Edinburgh locals in awe as massive RAF plane takes to the skies over the capital

Katie Williams

4 June 2024 at 4:45 am·1-min read

The RAF C-17A Globemaster III ZZ171 of 99 Squadron — -Credit: (Image: Brad Sullivan)

A huge RAF aircraft was spotted at Edinburgh Airport on Monday evening.

Plane spotters were in for a treat when the RAF C-17A Globemaster touched down in Edinburgh on June 3.

The RAF C-17A Globemaster III ZZ171 of 99 Squadron was spotted arriving at Edinburgh Airport from Wick at around 6.50pm. It departed shortly after at around 7.30pm.

The aircraft is based at Brize Norton but has been seen flying into Edinburgh previously for what are believed to be training exercises.

According to the RAF’s website, the aircraft was made by Boeing and is a long-range, heavy-lift strategic transport aircraft that can operate close to a potential area of operations for combat, peacekeeping or humanitarian missions worldwide.

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The Globemaster’s load-bearing rear ramp and digitally controlled loading systems, combined with the skills of its crews and ground handlers, enable large, complex items of equipment, including Chinook helicopters, military vehicles and other heavy items of specialist kit to be loaded and transported on board.

It can transport 100,000lb (45,360kg) of freight more than 4,500nm (8,334km) while flying at altitudes above 35,000ft.

In 2022, a Globemaster carried the body of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II from Edinburgh to RAF Northolt ahead of the sovereign’s state funeral in London.

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