Unlike the rest of the flying units of the RAN, it was not controlled by the Fleet Air Arm from HMAS Albatross, but instead fell under the operational control of the Australian Hydrographic Service at HMAS Cairns,[1] providing a platform for the operation of the laser airborne depth sounder system.

[6] The aircraft itself was owned by the Fugro LADS Corporation, which also provides the flight crews and system maintenance technicians.

Aircraft engineers came from the civilian contractor, Surveillance Australia, while the hydrographic specialists are serving members of the RAN.

[4] In December 2016, the aircraft deployed to the South Island of New Zealand to assist in surveying the coast following the Kaikōura earthquake.

[4] The aircraft makes multiple, overlapping passes of the target area to ensure accurate data is collected.