The RAAF C-27J Spartan has showcased its ability to take off and land at short dirt runways as part of Exercise Hamel 2018 at Shoalwater Bay Training Area near Rockhampton.
During the exercise, the C-27J Spartan has delivered troops and cargo, deployed supplies via parachute and conducted aeromedical evacuations.
It’s the first time the Spartan has operated from a Forward Operating Base to support the Australian Army.
The capabilities of the C-27J bridge the gap between Army helicopters, such as the CH-47F Chinook, and larger Air Force aircraft, such as the C-130J Hercules and C-17A Globemaster III.
Exercise Hamel 2018 is a major Army exercise designed to evaluate the warfighting skills of a brigade.
Brisbane-based 7th Brigade is the focus in 2018, with the excerse located in Shoalwater Bay in Central Queensland.
Locations such as Cultana, South Australia, airspace and maritime zones adjacent to Shoalwater Bay, are providing integrated Australian Defence Force training opportunities.
Major exercises like Exercise Hamel allow commanders to ensure their units and formations are battle ready, in addition to allowing headquarters to exercise their processes and procedures.
Australian Department of Defence
June 24, 2018