L-285D ORION AP-3C
RAAF MSN BU NO DEL RAAF TYPE PRE DEL
A9-751 5657 160751 17FEB78 AP-3C-180-LO
-
17FEB78
Flown from Lockheed, Burbank to Moffett Field for crew training. (Source: 1)
22MAY78
Departed Moffett Field for Australia. (Source: 5)
25MAY78
Flew Nadi, Fiji to Richmond. (Source: 5)
26MAY78
Arrived at RAAF Edinburgh. The first P-3C to be delivered to the RAAF. (Source: 1)
10JUN78
First operation was a fisheries sortie to Amberley. (Source: 5)
MAR14
Participated in the aerial search for MH370 which concluded on 28APR14. (Source: 2)
16JUN14
Returned to Edinburgh after repainting by Air New Zealand in Christchurch, NZ. A9-751 was the last of 13 RAAF Orions to be repainted under a contract which began on 17MAY12. (Source: 3)
See The Final Repaint
04OCT14
Flew in a four aircraft formation to commemorate the 75th anniversary of No 10 Sqn and No 11 Sqn.
16NOV17
Flown from Edinburgh to Point Cook on delivery to the RAAF Museum.
A9-752 5658 160752 28MAR78 AP-3C-180-LO
-
29JUN78
Arrived Edinburgh on delivery from the USA. (Source: 5)
MAR14
Participated in the aerial search for MH370 which concluded on 28APR14. (Source: 2)
06NOV18
The aircraft made its last operational flight.
30NOV18
The aircraft participated in a farewell flypast comprising A9-752, A9-661 and A9-662. Unfortunately the fourth aircraft A9-665 went u/s.
01DEC18
The aircraft flew again with A9-661 at a family day at RAAF Edinburgh.
16DEC18
Handed over to the Evans Head Memorial Aerodrome Heritage Aviation Museum at Lismore Airport for later road transportation to Evans Head.
28FEB22
Although all other components had been moved to Evans Head by late January 2022, the fuselage, wings and tailplane were still at Lismore when the airport was submerged in Lismore's worst flood on record. Unfortunately, all the remaining airframe sections were washed away by floodwaters and scattered across the airport. Although damaged, it is intended that the aircraft will be restored.
15APR22
On or about this date, the fuselage and wings were moved back to the tarmac at Lismore Airport.
11FEB26
The fuselage was trucked from Lismore to Evans Head.
A9-753 5660 160753 22MAY78 AP-3C-180-LO
-
04AUG78
Arrived at Edinburgh on delivery from the USA in company with A9-754. (Source: 5)
MAR14
Participated in the aerial search for MH370 which concluded on 28APR14. (Source: 2)
04OCT14
Flew in a four aircraft formation to commemorate the 75th anniversary of No 10 Sqn and No 11 Sqn.
23NOV16
Withdrawn from service at Edinburgh.
12DEC16
Arrived at Albion Park, NSW for storage pending disposal.
03NOV17
A9-753 was officially handed over to HARS by the Chief of Air Force in a ceremony at Albion Park.
VH-ORI
25JAN18
Registered VH-ORI to HARS.
06MAR19
Flew for the first time as VH-ORI using the callsign HARS ORION. The registration VH-ORI is painted in small letters on both sides of the rear fuselage under the horizontal stabiliser.
Crew names on the first flight were:

Captain Matthew Jurkans (same Capt that delivered the aircraft on 12DEC16)
Co-Pilot Rowan Willson
Co-Pilot Alex Jackson
Co-Pilot Mike Price
Flight Engineer Neil Scott-Jackson (same FE that flew her in)
Flight Engineer Peter Simms
Flight Engineer William Plemenuk
Maintenance Manager Brian White
Maintainer Bryan Hill
P-3B Pilot Peter Hoier

The first flight was a confidence flight and a pilot recency flight for HARS' four Captains and three Flight Engineers. After 2 days, 4 flights and 15 landings, the only unserviceabilities were two blown bulbs!
(Source: William Plucka Plemenuk)
21MAR21
The aircraft participated in a massed flypast over Canberra to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the RAAF. At the conclusion of the flypast, the aircraft flew directly to RAAF Edinburgh for maintenance which had been in planning since December 2016 when the aircraft first landed at HARS Albion Park. As A9-753 was the first RAAF AP-3C to be offered to an Australian Heritage Organisation (AHO) it departed the fleet early thus missing out on several inspections that the RAAF conducted late in the AP-3C’s operational life. By including A9-753 in these checks, the RAAF stood to gain valuable data to assist with keeping their two remaining AP-3C(EW) in service. VH-ORI now has a total time of 16421.1 hours. (Source: HARS Journal, March 2022)
25JAN22
The aircraft returned to HARS at Albion Park. (Source: HARS Journal, March 2022)
A9-754 5662 160754 27MAY78 P-3C-180-LO
-
04AUG78
Arrived at Edinburgh on delivery from the USA in company with A9-753. (Source: 5)
20APR91
The aircraft positioned from Edinburgh to Pearce from where it commenced a search for the bulk ore carrier Mineral Diamond. The aircraft landed that evening at Mauritius. (Source: 9 p.382)
22APR91
Flew a further search sortie from Mauritius to Cocos Island. (Source: 9 p.382)
23APR91
Flew a night flare search sortie from Cocos Island. (Source: 9 p.382)
24APR91
Flew a day search sortie from Cocos Island. Later this day the search for the Mineral Diamond was called off with the ship presumed sunk. (Source: 9 p.382)
26APR91
A9-754 departed Cocos Island on return to Edinburgh. The Canadian exchange pilot elected to perform a high speed flyby after departure. During the pull up after the flyby the wing leading edges separated and the aircraft became uncontrollable. During the ensuing ditching in Cocos Lagoon, the number 2 propeller separated and penetrated the fuselage killing FLGOFF Tom Henniker. (Source: 9 p.383)
26APR91
A 33SQN Boeing 707 arrived at Cocos Island with an investigation team and to repatriate the crew from A9-754. (Source: 9 p.389-390)
03MAY91
A C-130 arrived at Cocos Island with personnel to plan the retrieval and disposal of A9-754. (Source: 9 p.389-390)
10MAY91
A second C-130 arrived at Cocos Island with a salvage and retrieval team from No 2AD. (Source: 9 p.389-390)
13MAY91
Work commenced on stripping the interior of the aircraft. (Source: 9 p.389-390)
16MAY91
The aircraft was towed 4 km across the lagoon and beached. The aircraft was broken up on the beach and buried nearby. (Source: 9 p.389-390)
28MAY91
Dismantling of the aircraft and clean-up of the salvage site was completed. (Source: 9 p.389-390)
31MAY91
The 2AD crew, along with the fin and rudder and other components from A9-754 returned to Richmond on a 37SQN C-130E. (Source: 9 p.389-390)
 
Although some components were salvaged, most of the aircraft was buried nearby.
The nose section was still present at Cocos in 1992 (see Photo #4) and it is reported that one of the propellers is displayed in a Cocos Islands museum. Refer Report from Cocos. The Cocos (Keeling) Islands Historical Society have erected a memorial to Flying Officer Thomas Henniker, the crew member who died in the crash of A9-754.
An Orion fin/rudder is displayed outside the 92 Wing HQ at RAAF Edinburgh. Despite earlier speculation that it had come from the parted-out P-3B 152760, it has now been established that it came from P-3C A9-754.
This accident involving A9-754 was presaged on 13FEB88 when USN P-3C BuNo 160284 of VP-46 also shed its wing leading edges during a high speed flyby at Cocos. However, on this occasion the aircraft landed safely back at Cocos with no injuries. The aircraft was repaired and returned to service.
A9-755 5664 160755 07AUG78 AP-3C-180-LO
-
19AUG78
Arrived at Edinburgh on delivery from the USA. (Source: 5)
04OCT14
Noted at Edinburgh being prepared for scrapping.
A9-756 5666 160756 01SEP78 AP-3C-180-LO
-
19SEP78
Arrived at Edinburgh on delivery from the USA. (Source: 5)
04OCT14
Noted at Edinburgh.
OCT15
Withdrawn from service at Edinburgh.
10DEC17
The fuselage and the left wing were delivered by road to the South Australian Aviation Museum on this date. Other components were delivered earlier on 23NOV17. The aircraft will be displayed with only the left wing fitted. Reversing an earlier decision, the right wing and two additional engines will be held in storage.
02DEC18
Officially handed over to SAAM by the RAAF.
12SEP19
The right wing was delivered to SAAM.
A9-757 5668 160757 03OCT78 AP-3C-180-LO
-
07NOV78
Arrived at Edinburgh on delivery from the USA. (Source: 5)
04OCT14
Noted at Edinburgh.
20FEB18
Noted parked in Darwin. May have arrived earlier.
23JUN18
Officially handed over to the Darwin Aviation Museum.
A9-758 5672 160758 27NOV78 AP-3C-185-LO
-
11DEC78
Arrived at Edinburgh on delivery from the USA. (Source: 5)
04OCT14
Noted at Edinburgh being prepared for scrapping.
27OCT14
Remains transported to a local scrapyard.
A9-759 5674 160759 21DEC78 AP-3C-185-LO
-
18JAN79
Arrived at Edinburgh on delivery from the USA. (Source: 5)
 
First production AP-3C converted by Boeing at Avalon, VIC.
04OCT14
Noted at Edinburgh.
MAR14
Participated in the aerial search for MH370 which concluded on 28APR14. (Source: 2)
15FEB18
Delivered to HARS at Parkes.
A9-760 5676 160760 16JAN79 AP-3C-185-LO
-
15FEB79
Arrived at Edinburgh on delivery from the USA. (Source: 5)
OCT97
Handed over to Raytheon E-Systems, Greenville, Texas for modification to the prototype AP-3C under Project Air 5276.
JUL02
The first AP-3C to enter RAAF service.
18APR18
Flown to Sunshine Coast Airport, Queensland for storage pending disposal.
11JUN18
Officially handed over to the Queensland Air Museum. Full history of A9-760
29OCT19
The fuselage arrived at QAM Caloundra. The wings arrived the following day.
 
A9-656 5778 162656 09OCT84 AP-3C-220-LO N64854
07DEC84
Arrived Edinburgh
10SEP18
Departed Edinburgh as STRIKER 01 for storage at Avalon. All RAAF markings were painted out. Expected to become N656T.
28SEP18
Registration N656T was reserved by MHD-Rockland of Starke, Florida but recipient aircraft was not specified. (Source: FAA Register)
05OCT18
Registration N656T was allocated to L-285D MSN 5778 in the name of MHD-Rockland of Starke, Florida. (Source: FAA Register)
23OCT18
N656T departed Avalon at 0713 for Pago Pago on delivery to MHD-Rockland.
-
For subsequent history see MHD-Rockland
A9-657 5780 162657 27FEB85 AP-3C-220-LO N64911
02MAR85
Arrived Edinburgh.
-
A9-657 and A9-660 are dedicated ELINT aircraft known as AP-3C(EW). (Source: 4)
-
Expected to remain in service until 2023. (Source: 6)
02MAY19
On this date the control of 10SQN was transferred from 92WG to 42WG. No 42 Wing will comprise 10SQN with two AP-3C(EW) based at Edinburgh and 2SQN with E-7A Wedgetails based at Williamtown.
-
To be replaced by five Gulfstream MC-55, a version of the G550 business jet configured for Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare (AISREW). (Source: 4)
05DEC23
The two AP-3C(EW) Orions A9-657 and A9-660 operated their last official flights for the RAAF. A9-657 Striker 10 tracked Edinburgh, Ceduna, coastal to the tip of Eyre Peninsula, southern Yorke Peninsula and Cape Jervis, landing at Edinburgh at 1422 after a flight of 3 hours 12 minutes. A9-657 landed last. Both aircraft were accorded a water cannon salute after landing at RAAF Edinburgh. (Source: South Australian Air Journal)
17-18SEP24
The two AP-3C(EW) departed RAAF Edinburgh on low loaders, presumably for scrapping, on 17 and 18 September 2024 but the order is not known. (Source: South Australian Air Journal)
A9-658 5782 162658 12JUL85 AP-3C-220-LO N4009K
AUG85
Arrived Edinburgh
MAR14
Participated in the aerial search for MH370 which concluded on 28APR14. (Source: 2)
AUG16
Allocated to South Australian Aviation Museum for delivery DEC18. Subsequently the allocation was amended to A9-756. It is reported that A9-658 may become a gate guard at RAAF Edinburgh.
21OCT16
Flown for the last time and withdrawn from service. Used as a non-flying but taxyable ground trainer.
31OCT20
Towed into position as a gate guard at RAAF Edinburgh over the weekend 31OCT/01NOV20.
A9-659 5784 162659 24JUL85 AP-3C-220-LO N64996
AUG85
Arrived Edinburgh
MAR14
Participated in the aerial search for MH370 which concluded on 28APR14. (Source: 2)
28JUN18
Departed Edinburgh for Avalon to be stored for the Australian War Memorial.
28MAY19
The first load consisting of two engines and the radome arrived at the AWM Storage Facility at Mitchell, ACT. (Source: 7)
09AUG19
The final loads consisting of the two wings arrived at the AWM Storage Facility at Mitchell, ACT. (Source: 7)
A9-660 5785 162660 07SEP85 AP-3C-225-LO N64854
SEP85
Arrived Edinburgh
-
A9-660 and A9-657 are dedicated ELINT aircraft known as AP-3C(EW). (Source: 4)
-
Expected to remain in service until 2023. (Source: 6)
02MAY19
On this date the control of 10SQN was transferred from 92WG to 42WG. No 42 Wing will comprise 10SQN with two AP-3C(EW) based at Edinburgh and 2SQN with E-7A Wedgetails based at Williamtown. Around this time A9-660 was noted at Edinburgh wearing the tail emblem of 292SQN. It subsequently reverted to 10SQN markings.
-
To be replaced by five Gulfstream MC-55, a version of the G550 business jet configured for Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare (AISREW). (Source: 4)
05DEC23
The two AP-3C(EW) Orions A9-657 and A9-660 operated their last official flights for the RAAF. A9-660 Striker 55 tracked Edinburgh, Anglesea Vic, coastal to Warrnambool, then direct to Kingston SE, Long Bay and Parafield, landing at Edinburgh at 1419 after a flight of 3 hours 16-minutes. Both aircraft were accorded a water cannon salute after landing at RAAF Edinburgh. (Source: South Australian Air Journal)
17-18SEP24
The two AP-3C(EW) departed RAAF Edinburgh on low loaders, presumably for scrapping, on 17 and 18 September 2024 but the order is not known. (Source: South Australian Air Journal)
A9-661 5787 162661 17OCT85 AP-3C-225-LO N64911
OCT85
Arrived Edinburgh
04OCT14
Flew in a four aircraft formation to commemorate the 75th anniversary of No 10 Sqn and No 11 Sqn.
30NOV18
The aircraft participated in a farewell flypast comprising A9-752, A9-661 and A9-662. Unfortunately the fourth aircraft A9-665 went u/s.
01DEC18
The aircraft flew again with A9-752 at a family day at RAAF Edinburgh.
10DEC18
The aircraft was flown as STRIKER 01 with all markings removed. Presumably an acceptance test flight by MHD-Rockland.
11DEC18
Registered N661MK to MHD-Rockland Inc of Starke, Florida.
14DEC18
Departed Edinburgh under the callsign MHD661 at 0736 hours as N661MK on delivery to MHD-Rockland Inc of Starke, Florida. A9-661, 662 & 665 met up at Pago Pago and flew together to Keystone Airpark in Florida via Hawaii and Albuquerque, NM.
17DEC18
A9-661, 662 & 665 arrived together at Keystone Airpark in Florida. (Source: 8)
-
For subsequent history see MHD-Rockland
A9-662 5789 162662 20NOV85 AP-3C-225-LO N64996
NOV85
Arrived Edinburgh
MAR14
Participated in the aerial search for MH370 which concluded on 28APR14. (Source: 2)
30NOV18
The aircraft participated in a farewell flypast comprising A9-752, A9-661 and A9-662. Unfortunately the fourth aircraft A9-665 went u/s.
10DEC18
The aircraft was flown as STRIKER 02 with all markings removed. Presumably an acceptance test flight by MHD-Rockland.
11DEC18
Registered N662JD to MHD-Rockland Inc of Starke, Florida.
14DEC18
Departed Edinburgh under the callsign MHD662 at 0806 hours as N662JD on delivery to MHD-Rockland Inc of Starke, Florida. A9-661, 662 & 665 met up at Pago Pago and flew together to Keystone Airpark in Florida via Hawaii and Albuquerque, NM.
17DEC18
A9-661, 662 & 665 arrived together at Keystone Airpark in Florida. (Source: 8)
17FEB20
N662JD was photographed at Keystone Airpark with a red tail and MHD Rockland markings.
-
For subsequent history see MHD-Rockland
A9-663 5791 162663 20DEC85 P-3C-225-LO N4009K
FEB86
Arrived Edinburgh
 
A9-663 was the only P-3C (apart from the written-off A9-754) that was not converted to AP-3C standard. The aircraft was retained for trials purposes and was not subject to normal tasking.
04OCT14
Noted at Edinburgh being prepared for scrapping.
17OCT14
Remains transported to a local scrap yard.
A9-664 5793 162664 30APR86 AP-3C-225-LO N64854
MAR14
Participated in the aerial search for MH370 which concluded on 28APR14. (Source: 2)
04OCT14
Flew in a four aircraft formation to commemorate the 75th anniversary of No 10 Sqn and No 11 Sqn.
16
Carries 11 SQN Black Cats tail art 1968-2016.
JUN18
Photographed in service with tail art removed.
06NOV18
Registration N664SD reserved by Clifford Sabel of Starke, Florida.
14NOV18
Registered N664SD to MHD-Rockland Inc of Starke, Florida.
16NOV18
Departed Avalon as N664SD on delivery to MHD-Rockland Inc of Starke, Florida.
-
For subsequent history see MHD-Rockland
A9-665 5795 162665 28MAY86 AP-3C-225-LO N4009H
15NOV86
Commissioned at Edinburgh
21NOV12
After almost ten years, 2,410 missions and 22,535 flying hours, A9-665 flew the final sortie in the MEAO. On 25NOV12 Task Unit 633.2.4 was disbanded at the Al Minhad Airbase, United Arab Emirates. (Source: 4)
29NOV12
A9-665 arrived back at Edinburgh. (Source: 4)
30NOV18
The aircraft was to have participated in a farewell flypast along with A9-752, A9-661 and A9-662 but unfortunately the aircraft went u/s.
03DEC18
The aircraft made its last operational flight on a low level coastal sortie south of Adelaide. Total time in service: 16,245.0 hours.
07DEC18
Registered N665BD to MHD-Rockland Inc of Starke, Florida.
12DEC18
Departed Edinburgh under the callsign MHD665 at 0718 direct to Pago Pago on delivery to MHD-Rockland Inc of Starke, Florida. A9-661, 662 & 665 met up at Pago Pago and flew together to Keystone Airpark in Florida via Hawaii and Albuquerque, NM.
17DEC18
A9-661, 662 & 665 arrived together at Keystone Airpark in Florida. (Source: 8)
N665BD was subsequently photographed with a red tail and MHD-Rockland markings.
-
For subsequent history see MHD-Rockland

 

 

To view all images with captions, click on the image above.


To view just the images as a slideshow, click on the image below.

 

 

The Australian Government announced on 11 March 2016 that up to eleven AP-3C Orions would be made available to Australian Heritage Organisations (AHO) with a projected delivery timeframe of September 2016 to July 2019. Subsequently, an additional aircraft, A9-756, was allocated to SAAM in lieu of the previously allocated A9-658. The original allocations are listed in the following table. Subsequently some of these aircraft were sold to overseas purchasers.

SERIAL
AVAILABLE TO AHOs
A9-752
DEC18
A9-753
DEC16
A9-757
MAY17
A9-759
JUN18
A9-760
JUN18
A9-656
JUL19
A9-658
DEC16
A9-661
JUL19
A9-662
JUL19
A9-664
JUL19
A9-665
JUL19

 

 

AP-3C ORION DISPOSAL
SERIAL
IN SVC
W/O
SCRAP
SOLD
MUSEUM
REMARKS
A9-751
          
Delivered to the RAAF Museum 16NOV17.
A9-752
           Handed over to the Evans Head MAHAM (at Lismore) on 16DEC18.
A9-753
          
Handed over to HARS on 03NOV17. To VH-ORI.
A9-754
          
Crashed 26APR91.
A9-755
          
Scrapped OCT14.
A9-756
          
Delivered to SAAM on 10DEC17.
A9-757
          
Handed over to the Darwin Aviation Museum on 23JUN18.
A9-758
          
Scrapped OCT14.
A9-759
          
Delivered to HARS at Parkes on 15FEB18.
A9-760
           Handed over to QAM on 11JUN18.
A9-656
           Dep Avalon on 23OCT18 as N656T on delivery to MHD-Rockland.
A9-657
           AP-3C(EW) ELINT operated last official flight on 05DEC23. Scrapped SEP24.
A9-658
          
Gate guard at RAAF Edinburgh.
A9-659
          
In storage at the AWM Storage Facility at Mitchell, ACT.
A9-660
          
AP-3C(EW) ELINT operated last official flight on 05DEC23. Scrapped SEP24.
A9-661
           Dep Edinburgh on 14DEC18 as N661MK on del to MHD-Rockland.
A9-662
           Dep Edinburgh on 14DEC18 as N662JD on del to MHD-Rockland.
A9-663
          
Scrapped OCT14. (Only surviving aircraft not converted to AP-3C)
A9-664
          
Dep Avalon on 16NOV18 as N664SD on del to MHD-Rockland.
A9-665
           Dep Edinburgh on 12DEC18 as N665BD on del to MHD-Rockland.
TOTAL
Nil
1
5
5
9
Total 20 aircraft.

 

It will be noted that out of a total of 19 Orions remaining at the end of their service,
the RAAF has preserved 9.
Congratulations to all who achieved this excellent result.

 

THE MHD-ROCKLAND ORIONS


RAAF SERIAL
US REGISTRATION
A9-656
N656T
A9-661
N661MK
A9-662
N662JD
A9-664
N664SD
A9-665
N665BD

 

What do the Registrations mean?

The owner of MHD-Rockland Inc is Bryan Dollimore. All the registrations feature the initials of his family members with the exception of N656T which is named after Todd, the Program Manager. The numeric component of the registrations is the former RAAF serial number to facilitate easy reference to aircraft records.

MHD-Rockland Update - 20OCT20

The following update on MHD Rockland Services is courtesy of Ralph Pettersen's website:

http://www.proplinerinfoexchange.com

"With the U.S. Navy’s retirement of the P-3C, VP-30 at NAS Jacksonville no longer provides P-3C aircrew training and MHD-Rockland has set up a facility to train military pilots from those countries still operating the P-3C. Much progress has been made during the past 18 months, with pilots from the German navy scheduled to arrive in early November to give their stamp of approval on the company’s P-3C aircraft. Three of the five former Australian navy P-3Cs have been painted in MHD-Rockland colors with N662JD, N665BD and N664SD parked adjacent to the company’s hangar. N662JD has been flown periodically since arriving from Australia while N664SD was recently flown and will likely be the first aircraft to go into service as a flight trainer. N665BD has undergone a major flight instrument upgrade with the installation of a state-of-the-art glass cockpit and will most likely not be used for flight training due to its non-standard configuration. In addition, work stations have been removed from N665BD and antennas along the bottom fuselage have been removed from all three aircraft. N656T and N661MK were parked a short distance from the hangar facility. The current plan is for these aircraft to be used for flight training but retain their antennas and equipment for the possibility of test and evaluation if the opportunity arises. For the time being they will not be painted in MHD colors and both appeared to be in good condition. As reported in February 2019, MHD still has plans to build a new hangar and install a flight simulator."

MHD-Rockland Update - 17MAR22

The following update on MHD Rockland Services is courtesy of Ralph Pettersen's website:

http://www.proplinerinfoexchange.com

"Since my last visit, N662JD and N665BD have been painted in very attractive MHD-Rockland Services colors. N664SD was flying the day of my visit and, along with N661MK and N664SD will be used for pilot training. N665BD has an upgraded non-standard cockpit and will not be used for training, nor will N656T. The current status of each aircraft is as follows."

N664SD Painted in partial MHD-Rockland Services colors and currently used for the training flights. Will be the next aircraft going to Crider Aircraft Painting in Mena, Arkansas to be painted.
N661MK Painted in basic RAAF colors. Major inspection almost complete and will be going to Crider for painting after N664SD is complete.
N662JD Painted in full MHD-Rockland Services colors and in the hangar undergoing an annual inspection.
N665BD Painted in full MHD-Rockland Services colors.
N656T Painted in basic RAAF colors and missing at least two props and one engine which are currently out for overhaul. This aircraft will be last to be repainted.

 

MHD-Rockland Update - 27APR26

The following update on MHD Rockland Services is courtesy of Ralph Pettersen's website:

http://www.proplinerinfoexchange.com

N664SD has been used on a contract to train P-3 crew for the German Air Force but this work is coming to an end as the German Air Force is replacing its Orions with P-8s in 2025. Three of the RAAF AP-3C will be converted to firebombers at MHD-Rockland's facility at Keystone Heights, Florida. The conversions will utilise some components from the former Aero Union P-3A tankers N925AU and N927AU which are to be parted out.

N656T Still in basic RAAF colors. Has not flown since arrival at Keystone Heights. Will be converted to a firebomber.
N661MK Will be converted to a firebomber. Already painted in an amended MHD-Rockland firebomber livery.
N662JD Painted in full MHD-Rockland Services colors and has seen periodic activity since arriving at Keystone Heights.
N664SD Used on a contract for training German Air Force P-3 crews.
N665BD Will be converted to a firebomber. This aircraft has a glass cockpit.

See the Album for photos.

 

 

NOTES P-3C
1
 The P-3C MSNs have been confirmed by RAAF sources.
RAAF document AAP 7215.001-2-1 dated 1983 confirms the MSN, BU NO and Block Numbers assigned to A9-751 to A9-760 (incl) in the above table.
2
 On 02MAY19, 10SQN was transferred from 92WG to 42WG. The two remaining AP-3C(EW) will remain based at RAAF Edinburgh, SA.
3
 A9-656 to A9-665 were also known in RAAF service as the P-3W to differentitate between aircraft built in 1978/9 (A9-751 to A9-760) and those built in 1984/5 (A9-656 to A9-665). Lockheed referred to these aircraft as "original delivery" and "follow-on" respectively.
4
 All surviving P-3C, with the exception of A9-663, underwent a modernisation programme after which they were redesignated as AP-3C [A=Australia]. The first AP-3C entered service in July 2002 and the final conversion was completed in December 2004. A9-754 had crashed in 1991 and A9-663 was used as a trials aircraft so only 18 aircraft were converted to AP-3C.
5
 It was announced on 15MAR05 (ADF Press Release 043/2005) that "The full fleet of 18 upgraded AP-3C Orions have been successfully delivered." Australian National Audit Office Report No. 10 (2005-2006) states that "One of the 19 aircraft is used for development purposes and was not included in the Upgrade Project." This same report also states that the first AP-3C was accepted into service in July 2002 and the final (18th) aircraft was accepted in December 2004. It subsequently emerged that the unconverted development aircraft is A9-663.
6
 There have been reports that one or two AP-3Cs have an ELINT capability. A report in Flight International of 04OCT05 refers to "18 maritime surveillance and one electronic intelligence-gathering aircraft". It is now believed that two aircraft were converted and that these are A9-657 and A9-660. It is probably no coincidence that all of the Orions now carry miniscule serial numbers adjacent to the rear crew door.
7
 A U.S. Navy structural repair manual dated 29 August 1977 states that the first 10 P-3C for the RAAF were to have been given the serials A9-001 to A9-010. This numbering system was evidently abandoned as the aircraft were delivered bearing serials derived from the last three digits of the Bu No. MSNs and Bu Nos listed in this manual correspond with the above table in respect of the first seven aircraft A9-751 to A9-757 but the subsequent three aircraft, A9-758 to A9-760, differ. Given that these three aircraft were delivered more than one year after the publication of the manual, there had evidently been changes on the production line.
8
 Air Force News of 31JUL14 reported that A9-751 returned to Australia on 16JUN14 after being repainted by Air New Zealand in Christchurch under a contract let to Boeing Defence Australia on 17MAY12. All 13 Orions were repainted with A9-751 being the last. (From this it can be inferred that 6 Orions had been withdrawn from service prior to the repaint). It was reported that the Orions would not need to be painted again before their replacement by the Boeing P-8 Poseidon. See The Final Repaint

 

* A Note on P-3C Block Numbers

Block Numbers were generally issued only to aircraft built specifically for the United States Navy. However, it is common for aircraft of foreign customers to assume the Block Number of USN aircraft which were on the assembly line at the same time. Lockheed and the USN discontinued the use of Block Numbers after 200 because they were not sufficiently specific to represent configuration accurately enough for maintenance, so the USN went to more precise configuration listings of specific aircraft and mods. Nevertheless, Block Numbers higher than 200 were used by several customers, including the RAAF, and indeed there is photographic proof of their use on USN aircraft. It is believed that these Block Numbers were contrived locally for continuity purposes.

 

SOURCES
1
 Office of Air Force History
2
 www.aviationwa.org.au
3
 Air Force News 31JUL14
4
 http://www.adf-serials.com.au/3a9.htm
5
 NAA, RAAF Unit History sheets (Form A50) [Operations Record Book - Forms A50 and A51] Number 10 Squadron Jan 77 - Jul 87, Series number A9186.
6
 Air Force News 04OCT18.
7
 Australian War Memorial Media
8
 http://warnesysworld.com/us-companies-plan-military-orion-aircrew-training-ex-raaf-ap-3cs/
9
 Ian Pearson, Cold War Warriors, Big Sky Publishing, 2021

 



Issue Date Remarks
79 25FEB26
The fuselage of A9-752 was trucked from Lismore to Evans Head on 11FEB26.
78 07MAY25
Added an update on the MHD-Rockland Orions thanks to Ralph Pettersen.
77 01MAY25
The two remaining AP-3C(EW) A9-657 and A9-660 departed Edinburgh on low loaders on 17-18SEP24, presumably for scrapping, but the order is unknown. Thanks to Nigel Daw of South Australian Air Journal.
76 21JAN24
Added further details of the last flights by A9-657 and A9-660 on 05DEC23. Thanks to Nigel Daw of South Australian Air Journal.
75 09DEC23
A9-657 and A9-660 operated their last RAAF flights on 05DEC23.
74 29DEC22
73 17APR22
A9-752 has been moved back to the tarmac at Lismore.
72 08APR22
Updated the history of VH-ORI (A9-753).
71 26MAR22
Added an update on the MHD-Rockland Orions thanks to Ralph Pettersen.
Added details of flood damage to A9-752.
70 07NOV21
Added details of a USN Orion which also shed its wing leading edges during a flyby at Cocos Island. Refer A9-754.
69 28OCT21
Added further details of the accident to A9-754 from Source 9. Thanks to Ian Pearson.
68 07NOV20
Added a recent update on MHD-Rockland and an image of N664SD with red tail and MHD Rockland markings. Thanks to Ralph Pettersen.
67 06NOV20
A9-658 was towed into position as a gate guard at RAAF Edinburgh on the weekend of 31OCT/01NOV20.
66 23FEB20
N662JD and N665BD have been photographed with red tail and MHD Rockland markings.
65 31JAN20
Added the date of arrival at Keystone Airpark for A9-661, 662 & 665 from Source: 8.
A9-660 was noted in May 2019 wearing 292SQN markings.
64 05OCT19
A9-659 has been delivered to the AWM Storage Facility at Mitchell, ACT.
63 12SEP19
The right wing of A9-756 was delivered to SAAM on this date.
62 25JUN19
On 02MAY19, 10SQN was transferred from 92WG to 42WG.
61 18APR19
Added an explanation of the registrations of the MHD-Rockland aircraft. This was sourced from MHD-Rockland staff by Ralph Pettersen.
60 17APR19
Updated the delivery route of A9-661, 662 and 665 thanks to Ralph Pettersen.
59 10MAR19
Added details of the first flight of A9-753 as VH-ORI. Thanks to William Plucka Plemenuk.
58 07MAR19
A9-753 flew for the first time as VH-ORI on 06MAR19.
57 15DEC18
Added callsigns for some of the MHD-Rockland delivery flights.
56 15DEC18
A9-662 departed on delivery to MHD-Rockland as N662JD on 14DEC18.
55 14DEC18
A9-661 departed on delivery to MHD-Rockland as N661MK on 14DEC18.
A9-662 registered N662JD to MHD-Rockland on 11DEC18.
54 12DEC18
A9-665 departed on delivery to MHD-Rockland as N665BD on 12DEC18.
53 11DEC18
Links to Orion images have been removed from this page. For images please visit the Orion Gallery.
52 11DEC18
A9-661 and A9-662 were flown with all markings removed.
51 06DEC18
A9-665 made its last operational flight on 03DEC18.
50 01DEC18
Added details of the aircraft that participated in a farewell flypast formation on 30NOV18. The three aircraft were A9-752, A9-661 and A9-662. Unfortunately the fourth aircraft, A9-665, went u/s.
49 27NOV18
Added a delivery date for A9-657. Thanks to Peter Scovell and Nigel Daw.
48 16NOV18
A9-664 was registered N664SD to MHD-Rockland on 14NOV18. It departed for the US on 16NOV18.
47 09NOV18
A9-664 is expected to become N664SD on sale to MHD-Rockland.
46 23OCT18
Added the departure of N656T for the US.
45 09OCT18
The former A9-656 was registered N656T on 05OCT18.
44 04OCT18
Updated the planned retirement dates of A9-657 and A9-660 from Source: 6.
43 10SEP18
A9-656 has been withdrawn from service.
42 07AUG18
Added an image of A9-759 and three images of A9-665 thanks to Maurice Ritchie.
41 27JUN18
A9-757 was handed over to the Darwin Aviation Museum on 23JUN18.
40 15JUN18
A9-757 is due to be handed over to the Darwin Aviation Museum on 23JUN18.
39 13JUN18
A9-760 was officially handed over to QAM on 11JUN18.
38 08JUN18
Added three images of A9-755 thanks to Maurice Ritchie.
37 05JUN18
Added an image of A9-754 thanks to Maurice Ritchie.
36 08MAY18
Updated the dates of delivery to Edinburgh of the first batch of ten P-3C for 10SQN from Source 5.
35 18APR18
A9-760 was flown to Sunshine Coast Airport, Qld for storage pending disposal on 18APR18.
34 14APR18
Added an image of A9-760, A9-660 and A9-662 thanks to Daniel Tanner.
33 12APR18
Added an image of A9-656 thanks to Peter Ede.
32 18MAR18
Added images of A9-755, 661 and 663.
31 17MAR18
Added 17 images thanks to Nigel Daw. Aircraft are:
A9-752, 757, 758 and 760.
30 09MAR18
Added images of A9-665 and A9-758 thanks to Geoff Goodall.
29 28FEB18
Added the last flight of A9-658.
28 20FEB18
A9-757 is parked in Darwin.
27 19FEB18
A9-759 was delivered to HARS in Parkes on 15FEB18.
26 07FEB18
Revised presentation of Status Table.
25 08JAN18
Added 9 images of A9-756 thanks to Nigel Daw and Mike Milln.
24 27DEC17
The planned registration for A9-753 is VH-ORI.
23 16DEC17
Added 6 images of A9-751 thanks to Nigel Daw.
22 11DEC17
A9-756 was delivered by road to SAAM on 10DEC17.
21 10DEC17
A9-751 was delivered to the RAAF Museum on 16NOV17.
20 07DEC17
A9-756 is due to be delivered by road to SAAM on 10DEC17.
19 03NOV17
A9-753 was officially handed over to HARS on this date.
18 19OCT17
A9-753 will be officially handed over to HARS on 03NOV17.
17 17FEB17
A9-756 has been allocated to SAAM in lieu of A9-658 for delivery in AUG17.
A9-753 has been stored at Albion Park pending disposal.
16 24AUG16
A9-658 has been allocated to SAAM for delivery DEC18.
15 17MAR16
Updated Status Table with news that 11 aircraft are to be made available to AHOs.
14 31OCT15
A9-756 is reported as having been withdrawn from service.
13 10SEP15
Added a series of images of A9-754 being salvaged at Cocos Islands. Thanks to Leigh Byrnes.
Added an image of A9-759.
12 09SEP15
Added an image of A9-754 thanks to Richard Vandervord.
Added an image of A9-664 thanks to Phil Vabre.
Added an image of A9-753 thanks to Phil Vabre.
11 07SEP15
Completely reformatted table. Nil change to data.
10 08DEC14
Updated details of scrapping of A9-663 and A9-758 thanks to ADF Serials.
9 08NOV14
A9-663 was broken up at Edinburgh on 20OCT14.
8 04OCT14
Added an update on AP-3C status at Edinburgh on this date. Thanks to Nigel Daw of WBAG. Also added a table showing Orion service status.
7 30AUG13
The previous update stating that A9-755 was withdrawn from service in AUG12 is obviously incorrect as this aircraft appeared at the Avalon Air Show in FEB13.
6 16AUG12
It is reported that A9-755 has been withdrawn from service, the first AP-3C to be retired. See Update 7.
5 18JUN08
Added a link to a website describing the memorial to Flying Officer Thomas Henniker who died in the crash of A9-754.
4 06JUN08
It is understood that the unconverted development aircraft is A9-661. The matter of ELINT capabilities has been further clarified.
3 07JAN06
Attempted to further clarify the complicated matter of Block Numbers.
2 10NOV05
Refer to Note 7 above. The document referred to was supplied by Marco Borst of the Orion Research Group. Thanks Marco.
1 11OCT05
Previously, all Orions were presented on the one page. Effective from this date, there are separate pages for each type, P-3B, TAP-3B and P-3C. If required, the previous summary of updates can be viewed here.



Return to the Orion Menu

Return to the Lockheed File