RAAF Alenia C-27J Spartan A34-001 "Wallaby 25" Noted Completing Airwork Over Emerald Airport Wednesday

Certainly a first for CQ with Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan A34-001 heard completing airwork at and around Emerald Airport on Wednesday 18 May.  It was noted completing low level airwork at Emerald Airport before proceeding at low level North to Townsville.

RAAF C-27J Spartan A34-002 at Townsville recently.

The Alenia C-27J Spartan is a military transport aircraft developed and manufactured by Alenia Aermacchi.  Ten Alenia C-27J Spartans were ordered by the RAAF in May 2012 to replace the retired De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou fleet.

Once delivered to the RAAF, these aircraft will be based at Richmond initially before being based at Amberley and operated by 35 Squadron. Deliveries were due to be completed in 2015 with Initial Operating Capability expected to be achieved in mid to late 2016.

Photo taken by 'Shinpow16'  ©