In recognition of the AP-3C Orion¡¯s distinguished service history in the Royal Australian Air Force, a decommissioned and refurbished example, A9-658, was installed as the RAAF Base Edinburgh gate guard over the weekend of 31 October¨C1 November 2020.
With the project commencing in April 2019, the planning and execution of the refurbishment, relocation, and installation of the decommissioned P-3 has been a collaborative effort managed by Surveillance and Response Systems Program Office in consultation with the Air Force History and Heritage Branch and with support from various Defence agencies and community organisations.
After arriving at its permanent home as the RAAF Base Edinburgh gate guard, final refurbishment and restoration will take place in preparation for the official unveiling, which is planned to be held during Air Force¡¯s milestone Centenary in 2021.
The installation formally acknowledges the AP-3C Orion¡¯s significant operational contributions through its maritime role and, importantly, is a symbol of the enduring connection the aircraft has with the Adelaide community for more than half a century as the icon of South Australia¡¯s skies.
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Wing walkers and safety personnel accompany an AP-3C Orion as it is towed from the flightline at RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia on 31 October 2020. (RAAF photo by CPL Brenton Kwaterski)
A much larger, high-res version can be viewed or downloaded here:
(Posted image was cropped from the original.)
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A decommissioned AP-3C Orion is towed by an Armoured Recovery Vehicle Light during its relocation to RAAF Base Edinburgh¡¯s front gate on 31 October 2020. (RAAF photo by CPL Brenton Kwaterski)
A much larger, high-res version can be viewed or downloaded here:
(Posted image was cropped from the original.)
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A decommissioned AP-3C Orion rests in its final position at RAAF Base Edinburgh on 1 November 2020. (RAAF photo by SGT Pete Gammie)
A much larger, high-res version can be viewed or downloaded here:
(Posted image was cropped from the original.)
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Lockheed AP-3C Orion
s/n A9-658
FMS BuNo 162658
c/n 285D-5782
