RAAF test flight to Antarctica

The RAAF will land an aircraft on Australia's Antarctic territory for the first time in more than five decades as the government tests the viability of using a C-17A Globemaster to deliver cargo to the frozen continent.

The military transport aircraft, which has a cargo capacity of more than 77,000kg, equivalent to around 48 mid-sized sedans, will land at Wilkins Aerodrome southeast of Casey Station on Thursday.

"It allows us to test our C-17As in extremely challenging Antarctic conditions, while supporting the great work carried out by the Australian Antarctic Division," Commodore Richard Lennon said.