RAAF C-27J A34-001 on the ramp at Adelaide (YPAD/ADL)
Adelaide Airport has been the main aviation gateway for South Australia for over 61 years. Even though the majority of movements are civilian it is not uncommon to see military traffic. Whether it be the AP-3C Orion from nearby RAAF Base Edinburgh conducting ILS training or a RAAF Boeing 737 BBJ flying prime ministers in for important visits, Adelaide still gets the occasional military movement.
When The RAAF’s newest aircraft, the C27J Spartan flew in on the 30th of July this year a little after midday, not only was it the opportunity to catch a RAAF aircraft flying into Adelaide Airport, it was also the chance to capture the first arrival of the C27 at Adelaide Airport.
RAAF Alenia C-27J Spartan A34-001
Flying in from RAAF Base Richmond in New South Wales, the conditions on the day weren’t ideal for capturing a dark aircraft against an overcast sky; however it was still great to witness this event.
The aircraft re-visited South Australia a few weeks later to conduct test & evaluation flights in and around the Edinburgh & Woomera airspaces.
RAAF Alenia C-27J Spartan A34-001
The C27J is operated by 35 Squadron, who previously operated the versatile and iconic Caribou. This aircraft complements the C-17 and C-130 and enables the use of airstrips not suitable for use by these larger aircraft. It is able to carry approximately 40 troops, 21 stretchers or approximately 8 tonnes of cargo.
RAAF Alenia C-27J Spartan A34-001
As more of these versatile aircraft are delivered to the Australian Air Force, I as well as many other photographers around the country will look forward to catching them in their natural environment!
Love to see the C27 at Woomera again