C17s and Bagram, Afghanistan
 

Noted the Times today says RAF will be using Hercs into Bagram to support 16 Air Assault Brigade forces in Kabul, because it can't use C17. Is that because of an airfield limitation, fear of a rogue with a stinger, or some other reason why the US won't allow C17s into Bagram?

Getting them scratched wasn't in the contract!

Must be true if it was in the papers eh?

I didn't see this in the Times but I have heard that the C17s are not allowed to be used in this situation because of the leasehold arrangements, but this is just a rumour. Having said that this is PPRUNE! :D

I know some gentlemen currently preparing for Operation Deny Chrismas XXII who would love to use their new, highly-serviceable transport aircraft in the A-word. Heard last week that we had almost 90% serviceable out of the UK fleet; better than the antique shop parked up at the top-secret air base somewhere in W***shire.

Give 99 a break fellas. The C130s being allowed into A are fully DAS fitted and the crews have worked up to use it. The C17 is a brand new ac for which as yet we have little operating experience. Give the boys the chance to progress at a sensible pace.

Hertz

Why use either? Are they suddenly embarrassed that the main airlift aircraft going in and out of Bagram so far have been Iranian AF An-72s.

At least we know why Jack Straw went there before the war...... :D

I hate to say it guys, but how much distance do you need to land a C17. Coz looking at all the photos that have been published you can bet your bottom dollar that at present there are some huge craters in the middle of the primary runways. From what I understand the herc crews have been landing on the taxiways. Hairy stuff but then thats what they're paid for. An other option could be the question as to whether or not the C17 are fitted with Chaff and Flare dunno, just asking. <img src="tongue.gif" border="0">

I think it may be because we are only allowed to use C17's for Strategic lifts. Bagram would count in its present state as a tac field!!

Remember we don't own these aircraft, and as the owner I wouldn't want them "going off road"!!
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How can 90% of a fleet of 4 be serviceable?

Easy. 90% of each airframe is servicable....

So, which 10% is not serviceable?