In Active Service

One of the most revolutionary aircraft since the Wright Flyer has been the helicopter. In recent years it has shown itself to be an extremely versatile, often potent, and virtually indispensable tool of any defence force.

Australia began operating helicopters in 1947 when the first Sikorsky S-51 helicopter entered RAAF service. Today, the RAAF operates two squadrons of Bell Iroquois utility helicopters, one squadron of Boeing Vertol Chinook medium helicopters, and a composite Iroquois/Caribou fixed-wing squadron. Additionally, the Royal Australian Navy operates Sea King, Wessex, Iroquois and Bell 206 Kiowa helicopters, and the Army Aviation Corps operates the Kiowa light helicopter. RAN and Army aircraft will be discussed in later issues in the series.

Squadrons

Numbers 5 and 9 Squadrons, based at Fairbairn (ACT) and Amberley (Qld) respectively, operate a number of Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopters, which have been in service since 1962. In addition, four Iroquois are operated by 35 Squadron (along with 3 Caribou transports) in Townsville (Qld). Search and Rescue Iroquois are also stationed at RAAF bases at Butterworth (Malaysia), Pearce (WA) and Williamtown (NSW), and are maintained by Number 5 Squadron.

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