RAAF – C17 Paradrop
The Royal Australian Air Force recently demonstrated a huge increase in the capability of their C-17 Globemaster 3 aircraft to insert an airborne force to achieve a tactical endstate. A Globemaster from No. 36 Squadron recently conducted a series of static-line paradrops over Rickaby’s Drop Zone, next to RAAF Base Richmond. The paratroops, from No. 176 Air Dispatch Squadron, conducted multiple static-line drops from 1000 feet throughout the day through the C-17′s left and right hand paradoors. The paratroops used the same drills and equipment as if they were jumping from a Hercules, with paratroops exiting the C-17 via side-mounted paradoors with air deflectors helping break up airflow as they exit. The C-17 now represents a big increase in capability for aerial delivery of personnel by carrying 102 paratroopers and giving them a more comfortable ride. The C-17 can also deliver paratroopers to a drop zone up to 2000 kilometres from its home base, and with air-to-air refuelling, fly further still.
Go RAAF