The RAF Falcons, known as the RAF Parachute Display Team, recently conducted their first-ever jump from a C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft.
The jump happened over Witney, Oxfordshire, with eight Falcon members making their descent.
Launched from a 99 Squadron C-17 Globemaster, the demonstration primarily aimed to validate the aircraft’s capability for such displays.
This successful jump paves the way for the Falcons to use the Globemaster for upcoming events, significantly enhancing their operational range. Additionally, the operation provided 99 Squadron aircrew with invaluable experience, ensuring they maintain proficiency in such activities.
In line with the Falcons’ display traditions, following their safe landing, the team assembled and saluted the Reviewing Officer. On this occasion, it was Group Captain (Retired) Mike Milburn RAF, an ex-commander of the Parachute Training School and the President of the Canopy Club Association.
“It was so good to see the RAF Falcons exiting the C17. The run-in over the drop zone was in itself a spectacle of air power and gravitas. The Falcons enthralled the spectators with their impeccable precision and teamwork on landing. Those of us who once served as Falcons were deeply impressed by the team’s professionalism as they engaged with the audience, particularly educating children about parachuting and the overarching roles of the RAF. As the Canopy Club approaches its 80th anniversary next year, witnessing the current RAF Falcons parachuting from the C17 was truly a privilege,” shared Gp Capt Milburn.
To continue their aerial adventures, the RAF Falcons have already scheduled a jump from an RAF C-17 at the ZigAirMeet airshow in Mollis, Switzerland, set to take place on the 19 and 20 August 2023.
The army can not use the c17 for operational or training parachute jumps but an RAF display team can?.
That seems to be a waste of an aircraft and fuel.
How do you know the army can’t use it? Are you in the top levels of defence strategy?
Did you read the article ?.
Yes
Read it again, you will get marked this time.
Great capability leadership by RAF Falcons. Must have been awesome to leave the massive C17 by the rear ramp. C130 is big but C17 is another level. Was fortunate enough to have a good look some years ago at an air show and the space / payload is huge. Room for a significant drop team for sure.
Ah the Blue Pigeons, doing a bit of tailgating out of a C17! Had a few lobs out of a USAF C17 out of Pope AFB many moons ago on my little exchange with the 82cnd! Nice to jump, spacious but a bit concerning on your first “jet jump” due to the noise and the increased slipstream. And that’s with the slipstream deflectors deployed! Great time with the 82cnd, more aircraft at Pope then the whole RAF fleet! In fact even got a lob out of a French Transal as it was the time of the year for the “rodeo”….
“Blue Pigeons” 😆
Did five jumps from the C17, only one of those being from the door. The others all being off the ramp at a bloody high altitude. Two of those jumps were over Norway. Found it a bit odd but awesome when freefalling watching the Aurora Borealis. Definitely one for the bucket list.
Nice one mate! Always good fun.
Will such ever be used in anger? I fear not as such units are needed for high value trucking. Could have used a Skyvan or Cessna 208 to go the same job and a fraction of the cost. 😖
But as an air show display item, it would be far more spectacular and in essence two displays in one; the sort of thing any air show organiser would want: Great publicity for the RAF.
True. With such capacity availability so would some real numbers of jumpers! Wish we had the air shows like we once enjoyed too, rather sparse these days.
I wonder if an Operation Market Garden will ever be viable again.
Maybe in a very sparse occupied territory.