AdBlock Detected

It looks like you're using an ad-blocker!

Our team work realy hard to produce quality content on this website and we noticed you have ad-blocking enabled.

Royal Australian Navy Fleet Air Arm Museum

Fleet Airm Arm Museum Coat of Arms www.destinationsjourney.com

Fleet Air Arm Museum Nowra

The Royal Australian Navy has its Fleet Air Arm Museum at Nowra NSW. It is adjacent to the naval base HMAS Albatross.  When we arrived at 2:00 PM there were only four other people visiting. Effectively we had the whole museum to ourselves.

Propeller From HMAS Sydney Fleet Air Arm Museum Nowra HMAS Albatross www.destinationsjourney.com
Propeller From HMAS Sydney

The Collection

The museum has an almost complete collection of the aircraft operated by the RAN.  This ranges from the early 1950s when HMAS Sydney and Melbourne were acquired to a recently retired Seahawk helicopter.  A purpose-built air-conditioned building houses all of the displays. Inside a raised mezzanine floor provides an excellent overhead perspective of the displays.  This is something that many aviation museums are lacking.  There is also plenty of space between each display so that they can be seen easily without the crowding that some museums use.

The 1950s

The Hawker Sea Fury, Fairey Firefly and Fairey Gannett represent the 1950s. All three are camouflages in Dark sea grey with sky undersides.  The Firefly is also wearing Korean War black and white stripes.

RAN Fairey Firefly AS.5 Fleet Air Arm Museum Nowra HMAS Albatross www.destinationsjourney.com
RAN Fairey Firefly AS.5
RAN Fairey Gannet AS.1 Fleet Air Arm Museum Nowra HMAS Albatross www.destinationsjourney.com
RAN Fairey Gannet AS.1
Hawker Sea Fury Fleet Air Arm Museum Nowra HMAS Albatross www.destinationsjourney.com
Hawker Sea Fury

The Modern RAN Fleet Air Arm

The jet age is represented by the Douglas A4G Skyhawk, de Havilland Sea Venom FAW Mk.53 and Grumman S2G Tracker..  Training aircraft from this period include the Macchi 326, Vampire T.22 and Skyhawk 2 seat trainer.

De Havilland Sea Vampire MK T.22 Fleet Air Arm Museum Nowra HMAS Albatross www.destinationsjourney.com
De Havilland Sea Vampire MK T.22
De Havilland Sea Venom F.A.W. MK 53 Fleet Air Arm Museum Nowra HMAS Albatross www.destinationsjourney.com
De Havilland Sea Venom F.A.W. MK 53
McDonnell Douglas A4G Skyhawk Fleet Air Arm Museum Nowra HMAS Albatross www.destinationsjourney.com
McDonnell Douglas A4G Skyhawk
Grumman S-2G Tracker Fleet Air Arm Museum Nowra HMAS Albatross www.destinationsjourney.com
Grumman S-2G Tracker

Drone Collection

Drones have formed an important part of the Fleet Air Arm, removing the risks involved in towing targets for Royal Australian Navy Ships. On display is an old Radioplane MQM-33 propeller driven drone. The Australian designed Turana (based on the Ikara anti-submarine missile) and the Jindivik are also on display.  The more recent US designed BAE Kalkara is located next to the Skyhawk.

BAE Kalkara MQM-107E Fleet Air Arm Museum Nowra HMAS Albatross www.destinationsjourney.com
BAE Kalkara
Radioplane MQM-33 Fleet Air Arm Museum Nowra HMAS Albatross www.destinationsjourney.com
Radioplane MQM-33
GAF Turana Target Drone Fleet Air Arm Museum Nowra HMAS Albatross www.destinationsjourney.com
GAF Turana Target Drone
GAF Jindivik Fleet Air Arm Museum Nowra HMAS Albatross www.destinationsjourney.com
GAF Jindivik

Fleet Air Arm Museum Helicopters

There is an impressive helicopter collection, which includes a large display to the RAN Helicopter Flight Vietnam.  In line with the rest of the museum, the helicopter displays are well set out and have explanatory boards. This provides you with a thorough history of the types use within the Fleet Air Arm.   

Bell UH-1B Iroquois Fleet Air Arm Museum Nowra HMAS Albatross www.destinationsjourney.com
Bell UH-1B Iroquois
Bristol 171 Sycamore HR.50 Fleet Air Arm Museum Nowra HMAS Albatross www.destinationsjourney.com
Bristol 171 Sycamore HR.50
Bell 47G Sioux Fleet Air Arm Museum Nowra HMAS Albatross www.destinationsjourney.com
Bell 47G Sioux
Bell UH-1H Iroquois Fleet Air Arm Museum Nowra HMAS Albatross www.destinationsjourney.com
Bell UH-1H Iroquois
Aerospatiale AS350 Squirrel Fleet Air Arm Museum Nowra HMAS Albatross www.destinationsjourney.com
Aerospatiale AS350 Squirrel
Westland Wessex Mk31B Fleet Air Arm Museum Nowra HMAS Albatross www.destinationsjourney.com
Westland Wessex Mk31B
Westland Sea King Mk 50 Fleet Air Arm Museum Nowra HMAS Albatross www.destinationsjourney.com
Westland Sea King Mk 50
RAN Bristol 171 Sycamore HR Mk 51 Fleet Air Arm Museum Nowra HMAS Albatross www.destinationsjourney.com
RAN Bristol 171 Sycamore HR Mk 51
Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk Fleet Air Arm Museum Nowra HMAS Albatross www.destinationsjourney.com
Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk

Other Displays

In addition to the aircraft of the FAA, the Fleet Air Arm Museum has some other excellent displays. A Sopwith Pup fighter from World War Two shows the beginnings of aviation.  Nearby two six-inch guns from the original HMAS Sydney (a cruiser) illustrate what the aircraft have replaced.

HMAS Sydney the aircraft carrier, is represented by its bell, 32 foot cutter and a propeller (outside near the entrance).

A unique aircraft in the CAC Winjeel is also on display.  This particular aircraft is the prototype for the design that went on to become the primary trainer for a generation of Australian military pilots.

An unusual inclusion is a MiG-15 UTI in Polish colours. A very interesting aircraft to see, but its inclusion here seems out-of-place.

Sopwith Pup Fleet Air Arm Museum Nowra HMAS Albatross www.destinationsjourney.com
Sopwith Pup
6 Inch Gun From HMAS Melbourne (I) Fleet Air Arm Museum Nowra HMAS Albatross www.destinationsjourney.com
6 Inch Gun From HMAS Melbourne (I)
HMAS Sydney Bell Fleet Air Arm Museum Nowra HMAS Albatross www.destinationsjourney.com
HMAS Sydney Bell
CAC CA-22 Winjeel prototype Fleet Air Arm Museum Nowra HMAS Albatross www.destinationsjourney.com
CAC CA-22 Winjeel prototype
HMAS Melbourne 32FT CutterFleet Air Arm Museum Nowra HMAS Albatross www.destinationsjourney.com
HMAS Melbourne 32FT Cutter
Douglas C-47A Dakota Fleet Air Arm Museum Nowra HMAS Albatross www.destinationsjourney.com
Douglas C-47A Dakota
Aermacchi MB-326H Fleet Air Arm Museum Nowra HMAS Albatross www.destinationsjourney.com
Aermacchi MB-326H
Polish MiG-15 UTI Fleet Air Arm Museum Nowra HMAS Albatross www.destinationsjourney.com
Polish MiG-15 UTI

 

All of the displays are accompanied by descriptions and a detailed history of the FAA is provided as you progress around the museum.

There is a gift shop that also caters to the local RAN base so there is a good selection of merchandise available.

A great place to visit if you are interested in aviation or naval history.

Wings Over Illawarra 2018

RAAF F/A-18 Hornet Wings Over Illawarra 2018 www.destinationsjourney.com

Wings Over Illawarra 2018

This amazing Airshow was held at the Illawarra Regional Airport at Albion Park Rail. Located just south of Wollongong in  Shellharbour the setting was beautiful with the amazing Illawarra Escarpment providing a great backdrop to the show. Wings Over Illawarra 2018 had an excellent combination of warbirds, aerobatics and modern RAAF aircraft

We stayed in Wollongong the night before at Sage Hotel. Located near Wollongong Beach. We had a leisurely evening and morning before driving to the Airshow. Parking was well organised with two off site areas and shuttle buses running to the event.

Tickets

Having purchased tickets on-line entry was quick and easy after which we walked around the static displays dotted around the airfield. Unfortunately, many were parked on the far side of the airfield, so it was difficult to get a good view of them.

Historical Aircraft Restoration Society

The Historical Aircraft Restoration Society is based at the airport and had its hangers open and aircraft on display.  They have an impressive collection including a Qantas Boeing 747, Super Constellation, Neptune, Orion, DC4 and. Southern Cross replica. There was also a Catalina open for a walk through for a small $5 donation. A great experience having never been in one before. Nearby was an F111, Sabre, Hunter and many other aircraft.

Consolidated PBY5A Catalina Historical Aircraft Restoration Society www.destinationsjourney.com
Consolidated PBY5A Catalina

Air Display

The air display followed the advertised program. 

10:10

    • Opening Ceremony

10:30

    • RAAF Roulettes Formation Aerobatic Team
    • 2 x RAAF F/A-18 Hornets Arrive
    • MH-60R Seahawk Romeo
    • RAAF C27J Spartan

11:30

    • RAAF C-17 Globemaster III
    • Beech-18
    • Rebel 300
    • Boeing Stearman
    • North American T-6 Harvard
    • CAC CA-3 Wirraway

12:30

    • Paul Andronicou in the Extra 330SC
    • North American T-28 Trojan
    • Grumman TBM-3 Avenger
    • WWII Fighters
      • Hawker Hurricane
      • Supermarine Spitfire
      • CAC CA-18 Mk21 Mustang
      • Focke Wulf FW-190

13:45

    • Paul Bennet in the Wolf Pitts Pro
    • Marchetti S-211 Formation Display
    • Steadfast Yakovlev Yak 3U
    • Russian Roolettes Formation Team

14:30

    • Pitts Model 12
    • Sky Aces Formation Aerobatics Display Team
    • L-39C Albatros
    • BAC Jet Provost T5A

15:30

    • RAAF Hawk 127
    • Matt Hall in the MXS-R
    • CAC CA-27 Mk32 Sabre
    • RAAF F/A-18 Hornet with “Wall of Fire”

16:30

    • Show Close
RAAF Alenia C-27J Spartan Wings Over Illawarra 2018 www.destinationsjourney.com
RAAF Alenia C-27J Spartan
Boeing C-17A Globemaster III 36 SQN RAAF Wings Over Illawarra 2018 DestinationsJourney.com
Boeing C-17A Globemaster III
Aeromacchi S-211 Wings Over Illawarra 2018 DestinationsJourney.com
Aeromacchi S-211
Grumman Avenger Wings Over Illawarra 2018 www.destinationsjourney.com
Grumman Avenger
Beech 18 Wings Over Illawarra 2018 www.destinationsjourney.com
Beech 18
Beech 18 Wings Over Illawarra 2018 www.destinationsjourney.com
Beech 18
RAAF Roulettes Aerobatic Team Pilatus PC-9 Wings Over Illawarra 2018 www.destinationsjourney.com
RAAF Roulettes Aerobatic Team

This was an excellent mix of display types and kept everyone entertained for the day. For a better view and good seating next time, we will splash out and buy gold passes. This guarantees front row seats in the grandstand at the centre of the rune way.

Avalon Airshow – Melbourne March 2017


Travelling to the Avalon Airshow

We went to the Avalon Airshow, just out of Melbourne on Saturday 4th of March.  Getting there was very easy.  We bought tickets from VLine online which covered the train from Southern Cross Station and a shuttle bus from Lara Station to Avalon.  The trains were running every 20 minutes to cater for the demand.  At Lara, there was a queue of buses ready to take people.  All very well organised and it ran smoothly.

There was an easy to follow map provided at the gate when we arrived at 8:30AM. There were also several large bill boards around the airfield with maps on them.  The ground displays were very well set out, usually with defence force personnel around to talk and answer questions.  The weather could not have been better.  A top of 28oC.  A little cloudy in the morning, but this was mostly gone by midday.  We remembered the sunscreen, and were very pleased we did.  Some people didn’t bother and by mid-afternoon, a few very red a sore people were standing around.

F-35 Joint Strike Fighter

Most of the current RAAF aircraft were present.  The main draw card was the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.  We headed there first to avoid the crowds later in the day.  The barriers let people get quite close, so you could see a lot of detail and take some great pictures.  At one of the two on display, you could reach up and touch the wing if you were tall enough.

F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Avalon Airshow March 2017
F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Avalon Airshow March 2017

F/A-18

All three types of F-18s operated by the RAAF were on display, the classic F/A-18A Hornet, the F/A-18F Super Hornet and the new F/A-18G Growler.  The Super Hornet also put on a fantastic flying display showing off its abilities.  Watching it climb vertically to 10,000m was spectacular.  Having never seen one fly before, its maneuverability was surprising and watching it fly down the runway with a 50-degree angle of attack very impressive.

F/A-18A Hornet Avalon Airshow March 2017
F/A-18A Hornet Avalon Airshow March 2017
F/A-18F Super Hornet Avalon Airshow March 2017
F/A-18F Super Hornet Avalon Airshow March 2017
F/A-18G Growler Avalon Airshow March 2017
F/A-18G Growler Avalon Airshow March 2017

Royal Australian Air Force

The old P-3 Orion anti-submarine and patrol aircraft was there, along with its new replacement the P-8 Poseidon.  The other Boeing 737 derived aircraft operated by the RAAF the E-7AWedgetail was sitting nearby.

The RAAF’s lead-in jet trainer the BAE Hawk put on a flying display.  Although impressive, it showed the huge gap between trainers and a real combat aircraft like the Super Hornet which had flown earlier.

BAE Hawk Trainer Avalon Airshow March 2017
BAE Hawk Trainer Avalon Airshow March 2017

Singapore and New Zealand sent Hercules transports.  The RNZAF put on a very nice flying display with theirs.  Singapore also sent F-15s which looked very impressive on the ground.

United States Air Force

The US had some of the best aircraft there.  Three F-22s were the highlight, along with a B-1 bomber.  The F-22 looks a lot sharper than the F-35 and its pilots were very proud of their machines, willing to talk and answer endless questions from spectators.  Several older F-16 jets were parked up near the F-22s giving a stark contrast to the old and new technology.

F-22 Raptor Avalon Airshow March 2017
F-22 Raptor Avalon Airshow March 2017
F-16 Avalon Airshow March 2017
F-16 Avalon Airshow March 2017
B-1 Bomber Avalon Airshow March 2017
B-1 Bomber Avalon Airshow March 2017

Antonov An-124

What looked to be the biggest aircraft there was the Ukrainian Antonov AN 124.  A very impressive looking transport.

Antonov An124 at Avalon Airshow Melbourne March 2017
Antonov An124 at Avalon Airshow Melbourne March 2017
Antonov An124 at Avalon Airshow Melbourne March 2017
Antonov An124 at Avalon Airshow Melbourne March 2017

Helicopters

Many helicopters were also on the ground display.  The Tiger battlefield helicopter looked very lethal, despite the problems that the Army has had with its implementation.  The nearby NH-90, which has also had its fair share of issues was also open for a close look by the public.  The US contribution to this section was the Apache attack helicopter, always a great sight in its dark grey camouflage.

Tiger Helicopter Avalon Airshow March 2017
Tiger Helicopter Avalon Airshow March 2017
NH-90 Helicopter Avalon Airshow March 2017
NH-90 Helicopter Avalon Airshow March 2017
Apache Helicopter Avalon Airshow March 2017
Apache Helicopter Avalon Airshow March 2017

Historical Aircraft

Many historical aircraft were on display from many Australian collections.  Airworthy examples from RAAF Point Cook, Temora and HARS put on some very nice displays.  The Super Constellation, looked huge (and it is a big aircraft), as it circles the runway.  On static display were a Harrier jump jet, Canberra bomber and what looked like half of the Temora Aviation Museum’s collection, including the Boomerang, Meteor and Hudson.

C-47 Dakota Avalon Airshow March 2017
C-47 Dakota Avalon Airshow March 2017
BAE Harrier Avalon Airshow March 2017
BAE Harrier Avalon Airshow March 2017
Canberra Bomber Avalon Airshow March 2017
Canberra Bomber Avalon Airshow March 2017
BAE Harrier Avalon Airshow Melbourne March 2017
BAE Harrier Avalon Airshow Melbourne March 2017
Training Aircraft Flyby Avalon Airshow March 2017
Training Aircraft Flyby Avalon Airshow March 2017

Australian Army

The army had an M-1 Abrams tank on display, along with the types of shells it could fire.  They had many other types of vehicles on display, but most people were interested in the tank.

M-1A Abrams Tank Avalon Airshow March 2017
M-1A Abrams Tank Avalon Airshow March 2017

Getting Back To Melbourne

When we left at 2:00PM, there were still hundreds of people streaming in from cars and buses and the car park was almost full.  Some had decided to watch from the boundary fence, and along the roadside.  They would have seen the flying displays, but not well, and missed all the ground static displays.

The trip home by train was as easy as the journey in.  Arriving back in Melbourne, we had a quick freshen up at our hotel, a bite to eat at a nearby restaurant, and got ready to see a show at night.  Overall a very satisfying day.