20 year of Australian Blackhawk Operations

[Blackhawk9]

Next month is the 20th year of Blackhawk operations in Australia, it seems not that long ago I was one of the guys assembling A25-101 at Amberley in the beginning of March 1988 for the first flight on 04 March 1988. A25-101 to 108 were operated by 9 Sqn RAAF until we became A Sqn 5 Avn Regt 12 months later then 109 to 114 and 201 to 225 went straight to the Army. Still my favorite Helicopter!!

Does anyone know if there is a function or pissup organised for Townsville or Oakey to mark the occasion?

The replacement ,the NH90 will be a mistake should have been more UH60-M's ,just my opinion!!!

[SawThe Light]

Quote: ( The replacement ,the NH90 will be a mistake should have been more UH60-M's ,just my opinion!!! )

Getting any of those new-fangled helicopters was a mistake. Should have stayed with the Westland Whirlwind and the Sikorsky S55. Come to think of it, we could still use the B47 if we want to live in the past.

[busdriver02]

A quick scan of globalsecurity (yes I know it's not a good source) reveals the NH90 and the hawk are about the same with respect to size, weight and power. The NH90 gets the nod for a bit bigger cabin. What's the real advantage in the NH90? I can see the extra space being useful for crashworthy seats for pax, but I can also see those being removed for "extra space." Is that about it? I'm not trying to stir the pot, I really am curious.