The Jindivik was a target drone developed as a result of a bilateral agreement between Australia and the UK regarding guided missile testing.

While the UK provided the missiles, Australia provided test facilities, and as a result of the agreement, Australia gained the contract for developing an unmanned target aircraft  

The last Jindivik in the air was the Vic Harvey, named after a former Air Commander.

For it’s final flight, the ‘Vic Harvey’ made a spectacular take off and headed out to sea. Before landing it flew over the airfield several times, receiving huge applause from those present. 

First introduced in 1952, the pilotless aircraft provided the target towing service for the RAN, RAFF and New Zealand Air Force. 

The target was fitted to the Jindivik and while in the air, it trailed on a line ranging from a few hundred feet to a few thousand feet depending on the size of the missile being used.

While pilotless, the aircraft played a vital role in strengthening and sharpening skills of the RAN and RAFF.

The Jindivik required a team effort, with one member plotting its speed, movement and direction while another kept in touch with the missile carrying ship. 

It was replaced for many reasons, but the main one was that the contract ended and half of the Navy’s fleet was relocated to Western Australia, where there was no suitable runway.

New technologies also meant that the same service could be provided without the Jindivik. 

In replacement of the Jindivik, the Jervis Bay range received a new breed of target craft called Kalkara which was the Aboriginal word for ‘storm bird’. 

The Kalkara did not require a runway as it was rocket assisted, allowing for almost vertical takeoff. 

According to an article published in the Shoalhaven Independent on July 8, 1998, Range Commander Lieutenant Commander David Manola said the Jindivik’s final flight brought mixed emotions and a sense of pride. “You are an enormous credit to yourselves ad to British Aerospace,” he told the team at the Jervis Bay Range Facility. 

One of the special guests at the final flight was Mr Stan Quinn MBE, a veteran who lived in Vincentia. He was the inaugural commander of the Target Services Group, formed in 1969. Mr Quinn said the Jindiviks were named after Range Commanders, and he even had one named after him.