An F-35 Lightning was loaded onto a C-17 Globemaster for the first time by the US Air Force 96th Logistics Readiness Squadron.
This was the first-ever F-35 wing removal and shipment via air transport.
The $200,000 four-year project culminated in the transport of the aircraft to Hill AFB, Utah. There it will become the Air Force’s first F-35 aircraft battle damage trainer.
The F-35 Lightning is referred to as a 5th Generation fighter, combining advanced stealth capabilities with fighter aircraft speed and agility, fully-fused sensor information, network-enabled operations and advanced logistics and sustainment, say the manufacturers.
The C-17 Globemaster III is a long range, heavy-lift strategic transport aircraft that can operate close to a potential area of operations for combat, peacekeeping or humanitarian missions worldwide, according to the RAF.
Wonder why they never used the c-5 Galaxy, maybe overkill, but yanks love overkill
It’s old school, everyone knows that Fat Freddy can take it. The C17 is “modern” and it shows Congress their money spent on it is reaping returns… Politics…
Cheers!
Ok Helions m8. And Some galaxys have been upgraded with modern gear and all will be I assume.
Correct Cam- all of the operational C5’s have been upgraded to the “M” standard with new engines, avionics, and mechanical upgrades. The versions I worked on – the A, B, and C, models were 1960s and 70s vintage design wise. The Super Galaxy Ms are what the Galaxy should have been from the start. Still, magnificent aircraft…
https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/119176/c-5m-super-galaxy-unofficially-sets-41-world-records/
Cheers!
Yeah I agree m8, I would love to see the RAF with a squadron of those “m” bad boys.
The UK doesn’t need the C-5M, it already has the C-17 that can carry pretty much anything we could ever wish to carry and the A400M is pretty impressive in that respect as well.
If the UK does need a transport in that class then it does what it has done for the last couple of decades and lease an AN124. Far cheaper for those rare occasions than adopting a type like the C-5M.
I understand the need to put a helo on a cargo plane accross great distances, but a plane that can be refuelled in the air seems to be an excercise in futility or a PR stunt
It’s an exercise in recovering a battle damaged aircraft, flying back to base after damage is 1 thing taking off and flying back to a repair facility is just stupid
Its probably been flying too fast and bits fell off, so had to be couriered home 😉
snail mail?
No it is a very practical and sensible exercise that the RAF among other Air Forces have used to move fighter jets over long distances. The RAF has deployed F.3 Tornado to the Falklands on C17 and AN124, doing it this way is quicker and safer for all involved. When a fighter jet self deploys multiple tankers and transport aircraft as well as a Maritime Patrol Aircraft are tied up supporting the trail. Tankers to refuel them, cargo aircraft to carry support crew and spares and the Maritime Patrol aircraft to act as SAR support if the jets are forced… Read more »