Exercise Wallaby 2024 - Antonov Airlines (Antonov Design Bureau) AN-124-100M-150 UR-82008 Calls into Rockhampton Airport with Four RSAF AH-64D Apache Helicopters

Early on Wednesday 28 August, a large crowd of onlookers were on hand to see the arrival into Rockhampton Airport of Antonov Airlines (Antonov Design Bureau) AN-124-100M-150 UR-82008 from Paya Lebar Air Base in Singapore as ADB3831.

The giant aircraft taxied onto Gate 6 at the Southern end of the Rockhampton Airport apron and almost immediately commenced unloading its cargo. The massive Antonov was placed into its unique 'kneeling' position - with its front landing gear raised - to allow the unloading of its cargo.

On this flight, four Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Boeing AH-64D Apache helicopters were unloaded and parked at Rockhampton Airport. Their serial numbers are believed to be 92-055, 066, 064 and 058.

All four Apache helicopters are flown by the RSAF's 120 Squadron "Kestrel" (also known as the "Red Hawks") based at Sembawang Air Base in Singapore. The Squadron is the first and oldest RSAF operational squadron in service, first formed in 1969. The squadron goes by the motto of "Strive To Achieve".

It is expected that the Apaches will soon be re-assembled and then test flown ahead of their participation in the Singapore Armed Force's Exercise Wallaby 2024 (XWB24) which is expected to kick-off in the next week or so.

Meanwhile, after all four Apache helicopters were unloaded, UR-82008 was closed up parked for the night. It is expected to depart from Rockhampton Airport early on Thursday 29 August.

However, the Antonov is due to return to Rockhampton Airport from Paya Lebar late on Friday 30 August with another load of RSAF helicopters - possibly some of their new H225M which have replaced their older Super Puma helicopters.

We shall wait and see!

UPDATE!  Indeed, early on Thursday 29 August, UR-82008 departed Rockhampton Airport bound for as Paya Lebar Air Base in Singapore as ADB332F.

Be sure to stay tuned to the CQ Plane Spotting Blog for all the latest news and updates on Exercise Wallaby 2024 via our Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/cqplanespotting/

Sincere thanks to the local plane spotters for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos of the Antonov AN-124 at Rockhampton Airport!

Photos taken by Michael Malick, John Lee and Drew Mackay  ©