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CROWDS gathered on Wagga’s streets yesterday, desperate to catch a glimpse of an historic F-111 aircraft sitting on a truck driving to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base. The 22-metre long A8-142 has finally touched down in the city after a three-day road trip from Amberley in Queensland. The aircraft’s trip was delayed by the floods in March and, according to Senior Australian Defence Force officer Anthony Checker, it’s an historic moment for the city because the F-111 fleet inspired apprentices to join the air force. “This plane can fly more than two times the speed of sound, it can climb over and under hills,” he said. “It shows what airmen were involved in and how our power and technology has evolved. “Now we’ve almost got the complete collection of our fighter aircraft. “All that we need now is the F-18 Hornet, which is still in operation and set to retire in 2020.” As Corporal Aircraft Technician Adam “Bert” Newton watched the aircraft have its wings and tail reassembled following the long trip it was a special moment. He worked on A8-142 for almost 10 years in Amberley, before moving to Wagga in 2011. “It was a big baton or deterrent in Australia’s air force stakes,” he said. “For an aircraft so old it still blows my mind how intricate the engine is.” Even though residents have been buzzing about the aircraft coming to the city, Commanding Officer and Airbase Executive Officer Joanna Elkington said it would still be up to a year before it was available for public viewing. “We want to get it out as soon as possible but there are a lot of restrictions which are subject to being looked at before that can happen,” she said. “We’re very excited to finally have it here, it’s been a big team effort and we’ve been planning for a long time. “It was competitive so we are happy we are known as the home of airmen here – this aircraft signifies that because it represents why the apprentices have joined the air force.” Follow @ashleighgleeson None

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