In 1948 a de Havilland Sea Hornet F.20 TT213 was delivered to Australia for tropical trials. Received by No. 1 Aircraft Depot on 8 June 1948 it was given the Royal Australian Air Force registration A83-1, although this was never applied to the airframe.
On 10 September 1948 it was delivered to ARDU (the Aircraft Research and Development Unit). The Sea Hornet was flown by RAAF pilots for 49 hours on Ministry Of Supply tests before it was returned to No 1AD on October 20 1950. It was returned to de Havilland on 6 March 1951.
The Supermarine Seagull V was initially developed as a private venture in response to a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) request for an observation seaplane to be catapult-launched from cruisers. The Seagull V resembled the proceeding Supermarine Seagull III in general layout. Although construction commenced in 1930, the aircraft was delayed by more pressing projects and the first Seagull V did not fly until June 1933.
The prototypes was initially marked as N-1 but this was later changed to N-2 (as there was already an aircraft with this registration). The Marine Aircraft Experimental Establishment at Felixstowe undertook trials on behalf of the RAAF from Royal Navy ships (HMS Valiant and HMS Repulse).
The RAAF ordered 24 Seagull Vs which were delivered in 1935 and 1936. They were used as spotter aircraft from the Royal Australian Navy cruisers and land bases. Post-World War Two, several Seagulls were sold into the civilian market where they operated into the 1960s. The primary civilian operator was Amphibious Airways of Rabaul, which operated four aircraft.
The RAF also ordered the aircraft, but renamed it the Walrus.
Supermarine Seagull V prototype under constructionSupermarine Seagull V prototype as originally marked as N1Supermarine Seagull V Prototype now marked N2
A2-1
Supermarine Seagull V A2-1 being craned onto HMAS AustraliaSupermarine Seagull V A2-1 on HMAS AustraliaSupermarine Seagull V A2-1Supermarine Seagull V A2-1 being launched from HMAS CanberraSupermarine Seagull V A2-1 on HMAS AustraliaSupermarine Seagull V A2-1Supermarine Seagull V A2-1Supermarine Seagull V A2-1Supermarine Seagull V A2-1 after accident
A2-2
Supermarine Seagull V A2-2 over HMAS SydneyWeymouth, England. c. 1935-09. Supermarine Seagull V amphibian aircraft A2-2 being hoisted by crane aboard HMAS Sydney II.Weymouth, England. c. 1935-09. Supermarine Seagull V amphibian aircraft A2-2 being hoisted by crane aboard HMAS Sydney II.HMAS Sydney’s Supermarine Walrus (A2-2) being recovered by HMAS Sydney June 21, 1940 after being attacked by R.A.F. Gloster Gladiator aircraftHMAS Sydney’s Supermarine Walrus (A2-2) showing bullet holes after being attacked by R.A.F. Gloster Gladiator aircraftHMAS Sydney’s Supermarine Walrus (A2-2) showing bullet holes after being attacked by R.A.F. Gloster Gladiator aircraft
A2-3
Supermarine Seagull V A2-3 registered as VH-BGP
A2-4
Supermarine Seagull V A2-4Supermarine Seagull V A2-4 at Williamtown Feb 1946Supermarine Seagull V A2-4 registered as VH-ALB for Amphibious Air Charters 28 September 1964Supermarine Seagull V VH-ALB of Amphibious Charters ex-A2-4Wreck of Supermarine Seagull V A2-4 registered as VH-ALB
A2-5
Supermarine Seagull V A2-5 on HMAS CanberraSupermarine Seagull V A2-5
A2-6
Supermarine Seagull V A2-6 being launchedSupermarine Seagull V A2-6Supermarine Seagull V A2-6 YQ-JSupermarine Seagull V A2-6
A2-7
Supermarine Seagull V A2-7 being loaded onto HMAS Sydney in 1939
A2-8
Supermarine Seagull V A2-8A line-up of Supermarine Seagull V amphibians with A2-8 at the frontSupermarine Seagull V A2-8 at Point Cook
A2-9
A2-10
A2-11
A2-12
A line-up of Supermarine Seagull V amphibians with A2-12 at the front
A2-13
Supermarine Seagull V A2-13
A2-14
A2-15
A2-16
Supermarine Seagull V A2-16 being launchedSupermarine Seagull V A2-16
A2-17
A2-18
A2-19
A2-20
Supermarine Seagull V A2-20Supermarine Seagull V A2-20Supermarine Seagull V A2-20
A2-21
Supermarine Seagull V A2-21 on HMAS SydneyHMAS Sydney’s Supermarine Walrus (A2-21) being recovered by HMAS Sydney June 21, 1940 after being attacked by R.A.F. Gloster Gladiator aircraftHMAS Sydney’s Supermarine Walrus (A2-21) being recovered by HMAS Sydney June 21, 1940 after being attacked by R.A.F. Gloster Gladiator aircraftHMAS Sydney’s Supermarine Walrus (A2-21) showing bullet holes after being attacked by R.A.F. Gloster Gladiator aircraftHMAS Sydney’s Supermarine Walrus (A2-21) showing bullet holes after being attacked by R.A.F. Gloster Gladiator aircraft
A2-22
Supermarine Seagull V A2-22 at Rathmines NSW 1941Supermarine Seagull V A2-22
A2-23
A2-24
Supermarine Seagull V A2-24 on HMAS AustraliaSupermarine Seagull V A2-24 being catapulted from HMAS Australia
Supermarine Seagull V amphibian aircraft prepared for take-off from its catapultSupermarine Seagull V A2-5 on HMAS CanberraSupermarine Seagull V amphibian aircraft being launched from its catapult
Supermarine Seagull V A2-7 being loaded onto HMAS Sydney in 1939Weymouth, England. Sep 1935 Supermarine Seagul V amphibian aircraft A2-2 being prepared for hoisting aboard HMAS SydneyWeymouth, England. c. 1935-09. Supermarine Seagull V amphibian aircraft A2-2 being hoisted by crane aboard HMAS Sydney II.Weymouth, England. c. 1935-09. Supermarine Seagull V amphibian aircraft A2-2 being hoisted by crane aboard HMAS Sydney II.RAAF Seagull V aircraft, serial A2-18, on HMAS Sydney (II)circa 1938-39, a Supermarine Seagull Mk.V (A2-9)Supermarine Seagull V A2-21 on HMAS SydneyA Supermarine Walrus being recovered by HMAS Sydney C. 1941.HMAS Sydney’s Supermarine Walrus (A2-21) being recovered by HMAS Sydney June 21, 1940 after being attacked by R.A.F. Gloster Gladiator aircraftHMAS Sydney’s Supermarine Walrus (A2-21) being recovered by HMAS Sydney June 21, 1940 after being attacked by R.A.F. Gloster Gladiator aircraftHMAS Sydney’s Supermarine Walrus (A2-21) showing bullet holes after being attacked by R.A.F. Gloster Gladiator aircraftHMAS Sydney’s Supermarine Walrus (A2-21) showing bullet holes after being attacked by R.A.F. Gloster Gladiator aircraft
Held over the weekend of 18-19 November 2023, the Newcastle Williamtown Air Show 2023 featured both air and static ground displays. The first days was a free community events with flying displays over Nobbys Beach and the Newcastle Harbour. Day Two had a nominal $10 entry fee to the RAAF Williamtown Air Force base where most of the aircraft flying on day one were on display. The Royal Australian Air Force and Newcastle Council did an amazing job of organising this event.
Getting There
Parking in the inner city was limited because of road closures. However, the council provided a park and ride from McDonald Jones Stadium, while additional ferries brought people from Stockton where large carparks had been set up.
Day One
Commencing at 10:00 AM, the air display was continuous until 12:30. At 2:00 PM it started again and ran through until 4:00PM. By start time, the foreshore and Nobbys Beach were packed. Additional premium viewing was available at Fort Scratchley, providing the highest vantage point on the day.
Sitting near the surf club we had an excellent view of the displays as they performed just off shore, or flew down the harbour.
Warbirds
Flying started with old warbirds and training aircraft, such as the CAC Winjeel, CAC Mustang (a licence built North American P-51 Mustang) and Supermarine Spitfire. Operated by 100 Squadron RAAF, these old planes preserve the history of military flying in Australia.
Current RAAF Aircraft
Following the warbirds, the RAAF aerobatic team the Roulettes put on a skillful flying display. They were followed by the current combat aircraft operated by the RAAF. Fortunately we brought ear plugs, because we knew the F-35 and F/A-18F would be noisy. They certainly didn’t disappoint and put on an amazing display of their flying capabilities.
Closing out the air display were the RAAF’s larger aircraft, the P-8 Poseidon used maritime surveillance, the E-7 Wedgetail AEW&C and the KC-30 MRTT multi role transport and tanker.
CAC Winjeel A85-439 over Nobbys Beach
CAC CA-18 Mustang Mk. 23, A68-170 AM-G over Nobbys Beach
RAAF Roulettes aerobatic team over Nobbys Beach
Lockheed Martin F-35A and CAC CA-18 Mustang over Nobbys Beach
Lockheed Martin F-35A over Nobbys Beach
Boeing E-7A Wedgetail
RAAF Boeing P-8A Poseidon
Boeing P-8A Poseidon flying over the Nobbys Beach Surf Club
Airbus KC-30A MRTT of 33 Squadron RAAF over Nobbys Beach
Lockheed P-3C Orion during the flying display over Nobbys Beach
The crowd on the beach while a Lockheed P-3C Orion flies over Nobbys Headland
Part of the crowd with a Lockheed P-3C Orion flying over Nobbys Beach
Lockheed P-3C Orion during the flying display over Nobbys Beach
Pilatus PC-21 of the Roulettes
Boeing FA-18F Super Hornet
Day Two of the Newcastle Williamtown Air Show
Held at the Royal Australian Air Force Base at Williamtown just north of Newcastle, Day 2 was a non-flying day, although most of the aeroplanes from Day 1 were on display.
The RAAF provided parking on base, with busses taking people onto the base. This was an excellent idea because the base also hosts Newcastle Airport which provides domestic civilian air services. The buses allowed the airport to keep the runway operating while people were transported to an from the display area.
Each of the aircraft on display were attended by RAAF personnel who were happy to discus what they do and the jet’s capabilities. We had a great time walking around them all, including the warbirds.
The Airbus KC-30 MRRT was available for a walk-through but the queue was too long so we just looked at it from outside.
Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II A35-37 of 3 Squadron RAAF
Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet A44-218 of 1 Squadron RAAF
Boeing EA-18G Growler A46-313 of 6 Squadron RAAF
Pilatus PC-21 A54-038 of the RAAF Roulettes aerobatic team
Boeing E-7A Wedgetail A30-001 of RAAF 2 Squadron
Close up of the radar housing of the Boeing E-7A Wedgetail A30-001 of 2 Squadron RAAF
Boeing P-8A Poseidon of 11 Squadron RAAF
Airbus KC-30A MRTT of 33 Squadron RAAF
Weapons bay of an Boeing P-8A Poseidon
CAC CA-18 Mustang Mk. 23, A68-170 AM-G
Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XVI TB863 FU-P of No. 453 Squadron (R.A.A.F). In its original markings
CAC Wirraway A20-653 BF-F of the Air Force Heritage Squadron. Painted in 5 Squadron colours.
CT-4 Airtrainer A19-077
Fighter World
Fighter World the RAAF’s museum of fighters aircraft was open on Sunday and free to enter. Several of the fighters were outside the hanger which was great because the displays inside are usually close together. This allowed us to get close to some interesting planes. Most RAAF operated jets were on display from early Gloster Meteors to F/A-18s and an F-111. See out blog on Fighter World for more information and photos.
Gloster Meteor F.8 in the markings of A77-851, 77 Squadron during the Korean War
