CARIBOU RETURNS TO THE SKIES WITH HARS
 
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). HARS will preserve and display two aircraft in flying condition.
 
These additions to HARS’ extensive hangar of historic aircraft arrive following the Australian Government’s announcement to offer the retired aircraft to aviation museums. In addition to the two aircraft, HARS will receive one propeller, 15 engines and two spares packages.
 
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. 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” said Mr De La Hunty.
 
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. Support functions included maintenance, engineering and comprehensive logistics for the platform.
 
Speaking of the company’s support of HARS, 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. 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,” said Dr Goennemann.
 
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 airshows and special events.
 
About HARS:
HARS is an all-voluntary not-for-profit group who have been collecting historic aircraft for over 30 years to ensure their preservation. There are many aircraft engineers, pilots and business people who share this passion and together with our dedicated sponsors have been able to achieve what most people would only dream of.
 
About Australian Aerospace:
With more than 1000 staff in Australia and New Zealand, Australian Aerospace has access to the financial strength and expertise of Eurocopter and the EADS Group.
 
At its production facility on Brisbane Airport, Australian Aerospace currently is assembling and delivering 22 Tiger ARH armed reconnaissance helicopters to the Australian Army and 46 MRH90 multi-role helicopters to the Army and Navy.
 
In addition to its helicopter capabilities, Australian Aerospace supports the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) AP-3C Orion reconnaissance aircraft and C-130J Hercules transports. The company is also involved in supporting the RAAF’s new Airbus A330-based Multi-Role Tanker-Transport (MRTT) aircraft and F/A18 (Classic) Hornet fighters.
 
Further Information:
Douglas Haywood – HARS                          0431 704 991
 
Nathan Pick – Australian Aerospace          (07) 3637 3906 / 0439 676 909
Ted Porter – Australian Aerospace            (02) 9436 0200 / 0418 468 269

 

 

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