Technology Hangar

Advances in technology have always influenced the role of the RAAF in war and peace. As wood and canvas gave way to metal construction and the jet replaced the piston engine, military aircraft could operate in adverse conditions with greater effect. The introduction of the helicopter and the surface-to-air missile presented entirely new roles and responsibilities for the RAAF following World War II. Improvements in instrument, communication and armament systems have kept pace with advances in aircraft design and enhanced the capabilities of military aircraft.

Displays

Aircraft Engine Development | Aircraft Instruments | Aircraft Armament Development | Safety Equipment

360° multimedia presentation (opens in a new window)

Aircraft

Supermarine Walrus

Designed to meet Australian requirements, the Supermarine Seagull Mk V (or Walrus, as it was known in British service) was engaged as a spotter-reconnaissance aircraft. Designed by R.J. Mitchell, who was later responsible for the design of the Spitfire, the Seagull V was a metal-hulled amphibian more....

SE5a

Great Britain presented 35 SE5a aircraft, along with other aircraft and equipment, to the Australian Government as part of the Imperial Gift, recognising the nation's contribution to the Empire's defence during World War I. During World War I, the Australian Flying Corps operated SE5a aircraft as fighters over the Western Front with much success. more....

Douglas Boston

Produced in the USA prior to World War II, the Douglas Boston was a light bomber and attack aircraft. Powered by two 1600hp Wright Cyclone radial engines, giving a top speed of 260 knots (480 km/h), the Boston could deliver 454 kg of bombs over a range of 1200 kilometres. more....

F-4E Phantom

The F-4 Phantom is one of the West's most widely used aircraft types since World War II. Over 5000 Phantoms were produced, serving with more than 30 nations. Problems with the General Dynamics F-111C aircraft ordered by the RAAF in 1963 more....

de Havilland Vampire F.30

In 1946, 80 DH 100 Vampires had been ordered as the first jet fighters for the RAAF, beating the Gloster Meteor into service by a year. Prior to these aircraft being delivered from the de Havilland Australia Bankstown plant, three RAF Vampires were imported from England for trials, none of which entered operational RAAF service. more....

UH-1B Iroquois

Delivered in the third batch of Iroquois helicopters for the RAAF, A2-1020 was received from the manufacturers on 12 December 1964, and allocated to No 9 Squadron at RAAF Base Fairbairn in the Australian Capital Territory. With the departure of No 9 Squadron to Vietnam, more....

Bristol Bloodhound

Initially code-named Red Duster, development of the Bloodhound surface-to-air missile began in 1949 as a joint project between Bristol Aircraft and Ferranti Electronics. In 1952, the design was accepted by the Combined United Kingdom-Australia Committee for trials. more....