723 Squadron

723 Squadron currently operates thirteen Squirrel AS350BA helicopters and since 2007, three leased A109E Power helicopters. The Squirrel helicopters initially provided an interim aviation capability for the Royal Australian Navy's (RAN) Guided Missile Frigates. 723 Squadron Squirrels served with all helicopter-capable RAN ships during the 1991 Gulf War. The aircraft, fitted with updated avionics and a door mounted machine gun were used for shipping surveillance, top cover for merchant ship boardings, mine searches and light logistics support.

The Squirrels were upgraded to AS350BA models in 1995 providing capability and performance improvements. Replaced by the S-70B-2 Seahawk aboard the frigates in 1997, the Squirrel ceased dedicated embarked operations. However, during September 1999, an AS350BA was again embarked at sea, this time in HMAS Anzac as part of the Navy's contingent for the East Timor crisis.

Today the Squadron's primary focus is on training. At 723 Squadron all pilots, observers and aircrew undertake conversion training from fixed wing to rotary wing aircraft, in preparation for further training in operational helicopters.

The squadron has also recently developed a helicopter aerobatic pairs display team which participates at major airshows and local public events.

Helicopter Display Team

The 723 Squadron helicopter display team was formed out of a need to showcase Naval Aviation to the public through recognised events. Such events include airshows, base open days as well as public events of significance.

Whilst there have been many single helicopter displays from various types in the past the Squadron saw this as an opportunity to develop a Pairs Display. The current display was developed and based upon a RN Lynx display, and has been incorporated into the Squadron Flying orders such that it will be available to the Squadron for years to come.

Two Qualified Helicopter Instructors (QHI's) fly the display with an Observer/Aircrewman performing co-pilot duties throughout the display. The duties performed by the co-pilots are not unlike that of a rally drivers navigator, calling the sequence of manoeuvres for the pilot. Co-pilots also assist in keeping the other aircraft sighted and checking the engine instruments during the display.

The 723 Squadron Helicopter Display team has performed at the Caboolture Air Spectacular, Richmond Open day, Bairnsdale Airshow, Temora Aviation Museum open days, the Amberley ADF Airshow 04, and the HMAS Albatross open days to name a few. The team has been approached to display at the Avalon Airshow 05.

Prior to being approved for public display the display team conducted months of training and work-ups. Initially starting with one aircraft flying the routine. Once the QHI's were familiar with the routine a second aircraft was added, and the sequence was slowly built into the current display. Final approval for public viewing was given by COMAUSNAVAIRGRP (CDRE Ledger) during a display at Nowra. Once public display approval had been given the team had conducted a minimum of 50 practices.

When the display team are tasked to perform at a venue the Squadron will deploy two aircraft and a team of five maintainers. Of these five maintainers one will be an Aircraft Engineer who is responsible for ensuring the aircraft are ready for the display. Without the combined efforts of the maintenance personnel and the aircrew the display would not be possible.

In its infancy, the 723 Squadron display team is always striving to put on a professional, polished display that will reflect positively upon the Fleet Air Arm. With excellent reviews from many airshows the Squirrel Display is now amongst the premier displays in Australia.

The formation of the 723 Squadron Helicopter Display Team offers significant public relations, public information and promotional opportunities for the ADF and RAN in particular.