The Australian Antarctic Division and Royal Australian Air Force have successfully flown a joint operational mission to East Antarctica, with a C-17A Globemaster III delivering heavy lift cargo to Wilkins Aerodrome in support of the Australian Antarctic programme. 

The C-17A flew the 3450km in just over five hours, landing at Wilkins Aerodrome near Casey station at 3pm yesterday where it unloaded 12,340 kg of cargo, including a brand new Hägglunds, a dual cab vehicle that operates over snow and ice terrain and is used to transport personnel and equipment in and around Antarctic stations.

The flight is one in a series of proof-of-concept flights being trialled by the Royal Australian Air Force and Australian Antarctic Division, with the remaining flights scheduled to take place between November 2015 and February 2016.

Minister for the Environment, Greg Hunt, said the use of the C-17A offers a significant enhancement to the Australian Antarctic Division’s logistical and scientific capabilities.

“The C-17A is the largest aircraft to have flown to Wilkins Aerodrome in Antarctica, and it offers an unprecedented cargo capability that complements the Division’s existing transport options.”

“It can fly at speeds of up to 830 kilometres per hour to a distance of up to 10,000 kilometres.”

“The C-17A flew round trip to the ice from Hobart International Airport, further entrenching Tasmania’s role as a global gateway to Antarctica.”

“Whilst this is a first for the Royal Australian Air Force, other countries including the United States regularly use military assets to assist with Antarctic logistics and I am confident Australia can do the same.”

“The C-17A will supplement the Australian Antarctic Division’s current Airbus A319 operations, with a focus on heavy, oversized cargo.”

Minister for Defence Materiel, Mal Brough MP, said the flights could benefit both the Air Force and Australian Antarctic Division in the future.

“The Air Force has worked closely with Australian Antarctic Division on this concept, with a heavy-aviation capability identified as an important capability in the 20 Year Australian Antarctic Strategic Plan report, commissioned by Government in 2013,” Mr Brough said.

“The C-17A is able to transport loads weighing over 70 tonnes and combined with its ability to be able to land on short, semi prepared runways makes it exceptionally well suited to being able to support these kinds of operations.”

“The flights offer invaluable experience and capability enhancements to the Air Force, including the opportunity to further test the use of C-17As in challenging conditions, while also supporting Australia’s operations in Antarctica.”

“Whilst on the ground at Wilkins, the Royal Australian Air Force conducted a simulated aeromedical evacuation that could provide further options for the Royal Australian Air Force and the Australian Antarctic Division to work together in the future.”

Following the proof-of-concept flights, a full review will be undertaken by the Australian Antarctic Division and the Air Force.