Early on
Friday 29 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 UR-82027 from Paya Lebar Air Base in Singapore as ADB3996.
The giant aircraft taxied onto Gate 6 at the Southern end of the Rockhampton Airport apron and soon after 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 064, 058, 056 and 069.
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 2025 (XWB25) which is expected to kick-off in the next week or so.
Meanwhile, after all four Apache helicopters were unloaded, UR-82027 was closed up parked for the night. It is expected to depart from Rockhampton Airport early on Saturday 30 August.
UPDATE! Indeed, early on Saturday 30 August, UR-82027 departed Rockhampton Airport bound for Colombo in Sri Lanka as ADB396F.
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 Steve Vit, John Lee, 'IAD' and JoAwBlake ©
