Military transport aircraft circles RAF Fairford above Swindon
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 14:51 · Archive
A Boeing C-17A Globemaster III flew over Swindon on Thursday afternoon en route to RAF Fairford.
A Boeing C-17A Globemaster III military transport aircraft roared over Swindon on Thursday afternoon around 1.20pm. Flight radar data showed it was flying at 4,125 feet with a ground speed of 221 knots, having departed Newquay Cornwall Airport. Its flight path passed over RNAS Merryfield and RNAS Yeovilton before crossing into Wiltshire near Westbury, then continuing above Trowbridge and Melksham.
Around 1.36pm, the aircraft passed RAF Fairford and began circling the military base, moving in loops towards Faringdon before returning to Fairford. By 2.15pm it had stopped circling and travelled towards Abingdon before turning in a wider loop back towards Fairford.
The four-engine heavy-lift transport aircraft is designed to operate in combat, peacekeeping and humanitarian missions worldwide. It can carry up to 45,360 kg of freight over 4,500 miles at altitudes above 30,000 feet. The aircraft usually carries heavy cargo, vehicles and troops to short, rough runways. It is normally based at RAF Brize Norton and flies with 99 Squadron and XXIV Squadron. Recently it has supported operations including efforts in Ukraine.
How it is being reported
- Military aircraft soars over Swindon on way to RAF FairfordA massive military aircraft roared over Swindon on Thursday afternoon.Gazette & Herald · 22 Oct, 13:39
- Military aircraft soars over Swindon on way to RAF FairfordA massive military aircraft roared over Swindon on Thursday afternoon.Swindon Advertiser · 22 Oct, 13:39
In this story: RAF Fairford · Swindon · RAF Brize Norton · Boeing
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