Airlift. Not just a military tool.

Airlift aircraft often have a humanitarian use. The Asian Tsunami is one example. In 1974/75 after Cyclone Tracy destroyed Darwin, a large part of the population of that city was airlifted out to stay elsewhere in Australia while their homes were rebuilt - courtesy of every Australian airliner that could be found, the RAAF, and not least, the USAF. More here.

In this post, Peter (Worldman) commented;

"...love these "beasts". When I came to Sudan there were quiet a lot of AN124 around here. And today there is a still a big number of IL76's...".

I'm surprised the AN12 doesn't also figure more in the international aid equation. They and their Russian (and Ukrainian, et al) crews figure hugely in the world airlift equation these days. (Good article on a flight taken on one of them here, with good pictures).

In the west, the Herc (C130 Hercules) is the most common airlifter, but there are many others. Caribou (picture above, courtesy Alex), C-17, (in the US, the C5 for example, there was the venerable C141).

And more to come certainly. I watch with interest the progress of the Airbus A400 (Australia didn't wait, which is why we have C-17s) and a replacement is needed for our 40+ year old Caribous (the C27J is oft mentioned - but the reason the 'Bou is still around is there is NO 1 for 1 replacemnt of this very useful and capable aircraft - for aid and support in PNG very notably).

Update 4Feb08: Peter left a comment which said;

"Worldman said...Well, we have also AN12 around here. And then another very important "machine" to travel around in the bush: The absolutely fantastic MI8. I have spent hours in them, having made dozens of trips.".

So here is some more information on a very interesting and widely used helicopter.