The fixed-wing era comes to end July 24, 2000 The end...the last of the RAN's fixed-wing aircraft have been withdrawn. The era of fixed-wing aircraft in the Royal Australian Navy has come to an end. Late last month the last two fixed-wing aircraft, a pair of HS 748s, were withdrawn from service. The planes had been on the job for 27 years. Attached to 723 Squadron, the aircraft were built in the UK and accepted into the RAN in 1973. They were bought to replace the venerable Dakota. The planes were initially used for navigation training and transport duties. In 1980/81 they were modified to provide electronic warfare (EW) training for the Australian fleet. As the only EW platform of its type in the south east Asia region the HS 748s took part in most fleet work-ups and in domestic and international exercises. They also provided logistic support to ADF personnel and were awarded the Navy League of Australia Plaque for aid to the civilian community following Cyclone Tracy. Two years ago one of the aircraft shuttled between Nowra and Merimbula supplying helicopters involved in the Sydney to Hobart yacht rescues with spares, stores and maintainers. Their departure closed the final chapter of fixed wing operations in the RAN. Electronic warfare training for the RAN will now be done by a contractor with the appropriate aircraft.