Fighting Falcon's with Phil Munsel Photography

Over the past two weeks or so, there have been many wonderful photo's depicting Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) General Dynamic (Lockheed Martin) F-16D Block 52+ Fighting Falcon's captured at Rockhampton Airport by a number talented planespotters, and Phil Munsel Photography is no exception.

As there has already been a couple of dedicated F-16 posts published here at Air Queensland.blogspot, considered these fast jets that are temporarily based at the beef capital for 'Exercise Wallaby 2015' require no further introduction.

Instead, sit back in your chair and enjoy taking a closer look at these truly magnificent airside photo's by Phil Munsel Photography.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All photo's contributed by Phil Munsel Photography.

Cessna 172S (SkyHawk SP) VH-ZDX

Cessna 172S (SkyHawk SP) VH-ZDX is a Rockhampton based lightie, and although privately owned by a third party, has a long association with the Rockhampton Aero Club having now been leased by the flying school and air charter company for a number of years.

During this time, VH-ZDX has been used for various tasks including flying training, general air charter, scenic flights and passenger / tourist transfers.

Manufactured in 2003 and configured to seat up to four people (incl pilot), this neatly presented Cessna is powered by a Textron-Lycoming IO-360, 4-cylinder piston engine enabling the aircraft to cruise at approximately 125 knots.

For further information about flying training or private hire options of VH-ZDX, the Rockhampton Aero Club can be contacted on (07) 4922 4596  / 0427 224 596 or by visiting their website at :  http://rockhamptonaeroclub.org.au/aeroclub/ 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) F-16D Fighting Falcon action at Rockhampton

When time allows, Rockhampton planespotter Ash Burggraaff has been soaking-up some of the action associated with 'Exercise Wallaby 2015' at Rockhampton Airport.

 

Among regular movements, there have been plenty of thunder created by six Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) General Dynamics (Lockheed Martin) F-16D Block 52+ Fighting Falcon's that have been temporarily based at the beef capital since mid-October.

It is understood the visiting RSAF F-16D's - serialled 666, 667, 670, 676, 677 and 680 - have been deployed to Central Queensland for approximately three weeks, and help make up a total of 20 F-16D Block 52+'s operated by Republic of Singapore Air Force's 145th Squadron at Changi Air Base, Singapore.

Of interest, you will note this particular model of RSAF F-16D's have a distinqtive bulge directly above the wings that extend roughly half the length of the fuselage. Known as Conformal Fuel Tanks, these among other improvements were fitted as part of an upgrade.  

Additionally, it is reported the RSAF F-16C/D fleet will undergo a modernisation programme commencing 2016. To read more about this, visit the link below :

 

http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/singapores-steps-modernizing-the-rsafs-f-16-fleet-017430

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All photo contributed by Ash Burggraaff.

RSAF Boeing AH-64D Apache helicopters based at Rockhampton Airport / Camp Warrior

Participating in Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) 'Exercise Wallaby 2015' include a pair of Boeing CH-47SD Chinook, five Boeing AH-64D Apache and six Aerospatiale AS-332M1 Super Puma helicopters, aswell as six General Dynamics (Lockheed Martin) F-16D Block 52+ Fighting Falcon's, and a lone Lockheed C-130H Hercules transport aircraft.

In this post, we take a quick look at the Apache Longbow attack helicopter.

Partially stripped, the five Boeing AH-64D Apache helicopters - serialled 059, 060, 062, 066 and 067 - were transported to Rockhampton from Paya Lebar Air Base, Singapore aboard Antonov Airlines (Antonov Design Bureau) AN-124-100 UR-82029 in late September.

After reassembly, the Apache's took to the skies a few days later and will regularly fly between the beef capital and Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) for the duration of 'Exercise Wallaby 2015'.

Operated by 120th Squadron at Sembawang Air Base, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) currently maintains a modest fleet of 20 Apache helicopters (among other types of military choppers) with their primary role being 'Anti-Armour and Ground Support'. Armament include AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, Hydra 70 rockets and a single 30mm M320 chain gun.

 

Over the years, the Apache has been built by a number of manufactuers :

 

Hughes Helicopters  (1975 to 1984)

 

McDonnell Douglas (1984 to 1997)

 

Boeing Defence, Space and Security (1997 to present)     

 

and under license in the United Kingdom (UK) as the AgustaWestland Apache.