RAF response as transport aircraft spotted low over Oxford

Residents of East Oxford were shocked today (Tuesday, May 19) when a Boeing C-17A Globemaster III swooped low over the city.

The large aircraft is a heavy-lift strategic transport vehicle, designed to rapidly deploy troops and combat-ready cargo worldwide, and it was both seen and heard at around 10.40am in the morning.

READ MORE: RAF update after transport aircraft spotted low over Oxford

It took off from RAF Brize Norton at around 9.30am and landed at the same base at just after 1pm, with its flight path taking it up Cheltenham and in a wide loop around Bampton several times.

A C-17 aircraft at RAF Brize Norton (Image: NQ)

Clarifying the presence of the military vehicle so close to the ground a spokesperson for the RAF said it was conducting a training sortie in the area.

RAF Brize Norton is the largest Royal Air Force station in the UK and, as such, it is not unknown for military aircraft to be spotted, and there have been several instances this year.

READ MORE: Shock as RAF reveals why fighter planes sped over Oxford

In early March, residents of Oxford were startled by fighter planes speeding over the city.

People in Woodstock, Botley and Summertown all said they could hear the loud noise at around noon on Wednesday, March 11.

The RAF later confirmed that the flyover was for Operation Agile Warrior, announced last week and designed to test the British air force’s ability to protect the nation amid a “volatile” global environment.