Exercise Wallaby 2015 - Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Helicopter Action Starts at Rockhampton Airport

On Saturday 3 October, the Singapore Armed Force's Exercise Wallaby 2015 really kicked into gear with most of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) helicopters currently stationed at Rockhampton Airport taking to the air on various test flights and sorties to the nearby Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).

After being brought to Rockhampton on board two flights in the Antonov Airlines AN-124 UR-82029, the two RSAF Boeing CH-47SD Chinooks - 88191 and 88195 - along with the five Boeing AH-64D Apaches - serials believed to be 059, 060, 062, 066 and 067 - were heard and seen operating test flights around Rockhampton Airport, before flying further afield during the afternoon.

The Chinooks are again using the radio callsign "Cyclops", while the Apaches were heard using the "Atom" radio callsign today.

While local plane spotter 'IAD' was at Rockhampton Airport on Saturday 3 October, a pair of the resident Eurocopter / Aerospatiale AS332M Super Puma helicopters departed to Shoalwater Bay using the familiar radio callsign of "Diamond".

I'm told that during Exercise Wallaby 2015 most of the RSAF helicopters will in fact be flying in and out of the nearby Australian Army Defence Support Group (DSG) 'Camp Rocky' which will be re-named "Warriors Camp" while the RSAF are utilising it to launch and park their helicopters.

I'm also told that the much anticipated arrival of the RSAF General Dynamics (Lockheed Martin) F-16 fighter jets is expected in mid-October, with support provided RSAF Lockheed C-130H Hercules transport aircraft.

Stay tuned to the CQ Plane Spotting Blog for future updates and more great photos from Rockhampton as Exercise Wallaby 2015 continues.

Thanks to 'IAD' for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!

All photos taken by 'IAD'  ©