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WATCH: Globemaster makes close pass

WATCH: Globemaster makes close pass

Tuesday 14 February 2023

WATCH: Globemaster makes close pass

Tuesday 14 February 2023


Islanders were treated to two unusual objects in the Channel skies yesterday morning, with an asteroid being followed by a large RAF transport aircraft.

An RAF C-17 Globemaster made several orbits and “instrumental approaches” around Guernsey for approximately 45 minutes yesterday morning.

It arrived several hours after an asteroid lit up the sky and plummeted into the sea just off the coast of France. 

The aircraft was in Bailiwick skies for around an hour, cruising between 4,000 and 25 feet.  

It departed Brize Norton airbase near Oxford before heading down to the Channel. It made orbits around Exeter on its way home. 

Watch: A video of the aircraft making a low approach to Guernsey Airport, sent in by a reader. 

The Boeing Globemaster is recognised as one of the most flexible cargo aircraft used by militaries, able to deliver all types of troops and goods to challenging locations across the world.

It can carry up to 77,519 kilos of cargo on any trip.

It cruises at an altitude of up to 28,000 feet, with a top speed of 450 knots and range of 2,400 nautical miles.

Two pilots and one loadmaster are required to operate the aircraft.

One-unit costs over $300 million. 

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Pictured: The route taken by the aircraft.

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