ADF Aircraft Serial Numbers
Army A1 Bell 47G Sioux

ADF.SerialAircraft.TypeConst No.Aircraft History
A1-394B47G-3B-13394Delivered 05/07/65. Began service with 16 Army Light Aircraft Sqn (16ALA) at RAAF Base Amberley on 02 Aug 65. The first of two Bell 47’s to be deployed to Vietnam with 161 Recce Flt in Sep 65 aboard HMAS Sydney. Arrived Vietnam 28 Sep 65. First tour in Vietnam from Sep 65 until Apr 67. On 04 May 66 aircraft hit by ground fire - no significant damage sustained. 26 May 66 aircraft hit by ground fire whilst aircraft was running down at an LZ on 5 RAR’s AO. Aircraft flown to Vung Tau for repair. 06 Oct 66 pilot (2Lt Bob Askew) made a forced landing after experiencing rough running and severe engine vibrations. Aircraft was landed on a narrow road without sustaining any further damage. Aircraft was recovered to Vung Tau for repairs. Second tour of Vietnam from Aug 67 until Oct 68. Written off after colliding with A1-399 at Tocumwal in NSW on 14 Nov 69.
A1-395B47G-3B-13395Delivered 02/08/65. Began service with 16 Army Light Aircraft Sqn (16ALA) at RAAF Base Amberley on 27 Aug 65. The second of two Bell 47’s to be deployed to Vietnam with 161 Recce Flt in Sep 65 aboard HMAS Sydney. Arrived Vietnam 28 Sep 65. On 02 Apr 66 aircraft was hit by ground fire whilst on recce mission. Pilot (Capt Bevan Smith) was wounded in left hand and made a forced landing at nearby ARVN outpost. No significant damaged cause to the aircraft and no injuries sustained by passenger. On 10 Oct 66, whilst in support of 5 RAR on Operation CANBERRA this aircraft was shot down and destroyed. The pilot (2Lt Bill Davies) was seriously injured when hit by enemy fire and his passenger was injured in the subsequent crash landing. The wreckage was recovered back to Vung Tau.
A1-396B47G-3B-13396Delivered 27/08/65. Began service with 16 Army Light Aircraft Sqn (16ALA) at RAAF Base Amberley on 27 Aug 65. On 16 Apr 66 this aircraft along with A1-399 were sent to Terendak in Malaysia for operations with 182 Recce Flt. Deployed to Vietnam with 161 (Indep) Recce Flt from Jun 67 until Dec 67 and again from Oct 68 until Jun 69. Prior to returning to Vietnam in Oct 68 this aircraft was at 16 Avn Sqn (Recce) at RAAF Base Amberley. Storage Sep 75. Given to Indonesian Airforce in 1978 as H4712.
  • Images of A1-396.
  • A1-397B47G-3B-13397Delivered 13/08/65. Began service with 16 Army Light Aircraft Sqn (16ALA) at RAAF Base Amberley on 13 Aug 65. Deployed to Vietnam with 161 (Indep) Recce Flt from Jan 67 until Oct 67 and again from Jan 68 until Sep 68. Long Term Storage Dec 73. Sent to RSTT Wagga as a Training Aid in Feb 75. Post 1991, this aircraft was given to the Naval Aviation Museum at Nowra for static display. In the late 90's this aircraft was ‘acquired’ and moved to a hangar at Bankstown where it is currently being restored to flying status. Completion date unknown.
  • Images of A1-397.
  • A1-398B47G-3B-13398Delivered 27/08/65. Began service with 16 Army Light Aircraft Sqn (16ALA) at RAAF Base Amberley on 27 Aug 65. Deployed to Vietnam with 161 (Indep) Recce Flt from Dec 67 until Feb 68. Long Term Storage Dec 73. Sent to RSTT Wagga as a Training Aid in Feb 75.
    A1-399B47G-3B-13399Delivered 23/09/65. Began service with 16 Army Light Aircraft Sqn (16ALA) at RAAF Base Amberley on 23 Sep 65. On 16 Apr 66 this aircraft along with A1-396 were sent to Terendak in Malaysia for operations with 182 Recce Flt. Deployed to Vietnam with 161 (Indep) Recce Flt from Feb 68 until Nov 68. Incident - Collided with A1-394 on 14 Nov 69 at Tocumwal. Long Term Storage Dec 73. Sold 14/06/84 registered as VH-HMX. Crashed 10/06/86.
  • Images of A1-399.
  • A1-400B47G-3B-13400Delivered 27/08/65. Began service with 16 Army Light Aircraft Sqn (16ALA) at RAAF Base Amberley on 27 Aug 65. Deployed to Vietnam with 161 (Indep) Recce Flt from Jun 66 until Nov 67. On 18 Jul 66 had a complete engine failure and forced landing. Aircraft was recovered to Vung Tau by CH-47 Chinook. On 22 Nov 67 was brought down by an explosion near Dat Do. The aircraft was extensively damaged by an ensuing fire. Pilot (Roger Colclough) and his passenger (Stephen Moore) survived the landing with minor injuries. The aircraft was recovered back to Nui Dat where it was written off.
    A1-401B47G-3B-13401Delivered 27/08/65. Began service with 16 Army Light Aircraft Sqn (16ALA) at RAAF Base Amberley on 27 Aug 65. Deployed to Vietnam with 161 (Indep) Recce Flt from Nov 66 until Nov 67. On 20 Nov 67 was shot down in Thua Tich area. Pilot (Paddy O’Brien) was trapped in aircraft, he was assisted by his observed (Brian Quee) and both were rescued by 9 Sqn UH-1. No major injuries were sustained. Because of location and accessibility to enemy forces the aircraft was destroyed by an airstrike in situ.
    A1-402B47G-3B-13402Delivered 23/09/65. Began service with 16 Army Light Aircraft Sqn (16ALA) at RAAF Base Amberley on 23 Sep 65. Deployed to Vietnam with 161 (Indep) Recce Flt from Nov 66 until Nov 67 and from 06/68. Sent to RSTT Wagga as a Training Aid in Feb 75. Damaged 29 Jul 77? Late 1991 this aircraft was moved to the RAAF Museum at Point Cook, Vic. This aircraft was subsequently ‘acquired’ (on loan) by Air World at Wangaratta, Vic, for static display. Noted on the back of a truck at Bunn's between Albury and Howlong NSW on 22/12/02.
  • Images of A1-402.
  • A1-403B47G-3B-13403Delivered 17/09/65. Began service with 16 Army Light Aircraft Sqn (16ALA) at RAAF Base Amberley on 17 Sep 65. Deployed to Vietnam with 161 (Indep) Recce Flt from Apr 67 until Jun 67. Aircraft arrived in Vietnam on 20 Apr aboard HMAS Sydney along with A1-407. On 02 Jun 67 aircraft suffered engine failure. Pilot (Ross Hutchinson) and his passenger sustained injuries. The aircraft was subsequently written off.
    A1-404B47G-3B-13404Delivered 03/11/65. Served with 161 Recce Flight Vietnam, 07/06/66 - 30/04/67 & 11/67 - 09/68. On 21/02/67, The then Army Captain J Campbell earned a DFC in Vietnam in this aircraft after landing in a minefield several times to rescue injured soldiers. Major Campbell was on the crew for its last flight. Storage 12/73, to Australian War Memorial 13/06/79. On display in the AWM's Post '45 Conflicts exhibit.
    A1-405B47G-3B-13405Delivered 03/11/65. Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser was taken for a ride in 405 in 1966. Served with 161 Recce Flight Vietnam, 02/68 - 09/68. In Sumatra 1971. Storage 12/73. Training Aid Wagga NSW. RAAF Museum, Point Cook VIC. Noted on the back of a truck at Bunn's between Albury and Howlong NSW on 22/12/02. Under restoration by Andrew Ronald in Albury NSW.
  • Images of A1-405.
  • A1-406B47G-3B-13406Delivered 03/11/65. Storage 12/73. Training Aid Wagga NSW 29/07/77, Museum of Army Aviation, Oakey QLD.
  • Images of A1-406.
  • A1-407B47G-3B-13407Delivered 03/11/65. Served with 161 Recce Flight Vietnam, 04/67 - 02/68. 182 Recce Sqn at Singapore 06/69- 03/70. Storage 12/73, Training Aid Wagga NSW 29/07/77, Museum of Army Aviation, Oakey QLD. Now on Display Bandiana Army Museum.
  • Images of A1-407.
  • A1-408B47G-3B-13408Delivered 07/02/66. Served with 161 Recce Flight Vietnam, 06/66 - 09/67 & 12/67 - 09/67. Storage 12/73, Sold 18/06/84 as VH-KSO. Still Flying 07/99.
  • Images of A1-408.
  • A1-409B47G-3B-13409Delivered 05/11/65. Served with 161 Recce Flight Vietnam, 06/66 - 09/67. Destroyed 26/05/67, Xuyen Moc. South Vietnam. When tail rotor was shot and destroyed, aircraft was force landed. Aircraft later destroyed in rocket attack by US aircraft. Pilot: Blair Weaver ok.
    A1-410B47G-3B-13410Delivered 05/11/65. Storage 06/75, RAAF Museum, Camden Museum.
  • Images of A1-410.
  • A1-560B47G-22560Delivered 24/10/60. Crashed 06/62.
    A1-561B47G-22561Delivered 24/10/60. Crashed 27/08/62. Undershot a landing pad near Mt Stradbroke, QLD, crashed then caught fire after sliding down the hill. OFFCDT Marshall died on 05/10/62. Crew; SDNLDR H. McLoughlin & OFFCDT A. Marshall.
    A1-562B47G-22562Delivered 24/10/60. Crashed 21/01/65
    A1-563B47G-22563Delivered 04/12/60. Crashed 20/05/68, near Ipswich QLD.
    A1-564B47G-22564Delivered 12/12/60. Sold 7/77 as VH-RFE. Still Flying 07/99.
    A1-565B47G-22565Delivered 12/12/60. Sold 7/77 as VH-PSL. Crashed 18/06/79.
    A1-566B47G-22566Delivered 12/12/60. Sold 7/77 as VH-RFY. Still Flying 07/99.
    A1-567B47G-22567Delivered 11/01/61. Sold 7/77 as VH-RGX. Destroyed by fire on 02/03/78.
    A1-568B47G-22568Delivered 07/01/61. Crashed 26/06/66, Training Aid Wagga NSW 29/03/68. Museum of Army Aviation, Oakey QLD.
  • Images of A1-568.
  • A1-569B47G-22569Delivered 07/01/61. Crashed 01/11/61, Training Aid Wagga NSW 06/05/63, RSTT 6/75.
    A1-570B47G-22570Delivered 07/01/61. Damaged 27/05/70, Sold 72 as VH-PDT and later exported to NZ as ZK-HJD.
    A1-635B47G-3B-16635Delivered 05/01/68. Served with 161 Recce Flight Vietnam, 11/68 - 04/69 & 09/69 - 23/03/70. Destroyed 23/03/70, Nui Dat. South Vietnam. Pilot Bob Hills.
  • Images of A1-635.
  • A1-636B47G-3B-16636Delivered 11/09/67. Crashed 12/02/70, PNG.
    A1-637B47G-3B-16637Delivered 11/09/67. Served with 161 Recce Flight Vietnam, 06/70 - 09/11/70. Damaged 03/05/70, took hits on tail rotor and was forced to return to base. Destroyed 09/11/70, Phuoc Tuy South Vietnam - burst into flames on the ground, crew escaped ok. Pilot: Terry Hayes.
    A1-638B47G-3B-16638Delivered 11/09/67. Served with 161 Recce Flight Vietnam, 12/68 - 06/69 & 07/70 - 01/71. Storage 11/74, to Indonesia '78 as H4711.
    A1-639B47G-3B-16639Delivered 11/09/67. Served with 161 Recce Flight Vietnam, 12/68 - 18/02/69. Crashed 18/02/69, South Vietnam. Pilot: Ted Brooker.
    A1-640B47G-3B-16640Delivered 11/09/67. Served with 161 Recce Flight Vietnam, 03/69 - 08/69. Into Storage 4/75. To Naval Aviation Museum. On Loan from the Museum, At Holsworthy in 1986 for the 21st Anniversary of the formation and deployment of 161 Recce Flt to Vietnam (See Photo). On Display at the Naval Air Museum - Now Australia's Museum of Flight, Nowra NSW.
  • Images of A1-640.
  • A1-641B47G-3B-16641Delivered 11/09/67. Served with 161 Recce Flight Vietnam, 07/70 - 03/71. Crashed 28/09/71, Lanefield QLD.
  • Images of A1-641.
  • A1-642B47G-3B-16642Delivered 11/09/67. Storage 12/74, Sold 01/03/84 as VH-KSL. Crashed 10/07/88.
    A1-643B47G-3B-16643Delivered 16/10/67. Crashed 09/12/67, Singleton NSW.
    A1-644B47G-3B-16644Delivered 11/09/67. Served with 161 Recce Flight Vietnam, 04/69 - 09/69. Crashed 29/03/71, Tinaroo QLD.
    A1-645B47G-3B-16645Delivered 25/09/67. Served with 161 Recce Flight Vietnam, 11/68 - 05/69. Storage 10/74, to Indonesia as H4710.
    A1-646B47G-3B-16646Delivered 25/09/67. Served with 161 Recce Flight Vietnam, 04/69 - 09/69. Storage 06/75, to Indonesia as H4709.
    A1-647B47G-3B-16647Delivered 25/09/67. Crashed 19/06/72, Cleveland Bay QLD.
  • Images of A1-647.
  • A1-648B47G-3B-16648Delivered 05/01/68. Written Off 05/72, Oakey QLD.
    A1-660B47G-2A2660Delivered 01/62. Sold 26/06/86 as VH-ORC. Still Flying 07/99.
    A1-672B47G-2A2672Delivered 09/02/62. Sold
    A1-673B47G-3B-16673Delivered 29/04/68. Served with 161 Recce Flight Vietnam, 11/68 - 06/69. Storage 08/75, Sold 29/03/85 as VH-HMI. Still Flying 07/99.
  • Images of A1-673.
  • A1-720B47G-3B-16672Delivered 28/04/68. Served with 161 Recce Flight Vietnam, 11/68 - 07/69. Storage 08/75, Museum of Army Aviation, Oakey QLD for flying display.
  • Images of A1-720.
  • A1-721B47G-2A2721Delivered 12/10/62. First A1-721, Crashed 16/12/62 New Guinea.
  • Images of A1-721.
  • A1-721B47G-3B-17401Delivered 22/11/68. Second A1-721. Served with 161 Recce Flight Vietnam, 05/71 - 08/71. Storage 08/75, to Indonesia as H4708.
    A1-722B47G-3B-17402Delivered 22/11/68. Served with 161 Recce Flight Vietnam, 08/69 - 03/70 & 09/70 - 05/71. Crashed 29/11/73, Mt Wilhelm PNG.
    A1-723B47G-3B-17403Delivered 22/11/68. Crashed 16/03/70, Singleton NSW.
    A1-724B47G-3B-17404Delivered 22/11/68. Damaged 09/73, Amberly QLD. Sold 01/03/84 as VH-KSM. Still Flying 07/99.
    A1-725B47G-3B-17405Delivered 22/11/68. Crashed 06/73, Cooktown QLD.
    A1-726B47G-3B-17406Delivered 22/11/68. Storage 04/75, to Indonesia '78 as H4707.
    A1-727B47G-3B-17407Delivered 04/12/68. Served with 161 Recce Flight Vietnam, 04/70 - 07/70 & 11/70 - 08/71. Storage 04/75.
    A1-728B47G-3B-17408Delivered 04/12/68. Served with 161 Recce Flight Vietnam, 04/70 - 08/70 & 03/71 - 08/71. Storage 06/75, to Indonesia '78 as H4706.
    A1-729B47G-3B-17409Delivered 04/12/68. Served with 161 Recce Flight Vietnam, 04/69 - 02/70 & 08/70 - 04/71. Storage 04/75, to Indonesia '78 as H4705.
    A1-730B47G-3B-17410Delivered 05/12/68. Storage 11/74, to Indonesia '78 as H4704.
    A1-731B47G-3B-17411Delivered 04/12/68. Served with 161 Recce Flight Vietnam, 06/69 - 03/70 . Crashed 05/03/73, West Malaysia.
    A1-732B47G-3B-17412Delivered 04/12/68. Served with 161 Recce Flight Vietnam, 07/69 - 04/70 & 10/70 - 07/71. Crashed 10/73, PNG. Brisbane TAFE for restoration. Museum of Army Aviation, Oakey QLD.
  • Images of A1-732.
  • A1-733B47G-3B-17413Delivered 05/12/68. Storage 08/75, to Indonesia '78 as H4703.
  • Images of A1-733.
  • A1-734B47G-3B-17414Delivered 05/12/68. Served with 161 Recce Flight Vietnam, 04/70 - 10/70 & 05/71 - 08/71. Crashed 24/08/72, Ioma PNG.
    A1-735B47G-3B-17415Delivered 21/01/69. Written Off 09/69.
    A1-736B47G-3B-17416Delivered 21/01/69. Served with 161 Recce Flight Vietnam, 04/69 - 02/70. Storage 09/75, to Indonesia '78 as H4702.
    A1-737B47G-3B-17417Delivered 21/01/69. Served with 161 Recce Flight Vietnam, 06/69 - 04/70. Storage 08/75, to Indonesia '78 as H4701.
    A1-738B47G-3B-17418Delivered 11/04/69. Last Sioux delivered to the ADF. It was actually a gift aircraft from Bell that was sold to the ADF for a nominal $1. The catch was that it could not be resold. Served with 161 Recce Flight Vietnam, 08/69 - 04/70 & 01/71 - 13/09/71. MAAF 12/75, Indonesia Demo 06/76, Queensland Air Museum on loan from Museum of Army Aviation.

    The Author of this page is Len Avery.

    Source: Australian Aviation Magazine, CASA Aircraft Register, The Book: Target Charlie, 161 Recce Flight Website, Len Avery.

    Emails: Dean Norman, Daniel Leahy, Len Avery, Jack Ellis, Greg Hyde, Daniel Leahy, Evan Sawyer, Graham 'Ned' Kelly, Lee Gordon-Brown.

    Main Photograph: Graham Kelly



    "The ADF-Serials team give permission to use the content of this page, excluding images, providing that it contains an acknowledgement to the adf-serials team and any other listed sources."

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    Updated 11th September 2007.