Lockheed C-130E Hercules A97-160
Delivered from Lockheed in August 1966, A97-160, like all of the RAAF's C-130E aircraft, entered service with No 37 Squadron at RAAF Base Richmond in New South Wales. During A97-160's 34-year RAAF career, the aircraft flew strategic transport tasks in support of the Army, Navy and RAAF, and also flew a variety of notable and special loads, including the Pope-mobile, the Jackson Pollock painting Blue Poles, and a bull presented as a gift to the Chinese government.
This aircraft flew the last flight of the RAAF's C-130Es on 14 November 2000 under the command of Squadron Leader Mike Beattie, flying from Richmond to Point Cook for delivery to the RAAF Museum. The total airframe hours for this aircraft are 25833.4.