One of the Australian Defence Force’s longest-serving aircraft, the Caribou, is set to return to the skies with the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS).
These additions to HARS’ extensive hangar of historic aircraft arrive following the Australian Government’s announcement to offer the retired aircraft to aviation museums.
Bob De La Hunty, President HARS spoke proudly of the impending Caribou arrival.
“The Caribou served with the Australian Defence Force from 1964 until 2009 and is well-regarded as a versatile and dependable workhorse,” he said.
“HARS’ work to preserve Australia’s flying aviation heritage will ensure that future generations can see the Caribou in action.
“Our ability to transform the Caribou into a flying display would not have been possible without our supporters, including Australian Aerospace.”
Australian Aerospace and its predecessor organisations provided deeper maintenance and through-life-support for the Caribou fleet since the aircraft entered service with the RAAF during the Vietnam War.
Dr Jens Goennemann, CEO Australian Aerospace highlighted the linkages between the organisations.
“For Australian Aerospace, the opportunity to work with HARS was an easy choice,” he said.
“There is no better ambassador to represent our decades’-long through-life-support capability of the Caribou.
“Australian Aerospace is excited to see this piece of our nation’s aviation history preserved in flying condition.”
The Caribou will be ferried to the HARS base at Albion Park, Wollongong, NSW following preparation work undertaken by HARS engineers.
The Association also intends to fly the Caribou during air shows and special events.