Bob Upham, GDPLT re-arming a No. 9 SQN RAAF SVN ‘Bushranger’ gunship at Kanga Pad, Nui Dat in late 1970
Bob served in SVN with No. 9 SQN from21 January 1970 until 21 January 1971. He was a skilled ‘slick’ and gunship pilot, determined, highly respected and was valuable mentor for the less experienced aircrew.
Also, and unknown to most, he was a very keen and talented photographer who used flair and innovation in his works.
Author’s Note and 9SA Acknowledgement. Bob also took numerous photographs at the 2012 Commemoration, Reunion and ‘Welcome Home Huey 771’ event at RAAF Aviation Heritage Centre on RAAF Base Amberley and these can be viewed below. The 9SA acknowledges Bob’s support through his high quality contributions (SVN and subsequently); his efforts have significantly enhanced many aspects of the Albatross to Black Hawk History Project.
A selection of historical, quality photographs from Bob’s No. 9 SQN RAAF SVN tour is presented below.
2012 Commemoration , Reunion & Welcome Home Huey 771 event at RAAF Aviation Heritage Centre, RAAF Base Amberley
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Other Photos by Bob Upham
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‘Bushranger’ right crew station and the twin 7.62mm M60 door gun fit
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Iroquois A2-377 right door gun fit
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‘Bushranger’ mini gun firing – ejection of spent cases
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‘Bushranger’ mini gun firing – ejection of spent cases
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A No. 9 SQN RAAF SVN ‘Bushranger’ gunship take-off from Kanga Pad to the West.
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A ‘Bushranger’ gunship in flight.
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‘Bushranger’ twin 7.62mm M60 door guns.
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‘Bushranger’ Gunner’s view over the twin M60’s.
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‘Bushranger’ impact of a ripple of 2.75 inch HE rockets.
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A No. 9 SQN RAAF SVN ‘Bushranger’ at the re-arm point Kanga Pad, Nui Dat; the ‘hot refuelling’ PSP area in the left background.
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Rocket pod, weapon head at front.
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No. 9 SQN RAAF SVN light fire team (LFT) approaching to land to the east at Kanga Pad, Nui Dat. The terrain features in the background are the Nui Dinh and the Nui Thi Vai hills. Source: Bob Upham
Gunships departing on Ops
Gunships departing on Ops – Bob Upham
Gunship Rockets going to target
Gunship Rockets going to target – Bob Upham
Gunship in action
9SQN Gunship in action – Bob Upham
Fire Power Display – Cobra Pullout
Fire Power Display – Cobra Pullout – Bob Upham
Gunship firing Rockets
Gunship firing Rockets – Bob Upham
Gunship – Rocket firing
Gunship – Rocket firing – Bob Upham
Door Gunner of a Gunship
9SQN door gunner – image Bob Upham
Dawn Flight up the Coast
9SQN Dawn Flight up the coast – image Bob Upham
Albatross Returning to Base
9SQN Albatross Returning to Base – image Bob Upham
Iroquois Bravo cockpit from cargo compartment (Slick not Gunship)
Iroquois Bravo cockpit from cargo compartment (Slick not Gunship) – Bob Upham
Gunship protecting Huey SAS PE
Gunship protecting Huey SAS PE – Bob Upham
Gunship Practice range_011 (3)
Gunship Practice range_011 (3) – Bob Upham
Gunship Practice range_011 (2)
Gunship Practice range_011 (2) – Bob Upham
Gunship Long Hai’s on L_010
Gunship Long Hai’s on L_010 – Bob Upham
