Skip to main content
Advanced Search
Ken Warby working with RAAF apprentices
Ken Warby working with RAAF apprentices

Ken Warby working with RAAF apprentices

Photographer (deceased)
Date1978
Object numberANMS0532[021]
NameNegative
Copyright© Luke Watson
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Tumut and Adelong Times
DescriptionKen Warby and Royal Australian Air Force apprentices working on SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA at the technical training facility at Forest Hill, Wagga Wagga. HistorySPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA is an Australian designed and built jet-powered, wooden, 3-point hydroplane that has held the world water-speed record since 1977. Breaking both the 300 mph and 500 km/h barriers, SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA raised the world record to 511kph in 1978 at Blowering Dam near Tumut NSW. Ken Warby, SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA's designer, builder and driver, achieved his world water-speed records on a shoestring budget. Warby built his hydroplane over two years in the backyard of his suburban Sydney home, using stringers, brackets, stock bits of timber, plywood, screws, epoxy and a military-surplus jet engine that cost $65. He eventually launched the boat in 1974.SignificanceAfter Ken Warby set his first world speed record in 1977 he became determined to better the time the following year. In this second attempt he had the official assistance of the Royal Australian Air Force who tested and maintained the jet engine used on SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA.