A 10 Sqn long-nose Lincoln takes off from its base at Townsville, The special reconnaissance version of the bomber had a nose stretched 2m to accommodate three sonobuoy operators. 1961 was the end of the line for the Lincoln as 10 Sqn prepared to transition to the Lockheed SP-2H Neptune. Robin Page photo

The Mk.31 was Australian built version of the Lincoln modified for reconnaissance and later maritime patrol by fitting a longer nose. There were 20 aircraft so configured, half of which were used in the maritime role with 10 Sqn from 1953. These were contemporaries of 11 Sqn's Lockheed P-2Es. Airframe problems forced the retirement of the Lincolns ahead of 10 Sqn receiving P-2H Neptunes. A73-62 was sold for scrap in 1962. Photo from: Library and Archives NT

This photo appears to show A73-57 after a mishap in July 1956. Other photos of the mishap show it in a ditch from which had to be dug out. The RAAF card is missing and there is no record of the accident or its fate. A73-57 shows no obvious damage save for a possible bent undercarriage. Maybe the airframe was overstressed towing it out of the ditch with that large truck. Photo from: Library and Archives NT

Long-nose maritime reconnaissance version of the Lincoln used by the RAAF. Withdrawn from use around 1960. Seen derelict at Amberley in 1967. Photo from: State Library of Western Australia

A73-69 broke its back when a bomb bay fuel tank dislodged on landing on January 18, 1956 and got caught under the fuselage.

Broken up at Townsville 1960.

Used by the Darwin airport fire service from 1961 until destroyed.

A73-60 photographed being converted by GAF to maritime reconnaissance as a Mk31 with a lengthened nose to accommodate additional crew and equipment. In 1956 -60 was fitted with rocket rails and used for armament acceptance trials with ARDU. Withdrawn from use in 1961. Used for fire fighting training.

A73-62 was the first new Lincoln delivered with an extended nose to provide room for additional crew and equipment needed for maritime reconnaissance operations. The final 12 Australian-built Lincolns (of 73) were modified before delivery and eight others were returned by the RAAF to Government Aircraft Factory for conversion, including the prototype. -62 was withdrawn from use in 1961. The location of the photo is believed to the GAF factory at Fisherman's Bend in inner-city Melbourne. The airstrip closed in 1957. This is an official photo by GAF.