Ken Warby and RAAF supporters
Photographer
David Watson
(deceased)
Date8 October 1978
Object numberANMS0532[197]
NameNegative
Copyright© Luke Watson
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Tumut and Adelong Times
DescriptionA thumbs up from Ken Warby and the RAAF apprentices who worked on SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA in prepertaion for the record attempt at Blowering Dam in 1978.HistoryThe Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) had been involved in Ken Warby's first record breaking run in 1977. They had officially been approached by Warby in 1975 but the beaucracy he encountered from the Federal government was not encouraging. However, considering he had not set a record yet or proved SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA's viability, it was probably also not surprising.
In 1977 Warby went to the RAAF directly by turning up at the Fairbairn RAAF base near Canberra and requesting permission to use the jet engine run-up pad.
The base agreed and flight sergeant's Peter Lyzun and Peter Dorman oversaw the testing of SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA.
This initial testing was not wholly successful as the afterburner, needed to add more thrust, did not light and in the process the engine of SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA was badly damaged by a screwdriver left in there by Warby.
A replacement engine was retrieved from Warby's backyard and the RAAF technicians assisted Warby to install it. It was this engine that Warby set the new world water speed record with.
In 1978 the RAAF officially assisted Warby with his preparations to break the 300 mph barrier. The RAAF facility at Forest Hill near Wagga Wagga saw the opportunity for it's apprentices to work on a J34 Westinghouse engine as part of their training.
Warby situated SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA at the base and work by the RAAF apprentices on its engines became an official RAAF component. But the boat itself also required work and this was carried out on a volunteer basis by apprentices after hours.
On the day of the second record attempt, 8 October 1978, the RAAF apprentices were present at Blowering Dam, overseeing their work and taking part in the celebrations, wearing the distinctive blue tracksuits Warby had bought them.
SignificanceThis image highlights the teamwork that became a big component of Warby's 1978 world speed record. In addition to family, friends, volunteers and sponsors, the RAAF was also involved in getting SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA and Ken Warby through the 300 mph speed barrier.
