GOVERNMENT AIRCRAFT FACTORIES
GAF Jindivik A92-492
The Jindivik was a sub-sonic gas turbine powered target Unmanned Aeronautical Vehicle (UAV) produced by the Government Aircraft Factory (GAF) as part of a bilateral agreement between Australia and Britain in respect to guided missile testing.
As a result of the talks, Australia was awarded the contract for a target UAV to the Ministry of Supply specification that was for the development of a UAV that was capable of a 15 minute sortie at 40,00 ft (12,200m). Britain was to provide the missiles under test and Australia was to provide the facilities at the Woomera Rocket Range. Development began in 1948 with the first flight of the manned prototype "Pika", that was for testing airframe engine and control systems in 1950, followed by the first flight of the UAV "Jindivik Mk1" in August 1952 powered by an expendable Armstrong Siddeley Adder turbojet engine. Later Mk 2 machines were powered by a short life version of the Armstrong Siddeley Viper turbojet engine. Control of the vehicle was maintained through an auto flight system receiving commands from a ground station rather than being directed by ground controllers.
The "Jindivik" was launched from a self steering trolley, and landings were performed by two ground controllers, one for runway alignment and the other for glide path elevation, down to a touch down on a single skid.
Between 1952 and 1986, 502 "Jindiviks" were built for use by the RAF, RAAF and RAN, and bore the RAAF serial A92. A small number were exported to the USA and Sweden.
Originally designed as an expendable item, the "Jindivik" proved to have a reliability that allowed it to fly many times without being destroyed. It had excellent speed and high altitude performance as well as being capable of low level over water operation.
The Museum's "Jindivik" A92-492 is currently on display at Benalla Aviation Museum.
TECHNICAL DATA
Power plant : 1 x 640 lbst Armstrong Siddeley Viper turbojet engine
Length : 26'09'' (8.15m) Wingspan : 20'09'' (6.32m) Height : 6'10'' (2.08m)
Weights : empty - 2,900lbs (1,315kg) maximum - 3,650lbs (1,656kg)
Speeds : maximum - 490kt (546mph) (908km/hr)
Range : 771 miles (1,240km)
As a result of the talks, Australia was awarded the contract for a target UAV to the Ministry of Supply specification that was for the development of a UAV that was capable of a 15 minute sortie at 40,00 ft (12,200m). Britain was to provide the missiles under test and Australia was to provide the facilities at the Woomera Rocket Range. Development began in 1948 with the first flight of the manned prototype "Pika", that was for testing airframe engine and control systems in 1950, followed by the first flight of the UAV "Jindivik Mk1" in August 1952 powered by an expendable Armstrong Siddeley Adder turbojet engine. Later Mk 2 machines were powered by a short life version of the Armstrong Siddeley Viper turbojet engine. Control of the vehicle was maintained through an auto flight system receiving commands from a ground station rather than being directed by ground controllers.
The "Jindivik" was launched from a self steering trolley, and landings were performed by two ground controllers, one for runway alignment and the other for glide path elevation, down to a touch down on a single skid.
Between 1952 and 1986, 502 "Jindiviks" were built for use by the RAF, RAAF and RAN, and bore the RAAF serial A92. A small number were exported to the USA and Sweden.
Originally designed as an expendable item, the "Jindivik" proved to have a reliability that allowed it to fly many times without being destroyed. It had excellent speed and high altitude performance as well as being capable of low level over water operation.
The Museum's "Jindivik" A92-492 is currently on display at Benalla Aviation Museum.
TECHNICAL DATA
Power plant : 1 x 640 lbst Armstrong Siddeley Viper turbojet engine
Length : 26'09'' (8.15m) Wingspan : 20'09'' (6.32m) Height : 6'10'' (2.08m)
Weights : empty - 2,900lbs (1,315kg) maximum - 3,650lbs (1,656kg)
Speeds : maximum - 490kt (546mph) (908km/hr)
Range : 771 miles (1,240km)