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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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