Aussie F-111 to go to USAF Museum?

[Liberator]

Im hearing unverified at the moment reports that the USAF is to obtain a former RAAF F-111C for display at Hawaii - Hickham i assume?

It is to be airframe A8-130 is being shipped soon.

It is maybe a bit unusual but that what my source is indicating.

Anyone else hear of this export ?

[JohnB]

Any aquisition would be by the National Museum of the USAF on behalf of a base collection.

I don't know Aussie F-111 designations, but is the "C" a ex-USAF example? IIRC, the Aussies were given some former SAC FB-111 models, and I don't know whether any of those were preserved in the US.

[Invader26]

The RAAF received 24 new build F-111C aircraft [which was basically an A model with FB-111 wings and undercarriage] plus some ex-USAF A models upgraded to C's as well as ex-USAF F-111G models [ex-FB-111's]...

[K5DH]

Well, if this story is true, it's one more airframe that won't end up buried in a trench in the outback!

[CAPFlyer]

Has anyone considered that the acquisition may end up being displayed in RAAF colors, even if it is going to Pearl? The NMUSAF does not just acquire items for display in USAF colors. The acquisition may just be easier through them since all the aircraft, delivered new to the RAAF or not, were assigned USAF serial numbers and purchased on a USAF Foreign Military Assistance contract, which means that the USAF and RAAF can simply make a "transfer of asset" instead of it having to be a sale of surplus equipment. This also means that less de-milling is required prior to movement to its receiving museum since it would technically still be a government asset.

[Ken]

Has anyone considered that the acquisition may end up being displayed in RAAF colors, even if it is going to Pearl?

Yup and I hope it is in RAAF colors considering the outstanding prep work we've seen on their other preserved examples. The Aussies are strong allies and I've worked with some great RAAF folks during various exercises and meets; would love to see an F-111 in their colors.

Ken