RAAF Globemaster visits India

A Royal Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster III and crew have conducted a one week visit to their Indian Air Force counterparts.

CAPTION: An Indian Air Force C-17A Globemaster on the tarmac at Leh Airport, India, during a mission with Royal Australian Air Force C-17A aircrew observing high-altitude airport operations. Photo by Group Captain Adam Williams.

Held from 12 to 16 June 2017, the visit to Air Force Stations Hindon and Agra included a series of briefings and presentations on each nation’s respective Globemaster capability.

Group Captain Adam Williams, Officer Commanding No. 86 Wing, leader of the Australian contingent said the Globemaster was a critical capability for both countries.

“Our Air Forces operate the Globemaster within the same region, but our workforces seldom have opportunities to meet face-to-face,” Group Captain Williams said.

“By visiting Hindon, we’re able to build a professional relationship that will benefit how we each operate the Globemaster, and lay a foundation for any future operations we’re called on to fly together.”

India and Australia have each used the Globemaster to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. In February 2016, an Indian Air Force Globemaster visited RAAF Base Amberley en route to provide humanitarian supplies to Fiji, in the wake of Cyclone Winston.

The model of Globemaster is exactly the same for both countries, but Group Captain Williams said  Australia benefited from an opportunity to fly on board an Indian aircraft during their visit.

“We were fortunate to experience an Indian Air Force mission to Leh in the Himalayas, which is 3,200 metres above sea level,” Group Captain Williams said.

“The lower air pressure at these higher altitudes affects the aircraft’s performance significantly during landing and take-off.”

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to see how the Indian Air Force operates into airfields at such elevated environments, and will apply their experience to how we fly the Globemaster,” he said.

The RAAF contingent was also able to share its own experiences in operating Globemasters over the past ten years.

“Our briefing to the Indian Air Force included a summary of how we conduct ultra-long range missions, and our experience of air-to-air refuelling between the KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport and the C-17A,” Group Captain Williams said.

“We’ve also shared our experiences with Plan Jericho, such as how we’re applying advances with information and communications technology to the Globemaster’s mission.”

Australia has a fleet of eight C-17As, operated from RAAF Base Amberley west of Brisbane. Four aircraft were acquired between 2006 and 2008, with further examples being acquired in 2011, 2012 and 2015 (two aircraft).

The Indian Air Force currently operates a fleet of ten C-17As, acquired between 2013 and 2015.

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