Paratroops Get the Jump on C-17A for First Time

25 April 2010

Members of the Australian Army's No. 176 (Air Dispatch) Squadron (176AD SQN) float through the sky after participating in a RAAF C-17 Globemaster static-line paradrop. (all photos : Australian DoD)

The RAAF has conducted the first paratroop trials with the C-17 outside of the USA.

Members of the Australian Army's No. 176 (Air Dispatch) Squadron have been delivered by a Royal Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster III to Rickaby's Drop Zone, near RAAF Base Richmond in New South Wales in a series of multiple jumps on April 21.

It is believed to be the first paratroop trials with the C-17 outside of the USA. The RAAF’s No.36 Squadron operates four C-17A Globemaster IIIs, each of which can carry up to 102 paratroops.

(AirForcesMonthly)