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ADF-SERIALS
Australian, New Zealand & Papua New Guinea
Military Aircraft Serials & History
 This site is devoted to providing as complete a record as possible of aircraft operated by the ADF, NZDF & PNGDF.
Included where known are brief summaries of the history and current status of aircraft employed in Australian New Zealand & PNG Military Service.

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RAAF Balloons
 

 

  

 

The Royal Australian Air Force have operated several balloons for promotion and education purposes.

The first flight of a RAAF Balloon (Kavanagh D-77 VH-LDB) was on 5th March 1990.

Each envelope has to be replaced after 500 hours of operation which accounts for the many registrations that these balloons have carried over the years.
 
Serial.Number History
A01-001 Kavanagh Balloons B-105, c/n B105-430.
Previously VH-LVD until 29/01/2025.
Operated by CFS?
A01-002

Kavanagh Balloons B-105, c/n B105-515.
Previously VH-OUP until 29/01/2025.
Operated by CFS?
A01-003 Kavanagh B-105 c/n B105-516. Image of F-35 Lightning II one side,
Previously VH-DEF until 30/01/2025.
Operated by CFS?
A01-004 Cameron 120 Balloon c/n 11933, shape of a Pilots Helmet.
Previously VH-BZU until 30/01/2025.
Operated by CFS?
A01-005 I have no information on type or shape of this Balloon. No previous VH registration.
Operated by CFS?
VH-AME (5)

Manufactured 1993.
Kavanagh D-90 Balloon, c/n KB111 (D90-111).
VH-AME Registered 16/04/1993 to 22/09/2005.
Operated by 28 Sqn RAAF.
Withdrawn from use.
VH-AQS (3)

Manufactured 1994.
Kavanagh D-90 Balloon,  c/n KB131 (D90-131).
VH-AQS Registered 19/05/1994 to 22/09/2005.
Operated by 28 Sqn RAAF.
Withdrawn from use.
VH-BZU (2)

Manufactured 2016.
Cameron 120 Balloon c/n 11933, shape of a Helmet.
VH-BZU Registered 19/02/2016 to 30/01/2025.
Operated by 28 Sqn RAAF.
VH-BZU became A01-004.
VH-DEF (3)

Manufactured 2006.
Kavanagh B-105 c/n B105-338. Image of F/A-18 Hornet one side, 
VH-DEF Registered 18/07/2006 to 05/08/2016.
Operated by 28 Sqn RAAF.
Withdrawn from use.
VH-DEF (4)

Manufactured 2016.
Kavanagh B-105 c/n B105-516. Image of F-35 Lightning II one side, 
VH-DEF Registered 11/08/2016 to 30/01/2025.
Operated by 28 Sqn RAAF.
VH-DEF became A01-003.
VH-FAN (2)

Kavanagh Balloons D-90, c/n KB308. (D90-308)
RAAF Crest one side & RAAF Roundel other side.
VH-FAN Registered 23/09/2004 to 14/11/2011.
Operated by 28 Sqn RAAF.
Withdrawn from use.
VH-LDB Manufactured 2016.
Kavanagh Balloons D-77, c/n KB091.
VH-LDB Registered 12/02/1990 to 22/09/2005.
Operated by 28 Sqn RAAF.
Withdrawn from use.
VH-LVD (2) Manufactured 2011.
Kavanagh Balloons B-105, c/n B105-430.
VH-LVD Registered 13/05/2011 to 29/01/2025.
Operated by 28 Sqn RAAF.
VH-LVD became A01-001.
VH-OUP Kavanagh Balloons B-105, c/n B105-515.
VH-OUP Registered 11/08/2016 to 29/01/2025.
Operated by 28 Sqn RAAF.
VH-OUP became A01-002.
VH-TRI (3) Kavanagh Balloons B-105, c/n KB205.
VH-TRI Registered 09/97/1999 to 06/07/2006.
Operated by 28 Sqn RAAF.
Withdrawn from use.
 
     
     

The Author of this page is Darren Crick and Brendan Cowan (previously also Martin Edwards).

Sources: CASA Aircraft Register, Photograph Collection of Darren Crick, Australian Aviation Magazine, http://www.aeroclub.com.au/ , http://www.regosearch.com/.

Emails: Adam Clerget, James Hollingworth, Dean Norman, Mathew Hawkins, Gordon Birkett, Jurgen van Toor, Kevin Kerle, Robert Brosing, Clive Lynch, Roger Johnson, Alan Allen, Rod, Rene Sikkerle, Simon, Halden Boyd, Tony Paton, Colin Turner

Updated 13th April 2026