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-LTJ (c/n 96069) was one of this batch and was registered new to the Department of Aviation on 18 July 1983.

The G1000s were fitted specially with hardpoints on the rear fuselage for dropping Search And Rescue (SAR) stores such as life rafts. This photo shows VH-LTJ undergoing trials of the SAR dropping equipment. The cannisters containing life rafts and survival equipment in a four-cannister string can be seen on the rear fuselage hardpoints. The rear fuselage is tufted so that the aerodynamic effects of the stores can be examined.

The Gulfstreams were all disposed of c.1993 following the Civil Aviation Authority's 'Review of Resources', VH-LTJ being sold in the USA as N6151W.

Click here to see close ups of the SAR stores

(Photo: CAHS collection)

Click here to see a photo of earlier DCA Aero Commander 680E VH-CAY being loaded with Storepedoes for SAR work, c.1967.

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