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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.
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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.
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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..