SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA with Ken Warby and RAAF apprentices on Blowering Dam
Photographer
David Watson
(deceased)
DateSeptember 1978
Object numberANMS0532[242]
NameNegative
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Tumut and Adelong Times
DescriptionKen Warby standing in the cockpit of SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA while RAAF apprentices and other supporters stand on the outer edges of the boat and in the shallow water.HistoryAfter SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA set the world water speed record in 1977, Warby still wanted another attempt the following year to break the 300 mph barrier - a personal challenge that he felt he could achieve in his boat. So to did the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
The RAAF proposed that Warby bring SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA to the training base at Forest Hill near Wagga Wagga. Here RAAF apprentices would work on the J34 engines and the boat itself in a hangar on the base which was the site of the only J34 engine test bed in Australia. By assuming responsibility of SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA and the engines, the RAAF had set a new tone to the record attempt. It became a more professional scenario and the apprentices were on hand to assist and celebrate with Warby at Blowering Dam.
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 offical assistance of the Royal Australian Air Force who tested and maintained the jet engine used on SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA.