Battlefield Pilot: 1980s Australian Army Pilatus PC-6 Turbo Porter cinema film
 

"Battlefield Pilot

Amazing low level flying in an Australian Army Pilatus Porter. You may have seen this before as this short film was shown in cinemas as the trailer before the first Star Wars movie in the 1980s. The Australian Army no longer flies Porter aircraft."

I think I now have a better understanding of the "Flight Altitude" term "AO".

I thought it was "above objects", I now think it means "around objects".

Either way, impressive.

In a room full of Knucks I once heard an ARA PC6 pilot describe the Porter as a slow speed, high-performance aircraft.

Nobody doubted him.


Defence Public Relations put out some really good photos and promotional films back then. My favourite was a short clip of a low flying Pig (F111). The music was Fanfare for the Common Man - Really stirring stuff. Does anyone have a copy they can post?


Pithblot

Genuinely impressive flying.

Now, explain to me its potential tactical use in the context of an unarmed plane.

It's not always just about killing people; sometimes the Armed Forces greatest achievements can be in a humanitarian role. The Platypus is still after fifty years one of the most able machines around, look at what they're doing all over the world.

Licenced hooliganism...love it. :) As one of my Flight Commanders on a helicopter squadron years ago said "If you don't hit your wheels on the ground every hundred yards, you're not low flying".

But what advantage accrues - in a humanitarian role - from flying at a height where a curious bunny might risk losing its perky ears?

I feel badly done.....not once did I ever hear any of that fancy music while flying over a Battlefield.:(

How about getting special forces in and casualties out? Much cheaper than a helicopter.