North American B-25 Mitchell (B-25C)
Registration no : 112263 (visible on tail)
Looks to be a US Navy aircraft, however this regn number is missing in the lists of Navy aircraft available online.
Boeing EC-135 (EC-135N ARIA). ARIA stands for Advanced Range Instrumentaion Aircraft.
Registration no 330, operated by the US Air Force
Additional info from Aircraft Serial Number Search site : 0330 (MSN 18105, 19th ARW) overheated fuel pump exploded in fuel tank after touchdown at Altus AFB, Feb 13, 1987. Aircraft burned out, 7 injured
Lockheed C-130 Hercules
Registration no XV-185, operated by the RAF.
Manufactured 1967, construction ref 382-4203
Status : scrapped in 2005
Links below have additional info and photos of actual aircraft (will open in new tab)
1. Airport Data
2. Jetphotos
Sopwith 7F.1 Snipe
Registration no E8102
Aircraft was piloted by Major William G Barker (201 Squadron)
Avro Anson
Serial number "MW-F" K6285
Was part of 321 squadron. Written off. MW-F is the squadron code of 217 squadron. This aircraft was on loan. Confirmed on UK Serials site that the tail number belongs to Avro Ansons.
This link has additional info
Vickers Wellington
Serial number "AA-V" L7848
Belonged to the No 75 Squadron of the RAF, operating as a Bomber Unit in WW2, then transferred to the RNZAF in 1945. Fate unknown.
There are many accounts of the heroic deed of Sgt James Allen Ward who crawled out on the wing of an injured Wellington which had been shot, to douse a fire. The aircraft in question is reported everywhere as the AA-V, but is apparently the AA-R. See URL for details.
Links below have additional info (will open in new tab)
1. This link has the operational history - search for 7848
2. ADF Serials
3. 75NZ Squadron site which has the story of Sgt Ward & photos of his damaged Wellington.
Westland Lysander
Serial identifier "FY-C", serial no R9078 or R9079 - not clearly visible
Was likely part of No. 4 squadron of the RAF
Gloster Meteor
Serial no WH223 (most likely)
Delivery date 23/02/1952, struck off charge 01/06/1967 as CAT 5(C), as per this UK Serials page.
Hawker Siddeley Nimrod
Serial no XV244
This was the last Nimrod delivered to RAF Kinloss, and named Duke of Edinburgh. Now maintained by Morayvia.
Source : The Scotsman
Fairey Fawn
Serial number J7209, manufacturer's serial number F510
Not much info available, fate unknown.
Vickers Vernon
Serial number JR6904
Was part of Squadron 70 RAF, was based in Iraq. For more info, click on the link accompanying the photo.
Source : Link
Supermarine Spitfire
Serial number PK433, identifier "XT-Q"
Manufactured Sep-1945 at the Eastleigh factory (likely), was in 39MU, sold as scrap in 1954.
Info from All Spitfire Pilots site.
Bristol Britannia
Serial number XN404, also registered as G-APPG
Delivered to Ministry of Supply in Nov-1958, first flight as G-APPG in Mar-1959, sold in Dec-1975 to Shackleton Aviation, last flight in May-1976 to Luton, broken up for spares during Nov-1976.
Info from sources listed below (will open in new tab)
1. UK Serials
2. Airport-Data
Source : NA3T, same image is also available via the UK Serials link
Blackburn Kangaroo
Serial number B9976
Manufactured 1918. Crashed on landing 26-Aug-1918 at Seaton Carew AFB, Durham, UK, while landing. On final approach in bad visibility, aircraft was too low. It struck the ground short of runway and crashed. Both occupants were injured. Crew was performing a training flight on behalf of the 246th Squadron.
Info from Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives
Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5 (S.E.5a)
Serial number B525
Built by Vickers, Weybridge. This link is a detailed report by Lt Arthur Rhys David about their combat with an ace German pilot Werner Voss, whom Rhys David shot down while in this aircraft.
The extract above is from the book SE 5/5A Aces of World War 1, by Norman Franks, scanned by Google Books
Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress (B-17F)
Serial number FL459, manufacturer's serial no 9241
Built in the US, transferred to RAF, SOC 22-Dec-1945. Was part of 220 Squadron RAF, sank two U-boats.
Photo alongside shows the Fortress Mark IIA, FL459 ‘J’, of No. 220 Squadron RAF, preparing to taxi at Benbecula, in the Outer Hebrides. This aircraft sank two U-boats (U624 and U707) and shared in the sinking of another (U575) during its period of service with the squadron. The aerials of the ASV II radar with which FL459 is equipped are clearly visible on the nose and under the starboard wing.
Source : Imperial War Museums (IWM) site showing American aircraft in the RAF
Gloster Meteor
Serial number VZ513, identifier is SW-Y
Delivered June 1950 to Ministry of Aviation, in Oct 1961 was converted U16 drone
Info from UK Serials
Morane-Saulnier L
Aircraft identifier is 3253
Pilot was Flight Sub-Lt Reginald Warneford. Stamp shows him shooting down a German zeppelin LZ 37 on 17-May-1939, for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross. His story is one of bravery and tragedy a few days later. Check out the URLs for info and story.
Info from sources listed below (will open in new tab)
1. Wikipedia entry for Reginald Warneford.
2. From the BBC, has a photo of the aircraft too.
3. From an Italian site.
Vought F4U Corsair
Aircraft identifier is 115
Lt Robert Hampton Gray got a VC posthumously for his brave attack on the Japanese escort ship Amakusa, on Aug 9 1945. He was flying this Corsair (no 115) as his personal Corsair - no 119 - was below deck. While he managed to attack and disable the ship, his aircraft was hit and crashed into the bay.
Info from sources listed below (will open in new tab)
Supermarine Spitfire, Mk 1a
Aircraft serial no is R6803, construction no 882, manufactured at the Eastleigh factory, Rolls-Royce Merlin engines
First flight 12-Jul-40, transferred to 65 Squadron 8-Aug-40, Flying accident (write-off) 10-Oct-41, Struck off 13-Oct-41
Info from Spitfire aircraft production site.
Hawker Hurricane
Aircraft serial no is V7383
Aircraft produced by Hawker Aircraft Limited at Langley (Block 4), to contract 62305/39, powered by Rolls-Royce Merlin III's. Aircraft deliveries commenced on 2nd July, 1940 and were completed on 5th February, 1941
Sergeant J White: died of injuries; aircraft crashed at Sidi Barrani, Egypt, on return from operational flight over Gazala Aerodrome, Libya, enemy action, Hurricane V7383, 73 Squadron, 14 June 1941.
Info from sources listed below (will open in new tab)
1. Hawker Hurrican site maintained by Dr. Colin James Pratt-Hooson.
2. RAF Commands
Supermarine Spitfire, Mk 1a
Aircraft serial no is X4036, construction no 965, manufactured at the Eastleigh factory, Rolls-Royce Merlin engines
First flight 30-Jul-40, transferred to 234 Squadron 17-Aug-40, flew into ground in bad visibility Parks Farm Cambridge (Flying Accident write-off) 24-Feb-42
Info from Spitfire aircraft production site.
Hawker Hurricane
Aircraft serial no is R4175
The second production batch of 100 aircraft manufactured by Gloster Aircraft Co., Brockworth. To contract 19773/39/23a. Aircraft powered by Rolls-Royce Merlin III's, with either Watts two blade fixed pitch, or De-Havilland three blade variable pitch propellers. All aircraft delivered between May 1940 and July 1940.
Was part of 303 Squadron, crashed 8-Oct-40 killing the pilot Sgt Josef Frantisek of the Polish Air Force serving in Britain.
Info from sources listed below (will open in new tab)
1. Hawker Hurrican site maintained by Dr. Colin James Pratt-Hooson.
Supermarine Spitfire, Mk 1a
Aircraft serial no is R6885, construction no 843, manufactured at the Eastleigh factory, Rolls-Royce Merlin engines
First flight 2-Jul-40, transferred to 41 Squadron 30-Jul-40, shot down by Bf109 near Benfleet F/O Lovell, abandoned aircraft 5-Sep-40
Info from Spitfire aircraft production site.
Hawker Hurricane
Aircraft serial no is V6684
Third production batch of 1,700 aircraft built by Gloster Aircraft Co, to contract 85730/40/23a. Powered by Rolls-Royce Merlin III or Rolls-Royce Merlin XX engines, driving Rotol or De-Havilland three blade variable pitch propellers. Aircraft delivered between July 1940 and August 1941.
Was part of 303 Squadron, crashed in Dec-1940. See URL for partial photos, and additional info.
Info from sources listed below (will open in new tab)
1. Hawker Hurrican site maintained by Dr. Colin James Pratt-Hooson.
Supermarine Spitfire, Mk 1a
Aircraft serial no is K9998, construction no 212, manufactured at the Eastleigh factory, Rolls-Royce Merlin engines
First flight 1-Jun-39, transferred to 603 Squadron 6-Nov-39, crash landed in Aug-41
Info from Spitfire aircraft production site.
Hawker Hurricane
Aircraft serial no is R4118
The second production batch of 100 aircraft manufactured by Gloster Aircraft Co., Brockworth. To contract 19773/39/23a. Aircraft powered by Rolls-Royce Merlin III's, with either Watts two blade fixed pitch, or De-Havilland three blade variable pitch propellers. All aircraft delivered between May 1940 and July 1940.
605 Squadron. Only surviving Hawker Hurricane from WW1, has a full website to it. See URLs below.
Info from sources listed below (will open in new tab)
1. Hawker Hurrican site maintained by Dr. Colin James Pratt-Hooson.
2. Hurricane Heritage, dedicated to the R4118.
Source : Hurricane Heritage
BAe Sea Harrier
Aircraft serial no XZ452, identifier is VL-101
Built in 1979, construction no 41H-912006
Two Sea Harrier FRS.1s of 801 NAS, Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm (XZ452 and XZ453) were lost on 6/5/1982 off the Falklands Islands. These aircraft took off from HMS Invincible on a CAP (Combat Air Patrol) mission over the South Atlantic and never returned. They were presumed to have collided during bad weather. The two pilots were posted as missing, presumed killed.
Info from sources listed below (will open in new tab)
1. Aviation Safety.
2. UK Serials (losses in 1982).
Source : Aerial Visuals
Source : Aerial Visuals. This photo was taken at RNAS Yeovilton on 25th March 1982.
Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5 (S.E.5a)
Aircraft serial no A8898
Mentioned in book "Mount of Aces : The Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5A" by Paul R Hare. Mentions it as being part of 60 Squadron, apparently this aircraft suffered engine failure while taking off on on 1st Nov 1917. Its pilot was Lt A Carter, who was unhurt. A8898 was then issued to 40 Squadron after repair. See accompanying photo, which is from this book.
There is a working replica built with the same tail number, registered as F-AZCY. Photos of this are available in the URLs.
Info from Mount of Aces, scanned by Google Books.
Source : Mount of Aces, scanned by Google Books.
Source : Flickr site of Laurent Querite, photo taken on 3rd June 2017.
Hawker Hurricane, Mk IV
Aircraft serial no KZ321, identifier JV-N
This particular aircraft was constructed by Hawker Aircraft Ltd at the company’s famous Kingston-upon-Thames factory some time between 20 November 1942, and 19 April 1943. Built as part of the eighth production batch of 1,200 aircraft ordered under Air Ministry contract number 62305/39/C Parts 1 to 6.
Has been restored, given a civil registration (CF-TPM) and is still flying in Canada! See the URLs for many pictures and other details. Apparently this is the last Mark IV in existence.
Info from sources listed below (will open in new tab)
Source : Aerial Visuals, this photo was taken on 15th June 2006.
Source : Aerial Visuals, this photo was taken on 16th September 2006.
Vickers Vimy
Aircraft serial no G-EAOU
This particular Vickers Vimy was the aircraft used for the first England-Australia flight, in 1919. The Australian government offered a prize of A$ 10000 to any Australian-crewed team flying from England to Australia. Captain Ross Smith with his brother Keith Smith as co-pilot, and mechanics Wally Shiers & Jim Bennett, took off from England on 12th Nov 1919. They landed in Darwin on 10 Dec 1919, covering a distance of approximately 17900 kms, with a total flying time of nearly 136 hours.
The Vickers Vimy G-EAOU is on display at Adelaide airport in Australia.
Info from sources listed below (will open in new tab)
1. State Library of New South Wales.
2. Wikipedia page on the 1919 England to Australia flight.
Source : State Library of New South Wales
The G-EAOU at Adelaide airport.
Source : Adelaide airport website
Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2
Aircraft serial no B6183.
On 16 Nov 1919, Captain H N Wrigley and mechanic Sgt A W Murphy left from Point Cook on the first transcontinental flight across Australia, arriving in Darwin on 12 Dec 1919. This was the single-engined aircraft in which this flight was undertaken. This was to survey the route for the competitors of the first England to Australia air race.
Info from Australian War Memorial website.
Source : Wikipedia
Avro Avian
Aircraft regn is G-EBOV, c/n 5116.
Bert Winkler made the first solo flight between England and Australia in Feb 1928 in this particular aircraft. In the process, Hinkler smashed the record time between the two countries from 28 days to just over 15 days. This aircraft had been purchased by Hinkler in July 1927, and had been modified for this long distance flight.
The aircraft is now on display at the Queensland Museum in Australia.
Info from sources listed below (will open in new tab)
1. Airways Museum.
CAC Wackett
RAAF serial no A3-1
Was the first of the Wackett trainers to be built. Built in March 1941, sold to private purchaser in June 1946 without engine.
Info from ADF Serials website.
Source : ADF Serials
CAC Winjeel
RAAF serial no A85-401
First CA-25 CAC Winjeel built. Had its first flight in 1955. Currently on display at the RAAF Museum in Victoria, Australia.
Info from ADF Serials website.
Source : ADF Serials
DH-60 Moth
Aircraft regn is G-ACUC.
This aircraft was owned by Freda Thompson, who was the first Australian woman to fly solo from England to Australia. She collected this aircraft new in 1934, named it Christopher Robin, and left England on 28th September 1934, arriving in Darwin on 6th November 1934.
Info from Wikipedia page for Freda Thompson.
The link above has a video showing her landing at Mascot on 20th November 1934 in this same aircraft.
de Havilland DH-61 Giant Moth
Aircraft regn is G-AUJB / VH-UJB, c/n 334.
This was the first Giant Moth acquired by Qantas, in April 1929. Its claim to fame at that time was that it was the first Qantas aircraft equipped with toilets. This aircraft also notably brought the first airmail to Brisbane on 23rd April 1929. It was sold on in 1935, and crashed in Papua New Guinea in May 1938, when it was damaged beyond repair.
Info from sources listed below (will open in new tab)
1. Wikipedia.
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
RAAF serial no A41-208.
Delivered to the RAAF in early 2008. In active service as on June 2022 with 36 Sqn RAAF.
Info from ADF Serials.
Boeing 787
Aircraft regn is VH-ZNJ.
Delivered to Qantas in November 2019, and as of June 2022 still in active service.
Info from Aussie Airliners.
Not sure of provenance of photo.
de Havilland DH-50
Aircraft regn was G-AUAB, then VH-UAB.
This aircraft was built in the UK and shipped to Australia as the third aircraft in the fleet of the Civil Aviation Branch (CAB). In August 1924, the CAB's first Director of Civil Aviation Lt Col H C Brinsmead undertook a flight around Australia to survey for aerial routes, and sites for aerodromes. They flew on average about 250 miles a day for 22 days around the country without a hitch in this aircraft. From 1932, this aircraft was owned by Sir Charles Kingsford Smith who named it the Southern Cross Midget.
Info from sources listed below (will open in new tab)
1. Airways Museum website.
2. Airways Museum website.
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
RAAF serial no A35-001. C/n AU-1, USAF serial 12-5060.
This was the first F-35 Lightning delivered to the RAAF. It is currently in active service, as of June 2022.
Info from sources listed below (will open in new tab)
1. ADF Serials
2. Australian Defence Business Review website.
Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5
RAAF serial no A2-31.
This was one of the 35 SE5s that was gifted by Britain to the Australian Government as part of the Imperial Gift in Dec 1918 / early 1919. It was in service for about 10 years, had a few accidents along the way, and was destroyed in a fire in June 1929.
An exact replica of this aircraft is on display at the RAAF Museum in Point Cook.
Info from sources listed below (will open in new tab)
1. ADF Serials
