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Former Australian Defence Force medium transport helicopter Black Hawk A25-112 has arrived as crucial centrepiece at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
Black Hawk A25-112, originally produced by American defence company Sikorsky, was operated by the Australian Defence Force alongside other aircraft seeing operational service in Cambodia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, East Timor and Pakistan.
A25-112, nicknamed “Saracen”, accumulated more than three decades of service with the ADF before being gifted to the memorial by the Department of Defence.
Saracen’s military career spanned original deployment with 5th Aviation Regiment in 1989 until its final operational flight in 2019. The aircraft was operational to Australian operations in East Timor in 2004, 2008 and 2011; Operations Pakistan Assist in 2006 and Papua New Guinea Assist in 2007; in Bougainville under Operation Lagoon in 1994 and in Fiji under Operation Quickstep 2006.
“After more than 30 years of service, Black Hawk A25-112 has arrived at the Australian War Memorial for its final mission, to represent over three decades of Australian Army peacekeeping, humanitarian and combat service,” according to a statement from the Australian War Memorial.
“Black Hawks moved troops, evacuated the wounded, delivered aid and brought reassurance in times of crisis.
“Now lifted into the new Anzac Atrium and assembled, this iconic aircraft will be a powerful centrepiece when the space opens this December, paying tribute to all the soldiers, pilots and crews who worked with Black Hawks across decades of operations.”
Australia originally ordered 14 twin-engine S-70A-9 Black Hawk utility helicopters in 1986 and an additional 25 Black Hawks in 1987 to replace then-ageing Iroquois transport helicopters.
The then-new four-bladed aircraft were introduced into service with the ADF in the late 1980s to provide air mobility for troops, aerial reconnaissance, casualty evacuation and aerial fire support as well as humanitarian and natural disaster relief in times of crisis.
Major General (Ret’d) Steve Jobson, a member of the Australian Peacekeeper and Peacemaker Veterans Association and a former pilot, led humanitarian missions and saw extensive service in Army Black Hawks.
“The Black Hawk is more than an aircraft. It is a lifeline,” Jobson said.
“It moved troops, evacuated the wounded, delivered aid, and gave reassurance in times of crisis. For those of us who flew it, the Black Hawk represents adaptability, courage and resilience.”
The fleet was eventually replaced by the now-retired Taipan (MRH-90) multi-role helicopter.
The director of the Australian War Memorial, Matt Anderson, said the installation of the Black Hawk is a milestone in telling the story of Australia’s contemporary military history.
“For more than 30 years, Black Hawks like Saracen served in peacekeeping, humanitarian and combat operations,” Anderson said.
“Its arrival at the memorial is symbolic of the people who flew, maintained and relied on this remarkable aircraft.
“When visitors have the opportunity to see this most storied Black Hawk suspended in the Anzac Atrium, I’m sure it will be a powerful reminder of the vital role aviation has played in Australia’s story.
“This December will mark the opening of the Anzac Atrium, with this iconic Australian aircraft and its stories at the heart of the visitor experience.”
