What appears to be training flights, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing C-17A Globemaster III A41-210 passed through Central Queensland twice in as many days at the end of this week while flying between RAAF Base Amberley and Townsville.
First making a presence at Rockhampton on Friday, 16 June, A41-210 was observed conducting airwork overhead the beef capital before landing for a crew change during it's travel from RAAF Base Amberley to Townsville.
Remaining overnight in north Queensland, A41-210 returned to RAAF Base Amberley on Saturday, 17 June, and again made a stop at Rockhampton (pictured) during the flight, however, was forced to remain parked on Taxiway Juliette on this occasion as it's visit coincided with the arrival of RNZAF Lockheed C-130H Hercules NZ7005.
Originally developed and manufactured by McDonnell Douglas for the United States Air Force (USAF) from the 1980's to the early 1990's, continued production of the C-17A Globemaster III was transferred to Boeing when the aircraft manufacture merged with McDonnell Douglas.
Maintained by No.36 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland, the Royal Australian Air Force operates eight Boeing C-17A Globemaster III strategic heavy lift aircraft, however, will not be able to acquire additional 'new' airframes as C-17A production ceased in mid-2015.
