RAAF C-17 Globemaster A41-208 & E-7A Wedgetail A30-004 - Plus Army MRH-90 A40-025 - All at Rockhampton Airport

A triple treat of Australian Defence Force (ADF) aircraft and helicopters were spotted at and around Rockhampton Airport on Thursday 27 April.

Firstly, Australian Army NH Industries MRH-90 Multi-Role Helicopter A40-025 arrived into Rocky from Townsville as "Destrier 25".

After the MRH-90 was refuelled - and the crew had lunch! - A40-025 departed to Brisbane.

Around the same time, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-208 again visited Rockhampton Airport - the third time in the skies over Rocky this week.

On Thursday 27 April, A41-208 flew back South from Townsville via Mackay where it looked to complete some airwork before continuing South and completing a spectacular holding pattern over Rockhampton Airport.  It eventually landed on Runway 15 and parked at the Southern end of the parking apron.

Soon after, A41-208 departed for RAAF Base Amberley.  On this occasion, the Globemaster, which is operated by the RAAF's 36 Squadron at Amberley, was flying as "Stallion 43".

Finally, just as local plane spotters thought the action had finished, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-004 completed a pair of low overshoot missed approaches at Rockhampton Airport after flying in from the South.

After completing its second missed approach, A30-004 - flying as "Wedgetail 03" - departed back down to the South.

Sincere thanks to the Rockhampton plane spotters for sending through these great photos!

Photos taken by Trevor Hardsman, Kayanne Hardsman and Travis Whiting  ©