27 Nov 2009
On 27 November 2009, Caribou A4-140 flew into Canberra from RAAF Base Richmond on the last flight before this aircraft type ceased operations with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
In a small ceremony which followed, A4-140 was handed over to the Australian War Memorial. The transfer marked the end of the DHC-4 Caribou’s remarkable 45-year career with the RAAF, encompassing service during the Vietnam War, several peacekeeping and peace-enforcement operations, and multiple disaster relief and humanitarian missions across Australia and the world.
A total of only 29 airframes served with the RAAF, in Nos 35 and 38 Squadrons, and this aircraft holds the unique distinction of being the one type with the longest record of constant operational service in the RAAF.
To read more you can download the DHC-4 Caribou's 45 Years of Service knowledge article by Mr Martin James.
Related aircraft
- Caribou