Avalon+Airport

Avalon Airport was opened in 1953, to cater for the production of military aircraft. Previously the Government Aircraft Factories located at Fisherman’s Bend, Melbourne had used a runway beside their factory. However, newer jet aircraft required a longer runway length for safe operations, and the Fisherman's Bend runway was being encroached upon by development. Land near Lara was purchased by the Commonwealth Government for a new facility. The site of the airport was originally part of the Avalon homestead and sheep station. Part of the Avalon homestead and sheep station near Lara was purchased and the Avalon Airport was opened there in 1953 to cater for military aircraft. A 10,000 ft. (3,048 m) runway was built by Country Roads Board, with the first plane landing on 3 April 1953 - a four-engine Avro Lincoln heavy bomber flown from Fisherman's Bend. The Canberra light bomber was under construction at same time at the new airport. In 1959, Qantas established a training base at the site. By the time of the reorganization, preparations for production of the next type to emerge from the GAF were well underway. This was a version of the Avro Lincoln bomber. The Lincoln B.30 had an extended nose to accommodate two additional crew members and search radar and was used in the bombing and maritime reconnaissance roles. The initial five aircraft were largely assembled from Avro-built components and the first flew on 17 March 1946. A further 68 machines were completely built by the GAF. From 1953, the GAF built 48 English Electric Canberra twin-jet tactical bombers under license. These aircraft were of the uprated B.20 type with extra range capability. Many served in the RAAFs contribution of forces in the war in Vietnam and some were later converted to T.21 operational training standard.