An increase in Australian Defence Force (ADF) support during the current flooding crisis gripping parts of South-East Queensland and Northern New South Wales saw three Australian Army NH Industries MRH-90 Multi-Role Helicopters deploy from their Townsville base South to the flood zone via Rockhampton Airport on Tuesday 1 March.
They were identified as A40-031, A40-035 and A40-042 and arrived from Townsville together as "Dropbear".
After refueling, they each departed to the Oakey Army Aviation Centre separately with A40-031 as "Dropbear 119", A40-042 as "Dropbear 12" and A40-035 as "Dropbear 13".
UPDATE! On Wednesday 2 March, the MRH-90 helicopters began flying out of Oakey and were noted visiting the Gold Coast, Ballina/Byron Bay Gateway and Lismore Airports. They join Australian Army marked (Helicorp) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 Helicopter VH-YBF which flew down to Oakey from Townsville via Rockhampton Airport at the start of the week.
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has established Operation Flood Assist 2022 as part of the respective State Governments' responses to the Queensland and New South Wales flood emergencies. The ADF will provide aerial search and rescue and relief and recovery support to assist state and emergency services.
Sincere thanks to local plane spotter Michael M for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!
All photos taken by Michael Malick ©
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