USAF photo by 1st Lt. Laurel Scherer
Mission
The C-17 Globemaster III is the newest, most flexible cargo aircraft to enter the airlift force. The C-17 is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to main operating bases or directly to forward bases in the deployment area. The aircraft is also able to perform tactical airlift and airdrop missions when required. The inherent flexibility and performance characteristics of the C-17 improve the ability of the total airlift system to fulfill the worldwide air mobility requirements of the United States.
The ultimate measure of airlift effectiveness is the ability to rapidly project and sustain an effective combat force close to a potential battle area. Threats to the U.S. interests have changed in recent years, and the size and weight of U.S.-mechanized firepower and equipment have grown in response to improved capabilities of potential adversaries. This trend has significantly increased air mobility requirements, particularly in the area of large or heavy outsize cargo. As a result, newer and more flexible airlift aircraft are needed to meets potential armed contingencies, peacekeeping, or humanitarian missions worldwide. The C-17 was designed and built with this new world order in mind.
Characteristics
Primary Function: Cargo and troop transport
Contractor: Boeing Company
Power Plant: Four Pratt and Whitney F117-PW-100 turbofan engines
Thrust: 40,440 pounds, each engine
Length: 174 feet (53 meters)
Height: 55 feet, 1 inch (16.79 meters)
Wingspan: 160 feet (to winglet tips)(51.76 meters)
Cargo Compartment: height: 12 feet, 4 inches (3.76 meters); length: 88 feet
(26.82meters); width: 18 feet (5.48 meters)
Speed: 450 knots at 28,000 feet (8,534 meters)(Mach 0.74)
Ceiling: 45,000 feet (13,716 meters) at cruising speed
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 585,000 pounds (265,352 kilograms)
Load: Either 102 troops/paratroops, 48 litters and 54 ambulatory patients and
attendents, or 170,900 pounds (77,519 kilograms) of cargo (18 pallet positions).
Range: Global with in-flight refueling
Crew: Three (two pilots and a loadmaster)
Date Deployed: June 1993
Unit Cost: $180 million (FY96 constant dollars)
Inventory: Unavailable
