NAVY10559
Photograph NAVY10559 Period 1960-1969A trials team employs a derrick in recovering a Pilotless Target Aircraft (PTA) from the sea. An officer uses a megaphone to relay orders to other sailors out of picture. This aircraft, launched fro

The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
An officer with his team supervises the recovery of a Northrop Ventura Pilotless Target Aircraft (PTA). A ship's derrick, from an unidentified River class frigate, is used to winch the aircraft from the sea. These expensive targets are recoverable - with their prime purpose used to exercise air defence weapons systems at sea.
A trials team employs a derrick in recovering a Pilotless Target Aircraft (PTA) from the sea. An officer uses a megaphone to relay orders to other sailors out of picture. This aircraft, launched fro

A Pilotless Target Aircraft (PTA) readied for launch from the quarter deck of an unidentified RAN River class frigate. These aircraft were launched from selected ships at sea during exercises and wer

A naval airman, possibly T G Bolitho, handles a component as he assembles a Pilotless Target Aircraft (PTA) onboard an unidentified River class frigate. These aircraft were launched as flying targets

Two unidentified sailors prepare for a surface to air weapons firing exercise - in an unknown RAN River class frigate. They are probably involved in setting up a GWS20 Sea Cat anti-aircraft missile w

Two unidentified sailors assist with preparations for the launch of a Pilotless Target Aircraft (PTA) from the quarter deck of an unknown RAN River class frigate. Partly visible in the foreground is

A new remote-controlled pilotless target aircraft (PTA) is launched from the deck of the River class frigate HMAS Yarra during missile firings off the coast of NSW. These PTAs are obtained from the
