The Republic P-43 Lancer was a single-engine, all-metal, low-wing monoplane fighter aircraft first delivered to the United States Army Air Corps in 1940. The P-43A had a very good high-altitude performance coupled with an effective oxygen system. The P-43 flew many long-range, high-altitude photo recon missions until replaced by F-4/F-5 Lightnings (P-38 variants) in both the USAAF and RAAF.

The RAAF operated eight P-43s, four of which were P-43Bs and the remaining four P-43Ds. Modified for photographic reconnaissance work they were operated by 1PRU. They were operated from August 1942 until May 1943 when they were re[;ace by Lockheed F-4 Lightnings.