[FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0]

Originally Posted by five 7

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I vividly recall having the very great fortune of being able to attend Dutson bombing range near here in Sale, Vic a few years ago when the RNZAF Skyhawks were doing bombing and gunnery exercises. The range officer was part of the organisation I worked for, so we were invited out. The Skyhawks were dropping 500lb bombs (IIRC) and we were able to watch from an elevated position a km or so (my estimate) away from the target. After that we moved to the gunnery range where we stood on the gunnery range control tower, only a couple of hundred meters perpendicular to the centre line of fire. Watching the Skyhawks, at the same height as you, firing their cannons was an experience I will never forget.

It was shortly after that the Skyhawks were retired from service, and I believe that was the last time the range was used for aircraft bombing and gunnery exercises.

Not something most people would get to experience in their lives!