GENERAL DYNAMICS F-111C A8-129
MSN D1-05
(AA000085)

 

 

 
Turnover and Acceptance 1968
How To Say F-111C
Gallery of Images
of A8-129 arriving at QAM
Gallery of Images
of the official handover ceremony
Where did all
the Pigs go?
F-111 Delivery Dates and Crews
The Last Day
The Disposal Phase
What's it like to eject from an
F-111?
QAM's F-111 Campaign


24OCT63
 Australian Prime Minister, Sir Robert Menzies, announced that Australia would buy 24 F-111 aircraft. (Source: 15)
Built by General Dynamics, Fort Worth, Texas.
Manufacturer's Serial Number D1-05 *
Block Number FC-5 *
USAF serial number 67-0129
(Source: 1)
* These numbers were previously transposed. It is believed that this is the correct nomenclature.
05AUG68
 First flight 2:15 hours. Flown to 50,000 feet and Mach 2.22 for 12 minutes. (Source: 5)
Crewed by GD Test Pilots Anderson (believed to be Neil Anderson) and Hiett. (Source: 9)
Enquiries with General Dynamics, Fort Worth (in 2018) suggest that the co-pilot was probably Edward E. Heit.
04SEP68
 Officially accepted by the RAAF at General Dynamics, Fort Worth, Texas. (Source: 5)
68-73
 Stored at Carswell AFB, Fort Worth, Texas. (Source: 7)
18APR73
 Delivered to the RAAF. (Source: 5)
16MAY73
 SQNLDR W.F. Walters flew A8-129 in pairs formation out of McClellan AFB (1.35 hrs). (Source: 17)
17MAY73
 SQNLDR W.F. Walters flew A8-129 from McClellan AFB to vicinity of Beale AFB and return. (1.35 hrs). (Source: 17)
22MAY73
 SQNLDR W.F. Walters flew A8-129 in pairs formation out of McClellan AFB (1.40 hrs). (Source: 17)
24MAY73
 SQNLDR W.F. Walters flew A8-129 on a NAVEX McClellan-Seattle-McClellan to observe performance figures. (3.30 hrs). (Source: 17)
28MAY73
 SQNLDR W.F. Walters flew A8-129 from McClellan AFB to Hickam AFB, Hawaii (5.15 hrs). (Source: 17)
29MAY73
 SQNLDR W.F. Walters flew A8-129 from Hickam AFB, Hawaii to Pago Pago, American Samoa (5.15 hrs). (Source: 17)
01JUN73
 SQNLDR W.F. Walters flew A8-129 from Pago Pago, American Samoa to Amberley (6.00 hrs). (Source: 17)
01JUN73
 Arrived at RAAF Base Amberley on delivery from McClellan AFB California via Honolulu and Pago Pago. Flown by SQNLDR Wally F. Walters and FLGOFF Phil J. McDonald. A8-129 was part of the first delivery in company with A8-125, 126, 127, 128 and 130. (Source: 2) Read the programme for the arrival ceremony.
20JUN73
 SQNLDR W.F. Walters (6SQN) flew A8-129 Amberley-Amberley on Supersonic Run 2-3 (2.3 hrs). (Source: 17)
22NOV73
 SQNLDR W.F. Walters (6SQN) flew A8-129 Amberley-Amberley on AEO Special TF1 (Terrain Following Route 1), Bomb Evans Head. (3.00 hrs). This was an F-111 conversion for Air Electronics Officer Jim Graham who had transferred from the F-4E. (Source: 17)
20OCT73

A8-129 was tasked with 9 other F-111s to perform a formation flypast at the opening of the Sydney Opera House in the presence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Unfortunately, A8-129 went unserviceable and was replaced by A8-142. The formation comprised:

Aircraft Callsign Pilot 2nd Pilot/Navigator Remarks
A8-130 Ramrod Red 1 GPCAPT Jake Newham WGCDR Trevor Owen 72° sweep
A8-126 Ramrod Red 2 SQNLDR John Emery FLTLT Ross Hardcastle 72° sweep
A8-129 142 Ramrod Red 3 SQNLDR Ian Westmore FLTLT Mick Lucas 72° sweep
A8-138 Ramrod Blue 1 WGCDR Ray Funnell SQNLDR Neil Pollock 54° sweep
A8-133 Ramrod Blue 2 WGCDR Gil Moore SQNLDR Tony Wilkinson 54° sweep
A8-128 Ramrod Blue 3 SQNLDR Wally Walters FLTLT Pete Salvair 54° sweep
A8-141 Ramrod Black 1 WGCDR Peter Coy SQNLDR Wang Miller 36° sweep
A8-137 Ramrod Black 2 FLTLT Bob Sivyer FLTLT Pete Growder 36° sweep
A8-125 Ramrod Black 3 FLTLT Dick Kelloway FLTLT Pete Fairbrother 36° sweep
A8-131 Ramrod Black 4 FLTLT C. Hancock FLTLT A. Blyth Airborne spare

Source: Mission card from the collection of Wal Walters.

 
22MAY74
 SQNLDR W.F. Walters (6SQN) flew A8-129 Amberley-Amberley on HQ OP Command Famil for WGCDR Whitely (3.00 hrs). (Source: 17)
JUL-AUG74
 A8-129 was part of a 6 Sqn deployment to Darwin. Image
24JUL74
 SQNLDR W.F. Walters (6SQN) flew A8-129 Amberley-Tindal-Darwin on Exercise Top Flat (4.10 hrs). (Source: 17)
08AUG74
 SQNLDR W.F. Walters (6SQN) flew A8-129 on an Air Defence Exercise ex Darwin (3.00 hrs). (Source: 17)
07OCT74
 SQNLDR W.F. Walters (6SQN) flew A8-129 Amberley-Amberley on TRB9 and TF4 Conversion Course (3.00 hrs). (Source: 17)
05MAR75
 SQNLDR W.F. Walters (6SQN) flew A8-129 Amberley-Amberley on CS5 and TF9 (3.00 hrs). (Source: 17)
03APR75
 SQNLDR W.F. Walters (6SQN) flew A8-129 Amberley-Rockhampton-Amberley on CS12 and TF12 (2.7 hrs). (Source: 17)
26MAY75
 Six F-111s including A8-129 were detached to RAAF East Sale until 13JUN for bombing trials on a nearby range. An open day was held on 01JUN. (Source: 11)
30MAY75
 SQNLDR W.F. Walters (6SQN) flew A8-129 Amberley-East Sale (1.5 hrs). (Source: 17)
17SEP75
 SQNLDR W.F. Walters (6SQN) flew A8-129 Amberley-Amberley on T6 Conversion for AIRCDRE David Evans (2.8 hrs). This was SQNLDR Walters' last flight in A8-129 for a total of 53.2 hrs. (Source: 17)
29OCT76

At the conclusion of Exercise Kangaroo 2, the participating nations (excluding the USA) put up a formation of 33 aircraft. The formation comprised 17 F-111C (including A8-129), 8 Canberras and 8 RNZAF Skyhawks. The F-111 formation was said to be the largest to date. (Source: 12)

F-111 A8-126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 135, 137, 139, 141, 142, 144, 145, 146, 148, 147
Canberra A84-232, 233, 234, 240, 241, 242, 244, 245, 248 (232 believed to be a photo aircraft)
Skyhawk NZ6201, 6202, 6204, 6205, 6206, 6208, 6209, 6210

JUN77
 A8-129 was one of two F-111s which visited the Cocos Islands in late June 1977 on a "Lone Ranger" exercise. FLTLT Martin Chalk was navigator on one of the aircraft. It later emerged that the presence of the two F-111s had temporarily upset the balance of military power in the Indian Ocean! (Source: 1) (pp. 133-4)
15MAR79
 Incorporation of Mod No 7214.003-292 (TCTO 1F-111-1162) - Deseal/Reseal of F-111C Fuselage Fuel Tanks. The Mod was issued on 19 Apr 78 and was incorporated onto A8-129 on 15 Mar 79. The reason for the Modification was to correct numerous incidences of fuel leaks. The F-111C integral fuel tanks were chemically de-sealed and then re-sealed using an epoxy barrier and polysulphide sealant fillets. NOTE: The second DS/RS for the F-111 was undertaken as Special Servicing S37, not as a Modification. (Source: 15)
17MAR79
 Static display at an air show at RAAF Amberley. (Source: 4)
19FEB80
 A8-129 was one of six F-111s that deployed to Hawaii for Exercise RIMPAC from 26FEB to 18MAR. (Source: Courier-Mail 19FEB80)
The aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne also participated.
14NOV80
 Incorporation of Mod No 7214.003-340 (windscreens) and 341 (canopies) - Installation of alternate design bird impact resistant transparencies (ADBIRT) to windscreens. The Mod was issued on 23 Feb 82 with Mod 340 being incorporated onto A8-129 at 3AD. Mod 341 was incorporated at 482SQN on 14 Nov 80. The reason for the Modification was that the currently fitted Bird Impact Resistant Transparency (BIRT) transparencies were suffering unexpected and rapid deterioration in the form of cracks and crazing. Production of BIRT canopies has ceased and spares were no longer available from USAF. (Source: 15)
29AUG82
 The left hand wing pivot fitting of A8-129 failed catastrophically on 29 Aug 82 at 2003 hours local time. At that time, the aircraft was positioned in the cold proof load test facility at McClellan Air Force Base, California. The wing had completed 2309.2 AFHRS. The aircraft was undergoing cold proof load test and at the time of failure a load equivalent to minus 1.5g was being applied. (Source: 15)
MAY83
 Participated in Exercise Pitch Black out of Darwin.
22NOV83
 Incorporation of Mod No 7214.003-353 - Modification of Nose Landing Gear Wheel Well to Allow Install of Chine Water Deflecting Tyres. The Mod was issued on 28 Nov 83 and was incorporated onto A8-129 on 22 Nov 83. The purpose of the Mod was to provide ‘chine’ water deflector tires on the nose landing gear and to rework the nose wheel well to provide clearance for the chine tires . Failure to accomplish this modification may have resulted in the nose wheel water spray being directed toward the engine. (Source: 15)
10DEC86
 Incorporation of Mod No 7214.003-351 - Replacement of Main Landing Gear Lateral Beams. The Mod was issued on 22 Nov 1985 and was incorporated onto A8-129 on 10 Dec 86. The lateral beams originally fitted became susceptible to stress corrosion cracking. (Source: 15)
11MAY87
 Incorporation of Mod No 7214.003-392 - Installation of Increased Fire Resistant Rudder Flight Control Linkages. The Mod was issued on 08 Sep 86 and was incorporated onto A8-129 on 11 May 87. The reason for the Modification was to provide more time for safe ejection in the event of a sustained in-flight fire in the upper equipment bay. The Modification can be recognized by the replacement of the presently fitted aluminium rudder push-pull tubes and the cross-over bell crank tube, with steel tubes. (Source: 15)
09JUN87

Incorporation of Mod No 7214.003-400 - Fitment of Pave Tack/Guided Weapons Capability to F-111C Aircraft. The Mod was issued on 19 Mar 86 and was incorporated on A8-129 on 09 Jun 87. The reason for the Modification was to improve the operational effectiveness and weapons delivery capability of F-111C aircraft. It involved major structural and electrical changes, as well as the introduction of new and modified equipment. Major areas of structural rework were:

  • Right Hand Forward Equipment Bay (including provision of cavity for Signal Data Converter);
  • Left Hand Forward Equipment Bay; Right Hand Cheek Bay;
  • Weapons Bay; Main Wheel Well;
  • Left and Right Wings; A1 and A2 fuel tanks ('C' models only); and
  • Crew Module
The PAVE TACK system provided precision laser designation ranging and tracking of ground targets for attack by conventional ordnance and guided weapons during day, night and adverse weather conditions. The most obvious evidence of this system can be found in the Weapons Bay Cradle and Pod installation and crew module displays and controls. In addition to laser guided weapons, the capability to deliver GBU-15 television guided bombs and AGM-84 Harpoon missiles is incorporated. The GBU-15 capability includes the installation of a Data Link system, evidenced by the provision for carriage of a television transmitter/receiver pod under the aft fuselage and crew module displays and controls. The Harpoon capability is apparent through incorporation of a control and launch system, including crew module displays and controls, and interfaces. (Source: 15)
12SEP87
 Photographed at RAAF Base Pearce, WA in camouflage with 1 Sqn gold flash. (Source: 8)
FEB-MAR90
 A8-129 was part of a 6 Sqn deployment to Malaysia. Image
17APR93
 Noted at RAAF Base East Sale in 6 Sqn markings for an air show. (Source: 13)
18APR93
 Displayed on departure from RAAF Base East Sale as "Falcon 64" then returned to Amberley. (Source: 13)
20MAR95
 Arrived at Avalon for the Australian International Airshow where it was on static display. (Source: 14)
27MAR95
 Departed Avalon. (Source: 14)
11DEC95
 Incorporation of Mod No 7214.003-391 - Installation of Finger Tank Access Covers With Bolts In Lieu of Rivets. The Mod was issued on 15 Jun 83 and was incorporated onto A8-129 on 11 Dec 95. The reason for the Modification was to provide easier access to the finger tanks during scheduled maintenance and inspection. (Source: 15)
26JAN96
 Photographed on static display at an air show at RANAS Nowra. (Source: 10)
20DEC97
 Incorporation of Mod No 7214.003-450 - Avionic Update Program (AUP). The Mod was issued on 10 Nov 99. It was incorporated into A8-129 on 20 Dec 97, which went into AUP on 14 Jul 97 and was completed on 20 Dec 97. The Mod was issued to install upgraded avionics in both the F-1 11C Strike and RF-111C Reconnaissance aircraft. The F/RF-111C Avionics Update Program (AUP) and its integration into the F/RF-11IC aircraft is based on the incorporation, modification and integration of both new and existing subsystems and equipments. The system configuration incorporates new AGFE and CFE equipment as well as both modified and unmodified existing equipment. The basis of the modification primarily consists of the removal of hardware with high failure rates and/or poor maintainability from the aircraft and adds new more reliable equipment to replicate the functions of the deleted equipment. To support the new equipment integration, system operation and functions, existing equipment is retained or modified as necessary. In support of the system hardware upgrades, wiring harnesses are replaced with new harnesses that incorporate dual redundant MILSTD-1553B data buses. Additionally, software modifications are incorporated within the AUP to provide necessary F/RF-111C unique capabilities and support the hardware integration and system OFPs. (Source: 15)
01NOV98
 Participated in an air show at RANAS Nowra. (Source: 3)
16FEB99
 Arrived at Avalon for the Australian International Airshow. (Source: 14) Photo
22FEB99
 Departed Avalon. (Source: 14)
01NOV99
 Incorporation of Mod No 7214.003-520 - Build C02A SINU Freeze Annunciation. The Mod was issued on 20 Jul 99 and was incorporated into A8-129 on 01 Nov 99. The incorporation of this Modification allowed detected SINU frozen data conditions to be enunciated to aircrew by both warning lamps and AFLs. This modification alters the aircraft functional baseline. (Source: 15)
29FEB00
 Incorporation of Mod No 7214.003-442 - Overwing Longeron & Wing Carry Through Box Cold Expansion Modification The Mod was issued on 25 Nov 98 and was incorporated into A8-129 on 29 Feb 00. The modification was raised due to the Durability and Damage Tolerance Assessment (DADTA) studies by Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems (LMTAS), which have shown under RAAF and USAF flight spectrums, three areas of the F-111 D6AC steel primary structure are flaw sensitive and potentially subject to fatigue cracking in the fastener holes. In response to concerns of primary structure durability, a directive was issued to develop a fatigue enhancing modification. Cold Expansion of the fastener holes in the Over Wing Longeron Pn.12B1891, Wing Carry Through Box Pn.12812B7310 and Speed Brake Actuator Support Bracket attachment holes were selected as the preferred process. (Source:15)
09AUG00
 Incorporation of Mod No 7214.003-425 - Fitment of AN/ALE40 Countermeasures Dispenser Set to F-111C Aircraft. The Mod was issued on 20 Sep 99 and was incorporated into A8-129 on 09 Aug 00. This modification order was incorporated by the contractor, Boeing Australia Limited. The AN/ALE-40 Countermeasures Dispenser System was selected by the Electronic Warfare Project Office as an interim countermeasures dispensing capability prior to the selection and implementation of Project Air 5391 Electronic Warfare Update solution. This choice was prompted by the availability of USAF AN/ALE-40 modification kits (developed in response to ECP 5115 and documented in TO 1F-111E-535). Incorporation of this modification is to take advantage of the aircraft downtime afforded by the avionics upgrade. This modification is unclassified. Features by which the modification may be recognised are the replacement of AN/ALE-28 CMDS with the AN/ALE-40 CMDS. (Source:15) It can be recognised by:
  • Four dispensers each capable of carrying 30 expendables in both of the speed bumps,
  • Flare/chaff dispense switch in the pilot's throttle quadrant,
  • The lack of a flare/chaff dispense switch in the auxiliary control panel,
  • Navigator flare/chaff dispense switches forward of the RH console,
  • A flare single/double switch forward of the RH console,
  • Replacement of the ALQ-94 control unit with the AN/ALE-40 cockpit control unit,
  • Replacement of the ALE-28 cockpit control unit with the AN/ALE-40 programmer.
16OCT01
 Incorporation of Mod No 7214.003-524 - Installation of Voice And Data Recorder (VADR). The Mod was issued on 04 Oct 01 and was incorporated into A8-129 on 16 Oct 01. Reason for the modification. To aid in accident investigation, the Deputy Chief of Air Force (DCAF) approved a proposal to fit all RAAF aircraft with data recorders. The Smiths Industries Voice and Data Recorder (VADR) System has been selected for fitment to the F- 111C aircraft. The VADR system contains a Voice and Data Recorder which records audio and data signals. The Pre-Amplifier, located in the LH Cheek Bay, amplifies ambient audio signals from the Area Microphone which is located within the Crew Module. (Source: 15)
26MAY03
 Sighted at RAAF Edinburgh, SA. Call sign "Buckshot 08". (Source: SAAJ V.32 N.1)
25MAY04
 Incorporation of Mod No 7214.003-530 - Installation of ECM Pod Capability (EL/L-8222). The Mod was issued on 05 Feb 04 and was incorporated into A8-129 on 25 May 04. The ELTA EL/L-8222 Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) Pod system has been selected by the F-111 Interim Electronic Warfare Project Office to enhance F/RF-111C Electronic Warfare Self Protection (EWSP) against Radio Frequency (RF) threats. Corresponding system interface provisions (Group A) have to be installed in the F/RF-111C aircraft. (Source: 15)
02OCT04
 Static display at the Amberley air show while undergoing an engine change demonstration . (Source: 3 & 15)
03OCT04
 Photographed at RAAF Amberley in overall grey with 6 Sqn blue flash. (Source: 8)
24MAR05
 QAM first expressed interest in obtaining an F-111 from the Australian Government.
25MAY05
 Incorporation of Mod No 7214.003-536 - DFCS OFP Update to the F/RF-111C Aircraft. The Mod was issued on 05 Feb 04 and was incorporated into A8-129 on 25 May 05. This modification was required to incorporate the DFCS OFP Update into the F/RF-111C aircraft and was prioritised as Urgent. (Source: 15)
21OCT06
 Photographed on static display at an air show at RAAF Richmond carrying an AGM-142 Popeye missile and associated data-link pod. (Source: 16)
05-16FEB07
 Participated in Red Flag 07 at Nellis AFB, Nevada. (Source: 3) Photo
16MAR07
 Photographed at Amberley performing a dump and burn in practice for the Australian International Airshow at Avalon. However it did not attend the airshow. (Source: 8)
20OCT07
 Flown by No 6 Sqn in support of the INDY 300 on the Gold Coast. (Source: 5)
Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3
04DEC07
 Photographed arriving at Christchurch International, NZ with 6 Sqn blue flash. (Source: 8)
16JUL08
 Incorporation of Mod No 7214.003-564 - Electronic Kneepad Modification (EKP). The Mod was issued on 17 Jul 08 and was incorporated into A8-129 on 16 Jul 08. This modification was necessary to incorporate the Electronic Knee Pad upgrade into all F/RF-111C and was assigned a priority of urgent. (Source: 15)
01OCT08
 Incorporation of Mod No 7214.003-560 - Installation of F/RF-111C aircraft replacement fuel tank cables. The Mod was issued on 17 Jul 08 and was incorporated into A8-129 by STI F111SER1000-464 on 01 Oct 08. The reason for the modification was as a direct consequence of the A8-112 in-flight incident. All available boost pump cables became due for replacement at or before the 1025 AFHRS extension and left the F/RF-111C fleet vulnerable to a lack of serviceable cables. To maintain the operational capability of the fleet it was necessary to design new cables. This modification incorporated the Fuel Tank Cable Replacement (FTCR) upgrade into all F/RF-111C aircraft. The Mod was undertaken at an urgent priority. (Source: 15)
29AUG09
 Photographed at Darwin participating in Exercise Elang Aus-Indo 2009 with 6 Sqn blue flash. (Source: 8)
23NOV10
 Photographed at Amberley carrying crew names:
FLTLT Anthony McGrath "Virge" (left)
FLTLT Mikolaj Romanowski "Romas" (right)
These names were carried up to and including the final flight on 03DEC10.
A8-129 was one of only four aircraft to carry 1973-2010 tail art. The other aircraft were 113, 126 and 135.
03DEC10
 Flew (1:8 hours) on the last day of RAAF F-111 operations. Total Time: 7325:0 hours. (Source: 5)
Flown by SQNLDR Steve Clarke and FLTLT Ray Seville. SQNLDR Clarke was the RAAF's highest time F-111 pilot with more than 3,000 hours on type. (Source: 6)
Six aircraft flew on the last day of F-111 operations. The landing sequence was A8-126, 135, 138, 129, 109 and 125.
A8-129 callsign was "Sword 2".
30SEP11
 The Minister for Defence Materiel, Jason Clare, announced that up to seven F-111 aircraft would be made available on loan to Australian museums.
23NOV11
 The Minister for Defence Materiel, Jason Clare, released the Request for Offer (RFO) for up to seven F-111 aircraft to be made available on loan to Australian museums.
28MAR12
 The Request for Offer closed.
08JUL12
 A8-129 noted at Amberley having been repainted.
04OCT12
 The Minister for Defence Materiel, Jason Clare, announced that QAM's offer for an F-111 had been successful. Media Release
23JAN13
 QAM signed the Loan Agreement.
06FEB13
 The crated fin, rudder and tailplanes arrived at Caloundra.
11FEB13
 The aircraft was planned to be delivered on this date but unusual rainfall rendered the grounds too soft to receive the aircraft. There were several more delays for the same reason.
20MAY13
 The wings arrived at Caloundra.
21MAY13
 The fuselage arrived at Caloundra.
22MAY13
 The fin and tailplanes were fitted.
23MAY13
 The wings and rudder were fitted and the aircraft was washed. Subsequently it was towed into the Don Bennett Memorial Building (Hangar 1) and placed on axle stands.
25MAY13
 Hangar 1 was reopened to the public.
06AUG18
 The Director General History and Heritage, AF, AFHQ approved QAM's request to add the name of SQN LDR Wally Walters to the aircraft.
10SEP18
 The name of the delivery pilot of A8-129, Squadron Leader Wally Walters, was placed under the cockpit of the aircraft as it was in 1973.
18OCT22
 Ownership of A8-129 was formally transferred to the Queensland Air Museum.

 

 

 

SOURCES
1
 From Controversy to Cutting Edge by Mark Lax, Air Power Development Centre, 2010.
2
 GPCAPT J. Newham published in the Journal of the Aviation Historical Society of Australia Vol 14 No 6, Jan-Feb 1974 p.107.
3
 www.adf-serials.com
4
 Photo by Ron Cuskelly.
5
 RAAF
6
 AERO Australia, Issue 30, April/June 2011.
7
 AERO Australia, F-111 Special Edition.
8
 www.airliners.net
9
 www.f-111.net
10
 www.myaviation.net
11
 Journal of the Aviation Historical Society of Australia Vol 16 No 3, Jul-Aug 1975 p.34.
12
 Journal of the Aviation Historical Society of Australia Vol 17 No 5, Nov-Dec 1976 p.19.
Compiler's notebook.
13
 Greg Thom
14
 www.scramble.nl/showreports.htm
15
 RAAF documentation provided with the aircraft.
16
 Nick Sayer.
17
 SQNLDR Wally F. Walters' log book.

 

Compiled by Ron Cuskelly

 

 

 

ISSUE
DATE
REMARKS
48
22AUG23
 Page updated to reflect the transfer of ownership to QAM.
47
23MAY23
 Added a new page on QAM's campaign to display an F-111.
46
05FEB23
 Recorded the passing of F-111 Navigator and QAM member Air Commodore (Rtd) Peter Growder.
45
20NOV22
 Added a link to a podcast with AVM Dave Rogers and AIRCDRE Peter Growder discussing their ejection from A8-141 forty-four years ago. Also added an image of these two gents in the cockpit of A8-129.
44
25AUG20
 Added dates for RIMPAC 80. Refer 19FEB80.
43
18APR20
 Added an image of A8-129 landing at Avalon in March 1995 thanks to Keith Anderson.
42
19SEP19
 Added all flights in A8-129 by SQNLDR Wally Walters who delivered A8-129 and served with 6SQN until SEP75. (Source 17).
41
14JUL19
 Added a reference to RIMPAC in MAR80.
Added a reference to Pitch Black in MAY83.
Added four images, including three air-to-air, all thanks to Gordon Ross.
Image 1 Image 2 Image 3 Image 4
40
03JUN19
 Added two images thanks to Lenn Bayliss. Image 1 Image 2
39
11FEB19
 * The MSN and Block Number were previously transposed. It is believed that the above represents the correct nomenclature.
38
23DEC18
 Added an image of the aircraft on static display at Richmond in 2006.
37
25OCT18
 Added a list of aircraft in the Kangaroo 2 formation on 29OCT76.
36
05OCT18
 Added an item from a 1968 issue of RAAF News - How To Say F-111C
35
17SEP18
 Added five images of the naming ceremony on 10SEP18. Also added four artistic views of the aircraft and two wide-angle views of the cockpit. All thanks to Andrew Leggett.
34
16SEP18
 Added a colour painting of the aircraft as it appeared at the time of its first flight. Thanks to Juanita Franzi.
33
09MAR18
 Added the full name of the GD co-pilot on 05AUG68.
32
04MAR18
 Added sighting on 26MAY03.
31
16JUL17
 Added a scan of a booklet marking the original 1968 F-111C acceptance by the RAAF. Thanks to Wal Walters.
30
02JAN16
 Added an image of A8-129 on the last day of operations. Thanks to Lenn Bayliss.
29
10DEC15
 Added a recent image of A8-129 thanks to Nick Sayer.
28
14OCT15
 Added an image of A8-129 donated by Robert Hocaj.
27
21JUL15
 Added an image of A8-129 participating in Red Flag 07 at Nellis AFB, Nevada. Thanks to Nick Sayer.
26
17JUL15
 Added two images of A8-129 performing a dump and burn at the INDY 300 car race on 20 October 2007. Thanks to Dale West. Image 1 Image 2
25
31MAY15
 Added two images of A8-129 carrying an AGM-142 missile. Thanks to Nick Sayer.
24
21APR15
 Added an image of A8-129's final flypast over Noosa. Thanks to APN and Geoff Potter.
23
06MAR15
 Added an article on The Disposal Phase
22
29JAN15
 Added an image of the restored MJ-1 Bomb Loader.
21
02JAN14
 Added a listing of all F-111 delivery dates and crews. Thanks to AVM Dave Dunlop.
20
26DEC13
 Added an image of A8-129 on Cocos Island thanks to Martin Chalk.
Added an image of A8-129 inside Hangar 1 thanks to John Gasparotto.
19
04JUL13
 Added the programme for the arrival ceremony on 01JUN73. Thanks to Wal Walters.
18
12JUL13
 Added an image of A8-129 during a 1974 deployment to Darwin thanks to Wal Walters.
Added an image of A8-129 during a 1990 deployment to Malaysia thanks to Steve Gladwin.
17
22JUN13
 Added details of the formation flight for the opening of the Sydney Opera House. Also added an image of the first delivery flight showing A8-129's position in the formation. Thanks to Wal Walters.
16
06JUN13
 Added 3 new images. Added numerous references to modifications to the aircraft during its service life. These references are sourced from RAAF documentation supplied with the aircraft and are attributed to Source:15.
15
01JUN13
 Added 8 new images from the last day of F-111 operations thanks to Phil Buckley. Coincidentally, these images were added on the 40th anniversary of the arrival of the first six RAAF F-111s at Amberley.
14
25MAY13
 The aircraft was placed on public display.
13
21MAY13
 The aircraft was delivered to QAM at Caloundra.
12
17APR13
 Added an image of SQNLDR Wally Walters and his family at Amberley on 01JUN73.
11
03APR13
 Added an image of A8-129 at Pago Pago en route to Australia and an image of the model presented to the delivery pilot of A8-129. Thanks to Wally Walters.
10
02APR13
 Added an image of A8-129 soon after arrival at Amberley on 01JUN13. Thanks to Bob Sivyer (delivery pilot of A8-130).
9
30MAR13
 Added an image of A8-129 at McClellan AFB en route to Australia and an image of the crews of the first ferry. Thanks to Wally Walters.
8
25JAN13
 Added an RAAF image of A8-129 in No 1 Sqn markings.
7
25OCT12
 Added crew names carried on 23NOV10.
Added 6 new images thanks to Mick Raftery.
6
18OCT12
 Added an RAAF image of the arrival ceremony on 01JUN73.
5
17OCT12
 Added three images of the farewell flypast thanks to Mick Raftery.
4
16OCT12
 Added a colour painting with permission from the artist Juanita Franzi.
3
15OCT12
 Added an image of A8-129 after its last flight.
2
14OCT12
 Added an image of A8-129 performing at the Indy 300 in October 2007. Thanks to Rob Schmidt.
1
12OCT12
 Original issue.