Australian Army (Helicorp) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 Helicopter VH-YBF Ferries South to Flood Zone via Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Monday 28 February, Australian Army marked (Helicorp) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 Helicopter VH-YBF was spotted as it passed through Rockhampton Airport while heading South to assist with the current flood emergency in South-East Queensland and Northern New South Wales.

It was flying as "Warhorse 239" and arrived from Townsville and departed to the Oakey Army Aviation Centre.

UPDATE!  Over the week, VH-YBF has completed various flights out of and back to Oakey to the Gold Coast, Lismore and Coffs Harbour.

As mentioned previously, VH-YBF is registered to Helicorp (Toll Group) and is the first of three AW139 helicopters that has been leased to the Australian Army's 5th Aviation Regiment based at Townsville. 

Meanwhile, also on Monday 28 February, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing P-8A Poseidon Maritime Surveillance Aircraft A47-002 as "Blackcat 53" was noted completing what looked to be flood survey work around the South East corner.

It flew up from RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia and flew low level survey work around Lowood, North-West of Ipswich, a fair bit around Gympie and then around Maryborough and the Sunshine Coast.  The Poseidon then returned to Edinburgh.

Finally, also on Monday 28 February, RAAF Beech B350 Super King Air A32-426 as "Beaufort 32" visited Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport from RAAF Base East Sale and Bankstown.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©