In 1983 the Department of Aviation ordered five new turboprop Gulfsteam American G1000s (effectively Aero Commander 695As) to replace the Department's fleet of earlier Merlin IIs and IIIs. In 1986 a sixth aircraft, VH-LTM, was acquired. Powered by two Garrett Airesearch TPE 331-10 engines, VH-LTM (c/n 96208) was actually the second prototype G1200 (Aero Commander 695B) with a higher Maximum Takeoff Weight, formerly registered N230GA in the USA. It was registered new to the Department of Aviation on 20 February 1986.

VH-LTM was the Vic/Tas Region's aircraft and is seen in the photo above in the heyday of the annual Mangalore Airshows on 3 April 1988. As seen above, the G1000s were fitted specially with hardpoints on the rear fuselage for dropping Search And Rescue (SAR) stores such as life rafts - click here for some photos.

The Gulfstreams were disposed of c.1993 following the Civil Aviation Authority's 'Review of Resources'. However, VH-LTM was retained by the CAA, later Airservices Australia, for satellite navigation system trials (GPS NPA, GRAS and GBAS). It was sold to Essendon-based Shortstop Jet Charter in 1998 and re-registered VH-PJC, but continued to be leased by Airservices for some time for trials work.

The photo below shows VH-LTM at its Melbourne/Essendon base on 23 October 1997 wearing Airservices Australia markings.