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.
1960-1969
Introduction of the Caribou
Farewell Air Force’s Telstars
Introduction of the P-3B Orion
RAAF arrives in Vietnam
First flight of the Mirage
Selected to replace the Avon Sabre as the RAAF's fighter aircraft in 1960, the Mirage was the first aircraft in RAAF service capable of flying at twice the speed of sound.
First flight of the Mirage
Selected to replace the Avon Sabre as the RAAF's fighter aircraft in 1960, the Mirage entered service in 1965 and was the first aircraft in RAAF service capable of flying at twice the speed of sound. The first Australian-assembled Mirage flew at Avalon airfield in March 1963, and this and the following 48 aircraft were built as Mirage IIIO(F) interceptors. Following aircraft A3-50, production switched to the Mirage IIIO(A) ground attack aircraft with slightly different equipment for this role. In June 1969, the IIIO(F) aircraft were modified to the ground attack standard, to increase commonality within the Mirage fleet. After the cessation of Mirage operations, a number of aircraft were retained by the RAAF as training aids.
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