Planespotting Paradise as Globemaster flies into HMAS Albatross
07 December 2007
Shoalhaven planespotters were in seventh heaven when a RAAF C-17A Globemaster III landed at HMAS Albatross recently.
The terrace of the Fleet Air Arm Museum provided spectators with an ideal vantage spot as the C17 Globemaster 111 landed at HMAS Albatross. Phot: LS Kelvin Hockey.
The sight of the Globemaster, the largest aircraft in the RAAF, had hundreds of locals lining the Albatross perimeter fence, but it wasn't just the Naval station's neighbours who were keen to get a glimpse.
Albatross personnel, who usually consider aircraft landings just part of a normal working day, also turned out in large numbers to get a closer look at the massive aircraft and its cargo.
LCDR Justin Hardiman views the interior.
The Globemaster was carrying on board two of the 816 Squadron's Seahawk helicopters which were returning from Western Australia where they had been involved in an anti-submarine exercise.
816 Commanding Officer, CMDR Simon Bateman, was impressed by the speed and efficiency of the operation: "Normally when we deploy across to WA we fly the helicopters across there and it takes up to 18 hours of flying and three days work. To be able to send them to WA and bring them back in just over four hours demonstrates just what a welcome addition the C-17 is to the Australian Defence Force."
The first of two Seahawk helicopters are traversed off the C17 Globemaster's rear ramp.
With a length of 53m, a height of 16.8 and wingspan of 51.7m, the Globemaster is large enough to transport the Army's M1A1 Abrams tank, a Chinook helicopter, or up to three Black Hawk or Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopters. The Globemaster can also carry five Bushmaster infantry vehicles or more than 70 tonnes of cargo.
The RAAF currently operates two Globemasters with No 36 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley in southern Queensland, and will receive its final two C-17s in February and March respectively. These will significantly enhance the ADF's ability to support national and international operations, and major disaster relief efforts.
