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.
It is the first time we have seen examples of the RSAF’s new H225M medium lift helicopter which has replaced their AS332M Super Puma helicopters.
The H225M helicopters are flown by the RSAF's 125 Squadron "Starling" based at Sembawang Air Base, Republic of Singapore Air Force. Established in 1985, the squadron goes by the motto "Swift And Bold", with the Starling as the squadron's motif.
It is expected that the H225Ms - and the Boeing AH-64D Apaches delivered during the week - 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 the H225M helicopters were unloaded, UR-82008 was closed up parked for the night. It is expected to depart from Rockhampton Airport during the morning on Saturday 31 August.
UPDATE! Indeed, early on Saturday 31 August, UR-82008 departed Rockhampton Airport bound for as Johor Bahru in Malaysia 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, 'IAD', Lisa Jamieson and Nikita Whitcombe ©
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