The massive Antonov taxied in and parked on Gate 6 on the southern end of the Rockhampton Airport parking apron.
Soon after, the Antonov was lowered into its unique kneeling position and the front then opened. It was to load the four Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Boeing AH-64D Apache helicopters in preparation for their delivery home to Singapore.
The Apaches have been in Rocky to take part in the Singapore Armed Forces Exercise Wallaby 2025 (XWB25). As we have posted previously, they have been completing regular sorties to and from the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA). Their serial numbers were believed to be 064, 058, 056 and 069.
With loading complete, UR-82008 was closed up and prepared to stay for the night at Rockhampton Airport with a departure listed to Darwin and then Singapore early on Thursday 13 November.
UPDATE! Indeed early on Thursday 13 November, AN124 UR-82008 departed Rockhampton Airport to Darwin and Singapore as ADB3997 - see Blog post above!
With all the helicopters and aircraft now gone from Rockhampton and the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) this sees the end of Exercise Wallaby 2025 - bring on 2026!
Sincere thanks to local plane spotters Scott H and Steve V for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos of the Antonov!
Photos taken by Scott Harris and Steve Vit ©
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