The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is to conduct a series of flights with C-17A Globemaster aircraft over defence training areas in South Australia.

The C-17A flights will be part of the RAAF’s development programme to make the aircraft more effective for future air force operations.

Based at RAAF Base Amberley, west of Brisbane, the C-17A will be conducting its flights from RAAF Base Edinburgh each day.

The RAAF has four C-17A Globemaster aircraft, which can transport 70t of cargo including helicopters and vehicles, and can land on semi-prepared airstrips.

The air force has used the C-17A to fly humanitarian aid to Samoa, Indonesia and Burma, as well as for transporting troops and supplies through the Middle East area of operations.