The military’s biggest plane will be taking off more than usual from RAAF Base Amberley this month and next for essential flying training.
Air Force C-17A Globemaster III aircraft from 36SQN at RAAF Base Amberley, will be maintaining essential flying training in the skies over Queensland and the public may see aircraft operations from May to July 2020.
Air Force ensures its personnel remain fully trained and highly competent to conduct its tasking including flying operations.
Air Force aircrew maintain this proficiency by flying to airfields and terrains across the state.
C-17A low level flying and approaches to non-Defence airports from the Gold Coast to Cairns may also occur.
The C-17A is a large military transport aircraft that rapidly deploys troops, supplies, combat vehicles, heavy equipment and helicopters anywhere in the world. It can also be used for aeromedical evacuation.
Most recently, the C-17A delivered humanitarian aid to Fiji and Vanuatu in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Harold.
Air Force conducts training and operations in accordance with Federal and State Government guidelines.
Noise reduction and the environment are vital considerations in the planning and conduct of these flying operations, and Air Force appreciates the ongoing support of Queensland communities.
Flying operations are subject to change and timings may be irregular.
Details about the C-17A Globemaster III
The C-17A Globemaster III provides the Air Force with an unprecedented capacity for strategic airlift.
It allows Australia to rapidly deploy troops, supplies, combat vehicles, heavy equipment and helicopters anywhere in the world.
Based at RAAF Base Amberley, all eight C-17As are operated by No. 36 Squadron, and provide a logistics backbone for Australian Defence Force operations overseas.
The C-17A Globemaster is a high-wing four-engine heavy transport aircraft. It is fitted with a cargo bay ramp that allows it to airdrop cargo in-flight, and can operate from unsurfaced runways as short as 3500 feet.
It is 53 metres long and has a wingspan of 51.75 metres.
It has a maximum speed of 829 kilometres per hour and can fly up to 45,000 feet.
Able to carry up to 77 tonnes of cargo, the C-17A’s cargo bay can accommodate loads ranging from:
- an Abrams Tank;
- four Bushmaster vehicles; or
- three Black Hawk helicopters.
It can also be converted to a medical rescue aircraft.
The C-17A can be refuelled in-flight by the KC-30A, extending its range further.
