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Dispatches from Afghanistan

The C-17s of 99 Squadron: No Load Uncarried

By Madonna Walsh, Boeing Defence UK Communications

Back to Dispatches from Afghanistan

While troops in Afghanistan may never see any of the United Kingdom's six C-17 transport jets on the ground, they do hear them taking off and landing every night.

A UK C-17 unloads at RAF Brize Norton following its return from Afghanistan. (Neg#: MSF09-0077-09)
A UK C-17 unloads at RAF Brize Norton following its return from Afghanistan. (Boeing photo)
The C-17 is a vital component of the air bridge between the UK and its forces on the ground in Kandahar and Helmand provinces and often arrives under cover of darkness. Upon arrival, crews unload, reconfigure, load and service the aircraft. They can turn it around in just a matter of hours, ready for its next mission.

"Eighty percent of our tasking is in and out of Iraq and Afghanistan," said Wing Cmdr. Spoons Edwards, Officer Commanding 99 Squadron at RAF Brize Norton. "The fleet continues to exceed expectations by 20 percent. When the aircraft are delivered from the factory, they're put into use within hours. Currently their ability to fly directly into Camp Bastion is proving to be incredibly important."

The UK uses C-17s for strategic lift, humanitarian aid and casualty evacuation. It does high-angle, steep approaches at relatively slow speeds for landing at airfields with runways as short as 3,500 feet and only 90 feet wide. It operates in and out of problematic sites such as those surrounded by rugged terrain while operating in adverse weather conditions. The fully integrated, electronic flight deck and the advanced cargo-handling systems require only two pilots and one air loadmaster to operate the aircraft -- perfect for the British mission in Afghanistan.

"The C-17 plays a vital role in delivering the necessary equipment, supplies and troops to those of us in theatre when needed," said Group Capt. Andy Turner, Commander Joint Aviation Group Afghanistan. "For certain types of missions the C-17's ability to land and take off in austere conditions has made it the transport aircraft of choice."