the Black Diamonds Aerobatic Team (75 Sqn), the Black Panthers Aerobatic Team (76 Sqn) and the Red Diamonds Aerobatic Team (76 Sqn). To 2 OCU 18/01/67. To 3 AD 30/07/69 and back to 2 OCU. To 3 AD 26/08/69. To 2 OCU 27/01/70. To Base Sqn WLM 25/06/71. To 2 OCU 02/05/72. Allocated for free issue to TNI-AU Indonesia. Crashed 02/73 on takeoff at Denpasar, Bali on delivery flight to Indonesia. On 05/06/73 Engine CAC199 was removed and sent to CAC for survey and condition report. To Instructional Airframe No.18. On 18/02/74 a submission was made and approval given on 14/03/75 for free transfer of some spare parts to the Warbirds Aviation Museum 14/03/75. Held as Avionics Demonstration Aid at 14/05/81. Transferred to East Sale 08/07/82. Was then acquired by SQNLDR Jeff Trappett. Underwent a long term restoration to airworthiness at Latrobe Valley, Vic. (A94-907 is also at Latrobe Valley being used as a source of parts in this restoration.) Taxy trials made late 2012 First post restoration flight 21/09/2013 Currently airworthy at Latrobe Valley airport.
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| A94-353 | CA27-93 | Mk.32 | Delivered
to 1 AD 12/02/60 with installed engine CAC201. To 75 Sqn 22/02/60. To 1 AD 09/06/60. To 75 Sqn 30/06/60. To 81 Wing 23/02/61. To CAC Fishermans Bend for E Servicing 30/01/63. To 81 Wing 30/07/63. To 3 AD 05/07/65 for E Servicing. To 81 Wing 22/09/65. Part of the Black Diamonds Aerobatic Team 1961-64 (75 Sqn). To 2 OCU 08/12/66. To 3 AD 14/04/67 for mainplane centre section change and returned to 2 OCU. To 3 AD 20/07/67 for E Servicing. To 2 OCU 04/10/67. To 3 AD 09/09/68 and back to 2 OCU. To 3 AD 11/06/69. Free Issue to RMAF 11 Sqn 19/08/69 as FM-1353 and later FM-1993, phased out 1976. To TNI-AU (Indonesia) 08/76 as F-8622 Serial changed to TS-8622 Displayed on a plinth at Pekanbaru City airport, Indonesia.
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| A94-354 | CA27-94 | Mk.32 | Delivered
to 1 AD 23/03/60 with installed engine CAC202. To 75 Sqn 28/03/60. To 81 Wing 23/07/61. To 3 AD 24/05/61 for repairs. To 81 Wing 14/07/62. To 3 AD 04/12/62 for Mods. To 81 Wing 03/01/63. To 3 AD 06/08/64 for E Servicing. To 81 Wing 02/12/64. To 2 OCU 02/12/66. Flew with Marksmen Display Team. To 3 AD 25/01/67 for E Servicing. To 2 OCU 04/67. To 3 AD 29/05/68 and back to 2 OCU. to 3 AD 29/05/69. Free Issue to RMAF 11 Sqn 19/08/69 as FM-1354 and later FM-1994, phased out 1976.
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| A94-355 | CA27-95 | Mk.32 | Delivered
to 1 AD 20/05/60 with installed engine CAC203. To 75 Sqn 23/05/60. To 81 Wing 23/02/61. To 3 AD 19/10/62 for E Servicing. To 81 Wing 05/03/63. Reported as served with 2 OCU at some stage but no records on the status cards. Crashed 19/09/64, Quirindi NSW. After a collision with A94-356. Pilot; PLTOFF D. May. Remains of aircraft sold for scrap. Sabre Mid-Air Collision, 19th September 1964. |
| A94-356 | CA27-96 | Mk.32 | Delivered
to 1 AD 29/06/60 at a cost of $526,044. To 81 Wing 23/02/61. To 3 AD 13/09/62 for E Servicing. To 81 Wing 14/02/63. Collided with A94-355 19/09/64 near Quirindi NSW. Sabre Mid-Air Collision report To 3 AD 16/10/64 for E Servicing. To 81 Wing 07/04/65. Part of the Black Panthers Aerobatic Team 1961-65 (76 Sqn). To 2 OCU 08/12/66. To 3 AD 14/04/67 for mainplane centre section change and back to 2 OCU. To 3 AD 20/06/67 for E Servicing. To 2 OCU 19/09/67. To 3 AD 26/02/69 and back to 2 OCU. To 3 AD 28/07/70 for E Servicing. To 5 OTU 15/10/70. Free Issue to RMAF 11 Sqn 07/02/74 as FM-1356 and then FM-1996, phased out 1976.
Sanders
Aviation, Chino USA.
offered -356 for sale 08/97 however
I believe this was A94-954 fitted with the
original rear fuselage of A94-356 |
| A94-357 | CA27-97 | Mk.32 | Delivered
to 1 AD 07/07/60 with installed engine CAC207. To 75 Sqn 13/07/60. To 81 Wing 23/02/61. To 3 AD 19/11/62 for E Servicing. To 81 Wing 19/03/63. To 3 AD 06/04/65 for E Servicing. To 81 Wing 16/08/65. To 2 OCU 08/12/66. Flew with Marksmen Display Team. To 3 AD 19/09/67 for E Servicing. To 2 OCU 01/12/67. To 3 AD 04/06/68 and back to 2 OCU. Stored Williamtown 25/06/71. Free Issue to RMAF 11 Sqn 08/12/71 as FM-1357 and later FM-1997, phased out 1976. On transfer to the RMAF it was to be converted to Instructional Airframe No.10.
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| A94-358 | CA27-98 | Mk.32 | Delivered
to 1 AD 18/07/60 with installed engine CAC208. To 75 Sqn 20/07/60. To 81 Wing 23/02/61. To 3 AD 19/09/62 for E Servicing. To 81 Wing 09/11/63. To 3 AD 22/12/64 for E Servicing. To 81 Wing 27/05/65. Apparently it served with 2 OCU, but I can't find this on the status cards. Crashed 18.04 16/08/66, Right wing separated in mid-flight and aircraft disintegrated 4 minutes after taking off. The aircraft crashed near Merewether, Newcastle NSW. Bruce Grayson comments: "I recall the crash of Sabre A94-358. It was the day before my 4th birthday, if it was 16.08.66. I don't remember my 4th birthday party, but I remember the crash. It was in Glebe Road, The Junction, adjacent to a Greengrocer's shop. I think that the pilot died in the crash, falling through a corrugated iron roof. My father was Deputy City Engineer at the time, we heard the explosion of the crash because we lived about 1 or 2km to the east of the crash site. Then, the Newsreader, Murray Finlay, interrupted the News with a "Newsflash" which was handed to him from his left-hand side. At this, my father drove to the site to control repairs to the road, was on the 2-way radio to the Council Works depot immediately. My mother wasn't at home, so he took my sister and I with him, although we had to stay in the car." Pilot; PLTOFF Warren William (Bill) Goddard killed. Engine CAC205 was installed.
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| A94-359 | CA27-99 | Mk.32 | Delivered
to 1 AD 04/08/60. To 75 Sqn 04/08/60. To 81 Wing 23/01/61. To 3 AD 30/08/62. To 81 Wing 24/12/62. Part of the Black Diamonds Aerobatic Team 1961-64 (75 Sqn). Part of the Black Panthers Aerobatic Team 1961-65 (76 Sqn). Still at 81 Wing 12/01/65. To 3 AD 12/02/65 for E Servicing. To 81 Wing 30/06/65. To ARDU 25/09/66 for 3 weeks and returned to 81 Wing. Then shortly returned to ARDU and back to 81 Wing. To 2 OCU 08/12/66. To 3 AD 11/10/67. To 2 OCU 02/02/68. To 3 AD 03/10/68 and returned to 2 OCU. To 3 AD 26/05/69 and then back to 2 OCU. To RMAF 11 Sqn 19/08/69 as FM-1359 and later FM-1999, phased out 1976.
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| A94-360 | CA27-100 | Mk.32 | Delivered
to 1 AD 01/09/60. To 75 Sqn 22/09/60 . To 81 Wing 23/02/61. Crashed 01/11/61, into Darwin Harbour after a catastrophic wing failure of the left wing as a result of pilot induced oscillation. Pilot; PLTOFF R. Irvine. Aircraft and engine recovered and sent to CAC Fishermans Bend, via Laverton on Hercules A97-211 on 16/11/61. To 1 AD 13/12/61. Aircraft badly damaged and recoverable components were badly corroded by sea water. Aircraft and installed engine CAC210 written off as scrap metal 16/08/62. Barry Wilson comments: "The Sabre was a great aircraft but A94-360 that crashed into Darwin harbour highlighted its really bad vice - the PIO (Pilot Induced Oscillation). This resulted from a lack of airspeed compensation in its power controls and a mismatch in its dynamic stability and control input phasing that caused the pilot to aggravate rather that smooth out divergences. This PIO was also known as the JC maneuver as reputedly the first pilot to encounter it could say nothing but "Jesus Christ!" for several hours after. This inexperienced pilot put the aircraft into a high speed dive (~550-KIAS) to get at a 5,000-ft and literally tore off both wings in a few positive/negative g cycles. The wings actually clapped together over the cockpit as evidenced by the mirror imprint of paint from the roundel on one wing onto the other wing. The JC was often caused by operation of the speed brakes which caused a marked nose-up pitch and you really had to be careful with this above 500-KIAS (max IAS was 600-K)." |
| A94-361 | CA27-101 | Mk.32 | Delivered
to 1 AD 03/10/60. To Base Sqn WLM 06/10/60. To 75 Sqn 12/10/60. To 81 Wing 23/02/61. To 3 AD 29/03/63 for E Servicing. To 81 Wing 16/08/63. To 3 AD 25/10/65 for E Servicing. To 81 Wing 04/03/66. To 2 OCU 08/12/66. To 3 AD 06/04/67 for Mods and back to 2 OCU. To ARDU 15/09/67 to 28/09/67 and back to 2 OCU. To 3 AD 13/02/68 for E Servicing. To 2 OCU 07/06/68. To 3 AD 08/05/69. To 2 OCU 13/06/69. Served with 5 OTU. WNGCDR Dennis Stenhouse flew this Sabre in the 1971 RAAF Golden Jubilee Airshow. Free Issue to TNI-AU (Indonesia) 07/03/73 as F-8601 with installed Avon CAC120, Scrapped after starter motor explosion 01/76. Part of the intake is missing and inside it shows damage of the explosion. The rear fuselage of F-8609 was fitted to this aircraft. One of ten purchased by Kermit Weeks and exported to USA 1989 In store at Aero Traders, Ocotillo Wells, California, USA.
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| A94-362 | CA27-102 | Mk.32 | Delivered
to 1 AD 20/10/60. To ARDU 11/01/61 for vibration tests. To 81 Wing 09/11/61. E Servicing to be done at WLM 11/09/63 and back to 81 Wing. To 3 AD 29/10/65 for E Servicing. To 81 Wing 09/02/66. To 2 OCU 08/12/66. To 3 AD for E Servicing. To 2 OCU. 14/03/69. To 3 AD 26/05/69. Free Issue to RMAF 11 Sqn 19/08/69 as FM-1362 (later changed to FM-1902), phased out 1976. Displayed as FM-1902 at TUDM Museum, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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| A94-363 | CA27-103 | Mk.32 | Delivered
to 1 AD 23/11/60 with installed engine CAC214. To Base Sqn WLM into reserve 23/11/60. To 75 Sqn 03/01/61. To 81 Wing 23/02/61. To 3 AD 23/07/63 for E Servicing. To 81 Wing 03/12/63. Flew with both the Black Diamonds Aerobatic Team (75 Sqn) and the Black Panthers Aerobatic Team (76 Sqn). To 3 AD 01/12/65 for E Servicing. To 81 Wing 10/05/66. To 2 OCU 08/12/66. To 3 AD 03/03/67 for mainplane and centre section replacement, back to 2 OCU on completion. To 3 AD 06/08/68 for E Servicing. To 2 OCU 27/11/68. To 3 AD 26/05/69. Free Issue to RMAF 11 Sqn 19/08/69 as FM-1363 (later changed to FM-1903), phased out 1976. Reported to be on display at Butterworth however with no other information or photos we do know if it is on the gate or within the base.
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| A94-364 | CA27-104 | Mk.32 | Delivered
to Base Sqn WLM and placed into reserve 30/11/60
with installed engine CAC216. To 76 Sqn 13/02/61. To 81 Wing 23/02/61. To 3 AD 18/04/63 for E Servicing. To 81 Wing 10/09/63. To 3 AD 27/08/65 for E Servicing. To 81 Wing 26/10/66. To 2 OCU 08/12/66. To 3 AD 24/03/67 for mainplane mods, back to 2 OCU on completion. To 3 AD 14/06/68 for E Servicing. To 2 OCU 04/09/68. To 3 AD 11/06/69. Free Issue to RMAF 11 Sqn 19/08/69 as FM-1364 (later changed to FM-1904), phased out 1976. Was displayed in camouflage scheme wearing FM19-17 (sic) Returned to silver scheme and correct serial number On outdoor display at the museum in Taiping, Perak Malaysia.
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| A94-365 | CA27-105 | Mk.32 | Delivered
to Base Sqn WLM and placed into reserve 19/01/61.
To 76 Sqn 13/02/61. To 81 Wing 23/02/61. To 3 AD 15/07/65 for E Servicing. Part of the Black Diamonds Aerobatic Team 1961-64 (75 Sqn). To 81 Wing 24/11/65. To 2 OCU 08/12/66. To 3 AD 14/04/67 for mainplane and centre section replacement, back to 2 OCU on completion. To 3 AD 18/01/68 for E Servicing. To 2 OCU 02/04/68. Part of the Marksman Aerobatic Team 1968 (2 OCU). To 3 AD 14/10/68 and back to 2 OCU. To 3 AD 11/06/69. Free Issue to RMAF 11 Sqn 19/08/69 as FM-1365 (later changed FM-1905), 11 Sqn RMAF. phased out 1976. There are 2 aircraft on display marked as FM-1905. The other aircraft marked as FM-1905 is at the Royal Pahang Museum. One was the long time gate guard at Butterworth Air Force Base. This was replaced as gate guard in 2011 by a Northrop F-5E Freedom Fighter Currently on display outside the officers mess (wisma periwa) at Butterworth Air Force Base.
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| A94-366 | CA27-106 | Mk.32 | Delivered
to RAAF 06/02/61 with installed engine CAC220. To 76 Sqn 13/02/61. To 81 Wing 23/02/61. To 3 AD 18/04/63 for E Servicing. To 81 Wing 10/09/63. To 3 AD 15/07/65 for E Servicing. To 81 Wing 01/12/65. To 2 OCU 08/12/66. To 3 AD 14/04/67 for mainplane and centre section replacement, returned to 2 OCU on completion. To 3 AD 11/67 for E Servicing. To 2 OCU 05/03/68. To 3 AD 27/11/68 and back to 2 OCU. To 3 AD 19/10/70. To 5 OTU 28/01/71. To 2 OCU 05/08/71. Free Issue to TNI-AU (Indonesia) 07/03/73 as F-8602 and with installed Avon CAC172. The aircraft shows evidence of a belly landing with severe damage to fuselage and flaps. One of ten purchased by Kermit Weeks and exported to USA 1989 In store at Aero Traders, Ocotillo Wells, California, USA.
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| A94-367 | CA27-107 | Mk.32 | Delivered
to RAAF 27/03/61 with installed engine CAC225. To 81 Wing 30/03/61. Noted with 75 Sqn. To 3 AD 12/11/63 for E Servicing. To 81 Wing 25/03/64. To 3 AD 02/10/64 to be dismantled and transported to 78 Wing to replace A94-984. To 2 OCU 17/11/66. To 3 AD14/06/68 and then back to 2 OCU. Free Issue to RMAF 11 Sqn 19/03/69 as FM-1367 (later changed to FM-1907), phased out 1976. Currently on display at RMAF Museum, Simpang, Kuala Lumpur. It has the majority of it's fuselage skin removed and the framework painted red. It makes quite an impressive exhibit.
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| A94-368 | CA27-108 | Mk.32 | Delivered
to RAAF 17/05/61 with installed engine CAC222. To 81 Wing 24/05/61. To 3 AD 18/12/63 for E Servicing. To 81 Wing 07/05/64. To 3 AD 30/06/66 for E Servicing. To 2 OCU 31/10/66. To 3 AD 31/03/67 for mods and back to 2 OCU. To 3 AD 29/11/68 for inspection and back to 2 OCU. To 5 OTU 24/02/71. To 2 OCU 05/08/71 for storage. Free Issue to TNI-AU (Indonesia) 07/03/73 as F-8603 with installed Avon CAC205. Serial changed to TS-8603 This was incorrectly reported as being exported to USA in 1989. Noted in 2002 on display at Bandung-Husien Sastranegara, Indonesia.
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| A94-369 | CA27-109 | Mk.32 | Delivered
to RAAF 17/05/61 with installed engine CAC223. To 81 Wing 05/61 and into reserve. Out of reserve 06/06/61. To ARDU 09/11/61 for testing. To 81 Wing 14/06/62. Part of the Black Diamonds Aerobatic Team 1961-64 (75 Sqn). To 3 AD 20/12/65 for E Servicing. To 81 Wing 24/06/66. To 2 OCU 08/12/66. To 3 AD 03/10/68 and back to 2 OCU. Part of the Marksman Aerobatic Team 1968 (2 OCU). Free Issue to RMAF 11 Sqn 17/08/69 as FM-1369 (later changed to FM-1909), phased out 1976. To TNI-AU (Indonesia) as F-8619. (Some sources have F-8619 being A94-978/FM-1978 but recent photos show the Malaysian serial showing through the Indonesian serial confirming that it was FM-1909) One of ten purchased by Kermit Weeks and exported to USA in 1989 In store at Aero Traders, Ocotillo Wells, California, USA.
Some sources incorrectly state that A94-369 was held by Jeff Trappett for restoration, but he has A94-352 (confirmed by RAAF Aircraft Status Card) |
| A94-370 | CA27-110 | Mk.32 | Delivered
to RAAF 04/07/61 with installed engine CAC224 at a
cost of $526,044. Used for Air Force Week from 04/07/61. To 81 Wing 14/09/61. To 3 AD 31/01/64 for E Servicing. To 81 Wing 02/06/64. Part of the Black Panthers Aerobatic Team 1961-65 (76 Sqn). 3 AD 08/66 for E Servicing. To 81 Wing 19/10/66. To 2 OCU 08/12/66. To 3 AD 19/08/68 and back to 2 OCU. To 3 AD 12/11/69. To 2 OCU 15/03/70. Into storage at Williamtown by 30/06/71. The final aircraft in the initial batch delivered to Indonesia 07/12/72 Status card states it was converted to Instructional Aircraft No.11 with installed Avon Mk.26 engine RR3434 as Instructional Engine No.17 Our photo however suggests that it was operational as F-8618, maybe due to the loss of A94-352. On display marked as TS-8618 at Museum Dirgantara Mandala – Yogyakarta.
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| A94-371 | CA27-111 | Mk.32 | Delivered
to RAAF 04/08/61 with installed engine CAC221 at
Avalon. To 81 Wing 16/08/61. To 3 AD 15/03/64 for E Servicing. To 81 Wing 26/06/64. Part of 75 Squadron Black Diamonds Display Team To 3 AD 11/11/66. To 2 OCU 16/02/67. To 3 AD 16/08/68 for E Servicing and then back to 2 OCU. Part of the Marksman Aerobatic Team 1968 (2 OCU). To 3 AD 08/05/69. To 2 OCU 13/06/69. Free Issue to RMAF 11 Sqn 19/08/69 as FM-1371 (later changed to FM-1911), phased out 1976.
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Heading photo from the John Hopton "Collection" given to him by Rex Banks past editor of Aircraft Magazine Negative 6364
79 SQUADRON SABRES IN THAILAND
During the period 1962 to 1968 RAAF 79
Squadron deployed Sabres to Ubon, Thailand.
79 Sqn was formed at Tengah using 77 Sqn
aircraft, before they left for Ubon the 77 Sqn markings
were overpainted with black paint.
After arriving they decided they would like their own
distinctive markings, a cobra was deemed appropriate so
artwork was done by one Lac Dick Boldery an
instrument fitter,
A94-945
was the original and they used the leftover black paint
from Tengah, the other seven aircraft were also done but
with less detail.
The pictures in our gallery
were supplied by Cliff Viertel one of the original
pilots and first AdminO of the
detachment.
Unfortunately the powers that be did not approve and the
Cobras were later removed.The
original 8 Ubon detachment Sabres were
A94-943, -945, -952, -962, -964, -971, -978 and -982.
They originally wore a Cobra
These aircraft were alternated between the Butterworth
Squadrons (3 Sqn and 77 Sqn)
78 Wing doesn't seem to have recorded these transfers
and they are not mentioned on the aircraft status
cards
The
Sabre airframe has a fuselage break-point to enable the
removal of the engine.
In many cases survivors have inconclusive identities due
to the interchanging of front and rear fuselage
sections.
With the A94- serial being on the rear fuselage and the
construction plate being in the front section we may
have a few duplications of assumed identity.
Hopefully this goes some way to explaining why an
aircraft can appear to be in two places at once!
Press advertisements for the CAC Sabre.
This page written, managed and updated by Martin Edwards & Brendan Cowan
Sources: RAAF Aircraft Status Cards, "Meteor, Sabre and Mirage in Australian Service" by Stewart Wilson, "Swift to Destroy" a history of 77 squadron, "A View of the North American (CAC) Sabre" by John Hopton, CNAPG website, J Baugher's website , Warbirds Today Series, "Sabre", "Warbird Directory" by Paul Coggan 1992, Flightpath magazine, Australian Aviation magazine, Australian Aviation Annual, Casa Aircraft Records, "Odd Jobs" by Steve Eather, Aviation Australia Newsletter, Aero Australia magazine. "F-86 Sabre" by Robert F Dorr. "No.5 OTU RAAF" by J A Lever. 5 Sqn Unit History Sheet Oct. 64.
Emails: Thanks for the information provided by; Colin Antony, Bob Alford, Bob Black, Greg Bland, Tjalling Boelman, Ashley Briggs, Bruce Budd, Danny Burke, Tassie Carswell, Paul Cassebohm, Margaret Catbush, Jega Cis, CMDR John Crawley, Bob Coppinger, Peter Costigan, Duncan Curtis, Ron Cuskelly, O James Elsbury, Rod Farqhuar, Neil Fitzclarence, Darryl Gibbs, Geoff Goodall, Bruce Grayson, Keith Hayles, Grahame Higgs, Dave Holmes, Greg Hyde, Ken Jackson, Bob Jarrett, Colin Justice, Martin Kaye, Brendan Cowan, Peter Kesselaar, Miroslav Khol, Daniel Leahy, Bob Livingston, Tom Llyod, Terry C Martin, Alan MacDonald, Andy Marden, Paul Mason , Geoff Moesker, Robert Myers, Dean Norman, Graham Orphan, Brad Owen, Dave Rogers AVM (Ret) RAAF, Marco Pennings, Nick Sayer, Greg Thom, Johan van Helden, Mark Webb, Mick Sedunary, Johan Visschedijk, Rob Weir, Evan (Willie) Williams, Barry Wilson, RAAF History & Heritage Branch,
Updated 6th March 2020
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our policy to only show historical events, no current
operational information will be displayed on this
website.
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content of this page, excluding images, providing that
it contains an acknowledgement to the adf-serials team
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