5th RAF C-17 delivered
 

Apologies if this has already been posted...

Article from MOD site.

The RAF's fifth C-17 Globemaster III strategic transport aircraft flew into RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, yesterday, Monday 7 April 2008.


http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/Te...PG&maxSize=210 The C-17 being welcomed to RAF Brize Norton
[Picture: J Readshaw]

The new aircraft, ZZ175, arrived from the Boeing plant in San Antonio, Texas, where it went for additional work following the 'Fly Away' ceremony at Long Beach, California, in February 2008. ZZ175 has joined 99 Squadron at RAF Brize Norton and is the first C-17 of the five to be owned outright by the RAF, the previous aircraft having been operated under a leasing arrangement from manufacturer Boeing. However, as the lease terminates later this year, the other four aircraft will then transfer to full RAF ownership.
On arrival at Brize Norton the new aircraft was greeted with traditional plumes of spray from the RAF station's fire tenders and 99 Squadron's Standard was paraded and inspected by the Reviewing Officer, Air Marshal Sir Barry Thornton, the RAF's Chief of Materiel (Air), following a ceremonial flypast by a Tristar and a VC-10 aircraft from other squadrons based at Brize Norton:
http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/Te...PG&maxSize=210 The Reviewing Officer, Air Marshal Sir Barry Thornton (front centre), meeting the C-17's aircrew
[Picture: J Readshaw]

Sir Barry also said that the US Air Force had agreed that the RAF could "jump the queue" on the C-17 production line thereby making it possible to satisfy an urgent requirement in theatre backed up by a global support contract with Boeing which is "an example of a modern day partnership that is working extremely well".
The arrival of the new aircraft also marked the beginning of the transformation of RAF Brize Norton into the RAF's only tanker/transport Main Operating Base with new generation aircraft such as the C-17, A400M and A330 together with the C-130J Hercules which is due to move out of RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire when it closes in a few years time.
The aircraft was captained on its delivery flight by 99 Squadron Officer Commanding Wing Commander John Gladston. The co-pilot was Squadron Leader Paul Wyatt. Wg Cdr Gladston believes the Globemaster is "enormously important" to the RAF:C-17s frequently demonstrate their flexibility by carrying loads including up to three Warrior armoured vehicles, three Apache attack helicopters, 13 Land Rovers, a Chinook helicopter, or even Tornado F3 fighters, allowing the RAF to get the right equipment to theatre rapidly.



http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/Te...PG&maxSize=210 The C-17 being greeted at RAF Brize Norton with traditional plumes of spray from the station's fire tenders
[Picture: J Readshaw]

Among others to witness the new arrival were Air Marshal Iain McNicoll, Deputy Commander-in-Chief Operations, Air Vice Marshal Andy Pulford, Air Officer Commanding No 2 Group, Mr Tommy Dunehew, Program Manager - International C-17 from Boeing, and Mr James Evans, UK C-17 Integrated Project Team Leader, together with dignitaries and local government representatives from Oxfordshire.
The RAF's C-17 fleet has flown approximately for 41,000 hours since delivery, and in the five years up to the end of March 2008 these hard-working aircraft flew a total of 56,924 passengers and carried a massive 78,649,939 kilograms of freight, much of it to and from operational theatres.
The sixth C-17 is expected to be delivered to the RAF around the middle of this year.

Oh goody!
 

There's a great bit of banter in that post!
I wonder how long until someone else spots it!
Far be it from me to sh1t stir!
BV:E

That is just brilliant!

Full marks for whoever wrote that, and got it past everyone :E

Which bit don't you believe AA? Far be it for me to point out I've flown quite a few F3's that have been resurrected after a jaunt in the back of a C-17...

;)

Are the new C-17's the same configuration/block as the original 4, or the avionics upgrade currently being produced?
One of the outstanding features of the RAAF acquisition was (surprise surprise) it went ever so smoothly, relatively cheaply and fast when we ordered bog standard USAF equivalent (ie no unique mods) aircraft.
Did the RAF do the same?

Bingo!
 

AA.
Great spot. Knew it wouldn't take long!
Arty.
Not doubting that you can get an F3 in the back of a C17. Just doubting that it would ever get anywhere near an operational theatre!!
Ha ha. Boom boom (as Basil Brush used to say!).
BV:}

Second question - does anyone know the airframe fatigue design life for the C-17?

Too true, not that I care any longer. Mind you it might get closer than a beach in North Wales....

Touche!
 

Too true. Too true!
BV:(:{

Don't drop your guard however, you can never underestimate the Viet Taff. I seem to remember the sneaky little buggers kept finding my escape tunnels and filling them in...

Arty
 

Duly noted!
BV;)

Lovely air-to-air of ZZ175 over the UK at the following.

http://forums.airshows.co.uk/cgi-bin...ST;f=9;t=45936

Cheers

TJ

The Falklands are operational - aren't they? :E

Not that I was the 1st person to put an F3 on a C-17 or anything.

C-17 Upgrade
 

The original fleet will start block upgrade shortly.

OK Then.

:E:}:oh:

A bit OT for the thread but seeing as we're up to ZZ 175....

Anyone know what format will military aircraft reg numbers take when ZZ 999 is reached?

AA 1111?

AAA 111?

"when ZZ 999 is reached?"

That's a bit optimistic isn't it? Surely it is IF ZZ999 is reached.

Is this the one for spares?

:8So now for 7 and 8.....

BV,

I spent 2 years at the wrong end of the A5 so you have my utmost sympathy...............:(

C17 Air To Air Photo.
 

The air to air photo TEEJ posted is super.
It reminds me of the days when the RAF had a proper transport fleet.
Not because it's livery is grey/white, or silver/white.........But because it has "ROYAL AIR FORCE" and not "ROYAL AIR FORCE" on its sides!:E
Maybe I've just given away a new form of stealth cammo, which will confuse our enemies, by being non corporate.:}

Roll on the next 20 of these beasties (I wish).

Barnstormer 1968

C17 trip to Jersey
 

I understand from people in Jersey that they are hopeing to see one shortly on the Island.
There is some connection with Jersey and the RAF C17.
If this is correct it will be the biggest military aircraft to land on the Island.:ok:

check out the piccy in post #1 and be prepared for disappointment.

S_H

Is it true that a 7th and 8th C17 are on the way for the RAF?

Lyneham
 

Have I just read it right, that Lyneham is closing in a few years.....

My how times have changed:


"Mr. Prime Minister, I simply must keep three of our C-17s or I won't have enough to defend the home islands.............."


Lacks the impact of Dowding's statement.


Here's wishing you a few dozen more.:ok:

I've hear UK5 is not up and running with the Sqn lads yet as it has to under-go a few modifications in 'base' hanger.
Its having its column shift change switched to a manual stick change, joystick moved over to the RHS, coke machine removed, white wall rims painted out, decent suspension so it will go around corners at some sort of speed, teak imitation wood removed off dash, engines tweeked so it can run on LPG, 'Support our troops' bumper sticker removed from tail, cup holders reduced so a proper cup fits in them, and finally all gauges changed from gallons to litres.

Sadly not. The deployment of troops to the Falkland Islands is a non-operational task.

I understand Boeing are going to build 20 or 30 more on spec. Will the MOD take this chance to buy more? ..... no, thought not ..... :(

25 A400M or 17 C17's for equal cost.

What would you choose?

Tricky one huh?

C-17
 

The original specification from McDonnell Douglas defined a service life of 30,000 hours. Since it came from the home of the DC-10, one can expect that it will soldier on for upwards of 100,000 hrs without major structural upgrades as most of its flying is long haul.

Re painting over white-walls, I haven't seen a vehicle so equipped for years except on restored 1950s vintage cars.

Boeing's intention of building "white tails" reminds me of a couple of British firms that developed aircraft as private venture and subsequently helped save the Nation.

On the subject of the corporate logo. I've now seen two 29 Squadron Typhoons (single seaters) carrying the logo.

Update: I was watching the Falcons jump from the BBMF Dakota today and caught this logo marked Typhoon. I believe that some of the airframes are carrying it for the airshow season?

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h2...O/fe62dbcc.jpg

TJ

More air miles for masters!!!
 

Well at least this now allows a couple of individuals to do even more routes west, whilst all of the lads work their a@@es off east for the rest of the time!!:ugh::D

Any of those Masters from north of the border :E

Route ladders???
 

Might be.....I never kiss and tell, but if you can get away with it!!! :ok:

Surely it's a 30 sqn typhoon?

What is a C17 anyway?:E

C Hinecap - if you did manage to be the first to put an F3 on a C-17 then that would make you an AirLoadmaster wouldn't it ?

Well I am told that at all stages of loading and unloading of C-17, the AirLoadmaster is in overall control. Not an expert but that is what I am told !!

That's how it always used to be done, seeing as that's the way the USAF do it.

It might have changed, but I doubt it.