(Yes it is - The NAA can't be wrong! )
This would be A85-618.
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| ADF Serials Message Board > RAAF Aircraft - Royal Australian Air Force > Evatts Field |
| Posted by: Shep Nov 24 2022, 02:39 PM |
| Further to a post "over there", Location is Evatts Field (Koolymilka), about 30k's N of Woomera. Also of interest in those phots - the Lincoln and Valiant. Edit: .... I must admit to being somewhat uncomfortable with my claim that the location is (was) Evetts Field. Meteors flew regularly from there. Mustangs, Beaufighters, Bristol Freighters, Sabres and Canberras also operated from there from time to time, but I haven’t been able to find any reference to large aircraft like Lincolns or (especially) Valiants flying from Evetts. The sequence of images from the NAA that Peter posted (from series D847) showed (variously) a Meteor F4 with unusual trim around the engine intakes and the gun muzzles, a Winjeel (not identifiable but likely either A85-364 or -618), a white Lincoln (also unidentified but without bomb doors) and Beaufighter A8-357 parked next to Mustang A68-187 (these in one image with a Valiant obscured in the distance and in another with the Meteor, Lincoln and Winjeel in the frame). The image from that sequence that I attached shows an unidentified evidently white Lincoln without bomb doors taking off (not landing as the NAA caption suggests) and a Valiant whose serial is discernible as WP209. Several of the shots from that particular sequence were annotated by NAA as being at Evatts Field with the date usually being given as 13FEB57. Despite the slight differences in the NAA information, the sequence can be tied together by the aircraft pictured. The dates given by NAA don’t seem correct. Valiant WP209 didn’t arrive in Australia until 11AUG55 (1ATU A50 p36/973). Mustang A68-187 departed 1ATU on 27NOV56 (1ATU A50 p119/973). So, the presence of A68-187 pre-dates the images to being at least several months before the date quoted by NAA. According to 1ATU’s A50 (p76/973), Lincoln RA640 went down to Edinburgh on 26APR56 for [re]fitment of its bomb bay doors, returning the next day (evidently a simple job). Perhaps that fact also narrows the likely date down to between 11AUG55 and 26APR56 (but, being an evidently quick job to re-fit the doors, it is reasonable to assume that their subsequent removal would also only take an overnight trip to Edinburgh – however, I could find no mention of the doors being removed again). Because of A68-187, the NAA dates must be wrong. The presence of both the Lincoln and the Valiant must count against the location being Evetts Field – so, yet another set of examples of incorrect captioning. But I can’t reconcile the structures in the background. I assumed (I know, one should never assume) that they comprised some of the facilities of “E” Range which was adjacent to Evetts. If it is Woomera (as now seems more likely to me because of the Valiant), where was the image taken? Surely if it is looking back towards the tech area, then the hangars would be visible? If it is looking the other direction then, what are those structures? I feel certain that it isn’t Mallala (had paved hardstandings, but was otherwise an all-over grass field) or Maralinga (single runway with a central main apron and a small dispersal loop at each end (the northern loop apparently was the arming/loading area) – all very well made and spotlessly clean) and I can’t picture the background as anything like Edinburgh. I guess Woomera it must be. I know no one cares, but I wanted to correct myself. |
| Posted by: Brenden S Nov 28 2022, 11:38 AM |
| Nice photo and thanks for sharing. |
| Posted by: ozhawk40 Nov 29 2022, 10:20 AM |
| Thanks Shep The NAA descriptions were very minimal and potentially incorrect. Your info is useful and good input. Thank you. |
| Posted by: Shep Nov 29 2022, 10:27 AM |
| Hi Peter, Were you or a respondent to your posts able to confirm the location of that particular sequence of images? |
| Posted by: Hornet133 Nov 29 2022, 06:04 PM |
| That Lincoln RA640 features in more images on the NAA website. The attached images are dated Jan 1956 (but we know that may be not correct). Also see images D874 NJ27 - 30 as it only allow me to attach one. Now who has knowledge of what that heavily modified rear end is all about. |
| Posted by: Shep Nov 30 2022, 07:13 AM |
| This is another of the images that was posted by Peter (this one: NAA: D874, NK475/1). The infrastructure I was talking about is in the distance obscured by the Beaufighter. The apron area these aircraft are parked on seems to be of a reasonable size (perhaps it is actually near the eastern intersection of the northern (paved) SE/NW runway and the unpaved NE/SW runway? Neither of these runways exist now, just the main N/S runway) and the Lincoln (presumably RA640) is still interesting to me. It seems to be overall white except for a dark anti-glare-like application (black?) from the tip of the nose back running back to just aft of the astrodome (this can just be seen on the image I posted earlier) as well as an expanse of the same (or similar colour) on the upper surface of the wings. One of the images in the sequence that Steve just referred to, NAA: D874, NJ29, shows a portion of the upper wings to be dark-ish, but not as dark as one would expect black to look, but darker and more even that just exhaust staining on a white or silver surface. Another point of minor interest in this image (NK475/1) is the projection below the RH wing tip (camera fairing?). I don’t know what the lumps and bumps were for but RA640 was often referred to as participating in bomb ballistics tests. |
| Posted by: Shep Nov 30 2022, 07:53 AM |
| This all ties back to the mystery Lincoln in the background of an image from the State Library of SA that was posted by Kas a few weeks ago. I’ve attached a cropped version below. The original, evidently taken at Mallala in the mid-50’s shows four of 24 (City of Adelaide) Squadron’s Mustangs (I can’t be 100% sure, but I fancy that I can make out “164” on the nose of the Mustang in the middle of this cropped version of the image) with an apparently white Lincoln in the background. Aside from the location (Evetts or more likely Woomera) for the images posted by Peter, it was the similarity of the Lincoln taking off in the distance to this Lincoln at Mallala that originally got my attention. This Lincoln seems to be white (notice the difference in shade to the aluminium dope on the Mustangs), has no bomb doors and (despite the tarp over the canopy) has a squared off black-like anti-glare application running from the astrodome, forward. Then, there is the large expanse of a black-like application across the upper surface of the mainplanes running from the wing root out to the outer limit of the flaps (or the inboard edge of the ailerons) which the exhaust has stained a light-ish grey in those areas immediately aft of the exhaust stacks. On the image I posted above in my last post, notice that the black on the tops of the wings extends just outboard of the prop-disk of No’s 1 and 4 engines – the same with this image. Now, just when I (and maybe others) thought we’d got the identification of the mystery Lincoln squared away – was there just one aircraft like this or two? 1ATU’s A50 says that Lincoln RA644 (not RA640 – a typo?) went down to Mallala to participate in Air Force Week activities on 18SEP56 (I am not certain of the date of the photograph attached here it might be of the same event, it might not). The info from NAA for the sequence that Steve referred to says that the aircraft in those images is/was RA640 – but none of them show the serial number so, can that be relied on? However - it might not be that complicated. All of these images might indeed show RA640. And I am increasingly of the opinion that it does. Because of that Mustang on the right of this cropped image. I reckon the serial on the nose begins with “17”. Three Mustangs in the 170 range served with 24(CoA)SQN; A68-171, -177 and -179. A68-171 served from late March ’52 until mid May ’53. A68-177 served from late July ’51 until late July ’52, and A68-179 served from mid November ’51 until late May ’56 All predating RA644’s visit on 18SEP56. |
| Posted by: batman Nov 30 2022, 01:09 PM |
| Shep Geoff Goodall's amazing sites have details on both RA640 and RA644 in Oz. This is the link to Lincs: https://www.goodall.com.au/australian-aviation/lincoln/avrolincolnsraf.html Here are tables of both aircraft, which don't transpose very well. Lincoln B.1 High altitude bombing trials RA640 45 Built by Metropolitan-Vickers Ltd at Manchester and assembled by Avro at Chester Taken on RAF charge as RA640 No RAF service, issued to British Ministry of Supply 13.8.52 Taken on RAAF charge as RA640. Received ARDU Trials Flight Woomera ex UK 20.1.53 Forced landing Woomera after engine failure due fuel starvation at 35,000 feet 19.10.53 Minor damage to mainplane at Woomera in ground collision with Lincoln RA644 15.12.53 Asymetric landing Woomera due loss of oil No.2 engine. pilot W/O W. Middlemiss RAAF 15.2.54 Engine failure due oil pressure at ARDU Trials Flight (renamed Air Trials Unit) 30.7.54 Incident report at Woomera 5.11.54 Incident report at RAAF Edinburgh, pilot W/C F. R. Schaaf 11.2.55 Incident report: heavy landing Woomera, Flt Lt. M. M. Heinrich 18.5.55 Asymetric landing Woomera with starboard outer engine feathered. Pilot F/Sgt M.T.Richardson RAAF 19.10.56 Request allotment to Base Squadron RAAF Edinburgh for disposal action 14.12.56 Held u/s at Air Trials Unit Woomera 12.12.56 Approved for conversion to instructional purposes for fire fighting practice 57 Burnt for fire practice at Woomera 10.6.57 Final write-off action has been taken Lincoln B.1 High altitude bombing trials RA644 45 Built by Metropolitan-Vickers Ltd at Manchester and assembled by Avro at Chester Taken on RAF charge as RA644 RAF Bomb Balistic Unit, Woodbridge Issued to Long Range Weapons Establishment, Australia 16.1.50 Taken on RAAF charge as RA644 on loan from RAF 19.1.50 Received ARDU Detachment A, Mallala 18.10.50 Received ARDU Traisl Flight, Woomera ex ARDU Detachment A 13.11.51 Incident report at Woomera, pilot by F/Lt T. A. Berry 11.51-10.53 held u/s at ARDU Trials Flight awaiting spares 19.10.53 Damaged in ground accident at Woomera. Tailplane of RA644 struck RA640. Both repaired 55 ARDU Trials Flight renamed Air Trials Unit 19.5.55 Serviceable with ATU Woomera 28.11.55 Issued Maintenance Squadron Edinburgh ex ATU for minor service 14.9.56 Serviceable with ATU 5.10.56 Request discontinue servicing and maintenance this aircraft pending disposal 1.2.57 Authorised for disposal action 23.5.57 Listed on Edinburgh disposal list as scrap metal including four Merlin engines 12.9.57 Disposal in progress Sold as scrap metal at RAAF Edinburgh SA cheers JB |
| Posted by: Shep Nov 30 2022, 01:41 PM |
| Thanks John, Lots of very interesting info. Aside from the NAA images being discussed, I haven't got/seen any other images of RA640. The only images of RA644 that I have (also from NAA: D874 series) show it on the line at Woomera in Bomber Command type camouflage and the images date from 1950 and 1951 (wearing tail code "LOZ"). Presumably it was also repainted white at some later stage ... Perhaps the strongest clue to this machines identity is the lack of bomb doors. The only documentary evidence for a lack of bomb doors on an ATU/ARDU Lincoln (so far) is for RA640. Not conclusive, I know. (I saw wot you did with the "links"). |
| Posted by: ozhawk40 Dec 2 2022, 10:21 AM | ||
Nothing concrete Shep, although most would be Woomerano doubt and a couple may be Evatts. I have a few overhead views and maps, but can't see exactly where they are taken to confirm. |
| Posted by: ozhawk40 Dec 2 2022, 10:27 AM |
| TITLE: Canberra jet bomber - Woomera |
| Posted by: ozhawk40 Dec 2 2022, 10:28 AM |
| TITLE: Canberra jet bomber - Woomera |
| Posted by: ozhawk40 Dec 2 2022, 10:30 AM |
| TITLE: Jindivik aircraft (Yes it is - The NAA can't be wrong! ) This would be A85-618. |
| Posted by: ozhawk40 Dec 2 2022, 10:35 AM |
| TITLE: Jindivik MK II - TOARE |
| Posted by: Shep Dec 2 2022, 11:12 AM |
| Thanks, Peter. An excellent image set (even if some of the titles are a bit ropey!) Very interesting subject matter, too. Cheers, |
| Posted by: batman Dec 2 2022, 04:16 PM |
| Yes, these are good pics. Sabre is A94-922, notice faired over cannon port for Firestreak AAM trials. One of the CA-22 Winjeel prototypes, A85-618. The Canberra pics are great - B.2 from UK A84-2, with dark blue tail, same as A84-125 and A84-307. |
| Posted by: Shep Dec 2 2022, 05:29 PM |
| Regarding A94-922, here is -922 with a Blue Jay (Firestreak) round under the port wing and the “Auto Observer” under the belly. This shot is captioned as being Evatts [sic – Evetts] Field, 13FEB57. [NAA: D874, NK469/1]. |
| Posted by: Shep Dec 2 2022, 05:30 PM |
| This is the guts of the “Auto Observer”. Captioned 10DEC55. [NAA: D874, NH1845]. |
| Posted by: Shep Dec 2 2022, 05:32 PM |
| Belly detail of the “Auto Observer”. Captioned 10DEC55. [NAA: D874, NH1846]. Was this pod designed for Photo Recon? The number of images from this series that have been digitised is relatively small considering the size of that collection. Anyone willing to fling some cash to NAA to get more digitised? |
| Posted by: Brenden S Dec 6 2022, 10:46 AM |
| Just think back in the day this was cutting edge technology. Thanks for sharing all these photos and information. |
| Posted by: ozhawk40 Dec 7 2022, 10:24 AM |
| This would be Lincoln RA640 again perhaps. No visible serial, or markings. Does have framework in the bomb bay for some form of testing or trials. That also must be Winjeel A85-618 in the foreground. NAA Title - Lincoln Aircraft |
| Posted by: Brenden S Dec 28 2022, 10:47 PM |
| Interesting to see the fire truck, must have been yellow and red stripes. |
| Posted by: enfield38 Dec 29 2022, 12:55 PM |
| I'm surprised at how small the upper wing roundels are on Winjeel A85-618. |
| Posted by: Nicko Feb 4 2023, 03:59 PM |
| Hi all. The radar arrangement at the back end of the Lincoln in photos NJ28 to NJ31 reminded me of some of the American underwing pods, so I went to Jerry Proc's website and saw the Avenger with AN/APS-4 radar. http://jproc.ca/rrp/rrp3/avenger.html http://jproc.ca/rrp/rrp3/avenger_equipment_details.html http://jproc.ca/rrp/rrp3/avenger_aps4.html Quoting from Jerry: The APS-4 was a light-weight, pod-mounted airborne search radar which was suitable for either Airborne Interception (AI) or Air-to-Surface-Vessel (ASV) applications in the X band. Originally the Lincoln when fitted with the rear turret could also be fitted with the AGLT radar, according to the manual, but I'm not sure that any of the RAAF aircraft were. I am unsure about the reflector cones; if they are part of testing only, or if they were intended to be rudimentary prototypes for supplementing the pod unit. |
| Posted by: Nicko Feb 4 2023, 04:03 PM |
| You can see some of the AN/APS-4 boxes in the Lincoln interior shots - see NJ26. Attached image here again from Jerry Proc's website. |
| Posted by: Shep Feb 6 2023, 06:48 AM |
| Hi Nicko, You might be right. The AN/APS-4 pod looks very much like the pod mounted at the extreme aft end of RA640 (earlier image from NAA series posted by Hornet133). And the interior operator console shots are suitably “temporary” looking. Don’t know if it was fitted to any other ATU Lincolns or not. As Hornet133 questioned back in his post, I too wonder what the rest of the fittings were for – are these the reflector cones you were referring to in your post? Cheers, |
| Posted by: Nicko Feb 6 2023, 07:35 PM |
| Yep, Shep. That's what I'm referring to. Two of them look to me like deep parabolic signal focusing shapes where the three radial arms hold the receiving 'thing' at the focal point. Maybe it is not receiving but sending? I'm just guessing now, well and truly. The fit-out doesn't seem complete there is a clamp at the top for something cylindrical. Maybe the parabolic unit on the centre-line just above the AN/APS-4 is incomplete. |
| Posted by: Shep Feb 7 2023, 10:02 AM |
| You were absolutely right about the radar – placard says: “MX-40/APS-4”. I don’t know what “MX-40” is (in this case it most certainly isn’t a Wescam IRDS!) but, since it’s on the viewing shroud, I’d speculate that THAT is an MX-40. [See enlargement of the image NAA: D874, NJ26] I haven’t been able to find anything with regard to the installation on the back-end of RA640 other than the presence (as you identified) of the APS-4 radar. The bottom “cone” (immediately above the radome) has had its lower section scalloped out. I would guess that this is to ensure an unobstructed path to/from the APS-4’s dish. Some of the trials that were going on during late 1955 and early 1956 included: Green Cheese – a proposed (heavy) anti-ship missile which was intended to have a nuclear warhead, Red Shoes – which became Thunderbird (similar to Bloodhound), Blue Sky – A-A guided missile Fireflash and, Red Duster – which became Bloodhound. The Lincolns were primarily used for bomb ballistic trials but there is no doubt that they were used for other trials also such as: 08FEB56, “Lincoln RA640 was ferried to Edinburgh to undertake an Edinburgh based Sea Slug trial” [RAAF Unit History Sheets 1 Air Trials Unit Jan 55 – Jan 65; NAA: A9186, 284 (p63/973)]. There was no further information supplied in the A50. The APS-4 would have been useful for air-air work with other aircraft such as: 02MAR56, “Lincoln RA-640 was airborne in conjuction with the Sabre […] for Radar Ranging practice.” [p67/973]. {Sabre probably A94-915}. The Lincolns were also used for VT Fuse drops. VT Fuses were radio proximity fuses for things such as missiles, so perhaps those “cones” might have something to do with a remote version of those to detonate missiles? (Just a guess which might be wide of the mark – I wouldn’t put any of my money on that theory but, who knows??). I initially thought they might be photoflashes for photography of bomb drops or missile fly-bys (again, I’m only guessing). |
| Posted by: Hornet133 Feb 13 2023, 07:34 PM |
| Thanks to those who commented on those images of the rear end of RA640. When I came across them I had never seen anything remotely like that. Steve Mackenzie |
| Posted by: Shep Apr 6 2023, 03:04 PM |
| According to Joe Vella, Aircraft Projects of the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (2022) 193, the Auto Observer belly pod [see earlier post] used on CA27 Sabres for Blue Jay trials WAS actually designed for a Photo Reconnaissance adaption of the Sabre. Apparently it was project, “P435 Sabre, Photo Reconnaissance, June 1960” and that it was designed to have, “[t]hree oblique mounted, forward facing and left and right side pointing model F95 four inch lens camera units”. “The location for the front of the pod was fuselage Station 85 [and the] rear reference was Station 176”. |
| Posted by: Shep Nov 23 2023, 02:44 PM |
| Not quite Evatts Field, but ... Unusual view of a Meteor F4/U15 (with RAAF roundels – not sure if that was common?). Camera aircraft was another Meteor but not certain which/which type – possibly T7 WN321 (since the aft fuselage is all white)? The location cannot be Woomera or Evatts Field because they are located in the desert. I think it is more likely to be in the Edinburgh or Mallala area. Mallala was an all-over-grass field (runways) so, if that light-coloured vertical line at the “bottom” of the image, beyond the camera ships righthand wing tip is a runway, then it might be Edinburgh’s north/south runway with the aircraft travelling east. Sun aspect/shadows on the fuselage of the F4/U15 would support this. I reckon the area would be built up by now, but does anyone recognise the road layout and intersections? Image is from the National Archives of Australia (NAA: D874, N58/807) and is date captioned as 02MAY58. |
| Posted by: Brenden S Dec 4 2023, 11:04 AM |
| What a very interesting photo. Trawling through the NAA must be testing at times. |