Saturday, October 8, 2022

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan Transport Aircraft A34-005 "Wallaby 46" Spotted at Mackay Airport

On Saturday 8 October, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-005 was spotted visiting Mackay Airport.  It looked to initially fly up directly from RAAF Base Amberley.


The Spartan then completed a local flight out of and back to Mackay Airport, flying out over the Northern Beaches area of the Sugar City and back.  It is believed this flight was for the local Air Force Cadettes.

A34-005 then departed Mackay Airport and returned to Amberley.

Of interest, A34-005 was heard to use the radio callsign of "Wallaby 46" for each of its flights.

The Alenia C-27J Spartan is a military transport aircraft developed and manufactured by Alenia Aermacchi.  The RAAF operates 10 of the C-27J Spartan battlefield airlifter after they were ordered back in May 2012 to replace the now-retired De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou fleet.  The current 10 Spartan aircraft are based at RAAF Base Amberley and operated by 35 Squadron.


The C-27J Spartan was introduced to RAAF service in 2015, and provides a light tactical airlift between Army rotary-wing and larger Air Force transports.






The aircraft has already proven its ability to support Defence, Government, and regional operations, including Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, engagements with foreign Defence and Government, and maritime surveillance to protect sovereign areas of South Pacific nations.

Photos taken by 'TM' and Defence Images  ©

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