VH-AIJ. Douglas C-47A-15-DK. c/n 12667.

Was also registered as: 42-92824; VH-EBJ.

 

Construction was completed at the Douglas Oklahoma City plant - February 1944

It was built as a Douglas C-47A-15-DK

It was allocated the United States serial number '42-92824'

Delivered to the United States Army Air Force - March 02, 1944

Accepted by the 58th Troop Carrier Squadron, Bisbane (Archerfield) - April 09, 1944

It was operated using the radio call-sign 'VHCGZ'

It is known to have operated out of Brisbane and Tacoblan during the war

Sold to Qantas Empire Airways - Decemember 1945

Entered onto the Australian Aircraft Register as VH-AIJ - December 12, 1945

Registered to Qantas Empire Airways Ltd, Brisbane

Leased to Trans-Australia Airlines - October 01, 1948

The aircraft was named 'Gilbert'

Returned to Qantas Empire Airways - March 31, 1949

Reregistered as VH-EBJ - September 30, 1949

This aircraft was used in rain-making experiments by the C.S.I.R.O. - 1950

To read more about this interesting charter please click 'HERE'

Sold to Royal Thai Air Force - October 30, 1953

Cancelled from the Australian Aircraft Register - ?

Aircraft was destroyed when it crashed at Korat, Thailand - March 31, 1956

 

 

VH-AIJ. Qantas Empire Airways - in the all-metal livery at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, circa 1947.

(Qantas Heritage Collection Copyright Image 0251-425.)

VH-AIJ. Qantas Empire Airways - in the all-metal livery at Brisbane Airport, circa 1947.

(Qantas Heritage Collection Copyright Image 0251-474.)