JPAU22APR03JC04 OPERATION FALCONER

Pic By: JNC
Caption:Australian Army soldiers from the
Townsville-based 5th Aviation Regiment provide the Coalition Forces in the Middle Eastern Area of Operation (MEAO) with a medium lift capability as they transport troops and equipment.

The Chinook (CH47) has the capacity to lift up to 11.7 Tons, carrying internal and/or external loads, or 30 combat troops.

Over time, the Chinook has consistently proven to be a reliable and capable aircraft having been used in conflicts such as the Falklands and the Gulf war and now Operation Falconer.

The CH 47 aircraft has proven itself working with the Australian ArmyÃ¯Â¿Â½s 3rd Brigade in providing essential support to deployed elements as is commonly referred to as the Ã¯Â¿Â½work-horseÃ¯Â¿Â½ of the ArmyÃ¯Â¿Â½s helicopter regiment.

While the Chinook helicopter has been in service since the Vietnam Conflict, this variant remains one of the latest additions to the Australian ArmyÃ¯Â¿Â½s aviation capability.