The origins of the Royal Australian Air Force extend back to the early days of aviation, and we have made important contributions to defence and peacekeeping initiatives across the globe ever since.
1950-1959
War in Korea
Air Force introduces the Women’s Royal Australian Air Force replacing the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force
Introduction of the Sabre
RAAF Roundel adopted
End of the biplane era
RAAF's first C-130 Hercules
Introduction of the Sabre Aircraft
Rollout of the Sabre aircraft from the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation.
Introduction of the Sabre Aircraft
The first version of the F-86 Sabre produced by Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation, the CA-27 Sabre 30, was handed over to the Air Force at a formal ceremony at Laverton. It was Australia’s first swept-wing aircraft, the first with powered flight controls, and the first capable of supersonic speed.
Video & Images
Final operational missions of the Malayan Emergency
The RAAF’s two squadrons of Sabre jet fighters at Butterworth airbase in Malaya were both used on an Operation Firedog mission on this day.
Final operational missions of the Malayan Emergency
The RAAF’s two squadrons of Sabre jet fighters at Butterworth airbase in Malaya were both used on an Operation Firedog mission on this day. Twelve aircraft, six from Nos 3 and 77 Squadrons, strafed two jungle camps near Bentong in Northern Pahang after these had first been bombed by RAAF, RAF and RNZAF Canberras. Several other missions were flown before a formal end to the Malayan Emergency was declared on 31 July 1960. These were the last operational missions flown by RAAF fighter aircraft for more than 40 years.
Video & Images
