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  • 1950-1959

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 

Sergeant Hale with his Meteor 'Halestorm'
Display Date
30 Aug 1954

Introduction of the Sabre Aircraft

Rollout of the Sabre aircraft from the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation.

Official function to rollout of the Sabre aircraft from the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation
30 Aug 1954

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

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Official function to rollout of the Sabre aircraft from the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation
Official function to rollout of the Sabre aircraft from the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation
Display Date
13 Aug 1959

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.

Sabres lined up prior to take off for Butterworth Malaya
13 Aug 1959

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

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Sabres lined up prior to take off for Butterworth Malaya
Sabres lined up prior to take off for Butterworth Malaya
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