History
Narrative Summary
The Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) was first formed in January 1973 from the existing Australian Army land forces units serving in the Territory of Papua New Guinea at that time. These primarily consisted of infantry units of native soldiers with Australian officers and NCOs. An Air Operations Element, (originally called the Air Transport Wing), was created in 1975, shortly before independence was achieved in September 1975. The first aircraft being three C-47 Dakotas donated by Australia.
Key Dates
January 1973 |
|
Formation of PNG Defence Force |
1975 |
|
Formation of Air Transport Wing |
19?? |
|
Air Transport Wing renamed Air Operations Element |
Current Status
The aircraft of the PNG DF Air Operations Element are fully operational.
Future Plans
No information available.
Markings
National Insignia
Current — Historical
Aircraft Serial Numbers
PNG military aircraft carry three-digit or four-digit serial numbers commencing with 001, and prefixed by the Papua New Guinea civil aircraft registration prefix, P2. The second digit of the serial indicates the aircraft type: 0 = C-47, 1 = Aztec/Nomad, 2 = Arava, 3 = Bo 105?, 4 = UH-1H, 5 = CN-235. An example is: CN-235 P2-0502.
Unit/Base Codes
Coding system not used
Aircraft
Aircraft Designations
None – Manufacturers designations used
Current Aircraft Inventory
Table of Current Service Aircraft
All-Time Aircraft Used List
All-Time Table of Aircraft Used
Aircraft NOT Used
False Reports of Aircraft in Service
Aircraft Losses and Incidents
None known.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
Papua New Guinea Defence Force, Murray Barracks, Port Moresby.
Organisational Structure
The Air Operations Element currently has no subsidiary units.
Current Order of Battle
Table of Current Order of Battle
Historical Orders of Battle
Historical Order of Battle for 1990
All-Time Flying Units List
Air Transport Squadron
Air Bases
Current Air Bases
All current PNG DF aircraft and helicopters are based at Jacksons International Airport, Port Moresby. The military base is on the other side of the runway to the civilian operators.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
The PNG DF has previously used five air bases: Lae, Madang, Port Moresby, Rabaul and Wewak. The main air base was at Lae, with the a secondary base at Port Moresby. After Lae City airport was closed, the main base moved to Port Moresby.
More Information
Books
None known.
Magazines
To be added.
Websites
PNG Defence Force
wikipedia: Papua New Guinea Defence Force
Papua New Guinea Defence Force Air Wing
Any photographs illustrating this air arm would be welcome.