The UK’s Royal Air Force has released a video of the C-17 landing on a dirt runway

The UK’s Royal Air Force (RAF) has released a short video showing the C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft landing on a dirt runway.

British long-range strategic heavy-lift transport aircraft were conducting take-off and landing tests on the semi-prepared runway as part of a test to expand C-17’s capabilities for landing on dry and wet runways.

“Even on semi-prepared runways (SPRO), the C-17 can land and take off with 220 tons! That’s the equivalent of 37,000 medium-sized turkeys or 9,700 6-foot Christmas trees to be exact! “Said the 99 Squadron in a Twitter post on Saturday.

A semi-prepared runway is an unpaved landing area that has been cleared of dirt and obstacles.

The C-17 is the aircraft of choice for strategic military missions because of its oversized cargo capacity, unlimited range due to in-flight refueling, and short landing capability.

C-17s can fly to more restrictive locations and areas under different weather conditions in order to best meet the needs of the war fighter and to be able to respond quickly to humanitarian aid missions at home and abroad.

These strategic long-haul, heavy-lift transport aircraft can be deployed near potential combat, peacekeeping and humanitarian missions around the world.

Here is ZZ177 that shows us how to do it on Boxing Day! 🥊 📦 🛫

Even on semi-prepared runway operations (SPRO), the C-17 can land and take off with 220 tons! That’s the equivalent of 37,000 medium-sized turkeys or 9,700 6-foot Christmas trees to be exact! 🦃🎄 # 99Sqn # C17 #RAF #SPRO pic.twitter.com/HMjNHnFc8p

– 99 Squadron RAF (@ 99Sqn) December 26, 2020