Yesterday, Austin residents were treated to an unusual sight as four military helicopters flew over the Far West Blvd area. Such aerial displays aren’t a common sight in the city, so it’s understandable that many were taken aback and curious about the unexpected event.

Specifically, the helicopters were CH-47 Chinooks, which are frequently used by the US military. These aircraft are known for their incredibly loud noise, often heard before they are seen. With a price tag of around $65 million each, they’re quite the investment. Because of this, it means there was a total of $260 million worth of equipment in the skies.

The event was first brought to public attention by a puzzled Reddit user. As the discussion grew, others offered potential explanations.

One commenter explained their presence. These were in the city as part of the flyover for the upcoming football game. This actually happens across various US cities and often leads to speculation. Sometimes, the helicopters will appear a day or so before to practice their route. The CH-47 is a heavy-lift helicopter developed by Boeing. Often called the Chinook, it is used by militaries around the world for a wide range of missions, including troop transport, cargo hauling, and search and rescue.

While the reason behind the helicopters’ appearance might have been routine, it was undeniably a unique sight, and not something Austin residents see every day.