GAF Nomad
The GAF Nomad is a utility aircraft produced by the Government Aircraft Factories (GAF) of Australia in Melbourne. The twin-turboprop, high-wing aircraft has a retractable gear and came in two variants: the initial N22, followed by the stretched N24. Supported by the Australian Government, design work began in the mid-1960s, and it made its maiden flight on 23 July 1971. Despite some export sales and commercial operations, sales were not sufficient and production stopped in 1985.
| Nomad | |
|---|---|
| The GAF Nomad in the N24 stretched variant | |
| Role | light utility aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Government Aircraft Factories |
| First flight | 23 July 1971 |
| Retired | Royal Australian Air Force (1993) |
| Status | In limited service |
| Primary users | Philippine Air Force Australian Army (historical) Indonesian Navy |
| Produced | 1975–1985 |
| Number built | 172 |
The Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia, the Australian Army and the Australian Customs Service were major users. The Australian military withdrew almost all of its remaining Nomads during the 1990s amid reports of safety concerns. By the end of the 1990s only a small number of aircraft remained in regular use in Australia.
GippsAero (later part of Mahindra Aerospace) acquired the Australian type certificate for the Nomad in 2008 and announced plans to produce it again as the GA18. The project proceeded slowly and was ultimately stopped, with the Gippsland development facility closing in late 2020.