Six Australian Army Blackhawk Helicopters Pass Through Rockhampton and Mackay Airports

Late on Tuesday 14 August, six Australian Army Sikorsky S-70A-9 Blackhawk helicopters were spotted passing through Rockhampton and Mackay Airports while heading North to Townsville.

The Blackhawks flew up from the South with five of the six landing at Rockhampton Airport for fuel, while it is believed they all landed at Mackay Airport for additional fuel, before they all eventually continued to Townsville after the sun had gone down.

Three Blackhawks – believed to be A25-211, A25-203 and A25-104 – arrived first into Rocky then Mackay under the radio callsign "Phalanx", while the other three arrived singularly with A25-111 as "Kopis 75" and A25-101 as "Kopis 74" popping into both Rocky and Mackay while A25-109 as "Kopis 76" headed straight for Mackay.

It is believed the Blackhawks are in Townsville for an Exercise around the city.  Two of the six were photographed on Wednesday 15 August at a media event at Victoria Park in suburban Townsville.

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

Finally, as this post is being written late on Wednesday 15 August, Australian Army NH Industries MRH-90 Multi-Role Helicopter A40-036 as "Destrier 109" was noted completing airwork around Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport while on a flight out and back to Townsville.  While another MRH-90 A40-023 "Destrier 132" was noted flying around Townsville.

Sincere thanks to the local Rockhampton and Townsville plane spotters for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!

Photos taken by Kayanne Hardsman, Scott Harris and 'Shinpow16'  ©