Hevilift Aviation (PNG) Mil Mi-8MTV-1 Helicopter P2-MHM Spotted at Mackay Airport

Certainly a lovely sight and sound - and perhaps the movement of the year so far - spotted soon after arriving into Mackay Airport during the late afternoon on Tuesday 7 January was Hevilift Aviation (Papua New Guinea) Mil Mi-8MTV-1 helicopter P2-MHM.

The big Russian-built helicopter arrived into the Sugar City from Cairns having earlier arrived from ports in Papua New Guinea and Far North Queensland over the previous couple of days.

It is believed that P2-MHM is flying South to provide airborne support during current bushfire crisis still gripping parts of Southern Australia.

At the time of writing, it appears that P2-MHM will depart Mackay Airport early on Wednesday 8 January for Bundaberg Airport and ports further South.

Of interest, the Mil Mi-8 is a medium twin-turbine helicopter, originally designed by the Soviet Union, and now produced by Russia.  In addition to its most common role as a transport helicopter, the Mi-8 is also used as an airborne command post, armed gunship, and reconnaissance platform. Along with the related, more powerful Mil Mi-17, the Mi-8 is among the world's most prolific utility helicopters ever built with over 7 300 examples manufactured since 1961, bring used by over 50 countries.  As of 2015, it was the third most common operational military aircraft in the world.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter 'TM' for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos of a great visitor to CQ!

All photos taken by 'TM'  ©