From the skies to the museum

Step into the captivating world of aviation at our museum, where a diverse range of aircraft brings history to life. From pioneering civilian designs to legendary military planes, each aircraft tells a unique story of innovation, craftsmanship, and courage. Explore the evolution of aviation technology and its impact on both wartime and peacetime operations. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or simply curious, our collection offers a glimpse into the remarkable achievements that have shaped the skies.

General Dynamics F-111C

The F-111C, a standout in our collection since its arrival in 2013, represents a pinnacle of military aviation engineering. Its innovative variable geometry wings allowed for high-altitude flight at speeds of up to Mach 2.5 (over 2600 km/h), coupled with advanced weapons delivery systems and terrain-following radar. Serving the RAAF for an impressive 37 years, from 1973 to 2010, this aircraft was extensively flown over the South Evans Head bombing range, leaving an enduring legacy in Australian military history.

Canberra Bomber

Caribou DHC-4

The De Havilland Caribou, built in Canada, was selected by the RAAF to replace the Dakota for troop and equipment transport. Its unique ability to perform parachute airdrops through the rear hatch and operate from short, rough airstrips made it invaluable. The Caribou served in Vietnam and continued to play a crucial role in domestic emergency supply missions. The aircraft on display exceeded its expected lifespan, with an impressive 45 years of operation.

Drifter Ultralight

The Drifter Ultralight is a highly successful tail-dragger aircraft design that originated in the USA, with later models also manufactured locally in Ballina. Known for its simple, lightweight construction, the aircraft is built on a durable aluminium tube frame, with aluminium wing spars and wire bracing that provide excellent strength and stability. This versatile and popular aircraft has become a symbol of ultralight flying in Australia. The Drifter on display was generously donated to the museum by Geoff Johns, adding to the rich history of aviation in the region.

Schliecher K7 Sailplane

The Schleicher K7 is a two-seat glider originally built in Germany during the 1950s, affectionately known as the ‘Rhonadler’ or ‘Eagle of the Rhine’. This remarkable aircraft was first used by the Bottrop Glider Club in Germany until 1978, after which it was transported to Australia and registered as VH-IUU. It continued its flying journey with the Leeton Gliding Club until 2001, and later with the Casino Gliding Club until 2002, accumulating a total of 3,643 flight hours. The Schleicher K7 was generously donated to the museum by Peter Hinson, preserving a significant piece of aviation history.

MiG-15 Jet Fighter

The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 is a single-engine, jet aircraft that was designed as a trainer but could also serve as a fighter. Produced by the Soviet Union between 1949 and 1952, the MiG-15 was one of the most iconic and widely used aircraft of its time. With a sleek, robust design, it was capable of carrying one or two crew members, making it versatile for training and combat roles. Over 12,000 MiG-15s were built by the Soviet Union, with an additional 6,000 constructed under license by various other countries, including China, Poland, and Czechoslovakia. Known for its exceptional performance in the Korean War, the MiG-15 became a key player in the Cold War era and remains a symbol of Soviet military aviation innovation.

Bell OH-58 Kiowa Helicopter

The Bell OH-58 Kiowa is a single-engine, single-rotor helicopter originally designed for observation, utility, and direct fire support roles. Based on the civilian 206A JetRanger, the Kiowa was widely used by the Australian Army for reconnaissance missions, battlefield surveillance, and as a light attack aircraft. Its agility and versatility made it invaluable in both military operations and tactical support roles. The specific Kiowa on display, with ADF Serial No. A17-018, was delivered to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in 1973 and served for many years before being retired. It was acquired by the museum in August 2017, adding an important piece to the collection that highlights the contribution of helicopters in modern military aviation. This aircraft offers a unique glimpse into the capabilities of rotorcraft in a variety of military operations.

Avro Anson

The Avro Anson was acquired by the museum in 2018 and holds significant historical value, particularly in the context of the Evans Head RAAF station. This versatile aircraft was primarily used for training navigators and air observers, playing a key role in preparing personnel for various roles within the Royal Australian Air Force. Its contribution to the development of aviation training programs in Australia makes it an important part of the museum’s collection, highlighting its enduring legacy in both military aviation and local history.

Australian Lightwing SP2000TW

The SP2000 (“Speed”) and its later variants represent the pinnacle of aircraft design built by Lightwing at their Ballina factory. The aircraft on display is the prototype, originally registered as 19-4353. First flown in 2005, it was initially powered by a Rotax engine before being used as a test bed for various other engines, including a turbocharged Subaru. In 2021, the aircraft was generously donated to the museum by the family of the late Howard Hughes, the founder of Lightwing. Its inclusion in the museum collection showcases the cutting-edge technology and innovation that defined Lightwing’s legacy in Australian aviation.

Link Trainer model AN-T-18

A significant non-flying item in the museum’s collection is a Link Trainer, manufactured by Link Aviation Devices of Binghamton, NY, USA. This particular model is the AN-T-18, also known as the Army/Navy Trainer Model 18. Widely used before and during World War II, the Link Trainer played a crucial role in training pilots to fly using instruments alone, providing essential skills for navigating in poor visibility and adverse conditions. Its inclusion in the museum highlights the historical importance of flight training technology during the war era.

The museum’s diverse collection of aircraft, training devices, and historical artifacts offers a fascinating glimpse into aviation history, showcasing both iconic and lesser-known aircraft that played vital roles in military and civil aviation. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, aviation lover, or simply curious, a visit to our museum provides a unique opportunity to explore the past and learn about the technologies that have shaped modern flight. Be sure to stop by and experience these remarkable pieces of aviation history in person.