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image-1 = images/AirLift/airlift-14.jpg title-1 = description-1 = The RAAF operate eight C-17A Globemaster III aircraft, which provides the ADF with an "unprecedented capacity for strategic airlift", with rapid deployment for troops, supplies, vehicles, heavy equipment and helicopters. status-1 = 1 image-2 = images/AirLift/airlift-05.jpg title-2 = description-2 = The C-27J Spartan battlefield airlifter delivers similar capabilities as the Globemaster and Hercules aircraft, with the ability to airdrop cargo and paratroops, airlift cargo loads and conduct evacuation missions.
The first Spartan was delivered to the RAAF in 2015. status-2 = 1 image-3 = images/AirLift/airlift-01.jpg title-3 = description-3 = The RAAF operates two Boeing Business Jets as part of their Special Purpose Aircraft Fleet, and provides an agile transport capability that carries government and staff domestically and overseas. The aircraft has seating, a meeting room, working space and communications facilities. status-3 = 1 image-4 = images/AirLift/airlift-17.jpg title-4 = description-4 = The C-130J Hercules is listed as a medium-sized tactical air lifter that delivers cargo to airfields with short unsurfaced runways, as well as airdropping cargo and paratroops by parachute. The RAAF operates 12 of these aircraft out of RAAF Base Richmond by No.37 Squadron. status-4 = 1 image-5 = images/AirLift/airlift-11.jpg title-5 = description-5 = The Dassault Falcon 7X Special Purpose aircraft are being leased by the RAAF and are replacing the existing fleet of Bombardier CL604 Challengers, and provides a larger passenger load, modern communication and increased range and endurance than its predecessor. status-5 = 1 image-6 = images/AirLift/airlift-08.jpg title-6 = description-6 = The KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport enables the RAAF to conduct air-to-air refuelling, and provides the Air Force with strategic air lift. The aircraft is a heavily modified Airbus A330. status-6 = 1 image-7 = images/AirLift/airlift-15.jpg title-7 = description-7 = The C-130J Hercules can carry up to 128 passengers, and recently the government announced that five of the aircraft would receive Honeywell Ka-Band satellite communications (SATCOM) system to provide broadband internet connectivity for crew and passengers. status-7 = 1 image-8 = images/AirLift/airlift-14.jpg title-8 = description-8 = The Globemaster is a high-wing, four-engine heavy transport aircraft that is fitted with a cargo bay ramp that enables it to airdrop cargo in-flight, and is able to carry up to 77 tonnes of cargo. It can be refuelled in-flight by the KC-30A, which extends its range further. status-8 = 1 image-9 = images/AirLift/airlift-09.jpg title-9 = description-9 = This image shows the KC-30A undertaking a refuelling mission with F/A-18 fighter jets. The aircraft is fitted with two forms of air-to-air refuelling systems: an Advanced Refuelling Boom System mounted on the tail of the aircraft; and a pair of all-electric refuelling pods under each wing. status-9 = 1 image-10 = images/AirLift/airlift-12.jpg title-10 = description-10 = The Falcon aircraft features a high-tech wing, with an advanced 'glass cockpit' with a heads-up display and an infrared enhanced vision system. It also has satellite communications to support government business while airborne. status-10 = 1 image-11 = images/AirLift/airlift-03.jpg title-11 = description-11 = The RAAF operates eight KA350 King Air aircraft out of RAAF Base Townsville by No.38 Squadron.
The aircraft provides Air Force with a flexible light transport capability, used for training and development of aircrew, as well as the transport of passengers within Australia and its immediate region. status-11 = 1 image-12 = images/AirLift/airlift-04.jpg title-12 = description-12 = The BBJ aircraft allows government to attend international forums and conduct visits more easily. The aircraft has a crew of up to six and can carry up to 30 passengers, with the range to fly directly from Canberra to Hong Kong or Tokyo. status-12 = 1 image-13 = images/AirLift/airlift-16.jpg title-13 = description-13 = The ADF "relies extensively" on the Hercules aircraft when deploying personnel and aid, with recent operations including assistance in Operation Okra in Iraq, with airdrops of humanitarian supplies to Iraqi civilians, and Operation Queensland Flood Assist. status-13 = 1 image-14 = images/AirLift/airlift-07.jpg title-14 = description-14 = The C-27J Spartan aims to bridge the capability gap between Army helicopters and aircraft, such as the CH-47F Chinook and the C-130J Hercules. The aircraft can operate from unsurfaced airstrips and support humanitarian missions in remote locations. status-14 = 1 image-15 = title-15 = description-15 = status-15 = image-16 = title-16 = description-16 = status-16 = image-17 = title-17 = description-17 = status-17 = image-18 = title-18 = description-18 = status-18 = image-19 = title-19 = description-19 = status-19 = image-20 = title-20 = description-20 = status-20 =
An air force is only as good as its supporting aircraft allows it to be, and for the RAAF, its air mobility capabilities enable it to be one of the most effective mid-sized air forces in the world.
An air force is only as good as its supporting aircraft allows it to be, and for the RAAF, its air mobility capabilities enable it to be one of the most effective mid-sized air forces in the world.
The RAAF's air lift fleet enables it to undertake a variety of roles and responsibilities, including transportation, humanitarian efforts and support for other aircraft.
Last month, the RAAF received the first of its new Dassault Falcon 7X Special Purpose Aircraft, which will provide transport for the Australian government.
The Falcon 7X is being introduced as the RAAF phases out the Bombardier CL604 Challengers, and will complement the RAAF's larger Boeing 737 Business Jets and the specially modified KC-30A MRRT.
The aircraft will be operated by Number 34 Squadron as part of the Special Purpose Aircraft fleet, based at Defence Establishment Fairbairn in the ACT.
Photo essay: Australia’s air lift capabilities
Louis Dillon
The RAAF operate eight C-17A Globemaster III aircraft, which provides the ADF with an "unprecedented capacity for strategic airlift", with rapid deployment for troops, supplies, vehicles, heavy equipment and helicopters.
The C-27J Spartan battlefield airlifter delivers similar capabilities as the Globemaster and Hercules aircraft, with the ability to airdrop cargo and paratroops, airlift cargo loads and conduct evacuation missions.
The first Spartan was delivered to the RAAF in 2015.
The RAAF operates two Boeing Business Jets as part of their Special Purpose Aircraft Fleet, and provides an agile transport capability that carries government and staff domestically and overseas. The aircraft has seating, a meeting room, working space and communications facilities.
The C-130J Hercules is listed as a medium-sized tactical air lifter that delivers cargo to airfields with short unsurfaced runways, as well as airdropping cargo and paratroops by parachute. The RAAF operates 12 of these aircraft out of RAAF Base Richmond by No.37 Squadron.
The Dassault Falcon 7X Special Purpose aircraft are being leased by the RAAF and are replacing the existing fleet of Bombardier CL604 Challengers, and provides a larger passenger load, modern communication and increased range and endurance than its predecessor.
The KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport enables the RAAF to conduct air-to-air refuelling, and provides the Air Force with strategic air lift. The aircraft is a heavily modified Airbus A330.
The C-130J Hercules can carry up to 128 passengers, and recently the government announced that five of the aircraft would receive Honeywell Ka-Band satellite communications (SATCOM) system to provide broadband internet connectivity for crew and passengers.
The Globemaster is a high-wing, four-engine heavy transport aircraft that is fitted with a cargo bay ramp that enables it to airdrop cargo in-flight, and is able to carry up to 77 tonnes of cargo. It can be refuelled in-flight by the KC-30A, which extends its range further.
This image shows the KC-30A undertaking a refuelling mission with F/A-18 fighter jets. The aircraft is fitted with two forms of air-to-air refuelling systems: an Advanced Refuelling Boom System mounted on the tail of the aircraft; and a pair of all-electric refuelling pods under each wing.
The Falcon aircraft features a high-tech wing, with an advanced 'glass cockpit' with a heads-up display and an infrared enhanced vision system. It also has satellite communications to support government business while airborne.
The RAAF operates eight KA350 King Air aircraft out of RAAF Base Townsville by No.38 Squadron.
The aircraft provides Air Force with a flexible light transport capability, used for training and development of aircrew, as well as the transport of passengers within Australia and its immediate region.
The BBJ aircraft allows government to attend international forums and conduct visits more easily. The aircraft has a crew of up to six and can carry up to 30 passengers, with the range to fly directly from Canberra to Hong Kong or Tokyo.
The ADF "relies extensively" on the Hercules aircraft when deploying personnel and aid, with recent operations including assistance in Operation Okra in Iraq, with airdrops of humanitarian supplies to Iraqi civilians, and Operation Queensland Flood Assist.
The C-27J Spartan aims to bridge the capability gap between Army helicopters and aircraft, such as the CH-47F Chinook and the C-130J Hercules. The aircraft can operate from unsurfaced airstrips and support humanitarian missions in remote locations.
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