Two U.S. C-17 military transport aircraft have arrived at Beijing Capital International Airport, a standard logistical preparation ahead of high-level visits.
A total of four Boeing C-17 "Globemaster III" aircraft are involved in the mission, including:
AE2FB0 08-8204 - REACH 4150 (Beijing Capital International Airport)
Both aircraft are based at Andrews Air Force Base.
The other two:
AE144C 05-5142 - REACH 3213
REACH 4554 is en route to Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska,
and REACH 3213 has been registered via ACARS (Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System) and is heading to Andrews Air Force Base.
Two to three C-17s constitute the most common standard; for long-distance or large-scale visits, the number may increase to three or more.
The primary mission of the C-17 is as a "pre-deployment transport unit," with clearly defined roles:
Transporting vehicles: One aircraft specifically carries the "beast"—bulletproof Cadillac vehicles, backup VIP cars, Secret Service escort vehicle fleet (Chevrolet Suburbans, etc.), and communications command vehicles.
Transporting helicopters: One aircraft carries the "Marine One" helicopter (VH-60 or VH-3D) along with ground support equipment.
Transporting supplies/backup equipment: Complete ground satellite communication stations, among others.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1864086183118987/
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