The U.S.A.F.’s central strategic large transport plane, the C-17 Globemaster III, was made to replace the C-141 Starlifter. There are three people on the C-17’s crew: a pilot, a copilot, and a loadmaster.
The 17th Airlift Squadron, the first C-17 squadron, was formed at Charleston Air Force Base in January 1995. The first C-17 was delivered to the base in 1993.
Its official name is “Globemaster,” also known as “The Moose.” This name comes from the sound made by the air venting when the plane is refueled on the ground. It sounds like a moose bellowing.
The C-17 is used for long-distance strategic airlift, which includes the delivery of supplies, men, and even weapons. Paratroopers and resupply cargo are dropped from the Globemaster over hostile territory or in inaccessible places by other aircraft.
The C-17 is about 76 feet longer than another common tactical transport plane, the C-130J Super Hercules, having a total length of 174 feet. While the C-5 Galaxy is the largest military transport aircraft in the United States Air Force, the Globemaster is 73 feet shorter.
The Globemaster can carry 170,900 pounds for a distance of 2,785 miles, making it the most capable of the two cargo planes. The C-130 can transport a cargo of 72,000 pounds over a distance of 2,071 miles, while the C-5 can deliver 389,000 pounds over more than 2,760 miles. All three can reach any point on Earth so long as they can refuel in midair.
Here are the 9 facts about the C-17 Globemaster
The C-17’s 4 Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 turbofans each provide 40,440 pounds of power, allowing the aircraft to reach a top speed of 550 miles per hour (885.139 km/ hr) and a service ceiling of 45,000 feet.
Cargo Load: 170,900 pounds (77,519 kilograms) of goods, including 102 soldiers/paratroopers, 36 litters, and 54 patients with caregivers (18 pallet positions)
Mission: Airdrop missions, medical litter delivery, and tactical airlift are part of the job description.
Landing: It can land on short runways as 3,500 feet and do a 90-foot-wide three-point turn with reverse thrusters.
Production: C-17s Since 1991, a total of 279 have been created. Between 2002 and 2009, 16 were made annually, which were its peak years of production. 2014 marked the seventh and last year of production.
Record Holder: The C-17 has won the Collier Trophy, the United States’ most prestigious aviation award, and set 22 world records for carrying excessive weights.
Special Delivery: In March 2003, the C-17 made history when it dropped 1,000 U.S. soldiers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade into Northern Iraq.
V.V.I.P. Delivery: When the President travels to domestic or international destinations, a C-17 accompanies his plane, carrying both the presidential limousine and the security detachments.
Operating countries operate this giant Australia, Canada, India, NATO, Kuwait, Qatar, U.A.E., the U.K., and the U.S.A.
Featured in movies and Series: The C-17 Globemaster III has made cameo appearances in several well-known media works, including Godzilla, Iron Man, and American Sniper. It has also appeared on television shows like Seal Team, Hawaii Five-O, and in one of the marvel series agents of shield.
The United States Air Force will use C-17 Globemaster III until at least 2040. It will continue to serve for many years, delivering military supplies, personnel, and the infamous “Military 3 Bs” (beans, bullets, and bandages) to support America’s global operations.
