And Australian Army Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 Helicopter VH-YBF Ferries South via CQ Airports - Plus More!

On Thursday 8 February, Australian Army (Helicorp) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-YBF was noted ferrying South from Townsville to the Oakey Army Aviation Centre.  It looked to fly South via airwork including missed approaches at Mackay and Bundaberg Airports, plus a fuel stop at Rockhampton Airport.

File photo

VH-YBF was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Finch 22".

This ferry flight comes a day after recently registered (November 2023) now Australian Army (Helicorp) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-YQC was noted ferrying North from the Oakey Army Aviation Centre to Townsville also via some CQ Airports.  It also flew as "Finch 22".

Of interest, VH-YBF joins three other nice helicopters seemingly at Oakey - Nautilus Aviation Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 412EP helicopter VH-ZVP "Rescue 421", Helicorp (Toll Helicopters) Bell Helicopter Textron 412EP VH-LWI "Rescue 901" and NQ Heli-Worx (Townsville) Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB) BO 105 S CBS - 4 helicopter VH-JYS.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday 8 February, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-004 as "Wallaby 26" was noted completing airwork around Kingaroy while on a flight out of and back to RAAF Base Amberley.

A34-004 returned to the sky after dark but as "Wallaby 40" and again completed more airwork at both Miles and Kingaroy.

Photo taken by Steve Vit  ©

New Helicorp (Australian Army) Leonardo (Agusta) AW139 Helicopter VH-YQC "Finch 22" Ferries North via CQ Airports - Plus More!

An interesting visitor through some Central Queensland Airports on Wednesday 7 February was recently registered (November 2023) Helicorp (Australian Army) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-YQC which noted ferrying North from the Oakey Army Aviation Centre to Townsville via airwork at Bundaberg Airport and a landing at Rockhampton Airport.

It looked to have originally flown up from Melbourne (Essendon) and Bankstown at the end of January.

VH-YQC was heard to be using the radio callsign of "Finch 22".

VH-YQC is registered to Helicorp (Toll Group) and is the third and final AW139 helicopters that have been leased to the Australian Army's 5th Aviation Regiment based at Townsville. They have been provided to the Army to provide a similar capability to the NH Industries MRH-90 so pilots can keep up their hours.

UPDATE!  On Sunday 25 February, a fourth AW139 helicopter VH-YQJ ferried North into Townsville - see Blog post above!

The Australian Army's MRH-90 helicopters have suffered years of poor serviceability due to various technical issues so AW139 helicopters are a 'stop gap' measure.

There are reports though that the AW139 could ultimately be used by the Australian Army as a general utility helicopter.

UPDATE!  It appears that VH-YQC started flying for the Australian Army at Townsville the next day and on Saturday 10 February it was photographed above visiting Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) airport on a flight from and back to Townsville as "Warhorse 207".

UPDATE!  On Thursday 8 February, fellow Helicorp (Australian Army) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-YBF as "Finch 22" ferried South to the Oakey Army Aviation Centre from Townsville also via a stop at Rockhampton Airport and airwork at Mackay and Bundaberg Airports - see Blog post above!

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday 7 February, fellow Helicorp (Australian Army) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-YBG has been noted flying around Charters Towers Aerodrome as "Warhorse 203" at the start of the week and remains in Townsville.

Finally, also on Wednesday 7 February, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-004 as "Wallaby 34" looked to complete airwork at Kingaroy Aerodrome while on a flight out of and back to RAAF Base Amberley.

Photo taken by Bert Van Drunick  ©️

RAAF Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-210 "Stallion 62" Spotted at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - Sad Task of Moving Crashed Australian Army MRH-90 Helicopter A40-040 to Canberra

Over the last couple of days, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-210 as "Stallion 62" has reportedly moved the crashed Australian Army NH Industries MRH-90 Multi-Role Helicopter A40-040 "Bushman 83" from Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport to Canberra.

On Wednesday 23 August, the C-17 arrived into Proserpine Airport from RAAF Base Amberley before it then flew to Canberra and back to Prosie on Thursday 24 August.  The C-17 was then photographed (above) above resting in the early morning air on Friday 25 August before it later returned to Amberley.

Meanwhile, several other grounded MRH-90 helicopters, which were deployed to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport for Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 (TS23) have been dismantled and trucked to RAAF Base Townsville.

It is believed that MRH-90s A40-029, A40-008, A40-001 (pictured), A40-045 (pictured), and A40-006 (pictured) have all been grounded at Proserpine Airport since late July.

Photos taken by Alan Midgley, James Kirk and Lily Nothling (ABC North Qld)  ©

Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 - Australian Army NH Industries MRH-90 Multi-Role Helicopter A40-040 "Bushman 83" Crashes in the Whitsundays - 4 Lives Lost

During the late evening, just after 10.30pm on Friday 28 July, Australian Army NH Industries MRH-90 Multi-Role Helicopter A40-040 "Bushman 83" ditched into waters close to Hamilton Island.

The four-crew helicopter was engaged in a two-helicopter mission, part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 (TS23).  A40-040 had only just passed through Rockhampton and Gladstone Airports (pictured) while flying up to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport where it and other MRH-90s were operating from.

An extensive search and rescue mission commenced in the Whitsundays immediately following the crash.  This involved United States Air Force (USAF) Lockheed MC-130J Commando II Hercules and Lockheed AC-130J Ghostrider gunship Hercules aircraft.  See our Blog post below for more information and photos!

Since Friday night, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Queensland’s Emergency Services have directed a continuous and co-ordinated maritime and air search and rescue mission in the Whitsundays region involving more than 800 personnel.

Sadly, it seems that the four soldiers from the Australian Army’s 6th Aviation Regiment lost their lives.

On Sunday 30 July, it was reported that a large part of the wreckage had been located with sections of the fuselage brought to the mainland.  They showed the helicopter serial to be A40-040.

Royal Australian Navy (RAN) ships HMAS Adelaide and HMAS Brisbane, along with the US Navy ship USS Miguel Keith were all deployed to the search, along with specialist divers.

RAN sailors from HMAS Huon have been conducting search operations near Lindeman Island.  HMAS Huon is a Huon class minehunter coastal, with underwater sensor, sonar detection, clearance diving and remotely-operated vehicle capabilities.

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 2 August, the HMAS Huon’s remotely operated underwater vehicle discovered parts of the cockpit and human remains close to the crash site.

Of special interest, since their introduction to service in 2007, the MRH-90 Taipan helicopters have presented ongoing technical and cost challenges for the ADF.  It is understood Defence planners opposed the original Howard government decision to purchase the choppers.

On multiple occasions, the helicopters have been grounded on safety concerns.  In March this year, the fleet was grounded after an MRH-90 suffered engine failure and ditched into the water at Jervis Bay in NSW during a counter-terrorism training exercise.

Our thoughts and prayers go to all the family and friends of the victims of this terrible tragedy.

And RAAF C-17 Globemaster A41-208 - Plus a Pair of Australian Army Tiger ARH Helicotpers - All Spotted at Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - Plus More!

Also on Sunday 30 July, there were a couple of interesting visitors to Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport that were photographed during the day.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-208 as "ASY 667" appears to have visited from Canberra.

Presumably this visit is in support of the ongoing search and rescue efforts following the crash of the Australian Army MRH-90 helicopter "Bushman 83" on Friday night.

UPDATE!  News reports late on Sunday 30 July show the wreckage to have been found and the crashed MRH-90 to A40-040.

While photographed also on Sunday 30 July, soon after arriving into Proserpine Airport from Townsville, were a pair of Australian Army Eurocopter (ARH) Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters.

Their serials are a mystery but they were heard to fly down as "Angry 11" and "Angry 12".

Local media during the day also showed images of an Australian Army Boeing CH-47F Foxtrot Chinook helicopter at the Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour.

Again, I presume this visit to be in support of the search and rescue efforts of the crashed MRH-90 helicopter.

Finally, also late on Sunday 30 July, it is believed that United States Air Force (USAF) Lockheed MC-130J Commando II Hercules aircraft 11-5731 landed at Rockhampton Airport.

All photos taken by Kieran Hogan and Nigel Nona  ©

Also Spotted at Mackay Airport - USMC MV-22B Ospreys of VMM-363 - USAF AC-130J Ghostrider gunship Hercules "Jakal 92" Back Again!

Also spotted at Mackay Airport, but early on Sunday 30 July, were the three United States Marine Corps (USMC) Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft of VMM-363 'Lucky Red Lions' which arrived the previous evening following an Exercise at Lakeside Airpark.

As shown, the three Ospreys were identified as 168687 (YZ-13) "Dumptruck 11", 168686 (YZ-11) "Dumptruck 12" and 168234 (YZ-03) "Dumptruck 13".

These Ospreys are a part of the latest Marine Rotational Force Darwin (MRF-D) and have deployed from the top end to RAAF Base Scherger in Far North Queensland for the Joint Military Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 (TS23).

They all later made a spectacular departure to the North again as "Dumptruck 11-13".

Meanwhile, also spotted at Mackay Airport, also early on Sunday 30 July, was United States Air Force (USAF) Lockheed AC-130J Ghostrider gunship Hercules aircraft 18-5891 "Jackal 92" which looked to return overnight following more flying over the search area where the missing Australian Army MRH-90 helicopter "Bushman 83" went down on Friday evening.

The Herc later departed Mackay Airport and flew down to RAAF Base Richmond where it has been deployed to for TS23.

Sincere thanks again to the local plane spotters for allowing to share these great photos!

Photos and video taken by Peter Jackson, David Sayles and 'JM'  ©

Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 - Australian Army MRH-90 Helicopter A40-040 "Bushman 83" Crashes in the Whitsundays - The Grim Search Begins for Wreckage and Crew - Plus More!

Late on Friday 28 July, Australian Army NH Industries MRH-90 Multi-Role Helicopter A40-040 "Bushman 83" ditched into waters close to Hamilton Island during low-level flight operations in the Whitsundays during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 (TS23).  

Almost immediately, a search and rescue operation commenced involving several military aircraft and helicopters from both the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and United States Armed Forces, as well as several civilian aircraft and helicopters.

United States Air Force (USAF) Lockheed AC-130J Ghostrider gunship Hercules aircraft 18-5891 "Jackal 92" was on the scene on Friday night searched the area most of the night before then being spotted at Mackay Airport taking on fuel.  It then departed to RAAF Base Richmond where it has been deployed to during TS23.

On Saturday 29 July, fellow USAF AC-130J Ghostrider Herc 18-5905 "Jackal 93" looked to fly out of Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport and also search in the area of crash.

Later, USAF Lockheed MC-130J Commando II Hercules 11-5731 "Rogue 72" came up from Richmond to search and then land at Mackay Airport as pictured below.

While fellow Australian Army NH Industries MRH-90 Multi-Role Helicopter A40-029 looked to join the search while on a flight out of Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport.  There seems to be several MRH-90s based at Prosie at the moment.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing P-8A Poseidon Maritime Surveillance Aircraft A47-007 as "Rescue 251" flew up from RAAF Base Edinburgh and then RAAF Base Amberley to the search area at the Whitsundays.

And it appeared that RAAF Boeing C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft A41-208 as 'ASY667' did a low pass over the search area while flying from Canberra to Townsville.

Meanwhile, some of the civil aircraft and helicopters noted in the search efforts, also on Saturday 29 July, included the Cairns-based Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) (Cobham SAR Services Pty Ltd) Bombardier CL-600-2B16 Challenger 604 bizjet VH-XNC as "Rescue 440" which flew down and spent several hours seemingly coordinating some of the search efforts.

Careflight Kawasaki BK117 B-2 helicopter VH-IME "Careflight 2" operated in the search area out of Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport - where it seems to be currently deployed for TS23.

And the two Central Queensland Rescue (CQ Rescue) (Babcock Mission Critical Services Australasia) Bell 412 helicopters VH-CQJ and then VH-VAU were both noted in the search area as "Rescue 412" while on flights out of and back to Mackay Airport.

Finally, also on Saturday 29 July, while it seemed that most flying for the day was called off out of respect of the overnight incident, there was still some action around the Lakeside Airpark and other large airports nearby as the United States Marine Corps (USMC) looked to complete troop insertion and extraction exercises.

United States Marine Corps (USMC) Lockheed KC-130J Hercules 165735 (Tail Code QB-5735) was noted departing Proserpine Airport for the North. It looked to use the radio callsign of "Raider 51".

USMC Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft 168243 (EP-00) and 168217 (EP-01) of VMM-265 'Dragons', flew as "Bowser 31" from the United States Navy (USN) amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA-6) to Rockhampton Airport before then departing up to Lakeside Airpark.

They both then flew down to Mackay Airport and landed for a short time to refuel.  

They later returned to Rockhampton Airport for the night.

While after dark, three MV-22B Ospreys of VMM-363 'Lucky Red Lions' appeared to depart Lakeside Airpark and also then arrive into Mackay Airport for the night.

UPDATE!  Early on Sunday 30 July, the three Ospreys were identified as 168687 (YZ-13) "Dumptruck 11", 168686 (YZ-11) "Dumptruck 12" and 168234 (YZ-03) "Dumptruck 13".

These Ospreys are a part of the latest Marine Rotational Force Darwin (MRF-D) and have deployed from the top end to RAAF Base Scherger in Far North Queensland for TS23.

And finally, some more ADF action saw Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk 'Romeo' naval combat helicopter N48-018 (Code 918) "Tiger 18" visit Mackay Airport.

It is believed that the Seahawk arrived from and departed back to the Royal Australian Navy's Hobart-class air warfare destroyer HMAS Brisbane (DDG 41) which is in the area.

And a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed C-130J-30 Hercules transport aircraft looked to also visit Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport during the day with A97-442 as "Trojan 04" noted departing to Richmond, while A97-468 as "Trojan 03" looked to visit from RAAF Base Scherger.

Thanks to the local plane spotters and enthusiasts for their help in compiling this post!

Photos taken by 'AC', Steve Vit, Dan Bishop and 'JM'  ©