von Residents of Whyalla may catch sight of Air Force’s biggest transport aircraft in their skies over the course of this week.
A C‑17A Globemaster will conduct a series of flights over Defence training areas in South Australia. On July 28–29, some of these flights may bring it over the Whyalla township at an altitude between 300 and 600 metres above ground level.
It is anticipated that these flights will occur around 4pm on each day.
These flights are part of the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF’s) development programme for the C‑17A, and will make the C‑17A an even more effective aircraft for Air Force when being used on operations.
The C‑17A will be conducting its flights from RAAF Base Edinburgh, however the aircraft is normally based at RAAF Base Amberley, west of Brisbane.
The Royal Australian Air Force has four C‑17A Globemaster aircraft, the first of which was delivered in December 2006. Each aircraft can transport up to 70 tonnes of cargo which can include helicopters and vehicles. The aircraft is capable of landing on semi-prepared airstrips.
The C‑17A has seen service on operations overseas, including flying humanitarian aid to Samoa, Indonesia, and Burma, as well as transporting troops and supplies through the Middle East Area of Operations.
Media Contact
Allan Cole (08) 8305 6427 or 0417 887 040
Defence Media (02) 612719999 or 0408 498 664
Press release
Ministerial Support and Public Affairs,
Department of Defence,
Canberra, Australia