Blackhawks Galore at Rockhampton and Bundaberg Airports on Wednesday

A trio of Australian Army Sikorsky S-70A-9 Blackhawk helicopters called into Rockhampton Airport on Wednesday 13 August, each flying in from the South before departing further North.

The first Blackhawk to call in - and be captured by local plane spotter 'IAD' who was just about to return to work - was A25-206.

It was noted using the radio callsign on "Redback 206".

A little later, fellow Army Blackhawks A25-111 and A25-102 also called into Rocky.  They were flying as "Redback 111" and "Spartan 102" respectively.

Meanwhile, noted heading South towards Oakey on Wednesday 13 August was Blackhawk A25-208 which was heard flying overhead Rockhampton and Gladstone before landing at Bundaberg Airport.  It was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Warhorse 208".

Finally, the Townsville Bulletin newspaper has reported that six Sikorsky S-70A-9 Blackhawks will fly over Townsville for the final time this Friday 15 August to signify the Australian Army’'s 5th Aviation Regiment saying farewell to six of its most trusted aircraft.  They will be circling the local skies for a final time on Friday before ­departing for Sydney where they will be handed over to 6th Aviation Regiment.

Blackhawks have been a regular sight above Townsville for the past 27 years, conducting in excess of 100,000 sorties and carrying an estimated 150,000 troops.

The Blackhawks will be followed by three new NH Industries MRH-90 Multi-Role Helicopters, to signify a changing of the guard.  The MRH90s will be flying about five minutes behind the Blackhawks, signifying the change to the future of troop-lift helicopters for the army in Townsville.

Read more HERE.

Photos taken by 'IAD' and Dave  ©