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    Lavochkin La-7 Fold Out SCALE PLANS INSIDE Lavochkin La-7 © Gloster Meteor © Macchi MB.326H © Halberstadt CI.IV PVE eA Pa OMS ec od ft Midland Counties AVIATION BOOKS EDITORIAL Going by the feedback thus fat, Model Aircraft ‘Monthly has been very well received. lam delighted to read that many of you feet the title is us ight and tha this s “just what you have been waitin for", Now thatthe ttle ison a regular monthly production schedule we can start planning features et “This wil allows me to tie in much of what we wil ‘over with what i available tothe modeler. This ttle isa resource, and a such supports thse items released within the hobby in kt form. We will ot restrict our at the Format and style of as many of you have pu it ‘overage just to those items that are new, because we lunderstand the need 10 cover anything that i out there asa kit. This f course means there isa huge subject area from which we can choose feature ates, 0 we really are starting with a clean slate’ The sheer scope ofthis is daunting, but it does mean here are very few subjects we cannot cover as most acral types, no ‘matter how obscure, have been kite! We wll keep the information lowing ina manner that is accessible and of use tothe modeller and hope that you all enjoy reading what we produce each month Asa final note, would like to hear from anyone out there who is considering starting o contribute any feature articles to this ile. Tam alvays delighted 10 hear from any potential new contributors, o please ‘write to me at the editorial addres. Richard A. Franks Guy Esta SAU besten REGULARS In Print All the latest aviation book releases. (Clubs & Societies ~ A ts ofall modeling clubs 48 Web Guide — Aviation & modeling sites to visit om the Internet. 65 vents - Diary of forthcoming atractions 66, Address List~ Importers & Distributors Contents FEATURES 4 aie Seem by Glenn Sands. Glenn charts the adoption and service use ofthe F-111 by the RAAF 1 2 ede iste Wason here Z by jim the camouflage and markings of the MB: RAAF service st, Service details and information on Hin | Q Photoret - Halberstadt CLIV O by Harry Woodman. A miscellany of information on this German two-seater, )() Ba’ Te Mtoe fe Arenas A Fre ZO trigo Rot The isnot pe ein Argentina coupled with color side profiles ) RNZAF Katyhaws - Colour Schemes & Markings, PL2 LO totam. Baker lan continues his series of ates about the colour and markings applied to RNZAF Ps %) Lavochkin La-7 ) by Praemyslaw Skulsi, The service history and details ofall variants ofthis Russian fighter with fold-out scale plans by Jeray Kolanowski { llyushin I-28 Beagle Pt2 ‘by Praemyslaw Skulski. The continuation of our ‘overage ofthe IL28 with a wealth of detail photographs MODELLING 50 Scale News A ist ofall the latest aviation-elated model kits, accessories and decals ‘The War Horse ofthe Luftstreitkratt by Stephen T Lawson A overview of Eduard’s Albatros DLV and DVa kts in asin scale 54 ‘Mirror Wave Junkers by Alfonso ML. Berlana A complex camouflage scheme applied to the Dragon 18th seale kit 60 The Oldest Swingers in lown RAAF -111 OPERATIONS Photographic, radar and cect in enemy territory with litle or no warning, and in ability 1 accomplish Elect sent in the mle of the missions was called for re the radical and had litle radius faction of 00am with funure in aerial warfare. The USAF Generals had other ideas and capable of in-flight refuelling and be able o carry am to debut the F-111 in combat over North Vietnam undera load of 10016 bombs or two ar leployment known as Combat Lancer. They were tous the day and night capability was Prime Minister Sir Rober afi, and end its cacer during De cliberately overshadowed by the US Department of Defen Cantera replacements in Franc DoD) media machine by the newer F-1SEs and F-1175, so as TSR2) and the USA, whic alow further Funding for more of these types, the F-111s had a ater hit rate on targets in all weathers and, towards the end he specially designed Deep Throat, Precision Guided Munitions PGMs). These were maid els fom rete US Navy arhips, suitably modified with a seeker head and fins. While ne F11Tshave long since gone from the ranks of the USAR, 0 il ies with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) where he Pig. a itis known, is assured of a secure future forthe time 9. But things have not always been this posite from when the aircraft were first ordered bythe RAAF The orginal requirement that lad the Australian Government ALI was the nee to replace the BAC Canberr Air Staff Requirement 36 and call RSS igh explosive bombs ic Countermeasures (ECM) f sound at itl The specified performance parameters were a maximum speed hat atone of Mach 20 at 50,00 and Mach 0.0 at 200 and a minimum arface missiles All-weather Jenzies announced that a mission led by Air Marshall Sir Valston Hancock would ered the North Ame Pausng at the ts chance ae for afew fra cock checks. is tis F110, AB The tal shows evince othe removal Ne Sauasrors marrgs.& white dispenser for 258 aces bomb i care (nthe wing pon | [Atwad-on view o 2 FATIC beng towed out of oe of “Ambele’s Gant. hangars pir othe start of aright practice mission. Of noe nis ‘ew ae the drooped wng-love ai brakes 1. Wah ts leading ede slats droop, 2 shown bythe sip of ed, a No.6 Squadron F TTC aval the a clea rom ground crews ror to moving. During Ausra’ summer mont, the ho temperatures on he mp ensure crews eave their canopies ope il the very lst second 2. Sight colour variations between Nos ‘quar F111 are often sen. Tis fample cares te ighting dota Unvamarne Ble instead of he ‘mare common yew on ts a 3. ANF111C atest lustating he crooning Poston ofthe fing surfaces and crew acces ladder, 2 rama idea perhaps 4. Art Research and Development Unt (ROU) operate perhaps he most coburu F 1116, AB 132,10 cate. Retning ts top camodtage the etre underside and lower fuselage ave boen parted loss white wih a ‘weathof photographic data markings or recording test ops ofa vary of weapons 5. Seconds before brake ras, an F-1110 ‘pars to under down Ambereys main ‘away. The RAAF Sora number cared in whe onthe nse gear door 6 Inlded to mustrate atte Pave Tack poo is ccrasionay rated tothe open postion whist he F116 parked p-raes wih Ci splays and dit 8. Boneyard ranger, erage most wel ‘own RAAF carey in service. The chi at he 0 aston, lane, the McDonnell Douglas F4 Phi development and production ofthe F-111 based om thet leveloping General Dynamics TEX (la production run, (1,500 examples), rather than the actual costs By this time however the TSR.2 was already out ofthe scated withthe production learning curve at the time of running and doubts over the capability ofthe Mirage IV resulted specific delivery of the twenty-four irra tothe RAAF the F-1 being selected amid much controversy. Rumours Final determination ofthe average estimated uni 3 time suggest that if the TSR.2 had been sclected the British made at the time of delivery of the 24th example were prepared to loan two squadrons of bombers from the RAFs was that spending the arival ofthe TSR.2 i The otal progran Australian purchase wil avline service. Another confirmed report atthe time sate include the lable cost ofeach aircraft, reconnaissance hat upon thie return to Australia Sir Valston's team nt to the extent a J support equipm mendes the AS Vigilante as,'an irra which meets th and taining devices and on sta spares Ar Staff requirement inal important aspects, and one squad 3 evolutionary swing-wing bomber the deal sou be true, although the Australian Government woul 1 be operationally ready by December 1966, o earlier tse recmmendatos he ie ih rth atv exalating cons Although the senstawane reve othisday The Fil was anounced the wine on sch ra IM not be witout inciensand base SIG uadrons of RE/B-47Es Stratojets for use by the RAAF until the stage and, the total programme cst as SUSI24 Sm, excluding level Ths ara Misarrved S24.8m for the interim Bocing B-7 Stratojet, although t wears the eat the In November 1963, three USAF B-47E RAAF hase ofthe F-11] wasn jeneral Dynamics, ELIA aircraft of whi heen would be the standan posed RF-ILLA reconnaissance variant then under testing. ed after the prototype proved unsuccesful, and te that could not be accompli ant witha suitable Yeece’ pod attached. A Jum estimated delivery ofthe first F-111A in later 196 RF-111A in late 1969 Pricing for aircraft was isis not enough 0 ‘arpa made out of anjee, Ben noting wi Sen during 2 ‘gee ans fight tis FITIC, ATT fon No 8 Squadron. The ean appearance of is F117 suggests ‘atthe arf has recent visted Aereys pit shop An underside vew of A128, an FTC, Tstates the back pares denoting the Fave Po. A med watead of tis Contigo is forthe ene of he dence ptographer ony Amberley from Guam to begin a series of demonstration fights and a tour of airbases before departing later the same month, In June 1964, Australian Defence Minister Shane Patridge ‘cancelled the B47 agreement forthe RAAF ashe anticipated there being too many problems integrating the Stratojts ito temporary RAAF service Also in June, a Technical Agreement between Australia and the Unite States Defence Departments formalised the specifics ofthe allotted irra eighteen F-111As and six RF-IIAS. The FLALLAs were aircraft aumbers 121,123, 128,127,129, 3, 133, 185, 137,139, 14, 143,145, 197, 148, 151, 153 and 155 of the production line, the later numbers 31,33, 35, 37,39 and 4 Provision was also made forthe RAAF obtaining a further six aircraft numbered 156 o 161, but atthe time the option was not taken up, Tn Apri 196, the procurement programme was reviewed gain, taking account ofthe improved FB-111A variant then planned forthe USAFS Strategic Ai Command with its extended wings, strengthened undercarriage and higher ‘operating weight. It was tobe this pure omber/strike version of the F-111 which would now form the basis ofthe definitive RAAF variant, and would be designated F-111C, The unique hybrid combined the new improvements ofthe Prat & Whitney TF20-P-108 turbofan engines and the early design intakes ofthe FLITIA. However, these changes were to push back delivery dates forthe RAAF to December 1968, ad with these alterations the After some discussion the Australian Government as unsure ‘of ow to utilise the RF-111As i sevice and in July 1966 announced: The RAAF would take delivery of 24 F-I1IAS (now colicially designated F-111Cs in the RAAF cathy 1970, sx ofthe aircraft would be returned tothe US 10 be ted out as reconnaissance aireaf. The USAF has estimated Wisplanned that in the cost ofthe Yee’ suites as approximately SUS8m” ll this was irrelevant when the USAF cancelled the RF-IITA, due tthe spiralling development costs ofthe baseline models. The Australian press was having afield day as were thos officals who opposed the purchase ofthe bomber ‘By July 1968, things seemed to have settled down, and the fist, Australian F-11C, A8-125, as test flown by General Dynamics and the hand-over ceremony to RAAF officers was due to take place within the next coupe of months. Australian aircraft were tobe delivered in what was a the time the standard F-111 Vietnam scheme, tan, olive and green with black undersurfaces These colours were adopted in favour ofa gre and white scheme RAAF sei allocation was i the range AS-12S to AS-LA8, ‘With much pomp and ceremony the first F-LTIC was handed over on September 4th, and atthe time Australian Defence Minister, Allen Fashall said, "We have watched the E 11 grow from mock-up to production, and seen problems met and overcome until today when the defence of our own ‘ountry and credibility of such assurances as we may give 10 our friendly neighbours will be vastly enhanced by the f the FANG Within thre weeks of the hand: decided to delay delivery of RAAF FIIs pending modification following the ITth crash ofa USAF example at Nellis AFB. What vas significant about this tragic lss was that one ofthe crew was Fit LUN Pollock, an RAAF officer then undergoing conversc training. Around this time structural problems associated with rat Fort Worth, it was the F111 wing carry-through box were also beginning to become apparent with cracks appearing along the sub-standard welding. This was later determined a the fault of ut contractor charged with the manufacture ofthe box. RAAF aircraft were quickly modified but worse was to come. Routine testing ofa static mounted wing box showed tha within just §,000 hours cracks were appearing, and another delay was larly coming. By December 1969, the ISth USAF F-111 had crashed when it shed a wing, ad the entire American Meet was grounded for seven months while a rescue recovery programme was implemented, this ensuring thatthe RAAF would not se their FLALICS fr some time vet Already party dismantle the F-I11Cs were placed into storage for thre yeas i a thermostatically controled hangar at Fort Worth, with their wi clsewhere. In May 1970, it was announced that the F-111Cs would not be delivered unt 1978 ty this time the RAAF was ke its anticipated F-111C squadrons at Amberley, Qld, who were then operating fatigued Canberras. The squadrons should ha been flying the F-11s for over a yearby this stage Due tothe delay, twenty-four F4E Phantoms were leased removed and engines store to lease an air pending the arrival ofthe F111s. All the F-4Es were delivered and served with No.2 Wing ber 1070, andthe las of twenty-three were returned tothe US (one being losin a crash off the NSW coast in June 1971), by June 1973 It was widely reported that many aircrews were reluctant 1 September and Octobe to return the hugely popular Phantom, and suggested that they be retained to serve alongside the F-111Cs or cancel the F-11 deal altogeth However, this was not an oti sand in December 1971, the Australian Government decided that it was happy with the ‘modifications tits aircraft and requested that they be made ready for delivery Finally on June Ist, 1973 the frst six F-111Cs rived at Amberley from Nellis after a delivery ght which saw sMop-overs at California, Hawail and American Samoa. Leading mp Captain Jake Newham. Thre other fights of six F-111s arrived ‘on July 27th, September 28th and December 4th. RAAF F-I11 the flight was the Commanding Officer of No-82 Wing, ypetations were finally und ofthe RAAF acqu wa! But this was not tobe the end ing further F-11s, Four more atcraft were replacements. These aircraft were 1B and 114. aft were all early A models and therefore lacked the allocated Australian serial numbers A8-109, 1 The airs extended wings, strengthened undercarriage ofthe C models but, hey were suitably modified and integrate into No.2 Wings ‘wo squadrons. Further modification ofthe F111 fleet rok place between 1979/80 with four aircraft being converted to RF-111C indigen us standard, a conversion planned long ago, with ISN'sF-4 TARPS reoce pod. The frst such sircralt converted was AS-125 which flew in May 1979, the A813, 143 and remaining three conversions involing F-111 46. The sn 1 package contains two television cameras an infra-red linescan bu that proce high altitude radar altimete tw low altitude panoramic cameras, one high altitude panoramic camera and a pair of split Daly two squadrons operate the F111 since its intoduction into RAAF service, Nos I and 6 of No.2 Wing at Amberley QLD, tradi Australia's bomber force. No Squadron i the active strike outfit and has a mixed strength of sally the home twelve F11C Gs used in both th air-to-ground and increasingly more important maritime strike tare msiied to cary the AGM-S4A Harpoon. No Squadron also performs the aforementioned roles when necded lc for which the but has the primary role of operational training for new F-111 «crews and employing the RF-IICs in the tece’ roe. With the RAAF settled down in lems resolve, a least toa cert routine operation practice missions and participation in American and European bombing competitions in which on more than 0 occasion they walked away with the highest scores and a numberof trophies made the long fight home to Amberley’ ew room, Looking be future, it was soon realised that with the ospest of a ep high purchase ment supersonic bomber, tof the F111 success ofthe UK 1d USAF F-111s precision Laser-Guided Bomb (LGB) atack on Libya utilising the AN/AVG Tack pod sy RAAF American co the time had come for a major up-grade of sxamples, so that they were atleast as capable as theit jgnificant addition tothe RAAF Met, since theit ton ofthe Ford Ac 8 precision infra-red camera system, AAQ9 FLIR (Forward Looking Infra-Red) coupled oan AVQ25 laser angefinder designator, the hea ect belo can move 18D degree and track any the side, or even slightly above the nrcralt. The whole pod is mounted in a retractable cradle which into the weapons bay, s allowing for high speed low level ne RAAF ight, where the sytem is at its best. For the first FLITICs were able to see detailed inra-ed images of targets rather than degraded radar pictures. The fitting of Pave Tac changed the cockpit layout of the avigatoe WSO position with the attack radar being replaced (VID) with Cathode-Ray Tube (CRD) displays. These panels carry the FLAIR picture. The WSO is abl to cont hand controller. The Pave Tack is intended to serve the or the Fl: tha of navigation TNS update, by a hooded Virtual Image Disa ala imagery and the line sight by a identification illumination and acquisition of non radar. Pave Tack forthe first time allowed F-1Cs 1 lof bomb, a technique long favoured by attack crews s AAA, though dive bombing o trge coverlight i als practice. As avoiding exposure t tis assumed that most attacks will be with LGBs, the Weapons System Operator (WSO) fires the laser, about 10 seconds before impact, by which time the E-ILIC is exiting the target area. The LGBs impact the target a the illuminated sight with an error of only several meters. The idcotaped by a built-in recorder. With the attack completed the Pave Tack is retracted whole attack i 1 the aircraft leaves the area ina cleaned-up configuration. techniques are also practiced by F-111 crews with the Pave Tack including, Forward Acquite whichis linked to the pilot's gun sight, Lef other Acquire mode stabilises the pod along the lft wing and 90 degrees ofthe heading. Right Acquire is identical these ‘modes allow the operator only limited pod sightine adjustment and are basically used to locate targets of opportunity for immediate attack. Snowplow mode serves an identical purpose and maintains the pod sightine ata constant angle with respect to the terrain, Pave Tack can also be simpy used asa Terrain Monitor which cages the pod sghtine tothe F-L11C vector and allows the erew comparison with the Terrain Fal ming (TF) scope Complete win LSBs and AMM Sidewinder unde ts Intermediate swept wings an F-1110 tals behind the tagte of 2-190 during a RAAF display Noting comes cose in terms of power and 2agression, an 1110 ins dement.Dunag wartie F118 reece t Nore Austra to form No 5 Contingency Sirke Wing, which would also nce FA 18 and P-3 Ovens Cunninghar's Gap has Jong been afaourte low evel vainng ‘eau in the ‘Astalan outback ‘Ths 1116, as noted by he Rated pane afeat ofthe cock zn folowing the Female USAPS Astovacker Navigation Stam (ANS), shows aw it shouldbe done Aiage shot of two tts eteing to Arey nareg ‘ample a mock tackmission prof, Thelaw sped handing to the aera taser prised by Pave Tack is equipped with a built-in computer and it is this, feature which enables ito interface with numerous weapons, if compatible, such asthe AGM.84 Harpoon and Paveway serics of LGBs ‘The first F-11C equipped with Pave Tack was AB-147 the Whole conversion taking six months to complete and resulting in some minor cockpit changes, and retaining of WSO's by USAF instructors. Athough problems were encountered integrating the ‘modern digital technology into the F111 elder Sixties analogue systems, perseverance paid of As mentioned earlier maritime srike has assumed an ever increasingly important roe within the RAAF and the F-111C was the natural choice fo this oe, due to its exceptional range. speed and weapons capability, coupled withthe need to expand the FIs ole and silence its cost-countng critics. The F-1s involvement with the AGM-S4A Harpoon began in July 1982, when the Aircraft Research Development Unit (ARDU)s F HIG, AB-132 began a thee month term testing the weapon at USNWC, China Lake, California. Priced at over SAlmillion apiece ive firings of the missile have been rare although such is the capability ofthe Harpoon that the missile is also capable of ‘being fired from RAAF P3 Orions, and Royal Australian Navy's EPG Class Frigates and Oberon Clas submarines. Mock attacks have showed an impressive kil ratio of over 90 percent. The demanding nature of the F-11 mission, fying atl level utilising the Terrain Following Radar (TFR) at 780km (420k) would not be without incident, and 1 date six aircraft have been lost in accidents. The first was AS-136, which went down in NSW on Apri 28th, 1977 when an aie dct filed ‘through fatigue cracking the result of incorrect welding, stemming from is orginal construction inthe US. The crew safely jected. Less than six months later, AB-133 crashed of [Evans Point on September 29th 197, the result of multiple bid strikes of which at least one penetrated the cockpit. Although ejecting, the escape module was ouside its operating limits and the crew were killed on impact ‘One yea later on October 25th 1975, AR-A1 was destroyed following a wheel well ic this is regarded as one ofthe most feared scenarios for crews as they have oly seconds to take appropriate ation to stem a major ie or assume that the problem is simply a false light cockpit indicator. similar situation saw the fourth RAAF loss on August 2th, 1979, when AS-137 suffered a double lame-out, due to water on the runvay during ait take-off ran. The crew through heavy breaking attempted to stop the aircraft but wer forced to eject when the II left the end of the runway a ver 90kts the falling capsule «came down very closet the burning aircraft leaving a battered but otherwise unharmed crew, Seven years later on January 28th 1986, A8-139 was lost of the coast of Nowra, NSW during a simulated matitime strike mission, and the wreckage and crew were never found despite an extensive search of the seabed. To ‘ate the most revent loss ocurred on April 2nd, 1987, when AB. 128 went down near Tenterfield NSW after a simulated radar bombing attack. Although the exact nature ofthe crash is unknown it occurred during the scape manoeuvre’ of the attack, and the pilot may have misread his alimeter. Both crew members were Following the retirement ofthe final examples of F-111s fom USAF squadrons fifien F-I11Gs were delivered (FB-II1A with their nuclear role removed) in September 1993. These were to carry serial numbers A¥-259, 268,265, 270,271,272, 274,277, 278,281, 282, 291, 506, $12 and S14. The G variant can be Aistingushed by its atened panel abcad of the cockpit lazing this sa result ofthe removal ofthe Astrotracker Navigation System (ANS) which was installed during thee sevice with Strategic Air Command. The RAAF also purchased nine stored bboneyand F111 for spare pues The F-111Cs underwent an Avionics Update Program (AUP) similar in many respects tothe USA Paoer Strike upgrade, 2 ld instantly and litle was lft ofthe aircraft major project which saw the aircraft's analog avionics replaced with modern digital equipment. The F-111Gs had recently undergone the USAF Pacer Strke digital upgrade program and sowhen the last F-ILIC AUP) December 1989, the RAAF ws then inthe enviable position of operating an alligital F-111 fleet. raft was rll out in Purther F111 upgrades are planned and under way: the F.I1ICs have been re-engined with TE30-P109s from retired USAF F111 stocks, while the F-111Gs are being fited with ‘modified hybrid P-10% wit the existing P.107s afterburner, so with the C model. A Je maintenance headaches of aiving more thrust and engine commonal benefit of this wll be easing tl round crews. Bocing is upgrading the F111G avionics to give them great ‘commonality with the C's Project Echinda will finally provide ‘modern EW protection suite and the ability to use stand-off missiles (AGM-142) The expansion ofthe Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD) role has not gone unnoticed amongst 'No§2 Wing’ tacticians and Projet S418 secks to acquire a stand-off weapon for use against SAM radars and litoral targets, also planned, and long overdue are F-111-capable boom ar refueles. A long-time practice of RAAF crews was to get as ‘much IFR training on passing USAF KC-138s One further project wil he the addition ofan upgraded reconnaissance capability (pode), which will be able tobe fited ro any’of the F-1N feet, alleviating some of the tasks from the hard-pressed four RF-I1ICs Up until this time the RAP’ Fl Is have never flown in anger, although unconfirmed reports state thatthe aircraft have been placed on immediate standby over the years due to trouble with Australi’ northern neighbours. During the recent Timor criss RF-ILICs were positioned at RAAF Tindal in the Northern Territory but were not used over the troubled island, although soures close to the squadron su reconnaissance missions were flown immediately close tothe island, resulting in a numberof strongly worded complaints to he Australian Government by the Indonesians However, following the total withdraval ofthe Indonesian military from the island, oficial verflghts were commenced in onder to recon infrastructure problems and improve maps ofthe region, to aid withthe humanitarian effort later implemented. Despite never dropping a bomb in anger, global tensions have sen the F-111s of No82 Wing placed on alert on a numberof occasions to support its own armed forces and those friendly nations. Recent political thinking in Australia coupled with defence cuts have suggested that the RAAF should operate an aircraft thats common 1a large operator, such as the USAF but when this argument is irrelevant. The RAAF is now in a unique position asthe sole operator of the type and an focussing onthe Fl debates onthe future ofthe F111 must be used viewed as purely an Australian issue, and it strategic needs. ‘One of the main proposals fr the current F-I11 fet isthe upgrading or replacement of the attack radar and the terrain following radar with a combined TFR/multi-mode active ASEA) adapted from the latest series of Block 60 F-16's APG-80 or he APG-79 of the F/A-18E/F'. A relatively straightforward version to perform ASEA would offer an unprecedented array radar, an Active Electronically Stecred Array liability along with replacing what in reality is obs 196 One developmental benefit ofthe ASEA project would be the ability ofthe F11C/Gs to ir the AIM-120 AMRAAM, which tive the projected exaation of tensions in the region by India sand China with thei proposed purchase of Ts22M-3 Backfires, ind the upgrading of the Indian Air Force's Port Blair runway in baseline radu technology the Andamans. Ths would see Backfires, with their combat dius, able to enter Australian airspace and remain there for extended periods at supersonic speeds, which would find RAAF /Act8s hard pressed to intercept these bombers. The upgraded F111 would bea solution if this scenario becomes reality. This Miser), With its ld beable tases the possibilty of the F-1IC ‘exceptional endurance and payload the F111 w un down and kil cruise mises over the sea and, ifthe need arose, intercept at long range, Backfires and Ti-95/142 Bears over the Indian Ocean and Timor Sea. The Misileer would be quipped with a temporary semi conformal weapons bay pallet which would carry AM sem-rcesed like the RAF Tornado 3, With the palete and triple-mounted launch rails up to 12 AAMs would be an option. The end result would be along range, long endurance 34 internal or semi-conformal AMRAAMS with an operating radius in excess of 1000 (18S0km) without air-to-air refuelling (AAR). Is sae to assume the this propose interceptor variant would be an unbeatable deterrent to Backfires, Tu-16 Badgers and Bears, and also be an cxceptional interceptor for less sophisticated strike aircraft in the region such as MiG-23BM, IL2W/HLS Beagles and MiG: 19/-6 Farmers The protection of Australia's Northern airspace continues to be overlooked on a strategic level and paramount tots protection i a highly capable F-111 abe 1 accomplish a number of possible missions. Spares for such a conversion the F111 fleet are not considered problem and many if not all the stored examples at Davis Monthan have been made available to RAAF technicians to salvage suitable replacement parts. By far ‘one ofthe most useful roles fr a Misilecr F111 would be ducing politcal tensions in the region when the game of ‘iting each other’ air defences comes into play. The current response by the RAAF would be to send F/A-18s and supporting tankers in an effort to deter probing fighters. An F 11 configured with AMRAAMs would have the ability to cover large areas of ar space comfortably without the need for tanker support, so defeating the Taiting aircraft In essence the RAAF Missleer would be a return to an earlier F-11 variant the F IIB, which was intended to protect the US navy carrer battle «group, but was eventually cancelled in favour ofthe Grumman -14 Tomeat It is perhaps an ironic twist of fate that, at the time, politicians were keen to cancel the purchase the ofthe F- 11s by the RAAF following its troubled early years with the USAR, but now more than 25 years later, withthe unique capabilities of the F-111 acknowledged and unmatched by the latest fighters and bombers a new generations of politicians are keen to keep this potent bomber ‘carving up the outback’ for RAE crows regan make use of passing SAE KC-135 0 practice IF This F 111Gis pugged into san ANG Srattanker from 164 ARW, more carmonly known 35 the Grzies An above view of a yey camoutaged Frit srt the Diack wig wal. The vera grey scheme now standar throughout No.82 Wing’ fet. The vertices af he wing ‘ove more man ilustate the g-loads required to fy trough Coninghan's Gap €® mopezi alliance DEcALs AND ACCESSORIES. www.theaviationworkshop.co.uk THE MaAccui MB 326 COLLECTION Royal Australian Air Force and Navy AAF-10 Oe Rano AAF-31 E & + 1/72 Scale Decals AAF-7209. 79 Sqn ‘Pink Swan’ AAF-7210. 79 Sqn Standard AAF-7211. 76 Sqn 25 Anniv AAF-7212. 76 Sqn 30 An AAF-7231. 79 Sqn Skulls RAN-7210. VC 724 Sqn RAN SupeRmovEL MB326 Krrs £8.50 EACH. IPMS - ANZAC SIG Members 5% Discount. FROM THE AVIATION WORKSHOP Brook Barn, Letcombe Regis, Wantage, Oxon, OX12 9JD. Tel: 01235 769746 The Aircraft of the AV.G. mie of the Eases #4 Tigers Over ER Sharks mouths, andthe Ch ddl National Markings. i wih five back and ced on the Price: $30.00 ‘Complimenting the book are EagleCals #30, Ist Pursuit Squadron, EC#31 2nd Pursuit Squadron, and EC#32 3rd Pursuit Squadron in 48th or 72nd. 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All books are carefully packed by hand! 1.40 oval vew of 7-005 newly ceri and ready foc realvery 1 No. 76 Souadron, RAAF 2.Portside of 7-005 The Macchi MB.326H IN WESTERN AUST 1 November 1964 it was decided to replace the Royal Australian Aie Force's de Havilland Vampire Trainers and alter considering a wide selection of jt trainers it was decided 1 purchase the Macchi MB.326. Ultimately 8 AT-001 10085) were ordered for the RAAF and 12 (originally AT-088 to 87, but later changed to N14-073 10 078 and 084 to 087) for the Royal Australian Navy’s Fleet Air Arm, The RAN aircraft were later transferred tothe RAAF and reverted 1 their ocignal serial numbers. The Macchis first entered service with the Central Flying Schoo! then with No 2 Flying Training School at RAAF Base Pearce in Western Australia. Nos.2 and S operational Conversion units, the Aircraft Research and Development uni and the Rouletes, the RAAF's aerobatics team, also operated RALIA the type as did Nos. 25,76 and 79 Squadrons which used it in he fighter lead-in roe Having been in Australian sevice for over thirty years there {sa glorious variety of minor variations ofthe four basi Air Force schemes (and two Navy schemes). This article ‘concentrates on schemes appropriate 10 aircraft which have ‘operated in Western Australia. Irespective ofthe colour seheme applied all aircraft had a bare metal tail pipe and by the 1990s a small polished nose cone Throughout the perio in question the standard RAAF blue and white roundel withthe superimposed red kangaroo has been applied tothe fuselage sides and upper and lower wing surfaces. A red, white and bite fn lash is normally, but not invariably, carried on both sides ofthe fin, however size and Placement can vary ‘Standard Scheme One: ‘The original RAAF scheme was Painted aluminium overall; on eatly prodction aircraft, the finish had a silver sheen with alight grey top tothe fi, On the leading edge of this was fine black ine which started atthe bottom of the panel and ran up to just past the curve to the horizomtal. Serial numbers, forward fuselage numbers, nner half ofthe wing tip fuel tanks and wing fence, and anti-glare panel were black. Engine air intakes and the leading edge 05 sil had the overall aluminium scheme with No. 25 Squadron's insignia without the yellow i the bang. Standard Scheme Two: ‘This was replaced by an orange and the tailplane were dark grey As late a5 1993 A7- white scheme, sometimes refered 10 the Fant’ scheme. The ] Lc | hestiiae 10. Detal of te nose of A744 UU ‘i 4 {asclage was orange wit a white band inthe centre, the fin and rdder were orange witha light grey panel onthe top of the fin and the upper wing surfaces were white withthe front tied range. The bottom of the fuselage, the undersurface of the Wings and the tailplane were painted aluminium. Serial umber, forward fuselage numbers, inner haf of the wingtip tanks and the wing fences and anti-glare panel were black. Both upper and lower surfaces of the elevators, aps and Jerons were painted aluminium. Aircraft i this scheme sormally had a narrow dark grey protective strip along the leading edge ofthe wing. On some aircraft the last rwo! umber of the serial appeared in black onthe outer edge ofthe upper surface of the aps. ‘The unit insignia of No.2 FTS, which was the largest ‘operator ofthe type, was a large black-outlined white disk wt the unit's ‘torch of learning’, a grey and silver torch with red and yellow lames, with a superimposed black swan, the symbol cof Western Australi, on the fin and rudder. Aireraft commonly, but not invariably, had the last two numbers of the serial a large black numbers on the forward fuselage and in the case of painted aluminium aircraft at leat, ‘xaireraft A700, 04, 006,016,019 and 025 have been photographed with tencilled numbers inthis postion, Orange and white aircraft frequently had the engine intakes Painted orange on upper and lower surfaces, and occasionally ‘his band was extended to meet the Naps. ‘The Roulettes’ scheme was very similar the standard ‘range‘white training scheme but withthe upper orange band tapering toa point as it reached the base ofthe fin and the lover band curved upto meet the leading edge of the tailplane. Aare stylised red letter ‘R'is applied to both sides ofthe fin and rudder with red, white and blue fin lash below this. At ‘ne stage an Australian flag with the words ‘RAAF AEROBATIC TEAM’ in roundel blue appeared on both sides ‘ofthe fuselage. Aircraft inthis scheme were also used by No.2 FFIS with the Roulttes’ insignia removed from the fin and rider and from the fuselage where appropriate Jt prior tothe replacement ofthe Macchi bythe Pilatus PC-9/A Macchi A7-088, a No.2 FTS aieratin the Roulette! scheme had the normal unit insignia on the fin replaced by a srey/reen representation of the State of Western Australia with black swan climbing forthe sky followed by two small tack Macchis. On the fuselage, just aft of the rear cockpit, was 1 black" fllowed by FTS in the merging yellow; orange and rod colours followed by 1969-1991 in black in smaller letters, In 1990 No, 25 (City of Perth) Squadron was reactivated as a ving squadron to function a a lead-in-fighter unit. Iwas ‘sued with former No.2 PTS aircraft and inherited thet color schemes, including the modified one of the Roulettes. Standard Scheme Three: The squadron began repainting the sircraftin the camouflage scheme applied to fighter aircraft. ‘Tae upper surfaces are Dark Sea Grey and Olive Green with light grey undersurfaces. The upper two-thirds ofthe wing tip fe tanks are camouflaged and the lower portion i ight grey: ‘On bh the fuselage and tip tanks the upper and lower colours re dvided by a wavy line. The serial and ‘last two" on the top ‘the fin rein white. ‘Tis location, rather than on the forward fuselage, i normal on camouflaged aircraft itrespectve ofthe nit. While fin numbers normally follow the style ofthe serial ‘umber, atleast thre aircraft, A7-010, 25 and 064, had steel sumer atone time. The anti-glare panel is black. At one sage some No. 25 Squadron aircraft had the words RAAF Rese’ in small letters above the fuselage roundels. tally consisted of wo black cle containing a black swan with aod beak over black waves, The substantive insignia ofthe jo? squadron, a applied 1 camouflaged aicra, was a blackedged yellow stripe across the fin and rudder. Superimposed in the middle of ths is a blackedged white disk black ‘swan witha yellow eye and red beak sitting on three blue wavy lines epresenting water ‘Standard Scheme Four. The last scheme appliod 1 the Macchi isan overall Dark Sea Grey with whit serial and tail numbers with a black protective strip on the lading edge ofthe wing. ‘When the overall dark grey scheme was introduced the squadron insignia was changed back to two black lines and the black swan within a black circle, all on the grey background, Later No. 25 Squadron aircraft had large yellow arrowheads applied tothe upper wing, forward fuselage and down the fin/radder to spill over theta increase in-flight ‘These markings were retained ‘when No. 25 Squadron returned to nonfying status and aircraft were transferred to No. 79 Squadron when it was reformed in 1998, No. 79 Squadron removed No. 2 insignia and replaced ths with a yellow and black skull. This unit is still ase at RAAF Pearce As isso often the case wit long-serving aircraft most Australian Macchis have not only been painted in more than ‘one standard colour scheme, they have regularly shown a ‘tendency for ateraft within a unit to display small but interesting variations. 1 ‘Supermodel 1/72 (a lovely) SCL 46h, a ‘Decals for Nos. 25,76 and 79 squarons are avaible rom Halo Decals (e-mail seacodes(@hotinks. ne.) oo Decals also 2 Colour References: © Light Orange (BS 381e) 857 ‘© Aluminium (FSD 5983) 17178 '© Dark Green (BS 3810) 641 (© Dark Sea Grey (BS 381e) 638 © Light Grey (FDS 595a) 16492 << ‘Ar Fre News Mach 199) ‘amore Macc and Yoqut na fustalan Sere by Sear son. ‘onal ta and ceanins sued by Mie Mrhove RAE ard RAN as PO Rast arc 8 Moe Photoref HALBERSTADT wooden nog and mat ves the sae a hat {ited tothe CLV and maybe useful reference to modelers. The ae single cockpit was read ine CLIN bt abandons ne CV ‘isis acualy a HaberstatC evelopent of eV ant speccaly ‘esd fo tigate, long stance Is shown here meet inate te method ‘xpiyng be pied fact te wings, Taken in ight sung ‘hep on is tary sw mache (he pe (ino appear at the Fron unl te Sune of 19189 ruber) ‘2 shap. Not he bight KF radiator on the Surboad se aa the reserve uel tank on the oe se 1A tee quarter ew of te sae arr showing be east of he T6Ono Mercedes Dil engie and the under o he NKF 2. Tis suring CLV hangs inthe Darl Bera museum a Sugar. was ned by Paul Sable, oe tie commander of dasa 37 and 18. was corveriedto cary ‘two passengers and used by fi 0 estabish ne of he st commercial a serves in Germany in January 1921 (© Peter Kt) 3. An exact rearview of 8171/18; he tuselage 2ppeas to have been spayed in two colours Dossy brown and gree, the oval ect ‘Sutsded and dark a he lozenge are Modelers should note hat he printed fabrics were overpaid with recive cats which

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