by Steve Mackenzie

GAF [Government Aircraft Factory] Paravane 10-8-1954

From files held at National Archives (NAA) comes a couple of images of GAF project P28 for what was described as a Paravane. Although 'Paravane' normally refers to equipment towed behind a warship to cut the cables of mines, I had a vague memory that this was an experimental towed target. I was 'almost' correct (missed it by 'that' much), I thought to have a look in 'Fire Over the Desert' (the quite massive book on the trials at Woomera) and on page 223 (attached below) there is the info on how it works.

I found this project list on a GAF Facebook page which confirms the project, but I was unable to find out who L.R.W.E were, but now know that L.R is likely 'Launch Recovery'.

Shame it was never used in 'anger' as the idea was brilliant.

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