>> Australia's first Globemaster III lifts off

by Derek Yeo - SINGAPORE - 9 November 2006

ROYAL Australian Air Force's first Boeing C-17 Globemaster III flew on its test flight on 7 November from California's Long Beach Airport. The giant transport, with C-17's test pilot Joel Brown in charge, lifted off at 11.03 hours Pacific Time.

The flight lasted more than five hours. The crew checked and tested all vital airframe, engine and electronic systems.

Boeing planned to deliver the first of four Australian C-17s on 28 November. Aircraft number two will join the fleet in 2007, and number three and four in 2008.

According to RAAF's Acting Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal John Blackburn, the Globemaster III "will meet vital airlift needs of the Australian Defence Force over the next 30 years."

The Australian C-17s will form 36 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley near Brisbane, Queensland.

SOURCE/PHOTO: Boeing Media

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