Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) NH Industries NH90 Helicopter NZ3307 "KIW278' Finally Departs Rockhampton Airport

On Friday 26 September, the other Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) NH Industries NH90 helicopter that arrived into Rockhampton Airport last weekend departed to RAAF Base Amberley at the start of its mammoth journey back to New Zealand.

After arriving from Townsville last Saturday 20 September, NH90 NZ3307 suffered a technical problem and was unable to depart.  But following maintenance work, including the delivery of spares from an RNZAF Lockheed C-130J Hercules transport aircraft, NZ3307 was finally able to depart as 'KIW278' and join fellow No. 3 Squadron NH90 NZ3306 at Amberley.

Both helicopters then continued to Coffs Harbour in New South Wales - NZ3306 as 'KIW291' and NZ3307 as 'KIW278'.

UPDATE!  Over the weekend, both NH90s departed Coffs Harbour for Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island before continuing across the ditch back to New Zealand and land at RNZAF Base Auckland.

Sincere thanks to local plane spotter John L for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!

All photos taken by John Lee  ©

Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules NZ7012 'KIW407' Pops into Rockhampton Airport

On Wednesday 24 September, Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules NZ7012 arrived into Rockhampton Airport from 'KIW407'.

It flew across from RNZAF Base Auckland and RAAF Base Amberley and then departed to Townsville.

It also visited Townsville from RNZAF Base Auckland the previous day.

It is believed that the Kiwi Herc brought over spare parts to assist with fixing the broken RNZAF NH90 helicopter NZ3307 which arrived into Rockhampton Airport last weekend and seemed to suffer technical problems and was unable to depart.  

All photos taken by Steve Vit  ©

Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) NH Industries NH90 Helicopter NZ3306 "KIW291' Departs Rockhampton Airport

On Tuesday 23 September, one of the two Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) NH Industries NH90 helicopters that arrived into Rockhampton Airport on the weekend departed to RAAF Base Amberley at the start of their mammoth journey back to New Zealand.

NH90 helicopter NZ3306 as 'KIW291' departed Rockhampton Airport for Amberley and left NZ3307 behind after it seemingly suffered a technical issue after arriving from Townsville on Saturday.

We shall wait and see what happens with the NH90 at Rocky after it has since been towed around to park outside the massive Alliance Airlines hangar as shown.

Sincere thanks to local photographer Steve V for allowing us to share these great photos!

All photos taken by Steve Vit  ©

Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) NH Industries NH90 Helicopters NZ3306 & NZ3307 Arrive into Rockhampton Airport

On Saturday 20 September, a pair of Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) NH Industries NH90 helicopters NZ3306 & NZ3307 arrived into Rockhampton Airport.

They were flying as "Warrior Black" and flew down from Townsville.

Later, it seemed that NZ3307 encountered a technical problem and remained parked at Rockhampton Airport.

The other NH90 NZ3306 departed Rockhampton Airport for South as "Warrior 06" but soon turned back and landed again at Rockhampton Airport.

Both NH90 helicopters have been in Australia for some time, arriving with a third NH90 NZ3303, all for Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025.  NZ3306 and NZ3307 have been parked at Townsville and recently completed a massive over-water deployment flying from Cairns to Papua New Guinea to participate in the PNG's 50th Anniversary of Independence Celebrations.

The RNZAF No. 3 Squadron NH90 helicopters then returned to Cairns (pictured) and flew down to Townsville before heading down to Rockhampton Airport.

UPDATE!  Over the next week or so, and after receiving maintenance attention, both NH90s eventually departed Rockhampton Airport for RAAF Base Amberley and then a flight back to New Zealand via Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island.  A massive deployment! 

Photos taken by Jonathan Williams  ©

Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Boeing B757-200 NZ7572 Arrives into Rockhampton Airport as "Kiwi 287"

On Thursday 31 July, Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Boeing B757-2K2 NZ7572 was spotted arriving into Rockhampton Airport.

It arrived from RNZAF Base Auckland (Whenuapai) and Townsville and was heard to be flying as 'KIW287'.

At the time of writing, it appears that the RNZAF B757 is staying for at least the night.

UPDATE!  On Friday 1 August, RNZAF B757 NZ7572 "Kiwi 287" departed to Townsville before heading over the RNZAF Base Ohakea and back to RNZAF Base Auckland.

Of interest, both the B757-200 - as well as their new C-130J Hercules transport aircraft - are flown by the RNZAF’s No. 40 Squadron based at RNZAF Base Auckland at Whenuapai.

 

Sincere thanks to local photographer Steve V for allowing us to share these great photos!

All photos taken by Steve Vit  ©

Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) NH Industries NH90 Helicopter NZ3306 Out and Back at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Tuesday 29 July, Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) NH Industries NH90 helicopter NZ3306 departed Rockhampton Airport for Brisbane.  It was heard to use the radio callsign of "Warrior 06".

UPDATE!  On Wednesday 30 July, the RNZAF NH90 helicopter NZ3306 "Warrior 06" returned to Rockhampton Airport from Brisbane but it called into Gladstone Airport for fuel.  The NH90 then continued up to Townsville.  It was photographed above and below at Gladstone Airport.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday 29 July, CHC Helicopters Australia / Lloyd Helicopters Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-RQY as "Choppa 42" departed Rockhampton Airport for Longreach Airport before then flying down to Roma Airport and RAAF Base Amberley.

And Helicorp (Australian Army) Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters (Agusta) AW139 helicopter VH-YQC as "Rescue 902" came from the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) and flew a few training approaches at Rockhampton Airport before it then returned to the Bay.

Finally, late on Tuesday 29 July, a pair of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-002 "Wallaby 70" and A34-008 "Wallaby 75" completed airwork around Taroom while on a flight out of and back to RAAF Base Amberley.

Sincere thanks to Gladstone plane spotters Jamie C and Glenn L for taking the time to capture and send through these great photos!

Photos taken by Jamie C and Glenn Lloyd  ©

Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 - Flight of SIX Australian Army and RNZAF Helicopters as "Chainsaw Combined" Arrives at Rockhampton Airport - Plus More!

On Friday 18 July, a massive flight of SIX military helicopters flying as "Chainsaw Combined" were photographed making a spectacular arrival into Rockhampton Airport from Townsville.

They were identified as Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) NH Industries NH90 helicopters NZ3306, NZ3303 & NZ3307.

Plus Australian Army Boeing CH-47F Chinook helicopters A15-301, A15-306 & A15-310.

All six helicopters parked on the crossing Runway 04/22 at Rockhampton Airport.

While Astra Aerospace / Air Affairs (Australia) Learjet 35A bizjet VH-LRH as "Blackjack 11" completed a flight out of and back to Rockhampton Airport.

A third Air Affairs (Australia) Learjet 35A VH-LRX also arrived into Rockhampton Airport from HMAS Albatross at Nowra as 'AJAX19'.

Two Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) British Aerospace (BAe) Hawk 127 jets - A27-01 and A27-23 - completed only one afternoon sortie out of and back to Rockhampton Airport as "Puma".

The two Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Lockheed CC-130J Super Hercules (C-130J-30) transport aircraft wearing serials 130617 and 130606 flew down from Townsville as 'CNUK61FLT' / "Canook 61 Flt" into the Shoalwater Bay Training Area before later returning North.

Finally, United States Air Force (USAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III 05-5146 as 'SHAKA11' was noted on radar climbing out of the Middlemount area.  It is believed to be based at RAAF Base Amberley along with a few other USAF C-17s which are also based there and at other places like Cairns, Townsville and Darwin.

Photos taken by Steve Vit and Scott Harris  ©

Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 (TS25) Kicks off in Spectacular Fashion in CQ - HIMARS Launch in Shoalwater Bay - Aust & US Aircraft and Helicopters at Rockhampton Airport

Australia’s largest bilateral military exercise, Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 (TS25), officially commenced over the weekend following an opening ceremony on board the Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS Adelaide.   

Now in its 11th iteration, TS25 is the largest and most sophisticated warfighting exercise ever conducted in Australia.

Over the next three weeks, more than 35,000 military personnel from Australia and partnering nations will deploy across Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia, New South Wales and Christmas Island. For the first time, activities will also be conducted outside of Australia in Papua New Guinea.

In addition to the United States, forces from Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, and the United Kingdom will join as partners.

Malaysia and Vietnam will also attend as observers.

This year’s exercise will consist of live-fire exercises and field training activities, incorporating force preparation activities, amphibious landings, ground force manoeuvres, and air combat and maritime operations.

And on Monday 14 July, Australian Army soldiers, joined by U.S. Army artillerymen, fired their High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) for the first time, marking a significant upgrade to Australia’s long-range strike capabilities.

The HIMARS launch was the highlight of Monday’s live-fire event at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA), which also featured M777 howitzers from the U.S. Marine Corps and the Australian Army and South Korean tanks and self-propelled artillery.  F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters flew overhead during the event as AC/DC’s "Thunderstruck" played over loudspeakers.

Officers and other dignitaries and politicians were transported into Rockhampton Airport from Sydney (and Canberra) on board Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Airbus A330-203 / KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) A39-003 as "Dragon 01" and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-8 MAX BBJ A62-001 as "Envoy 36".

They were then transported to the Bay on board two Australian Army CH-47F Chinook helicopters as "Stockman".  

They returned to the Australian Army District Support Unit (DSU) compound nearby to Rockhampton Airport before heading back out to the Bay and then back late to Rockhampton Airport.

While also arriving into Rockhampton Airport and staying on deployment was three Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) British Aerospace (BAe) Hawk 127 jets as 'PUMA51' which arrived from RAAF Base Williamtown.

They were identified as A27-01, A27-08,  and A27-23

And possibly as part of the deployment of the Hawks, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Search and Rescue (CHC Helicopters Australia / Lloyd Helicopters) Agusta AW139 helicopter VH-SYZ as "Choppa 41" arrived into Rockhampton Airport yesterday and today completed a local flight.

Meanwhile, also on Monday 14 July, two formations of highly modified helicopters operated by the elite United States Army's 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) passed through Rockhampton Airport, heading up to Townsville where multiple Special Operations helicopters will be deployed during the Exercise.

The first formation consisted of three Sikorsky MH-60M Blackhawks callsign "BOUNTY HUNTER 11" - which also passed through Mackay Airport - then following behind later this afternoon was a formation of two Boeing MH-47G Chinooks (19-02928 & 19-02929) callsign "THUNDER 21". 

They were also spotted arriving into Townsville.

A contingent of four new Australian Army UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters operated by 6 Aviation Regiment were spotted passing through Rockhampton Airport also heading to Mackay Airport and then Townsville.  A60-007 and A60-008 as "Justice" passed through first followed later by A60-002 and A60-011 as "Prophet".

Plus two The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Boeing CH-47F Chinook helicopters also passed through Rockhampton Airport also heading up to Townsville.  They were identified as 86000 and 86000 and arrived together as "Celtic" before departing separately as "Celtic" and "Cyclops".

All these helicopters join the two Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Bell CH-146 Griffon helicopters that arrived yesterday.

And United States Navy (USN) Sikorsky MH-60S Seahawk (Knighthawk) helicopter 167854 / RB-11 was spotted visiting Rockhampton Airport once again as "Valkyrie 62".

Finally, also on Monday 14 July, some other movements in association with Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 included Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Alenia C-27J Spartan transport aircraft A34-001 as "Wallaby 45" which had flown up from RAAF Base Amberley with other aircraft for a parachute drop, landed at Rockhampton Airport following the drop and then returned to Amberley.

Armée de l'Air (French Air Force) CASA CN-235-200M '105' (Code 62-1G) as "COTAM1161" completed low-level operations in an area out to sea North of Mackay after flying up from RAAF Base Amberley.

Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Boeing P-8A Poseidon NZ4801 as 'EVRST73' was noted operating out of Townsville.

While Australian Army Boeing Insitu RQ-21 Blackjack (company name Integrator), unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) have been see on online flight tracking sites flying in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA).  They have been noted as A61-007 (7CFB0C) as HYDRA07 and today A61-003 (7CFB08) as SPYRO03 and A61-006 (7CFB0B ) as SPYRO06.

And the Luftwaffe (German Air Force) Airbus A400M Atlas transport aircraft serial 54+14 as 'GAF61' was due to visit Rockhampton Airport from Townsville.

Finally, also on Monday 14 July, maybe not associated with the Exercise was Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing B737-7ES / E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft A30-004 as "Wedgetail 03" flew up from RAAF Base Williamtown to complete a missed approach at Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) Airport and another at Emerald Airport before then returning to Williamtown.

 

Sincere thanks to the local plane spotters for their help in preparing this post!

Photo taken by Trevor Hardsman, Steve Vit and Glenn Lloyd  ©