Army M1A1 Abrams airlifted in an Air Force C-17A

For the first time, an Army M1A1 Abrams tank has been flown on board a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-17A Globemaster III transport. On May the 11th, the C-17A carried the Abrams from RAAF Base Darwin to the Capricornia region as part of Exercise Hamel, where it will participate with other Defence units in the Shoalwater Bay Field Training Area. The Abrams is carefully driven up the cargo ramp of the C-17A and restrained to the cargo floor in a precise position, allowing the aircraft to remain balanced in flight. The flight of the Abrams provides vital experience for Army and Air Force personnel, emphasises a key joint strategic capability for Defence.

[magusd]

Did you see that landing. It was like bam on the ground.

[bwickham]

Guessing the landing shown is file footage of a C-17 in Tarin Kot. Also guessing that particular aircraft wasn't carrying 60-or-so tonnes contained in one compact mass (IE a tank), as it would have put tremendous pressure on the floor.

[MarkBourne]

BAM! Hercs in my day had a more graceful landing but then we did not have that sort of weight.

[TimBahrij]

What happened to flaring? is this a military technique or a new pilot? I would probably go with technique however, I don't know

[jecos]

So what happen to Leapord Tanks did Australia sell them Break them up put them in mothball or what?

[SackTime]

Hah, "to rapidly deploy ARMY's most potent combat power to enforce the joint combined arms team" what? All 52 M1A1 tanks that Australia possess? What a joke.

[Kane-ibsn]

Those steel chains aren't strong enough to hold a 72t Abrams tank; chains weakest link, is when things fail.  When the C-17 goes nearly vertical.  The risk is so great to the aircraft, it should be considered; once the tank breaks free, the plane on steep ascent is a goner.  Should be using heavy duty Kevlar, or UHMWPE ropes instead - 5 times the tensile strength.

[Glitch_shadow_drone]

I wish I can join the Australian solider I am a Australian