The RAAF has flown its final trial flight into Antarctica, wrapping up a series of proof of concept flights in support of the Australian Antarctic Division.
The C-17 Globemaster heavy transport has flown into Wilkins Aerodrome five times since November, delivering cargo for Australia’s Antarctic program from Hobart Airport.
This content is available exclusively to Australian Aviation members.
To unlock all Australian Aviation magazine content and again unlimited access to our daily news and features, become a member today!
A monthly membership is only $5.99 or save with our annual plans.
PRINT
See benefits
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
MOST POPULAR
PRINT + DIGITAL
See benefits
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
DIGITAL
See benefits
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
Director General Air Operations Air Commodore Joe Iervasi said the flights have been successful.
“The Royal Australian Air Force successfully moved over 109 tonnes of machinery and cargo both in and out of Antarctica, conducted an airdrop of four heliboxes from 500 feet, and simulated an emergency aeromedical evacuation,” he said in a statement on Saturday.
“The opportunity to test the C-17A in these conditions has proven to be an invaluable experience for the Royal Australian Air Force to enhance the capability of this aircraft and Australia’s logistical and scientific capabilities in Antarctica.”
Results from the series of flights will now be considered, Defence stated; currently there are no future commitments for further flights.
iscover
Vannus
says:Obviously, the ‘anti-freeze’ worked well!
Tropicalcat
says:Best purchase by the ADF in the last ten years by a mile. You’d hope some of the other arms of the ADF might look at “off the shelf” purchases rather than inventing unnecessary changes that invariably push up costs and see delivery dates head out and out into the future..