An Australian military icon will soon settle into hangar space at Albion Park with the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society preparing to take delivery of an F-111 fighter jet.
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Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare has announced HARS would be one of six organisations to receive a retired F-111.
“The iconic F-111s were the front line of the Australian Defence Force for almost four decades,” he said.
“The F-111s were affectionately known as ‘Pigs’ because of their ability to hunt at night and fly low in the weeds thanks to their terrain-following radar.”
The aircraft could fly at more than twice the speed of sound and were perhaps best known for their fiery dump and burn exhibitions at air shows, Mr Clare said.
Throsby MP Stephen Jones said the announcement was great news for the region.
“The F-111 has been a vital part of Australia’s military capability for decades and it is great that the people of the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions will have the chance to see this iconic aircraft up close,” he said.
“This aircraft will be a tremendous drawcard for the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society and is also a significant boost for the local tourism industry.”
The aircraft are expected to be delivered to their new homes from early nest year.
The RAAF retired the F-111 in 2010 after 37 years of service.
