The first of Australia's new fleet of four C-17 Globemaster III's was rolled out of the hangar this week in California, ahead of its initial flight later this month. In the slow-moving world of defence procurement, US aerospace giant Boeing is moving at lightning speed to deliver the big four-engine jet airlifter before the end of the year.| Boeing isn't Airbus. |
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Defence officials estimated 50 C-130 flights over a month could now be achieved by a C-17 in half the time with perhaps only 20 sorties. The big plane carries only three crew, including a loadmaster, and can lift almost four times the load of a Hercules.
Australia's planes are the most advanced variant of the C-17 and feature upgrades to combat lighting, formation flying capability and flight control software. The aircraft will be identical to their US counterparts other than its RAAF markings and a black stallion signifying it will be operated by No36 Squadron from Amberley RAAF base in Queensland.
The first plane is scheduled for a welcome ceremony in Canberra before arriving at Amberley in early December. Another plane is due to be delivered next year with the final two scheduled to arrive in 2008.