First Boeing C-17 for Royal Australian Air Force Takes Maiden Flight

The first Boeing C-17 Globemaster III for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) completed its maiden flight Nov. 7, logging a major milestone in preparation for the delivery to the RAAF later this month.

With a gross takeoff weight of 458,000 lbs. (207,745 kg.), the advanced airlifter lifted off from the Long Beach Airport, Calif., at 11:03 a.m. Pacific time and flew for more than five hours before returning to the facility where Boeing assembles and tests C-17s prior to delivery.

"It was an exceptional first flight," said Boeing C-17 Production Test Pilot Joel Brown, who was at the controls when the aircraft lifted off. "Based on today's performance, I think the RAAF will be extremely pleased with this airplane when they take delivery on Nov. 28."

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