Ex Talisman Saber 2017 - Australian Army Blackhawk Helicopters Arrive into Rockhampton Airport

Very late on Wednesday 5 July, a flight of four Australian Army Sikorsky S-70A-9 Blackhawk helicopters were noted making a spectacular arrival into Rockhampton Airport from the South.  They were heard to use the radio callsign of "Phoenix".

On Thursday 6 July, local plane spotter 'IAD' was able to capture the photo above showing all four Blackhawks parked alongside Rocky's cross Runway 04/22.  They look to have serials A25-225, A25-110, A25-203 and A25-112.

Also on Thursday 6 July, a fifth Blackhawk was heard to join the first four with A25-218 arriving as "Spartan 218".

And as this post is being written, a sixth Blackhawk has just arrived into Rockhampton Airport.  It is believed to be A25-214 and arrived as "Nemesis 214".

The six Blackhawks are flown by the Army's 171st Aviation Squadron (forming part of the 6th Aviation Regiment) based at Holsworthy Barracks near Sydney, and are at Rocky to participate in joint Military Exercise Talisman Saber 2017 (TS17).

Photo taken by 'IAD'  ©