An enormous 99 Squadron Royal Air Force C-17 Globemaster has been spotted flying in the skies above the capital before landing at Edinburgh Airport on what is believed to be a training exercise.
The gigantic aircraft was seen just before noon flying over the Firth of Forth as it prepared to land at the airport after setting off from Brize Norton.
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.
It is allegedly capable of rapid, strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to main operating bases anywhere in the world.
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.
The aircraft’s design also enables high-angle, steep approaches at relatively slow speeds, allowing it to operate into small, austere airfields and onto runways as short as 3,500ft long and just 90ft wide.
Globemasters were believed to go for as much as £200m back in 2012.
An MoD spokesperson said: “A 99 Squadron C-17 Globemaster from RAF Brize Norton was completing routine essential operational training in the Edinburgh area today.
"Civilian airports across the UK offer unusual airspace for our crews to train in to ensure we remain ready and able to deploy on global operations.”
