THE latest military airplane was unveiled in RAF Brize Norton yesterday by defence secretary Philip Hammond.

The MP welcomed the £200m C-17 transport aircraft which arrived this week from Boeing’s production plant in California.

The aircraft is the eighth C-17 in the RAF’s fleet and will play a key role in taking supplies and troops to and from Afghanistan.

Mr Hammond, pictured speaking to Sq Ldr Simon Boyle, said: “These aircraft provide vital support to our mission in Afghanistan and this latest addition to the RAF fleet will further strengthen the air bridge between Britain and the frontline.

“We are proceeding with major equipment programmes with renewed confidence now that the MoD’s core equipment programme is fully funded and affordable.”

The plane can carry loads weighing up to 70 tonnes, the same as three armoured vehicles or a tornado jet.

It could also transport three Apache helicopters or one Chinook helicopter.