Here is something you don’t see every day.
Five of the Air Force’s largest aircraft lined up one behind the other at RAAF Base Amberley.
Known as an ‘elephant walk’ in military parlance, the KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Traansport aircraft prepared to launch at the same time.
This ‘elephant walk’ allows the Air Force to show off their capability and teamwork.
Catching a glimpse of these large aircraft taxiing single file in nose-to-tail formations for a mass launch is such an uncommon sight as the aircraft are used extensively on deployments.
The aircraft, operated by No. 33 Squadron, is a heavily modified Airbus A330 airliner that enables the Air Force to conduct air-to-air refuelling and can carry a fuel load of more than 100 tonnes.
The KC-30A is also capable of carrying 270 passengers and accommodate 34,000kg of cargo pallets and containers.
After the five aircraft lifted off, four of the jets went on to support a range of tasks including refuelling training, flight testing, and supporting bushfire relief efforts.
All eight of No. 36 Squadrons C-17A Globemasters share the tarmac for the first time. Image: Defence
Not to be outdone, a few days later, all eight of No. 36 Squadrons C-17A Globemasters shared the tarmac together – albeit briefly – for the first time.
It is a rare sight and this being the first time it has ever happened, with the eight aircraft being reunited after attending various missions around the globe.
The C-17A Globemaster is a high-wing four-engine heavy transport aircraft able to carry up to 77,000kg of cargo or 134 passengers.
It also has the special ability to carry an Abrams Tank, four Bushmaster vehicles or three Black Hawk helicopters.
These eight aircraft allows Australia to rapidly deploy troops, supplies, combat vehicles, heavy equipment and helicopters anywhere in the world.
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