Ten t’riffic Taipans all in a row

By Graham Davis

LCDR Al Whittaker in Taipan 64 leads nine other 723 Squadron Squirrels in a “stacked” hover over HMAS Albatross. Not since the days of the Wessex has a formation flight of this size been attempted. Photo by ABPH Neil Richards

Nine of the ten Taipans in a Vee formation over the perimeter of HMAS Albatross. Photo by LSPH Brad Fullerton

The ship’s company of the Taipan Squad­ron, the RAN’s No 723, achieved an outstanding feat earlier this month getting ten of its 12 AS350B Squirrel helicopters into the air and into formation at the one time.

Not since 1987 when the RAN flew Wessex helicopters has a formation of this size been spotted in our skies.

The ten aircraft made an impressive sight as they hovered in a stack above HMAS Albatross.

Commanding Officer of the squadron, LCDR Al Whittaker, organised the mass flight to hone formation flying and to boost squadron morale.

“We spent 1.2 hours in the air and I have commended the squadron’s maintainers for getting so many aircraft into the air.

“They did well.

“I am very proud of the efforts of all squadron personnel, but particularly our engineering section. This effort has shown a high degree of professionalism and dedication on their part,” he said.

The squadron couldn’t fly all of its 12 Squirrels as two are in deep maintenance, he explained.

LCDR Whittaker split the aircraft into two flights, a Black flight comprising five aircraft in grey livery and the Red flight using aircraft painted in the Navy’s blue and white colour scheme. He led the Black flight in Taipan 64 while LCDR Grant O’Laughlan led the Red team.

In the ten aircraft were a composite of RAN and RAAF pilots. Some were fully operational pilots, some instructors, others advanced rotary wing students.

A steady increase in the demands placed on the ADF, coupled with the introduction of the Kaman Super Seasprite has seen a corresponding need to increase aircrew numbers in the RAN.

723 Squadron has displayed that they are well placed to meet these training needs.

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