SAAM Collections & Displays

Aircraft

The South Australian Aviation Museum has more than 25 aircraft on public display, with more undergoing restoration and another three preserved for future restoration projects. Pictured here is the Museum's McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A Hornet (RAAF A21-32), which served with the Royal Australian Air Force's Aircraft Research and Development Unit (ARDU).

Aircraft Parts

The South Australian Aviation Museum has an extensive collection of aircraft parts, with some dating back more than 100 years. Many historically significant items are displayed throughout the Museum, while others are carefully preserved for future exhibitions. Pictured here is an original Second World War Mitsubishi Zero gun sight, featured in our World War II in the Pacific display.

Andy Thomas Collection

Dr Andy Thomas is one of Australia's most accomplished astronauts. After studying at the University of Adelaide and working with Lockheed in the United States, he joined NASA and completed four space missions. He later served as Deputy Chief of the Astronaut Office in Houston and received numerous honours, including being appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO). Visitors can explore the Andy Thomas Collection in Hangar 1.

ARDU Collection

The South Australian Aviation Museum is home to one of Australia's largest collections of former Royal Australian Air Force Aircraft Research and Development Unit (ARDU) aircraft. Our collection includes six aircraft that played important roles in flight testing and evaluation, all of which are on display throughout our hangars.

Badger Family Collection

The Badger Family Collection showcases the iconic Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vc EE853 (RAAF A58-146, code UP-O) as its centrepiece. The display also features a wide range of aviation artefacts and memorabilia, celebrating Australia's rich aviation heritage. Visitors can explore the Badger Family Collection in Hangar 1.

Badges, Medals and Insignia

The South Australian Aviation Museum has a significant collection of aviation badges, medals and insignia. A selection is displayed throughout the Museum as part of themed exhibits, while many more are preserved in the collection. Pictured are the pilot's wings and medal ribbons from the uniform of a Royal Air Force Group Captain.

Communications Equipment

The South Australian Aviation Museum has an extensive collection of vintage communications equipment. A selection of these historic items is displayed throughout the Museum, while many more are carefully preserved for future exhibitions and displays.

DVDs and VHS Tapes

More than 700 aviation related DVDs and VHS tapes in the collection.

Engines

The South Australian Aviation Museum has an impressive collection of historic aircraft engines. Highlights include our 1914 Gnome Monosoupape rotary engine, which is still operational, and the Witber engine, built in 1915 and recognised as the first aircraft engine manufactured in Australia. Both are on display in Hangar 1, with many other engines exhibited throughout the Museum or preserved in storage.

Log Books

The South Australian Aviation Museum's archives include a collection of original and reproduced aviators' log books, providing a fascinating record of Australia's aviation history. Highlights include the log books of Roy Gropler, Edward Gurr, R. Hawkes and First World War aviator A. Wedge.

Missiles and Rockets

The South Australian Aviation Museum displays a fascinating collection of guided weapons and rocket technology, including the Blue Steel, Ikara, Matra R-530 and Seawolf missiles. Visitors can also explore the Rockets in the Desert display, featuring Woomera test rockets and tracking instruments that tell the story of Australia's pioneering rocket research.

Models

The South Australian Aviation Museum has more than 120 aircraft models on display, many accurately finished in authentic liveries and squadron markings. The collection continues to grow, with the goal of representing every aircraft type flown by the Royal Australian Air Force in 1:48 scale.

Photos & Artworks

The South Australian Aviation Museum has an extensive collection of original photographs and artwork, with some items dating back more than 100 years. A selection is displayed throughout the Museum, while many more are carefully preserved for future exhibitions. The Museum also maintains a digital archive containing more than 100,000 scanned and digital images documenting Australia's aviation history.

Pilot Equipment

The South Australian Aviation Museum has a historically significant collection of pilot equipment, including items from the Smith Brothers' pioneering 1919 flight from England to Australia and equipment belonging to renowned aviator Jimmy Melrose. A selection is displayed throughout the Museum, while many more items are preserved for future exhibitions.

Propellors

The South Australian Aviation Museum has one of Australia's largest collections of historic wooden aircraft propellers, with most on display in Hangar 1. Highlights include the propeller from the Smith Brothers' Vickers Vimy, recovered after the aircraft's fire, and a rare Zeppelin airship propeller.

Royal Aero Club of S.A.

The South Australian Aviation Museum has a display of Royal Aero Club of South Australia memorabilia in Hangar 1. The Museum has also acquired a former Royal Aero Club of South Australia Victa Airtourer, which has now been restored. The aircraft will become the centrepiece of a new Royal Aero Club display.

Technical Library

The South Australian Aviation Museum's library includes approximately 1,000 technical handbooks covering aircraft airframes, engines, operations, maintenance and a wide range of other aviation subjects.

Uniforms

The South Australian Aviation Museum has a historically significant collection of military and commercial aviation uniforms. A selection is displayed throughout the Museum, while many more are carefully preserved for future exhibitions and displays.

RAAF 24 Squadron

No. 24 Squadron was formed in 1940 and served as a bomber squadron in the Pacific during the Second World War. Re-formed in 1951, it later operated as a Royal Australian Air Force Reserve squadron at Mallala and Edinburgh until 2010. Today, its heritage continues as part of No. 96 Wing, Combat Support Group.

Wittber Engine

Built by Carl "Bill" Wittber in 1915, this six-cylinder engine is recognised as the first aircraft engine manufactured in Australia. Based on the three-cylinder Anzani design, it was never flown after civilian aviation projects were halted during the First World War. Years later, Wittber recovered the remaining parts and painstakingly reconstructed the engine, which is now on display at the South Australian Aviation Museum.

Other Displays

In addition to its aircraft collection, the South Australian Aviation Museum features themed displays covering the First World War, the Second World War in Europe, the Second World War in the Pacific, the historic 1919 Smith Brothers flight from England to Australia, and a detailed model of HMAS Melbourne.

Australian Women Pilots Association

The Australian Women Pilots' Association organises social activities, fly-ins, educational workshops, navigation trials, mentoring, meetings and guest speakers. It also supports aviation organisations and clubs that share its commitment to promoting aviation and encouraging women in the industry. Visitors can explore the South Australian Aviation Museum's Australian Women Pilots' Association display in the Hangar 1 mezzanine.

Commercial Displays

The South Australian Aviation Museum features a range of commercial aviation displays, including exhibits on Guinea Airways, Ansett and a collection of commercial aircraft models. Visitors can also explore the forward fuselage of BAe 146 VH-NJL, formerly operated by Cobham Aviation Services, which is open for public inspection.