The Royal Australian Air Force was revealed in late 2005 to be considering four C-17s or eight A400Ms for strategic transport. Minister for Defence Robert Hill stated that the Australian Defence Force was considering such aircraft given inavailability of aircraft from partner nations and air freight companies. The C-17 was considered to be the favorite, due to being a "proven aircraft," as well as having earlier availability. One major requirement from the RAAF was the ability to airlift the Army's M1 Abrams main battle tanks (which weighs 63 tonnes); another requirement was immediate delivery. Though unstated, commonality with USAF and the RAF was considered to be of benefit as well. The service announced on March 2, 2006, that they were purchasing three aircraft, plus one option, with an entry into service date of 2006. Thirteen USAF C-17 Globemaster IIIs on a low level tactical training mission. Specifications (C-17) General characteristics Crew: 3 -- 2 pilots, 1 loadmaster Capacity: 170,900 lb (77,500 kg) of cargo distributed at max over 22 463L master pallets or a mix of palletized cargo or rolling stock (vehicles), or 102 troops, or 36 litter and 54 ambulatory patients Length: 174 ft (53 m) Wingspan: 169.8 ft (58 m) Height: 55.1 ft (16.8 m) Wing area: 3,800 ft² (353 m²) Empty weight: lb (kg) Loaded weight: lb (kg) Maximum gross takeoff weight: 585,000 lb (265,500 kg) Powerplant: 4× Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 turbofans, 40,440 lbf (180 kN) each Performance Maximum speed: 450 knots (830 km/h) Cruise speed: 390 knots (722 km/h) Range: 2,400 nm (4,400 km) Service ceiling: 45,000 ft (13,700 m) Rate of climb: ft/min (m/s) Wing loading: lb/ft² (kg/m²) Thrust/weight: :1 A C-17 Globemaster III releasing a flare.
Hardly scare a cropduster with that "low flying" I like the photo, but it hardly qualifies as "low level tactical" flying to me. Be scared of hypoxia at that altitude. That said, it's a very capable aircraft. Military force is of little effect unless it is where it is needed. This aircraft will allow Australia much greater operational flexibility in our region of interest, and even further out.
I'm not sure Id want to take one of those bastards below 10,000ft, especially with a full payload! I am glad we got the C-17s instead of the A400.... Turboprops should be RPT service only .
