de Havilland Tiger Moth A17-711
The RAAF Museum's Tiger Moth was built in Australia at de Havilland Aircraft's Bankstown factory in 1942. Originally bound for the Rhodesian Air Force, shipping lanes across the Indian Ocean were cut by Japan and the aircraft entered RAAF service in November 1943 as A17-711. After a brief period of storage at Cootamundra, A17-711 was allotted to No 5 Elementary Flying Training School (EFTS) at Narromine on 22 May 1944, and moved to No 1 EFTS at Tamworth in June of that year. A17-711 was then placed into storage in October 1944.
After World War II, the aircraft was then rotated around various bases and units, including No 2 Aircraft Depot at Richmond, No 23 (City of Brisbane) Squadron at Archerfield and No 1 Initial Flying Training School at Archerfield. A17-711 was listed for disposal in February of 1954, and was sold to the Darling Downs Aero Club that April. Originally registered VH-BFF, the aircraft passed through a variety of owners, and changed registration many times. Registered as VH-RTB in 1961, the aircraft retained this 'identity' until its purchase by the RAAF Museum in mid-1999.
Restored to its original RAAF colour scheme, the aircraft represents the RAAF's most important World War II trainer in the Training Exhibition. The aircraft has been returned to its original military configuration and wears training colours applicable to its wartime service.
Restoration of Tiger Moth A17-711
History of Tiger Moth A17-692 (Interactive Flying Display)