Blackhawks

[Demon50]

Does anyone know when the Blackhawks were officially transferred from the RAAF to ARMY ?

I think it was in late 1988 or early 1989 but I'm after an exact date.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Bob

[Luig]

"During 1986, after much vigorous debate, the decision was made to pass control of the battlefield helicopters from the RAAF to the Army. The RAAF was to see the Black Hawk into service and the 14 aircraft would then transfer to the Army.

Around Christmas 1988, No 9 Squadron relocated to RAAF Townsville and, on 15 February 1989, was disbanded. Production delays at HdH had led to A25-114 being delivered twelve months late, so only the eight RAAF Black Hawks delivered by this date were handed over to A Squadron of the Army's 5th Aviation Regiment. Subsequently, all Black Hawks from the HdH production line were delivered to the Army."

http://www.airforce.gov.au/raafmuseum/research/aircraft/series3/A25.htm

[Demon50]

Thanks - I've been scouring all my old books, magazines etc but couldn't find the exact date.

Cheers

Bob

[darren.crick]

there you go Bob, some are ex RAAF and other are not... some good info for the Blackhawk page out of that!