A Pair of Army Boeing CH-47F 'Foxtrot' Chinook Helicopters - A15-304 & A15-307 - Back at Rockhampton Airport Tuesday

Ten days after they passed through heading South, Australian Army Boeing CH-47F 'Foxtrot' Chinook helicopters A15-304 and A15-307 flew back into Rockhampton Airport on Tuesday 24 May.  The 'chooks' flew North from RAAF Base Amberley, flying in formation as "Fatboy".

Closer to Rocky, they split up and landed separately with A15-304 landing first as "Fatboy 12".

While A15-307 landed second as "Fatboy 11".

Both parked on the Southern end of the Rockhampton Airport apron and local plane spotters Kayanne H and Trevor H enjoyed the opportunity to capture some nice photos of the Army's newest helicopters.

The two Chinooks display different style engine coverings with A15-307 having a standard intake while A15-304 has a front sand filter cover and heat suppressing exhaust.

Of interest, the two Chinooks - which are from the Army's 5th Aviation Regiment (C Squadron) - were returning to their Townsville base following deck handling trials with the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) Aircraft Maintenance and Flight Trials Unit (AMAFTU) which saw them on board the LHD amphibious assault ship HMAS Canberra.

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The trials also assessed the removal of the Chinook’s six giant blades and lowering the helicopter below to the hangar deck via the LHD’s rear aircraft lift.

The Army’s CH-47F fleets surpassed the 1,000 flying hour mark in April, less than 12 months after the type entered service.

A couple of great visitors!

Sincere thanks to Kayanne and Trevor for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!

Photos taken by Kayanne Hardsman and Trevor Hardsman  ©