Image Gallery

Images from Exercise Pitch Black
06 August 2004

Exercise Pitch Black 2004, which started on 18 July 04 and finished on 6 August 04 is the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) largest exercise in 2004 and will provide exercise participants with high complexity Air Combat training opportunities.

Exercise Pitch Black involves aircraft and personnel from the Royal Thai Air Force, the Republic of Singapore Air Force, the French Air Force, the RAAF and some Australian Army units. RAAF Base Darwin and RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory will host approximately 1000 and 700 participants respectively during the exercise.

A small number of staff from the Royal Air Force are also participating in the Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC). EX PB04 provides vital training for pilots and ground crew. It also tests Air Force's procedures for deploying away from home bases and its interoperability with other air forces.

read release: Exercise Pitch Black ends

	JPAU03AUG04ML015 A Republic of Singapore Air Force KC135 air to air refueller heads back to RAAF Base Darwin after conducting operations over sea with various aircraft involved in Exercise Pitch Black 2004. (Date taken: 03 August 2004) low-res | high-res
	JPAU03AUG04ML026 F-111s from both 1 and 6 Squadron fly alongside a Republic of Singapore Air Force KC135 during refuelling operations of the coast of Darwin. (Date taken: 03 August 2004) low-res | high-res
	JPAU03AUG04ML027 Three F-111s from RAAF Base Amberley fly alongside a Republic of Singapore Air Force KC135 during refuelling operations of the coast of Darwin. (Date taken: 03 August 2004) low-res | high-res
	JPAU03AUG04ML040 A Republic of Singapore Air Force KC135 is met by Royal Australian Air Force F-111 bombers for refuelling during Exercise Pitch Black 2004. (Date taken: 03 August 2004) low-res | high-res
	JPAU03AUG04RM012 The Commanding Officer of No 3 Squadron, Wing Commander Michael Kitcher, stands proud in front of his squadron personnel and aircraft. The squadron is participating in Exercise Pitch Black 2004 currently being held in Darwin. (Date taken: 03 August 2004) low-res | high-res
	JPAU04AUG04DH016 Leading Aircraftman Peter Savio conducts routine checks on Heat Exchanger for 114 Mobile Control and Reporting Units involvement in Exercise Pitch Black 04. (Date taken: 04 August 2004) low-res | high-res
	JPAU04AUG04DH029 Flying Officer Nathan Yabsley surveys the air picture on a UPA62C Radar Scope for 114 Mobile Control and Reporting Units involvement in Exercise Pitch Black 04. (Date taken: 04 August 2004) low-res | high-res
	JPAU04AUG04PC005 Flight Lieutenant Michael Campion blowing up a balloon for Nova Tautari in the Royal Darwin Private Hospital while on a visit to the children’s ward. (Date taken: 04 August 2004) low-res | high-res
	JPAU04AUG04PC011 (L-R) Flight Lieutenant T. Wasawatt from the Royal Thai Air Force, Group Captain Bhanupong Seyayongka 'Batman' from the Royal Thai Air Force and Flight Lieutenant Michael Campion from the Royal Australian Air Force talk with Badleygo Djalburbur about flying Air Force aircraft during their visit to the Royal Darwin Hospital. (Date taken: 04 August 2004) low-res | high-res
	JPAU04AUG04PC022 A Royal Singapore Air Force (RSAF) F-16 Falcon fighter jet, taxis on the runway at Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin while another RSAF F-16 Falcon takes off for a mission in the background. (Date taken: 04 August 2004) low-res | high-res
	JPAU04AUG04PC103 A Royal Thai Air Force A310-300 Airbus landing at Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin after completing a sortie during Exercise Pitch Black. (Date taken: 04 August 2004) low-res | high-res
	JPAU04AUG04PC129 Two French Air Force 2000-5 Mirage Fighter Jets take off in tandem from the Royal Australian Air Force Base in Darwin for Air Combat sorties during Exercise Pitch Black. (Date taken: 04 August 2004) low-res | high-res
	JPAU30JUL04BH002 Seen in the Pitch Black Air Operations Centre at Headquarters Air Command, located at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Glenbrook is Royal Air Force Wing Commander Mark Attrill (standing) with Joint Forces Air Component Commander (JFACC) Air Commodore John Quaife AM (seated). Wing Commander Attrill is attached to RAAF Glenbrook for Exercise Pitch Black 04 from the RAF Joint Forces Headquarters RAF Base High Wycombe in the UK. (Date taken: 30 July 2004) low-res | high-res
	JPAU28JUL04RM017 Electrical engineer Flying Officer Justin Ryan from 77 Squadron, talks with a technician about the serviceability of a Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18 cockpit instruments. (Date taken: 28 July 2004) low-res | high-res
	JPAU28JUL04RM032 It is a hive of activity inside the 77 Squadron flight line as pilots sign for their aircraft in preparation for another night's mission during Exercise Pitch Black (Ex PB04). (Date taken: 28 July 2004) low-res | high-res
	JPAU29JUL04BD034 Flight Lieutenant Peter Lambert gives the all clear for engine start for a night sortie in a F-111 aircraft during Exercise Pitch Black 04. (Date taken: 29 July 2004) low-res | high-res