Globemaster III to fly by for Planes, Trains, Autos Festival

Ipswich residents are in for a treat when the huge C17A Globemaster III performs a fly-past for the Planes, Trains and Autos Festival this weekend.

RAAF Base Amberley made a last minute announcement yesterday.

Pilots and crew from Squadron No. 36 will put the massive cargo plane to the test.

The flight will fly over the Workshop Rail Museum in North Ipswich at around 11.45am on Saturday.

RAAF Base Amberley advises that the flight is subject to change, including cancellations at short notice, due to variables such as air traffic control requirements, weather and operational availability.

Here’s what Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding had to say following the announcement of the C-17A Globemaster III aircraft.

“It is excellent and very exciting news that the Air Force has confirmed that there will be a flypast by a C17A Globemaster during Planes, Trains and Autos on Saturday.

“It’s fantastic news! The people of Ipswich love the RAAF and the C-17s are a real favorite for us in Ipswich, so great to hear from the Air Force and say a big thank you for this flypast,” she said.

For more information on festival events please click on the following link: https://www.ipswichfestivals.com.au/planes-trains-autos/

FACTS ABOUT C-17A GLOBEMASTER III

The C-17A Globemaster III provides a logistics backbone for Australian Defense Force operations. It allows Australia to quickly deploy troops, supplies, combat vehicles, heavy equipment and helicopters anywhere in the world.

Australia introduced an initial fleet of four C-17As between 2006 and 2008. Additional aircraft were purchased in 2011, 2012 and 2015.

All eight C-17As are based at RAAF Base Amberley and are operated by No. 36 Squadron. C-17As have supported personnel on deployments and have been an integral part of disaster relief and humanitarian missions.

The C-17A Globemaster is a four-engine, high-wing heavy transport aircraft. It is equipped with a payload ramp that allows cargo to be dropped in flight, and can operate from unpaved runways as short as 3,500 feet. It can also be used to conduct aeromedical evacuation missions.

The C-17A’s cargo hold can carry up to 77 tons of cargo and can accommodate payloads ranging from:

• an Abrams tank
• four Bushmaster vehicles
• three Black Hawk helicopters.