In 1983
the Department of Aviation obtained
five new turboprop Gulfsteam American G1000s (effectively Aero Commander
695As) to replace the Department's fleet of earlier Merlin
IIs and IIIs. Powered by two Garrett Airesearch TPE 331-10 engines,
VH-LTI (c/n 96063) was one of this batch and was registered new to the
Department of Aviation on 27 May 1983. It is seen in this photo during
Department of Aviation days with a white upper fuselage and wings, medium
grey lower fuselage and nacelles, and dark blue trim. The Civil
Air Ensign is carried on the fin. All the G1000s remained in substantially
the same colour scheme, apart from a change of logo, throughout their
service.
The G1000s were fitted specially with hardpoints on the rear fuselage for dropping Search And Rescue (SAR) stores such as life rafts. Click here to see G1000 VH-LTJ fitted with SAR stores. Comprehensive navigation equipment was fitted including Omega area navigation equipment and a VHF Direction-Finder for homing on Emergency Locator Trasmitters (ELTs).
A sixth G1000 was obtained in 1986, however the aircraft were all disposed of c.1993 following the Civil Aviation Authority's 'Review of Resources'.
(Photo: CAHS collection)
