Image Gallery 2009
28 July 2009
C-17 delivers "The sting is in the tail"
The C-17 aircraft, part of the RAAF’s Amberley-based No 36 Squadron, is capable of carrying almost four times the load, over twice the distance, as the RAAF’s transport workhorse, the C-130 Hercules, which have been supporting Australian forces in the Middle East and Afghanistan since 2002.
Each C-17 is capable of carrying five Bushmaster Infantry Vehicles, three Black Hawk helicopters, or up to 75-tonnes of equipment and supplies.
Operation SLIPPER is Australia's military contribution to coalition efforts against international terrorism. Under this operation our forces contribute to the efforts of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) - led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, aimed at preventing Afghanistan again becoming a safe haven for international terrorists, and the United States-led International Coalition Against Terrorism (ICAT) efforts in the broader Middle East.
| 20090718adf8083167_093 A CH-47D Chinook is carefully moved towards the rear ramp of an Australian C-17A, having been flown into Kandahar Airfield in southern Afghanistan. The Chinook is also attached to a winch to prevent an uncontrolled exit from the C-17. (Date taken: 18 July 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20090718adf8083167_100 The size and capacity of Australia's newest transport capability is obvious, as an Army CH-47D Chinook is eased down the ramp of an Australian C-17 Globemaster. (Date taken: 18 July 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20090718adf8083167_107 A CH-47D Chinook is carefully rolled down the cargo ramp of an Australian C-17A Globemaster, with every step carefully observed, to ensure it safely delivered to its new home at Kandahar Airfield. (Date taken: 18 July 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20090718adf8083167_110 A CH-47D Chinook is successfully offloaded from an Australian C-17A Globemaster at Kandahar Airfield in southern Afghanistan. (Date taken: 18 July 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20090718adf8083167_119 The capacity of RAAF's C-17A Globemasters is clearly demonstrated on a parking apron at Kandahar Airfield in southern Afghanistan. In addition to the CH-47D Chinook it delivered to the Rotary Wing Group, it had space to hold a number of pallets of stores and luggage. (Date taken: 18 July 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20090718adf8083167_156 C-17 Loadmaster Flight Sergeant Dennis Matthews discusses the cargo manifest with Air Lift Team supervisor Sergeant Grant Broadfield, at Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan. (Date taken: 18 July 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20090718adf8083167_169 Australian Bushmaster (left) and Unimog (right) four-wheel drives wait under the tail of a Royal Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster prior to loading. The carrying capacity of Australia's new heavy lift aircraft increases the Australian Defence Force's ability to support troops on the ground in Afghanistan. (Date taken: 18 July 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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| 20090718adf8083167_174 Australia's new C-17A Globemaster in Tarin Kowt in southern Afghanistan. The Heavy Lift aircraft recently commenced flying missions into the country, dramatically improving the Australian Defence Force's ability to support both it's own troops on the ground, but also Coalition forces. (Date taken: 18 July 2009) Low-Res | Hi-Res |
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