Ex Talisman Saber 2017 - All Six Australian Army Blackhawk Helicopters Depart Rockhampton and are Spotted at Bundaberg Airport!

On Wednesday 19 July, exactly two weeks after they arrived on deployment to participate in joint Military Exercise Talisman Saber 2017 (TS17), all six of the Australian Army Sikorsky S-70A-9 Blackhawk helicopters have departed Rockhampton Airport, heading South on returned to their home base.

It seems that A25-225 departed Rocky first, heading to Bundaberg Airport as "Nemesis 225".

It was soon joined in the air by the five remaining Blackhawks which all took to the air in formation flying as "Nemesis".  On arrival into Bundy, local plane spotter Micah S was one of many on hand and he captured some great photos as they made a spectacular arrival onto Runway 14 at Bundaberg Airport.

Soon after, all six Blackhawks parked on the Bundaberg Airport parking apron where they were promptly refuelled, with crews seen also 'refuelling' from the local snack bar!

Of interest, the six Blackhawks were identified as A25-225 aka 'Optimus', A25-110 aka 'Apocalypse', A25-214 aka 'Tempest', A25-112 aka 'Saracen', A25-203 aka 'Endeavour', A25-218 aka 'Invincible'.

They are all flown by the Army's 171st Aviation Squadron (forming part of the 6th Aviation Regiment) based at Holsworthy Barracks near Sydney.

From Bundaberg Airport, A25-225 departed first towards the South, followed by the remaining five.  They were heard to use the radio callsigns of "Nemesis 31" and "Nemesis 32" and were heard heading towards the Army Aviation Centre at Oakey Airport.

Sincere thanks to Micah S for taking the time to capture and send through these fantastic photos of a great day at Bundaberg Airport!

All photos taken by Micah S  ©