Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 1

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III

C-17 Globemaster III

USAF C-17 Globemaster IIIs on a low-level tactical training mission over the Blue Ridge Mountains

Role Strategic/tactical airlifter

National origin United States

Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas / Boeing

First flight 15 September 1991

Introduction 14 July 1993

Status In service

Primary users United States Air ForceRoyal Air ForceRoyal Australian Air ForceCanadian Forces

Number built 212 as of January 2010[1]

Unit cost $191 million (2010)[2]

Developed from McDonnell Douglas YC-15

The Boeing (formerly McDonnell Douglas) C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft. Developedfor the United States Air Force from the 1980s to the early 1990s by McDonnell Douglas, the C-17 is used for rapidstrategic airlift of troops and cargo to main operating bases or forward operating bases throughout the world; it canalso perform tactical airlift, medical evacuation and airdrop missions.[3] The C-17 carries the name of two previousU.S. military cargo aircraft, the C-74 Globemaster and the C-124 Globemaster II.The C-17 is operated by the U.S. Air Force, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada,[4] NATO,[5] and Qatar,[6] whilethe India, United Arab Emirates have aircraft on order.

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 2

Development

BackgroundIn the 1970s, the U.S. Air Force began looking for a replacement for the C-130 Hercules tactical airlifter.[7] TheAdvanced Medium STOL Transport (AMST) competition was held, with Boeing proposing the YC-14, andMcDonnell Douglas proposing the YC-15.[8] Though both entrants exceeded specified requirements, the AMSTcompetition was canceled before a winner had been selected. The Air Force started the C-X program in November1979 to develop a larger AMST with longer range to augment its strategic airlift.[9]

The McDonnell Douglas YC-15 design was usedas the basis for the C-17.

By 1980, the USAF found itself with a large fleet of aging C-141Starlifter cargo aircraft. Compounding matters, USAF historicallynever possessed sufficient strategic airlift capabilities to fulfill its airliftrequirements. The USAF set mission requirements and released arequest for proposals (RFP) for C-X in October 1980. McDonnellDouglas elected to develop a new aircraft based on the YC-15; Boeingbid an enlarged three-engine version of its AMST YC-14. Lockheedsubmitted two designs, a C-5-based design and an enlarged C-141design. On 28 August 1981, McDonnell Douglas was chosen to buildits proposed aircraft, by then designated C-17. The new aircraftdiffered in having swept wings, increased size, and more powerfulengines.[10] This would allow it to perform all work performed by the

C-141, but to also fulfill some of the duties of the C-5 Galaxy, freeing the C-5 fleet for outsize cargo.[10]

Design phaseDevelopment continued until December 1985, when a full-scale production contract was signed for 210 aircraft.[11]

[12] Development problems and limited funding caused delays in the late 1980s.[13] Criticisms were made of thedeveloping aircraft and questions were raised about more cost-effective alternatives during this time.[14] [15] In April1990, Defense Secretary Dick Cheney reduced the order from 210 to 120 aircraft.[16] The C-17's maiden flight wason 15 September 1991 from the McDonnell Douglas west coast plant in Long Beach, California, about a year behindschedule.[17] The first aircraft (T-1) and five more production models (P1-P5) participated in extensive flight testingand evaluation at Edwards Air Force Base.[18] The C-17 received the "Globemaster III" name in early 1993.[10] Inlate 1993, the DoD gave the contractor two years to solve production and cost overrun problems or face terminationof the contract after the delivery of the 40th aircraft.[19] By accepting the 1993 terms, McDonnell Douglas incurred aloss of nearly US$1.5 billion on the development phase of the program.[18]

Three C-17s unload supplies to help victims ofHurricane Katrina at Keesler Air Force Base,

Mississippi, in August 2005.

In April 1994, the C-17 program was still over budget, and did notmeet weight, fuel burn, payload and range specifications. It also failedseveral key criteria and tests that had been conducted to evaluate itsairworthiness.[20] [21] [22] Airflow over the aircraft caused problemswith parachutes and there were other technical problems with missionsoftware, landing gear, etc.[23] In May 1994, a proposal to cut theaircraft's production numbers to as low as 32 planes emerged, but wasrescinded.[24] A July 1994 GAO document revealed that to justifyinvesting in the C-17 rather than in the C-5, Air Force and DoD studiesfrom 1986 and 1991 had claimed that the C-17 could use 6,400 morerunways outside the U.S. than the C-5; it was later discovered that this

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 3

study had only considered the runway dimensions, but not their strength or Load Classification Numbers (LCN). TheC-5 has a lower LCN than the C-17, although the U.S. Air Force places both in the same broad Load ClassificationGroup (LCG). When considering runway dimensions and their load ratings, the C-17's worldwide runway advantageover the C-5 shrank from 6,400 to 911 airfields.[25] However, the C-17's ability to use lower quality, austere airfieldswas not considered.[25]

A January 1995 GAO report revealed that while the original C-17 budget was US$41.8 billion for 210 aircraft, the120 aircraft already ordered at that point had already cost US$39.5 billion.[26] In March 1994, the U.S. Army haddecided it no longer needed the 60000 lb (27000 kg) Low Altitude Parachute Extraction System (LAPES) deliverythat the C-17 was supposed to provide, feeling that the 42000 lb (19000 kg) capability of the C-130 Hercules wassufficient. It was decided not to conduct C-17 LAPES training beyond the testing of a 42000 lb (19000 kg) LAPESdelivery. There were still airflow problems that prevented the C-17 from meeting its airdrop requirements. AFebruary 1997 GAO Report revealed that a C-17 with a full payload could not land on 3000 ft (900 m) wet runways,for simulations suggested 5000 ft (1500 m) was required.[27] The YC-15 was transferred out of Pima Air & SpaceMuseum to AMARC to be made flightworthy again for further flight tests for the C-17 program in March 1997.[28]

By the mid-1990s, most of the problems had been resolved.[29] [30] The first C-17 squadron was declared operationalby the U.S. Air Force in January 1995.[31] In 1996, DoD ordered another 80 aircraft for a total of 120.[32] In 1997McDonnell Douglas merged with its former competitor, Boeing. In April 1999, Boeing proposed to cut the price ofthe C-17 if the Air Force bought 60 more,[33] and in August 2002, the order was increased to 180 aircraft.[34]

Recent developments

C-17 Globemaster III USAF video

C-17s from the 517th Airlift Squadron droppingequipment and airborne infantry during joint

training in September 2010.

In October 2007, 190 C-17s were on order to the USAF and Boeinghad purchased parts for 30 new C-17s at its own expense in hopes thatCongress would approve the funds requested.[35] Fifteen C-17s wereearmarked in a FY2008 War Supplemental[36] that Congress passedand was signed into law in June 2008.[37] These funds extendedproduction from August 2009 to August 2010. On 6 February 2009,Boeing was awarded a contract for 15 additional C-17s for US$2.95billion, thus pushing total C-17s on contract to the USAF to 205.[38]

On 6 April 2009, US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates announcedthat there would be no more C-17s ordered beyond the 205 planned.[39]

This announcement may have been a bit early, because a month later inMay a war funding bill was put forward that requested an additionalUS$2.2bn for up to eight more aircraft.[40] And on 12 June 2009, theHouse Armed Services Air and Land Forces Subcommittee added 17C-17s to the authorized force level.[41]

In November 2009, 205 C-17s were on contract with the USAF. Acontract for eight C-17s from the supplemental war funding bill has notyet been awarded. On 18 December 2009, the US Senate passed theFY 2010 DOD budget with funding for 10 C-17s and was signed intolaw by the President the following day. Total USAF C-17s contractedwill be 223 once contracts are awarded, extending production until2013.

In January 2010, the USAF announced that it would end Boeing's performance-based logistics contracts to maintainthe aircraft, which was a key source for projected profit growth for the company.[42]

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 4

Design

The inside of a C-17

The C-17 is 174 feet (53 m) long and has a wingspan of about 170 feet(52 m). It can airlift cargo fairly close to a battle area. The size andweight of U.S. mechanized firepower and equipment have grown inrecent decades from increased air mobility requirements, particularlyfor large or heavy non-palletized outsize cargo.

The C-17 is powered by four fully reversible, F117-PW-100 turbofanengines (the Department of Defense designation for the commercialPratt and Whitney PW2040, used on the Boeing 757). Each engine israted at 40,400 lbf (180 kN) of thrust. The thrust reversers direct airupward and forward, reducing the chance of foreign object damage andproviding enough thrust to back the aircraft on the ground. The thrust reversers can also be used in flight atidle-reverse for added drag in maximum-rate descents.

C-17 landing, showing its landing gear

The aircraft requires a crew of three (pilot, copilot, and loadmaster) forcargo operations. Cargo is loaded through a large aft door thataccommodates rolling stock, such as the 70-ton M1 Abrams tank, otherarmored vehicles, trucks, trailers, etc., along with palletized cargo. Thecargo compartment is 88 feet (26.82 m) long by 18 feet (5.49 m) wideby 12 feet 4 inches (3.76 m) high. The cargo floor has rollers forpalletized cargo that can be flipped to provide a flat floor suitable forrolling stock.

Maximum payload of the C-17 is 170,900 lb (77,500 kg), and its Maximum Takeoff Weight is 585,000 lb(265,350 kg). With a payload of 160,000 lb (72,600 kg) and an initial cruise altitude of 28,000 ft (8,500 m), the C-17has an unrefueled range of about 2,400 nautical miles (4,400 km) on the first 71 aircraft, and 2,800 nautical miles(5,200 km) on all subsequent extended-range models that include sealed center wing bay as a fuel tank. Boeinginformally calls these planes the C-17 ER.[43] The C-17's cruise speed is about 450 knots (833 km/h) (0.76 Mach).[3]

The C-17 is designed to airdrop 102 paratroopers and their equipment. The U.S. Army BCT Ground Combat Vehicleis to be transported by the C-17.

A C-17 creates a visible vortex while usingreverse thrust to push the aircraft backwards on a

runway.

The C-17 is designed to operate from runways as short as 3,500 ft(1,064 m) and as narrow as 90 ft (27 m). In addition, the C-17 canoperate from unpaved, unimproved runways (although with greaterchance of damage to the aircraft).[3] The thrust reversers can be used toback the aircraft and reverse direction on narrow taxiways using athree- (or more) point turn.[3]

Operational history

United States Air Force

The first production model was delivered to Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina on 14 July 1993. The firstsquadron of C-17s, the 17th Airlift Squadron, was declared operationally ready on 17 January 1995.[44] The C-17 hasbroken 22 records for oversized payloads.[45] The C-17 was awarded US aviation's most prestigious award, theCollier Trophy in 1994.[46]

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 5

A USAF C-17 takes off

The Air Force originally programmed to buy a total of 120 C-17s, withthe last one being scheduled for delivery in November 2004. The fiscal2000 budget funded another 14 aircraft, primarily for Air MobilityCommand (AMC) support of the United States Special OperationsCommand (USSOCOM). Basing of the original 120 C-17s was withthe 437th Airlift Wing and 315th Airlift Wing at Charleston AFB,South Carolina, the 62d Airlift Wing and 446th Airlift Wing atMcChord Air Force Base, Washington (first aircraft arrived in July1999), the Air Education and Training Command's (AETC) 97th Air

Mobility Wing at Altus AFB, Oklahoma, and the Air Mobility Command-gained 172d Airlift Wing of theMississippi Air National Guard at Jackson-Evers International Airport/ANGB, Mississippi. Althoughoperationally-gained by the Air Mobility Command, the C-17 aircraft assigned to the 172 AW are the only C-17sstrictly under direct control of the Air National Guard (ANG).

Basing of the additional 13 aircraft went to the 305th Air Mobility Wing and 514th Air Mobility Wing at McGuireAir Force Base, New Jersey; the 3d Wing and 176th Wing at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska; 15th Airlift Wingand 154th Wing at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii; and 60th Air Mobility Wing and 349th Air Mobility Wing atTravis Air Force Base, California. An additional 60 units were ordered in May 2002. In FY 2006, eight C-17s weredelivered to March Joint Air Reserve Base, California. Although operationally-gained by the Air MobilityCommand, these C-17s are the only aircraft strictly under direct control of the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC).In 2007, Congress appropriated funds for 10 additional USAF C-17s, bringing the total planned fleet size (on order +delivered) to 190. Additional aircraft were subsequently assigned to Dover Air Force Base, Delaware which hadpreviously been strictly equipped with C-5 Galaxy aircraft.

A C-17 lands at Ramstein Air Base, Germany,after dropping humanitarian food rations over

Afghanistan.

USAF C-17A taxis to the takeoff point at theRoyal International Air Tattoo, RAF Fairford,

Gloucestershire, England.

The C-17 have been and continue to deliver military goods andhumanitarian aid during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistanas well as Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq. On 26 March 2003, fifteenUSAF C-17s participated in the biggest combat airdrop since theUnited States invasion of Panama in December 1989: the night-timeairdrop of 1,000 paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigadeoccurred over Bashur, Iraq. It opened the northern front to combatoperations and constituted the largest formation airdrop carried out bythe United States since World War II. USAF C-17s have also beenused to assist US allies transport military equipment, includingCanadian armored vehicles to Afghanistan in 2003 and theredeployment of Australian forces in Australia and the SolomonIslands during the Australian-led military deployment to East Timor in2006. In late September and early November 2006, USAF C-17s flew15 Canadian Forces Leopard C2 tanks from Kyrgyzstan into Kandaharin support of the Afghanistan NATO mission.

A C-17 also accompanies the President of the United States on hisvisits to both domestic and foreign arrangements, consultations, andmeetings. The C-17 is used to transport the Presidential Limousine andsecurity detachments.[47] There have been several occasions where aC-17 has been used to transport the President himself, temporarilygaining the Air Force One callsign while doing so.[48]

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 6

There has been debate about follow-on orders for the C-17, with the Air Force requesting line shutdown, andmembers of Congress attempting to reinstate production. Furthermore, in FY2007, the Air Force requested $1.6billion to deal with what it termed "excessive combat use" on operational airframes.[49] However, in testimonybefore a House of Representatives subcommittee on air and land forces, General Arthur Lichte, USAF, theCommander of Air Mobility Command indicated extending production to another 15 aircraft, bringing the total to205. Pending the delivery of the results of two studies in 2009, Lichte considers that the Air Force may have to keepthe production line open for purchase of even more C-17s to satisfy airlift requirements.[50] In February 2009 theUSAF ordered 15 more C-17s which will bring its total to 205.[38]

United KingdomBoeing has marketed the C-17 to many European nations including Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and theUnited Kingdom. The Royal Air Force has established an aim of having interoperability and some weapons andcapabilities commonality with the United States Air Force. The UK's 1998 Strategic Defence Review identified arequirement for a strategic airlifter. The Short-Term Strategic Airlift (STSA) competition commenced in Septemberof that year, however tendering was canceled in August 1999 with some bids identified by ministers as tooexpensive, including the Boeing/BAe C-17 bid, and others unsuitable.[51] The project continued, with the C-17 seenas the favorite.[51] In the light of continuing delays to the Airbus A400M program, the UK Defence Secretary, GeoffHoon, announced in May 2000 that the RAF would lease four C-17s at an annual cost of £100 million[49] fromBoeing for an initial seven years with an optional two year extension. At this point the RAF would have the option tobuy the aircraft or return them to Boeing. The UK committed to upgrading the C-17s in line with the USAF so that inthe event of their being returned to Boeing the USAF could adopt them.The first C-17 was delivered to the RAF at Boeing's Long Beach facility on 17 May 2001 and flown to RAF BrizeNorton by a crew from No. 99 Squadron which had previously trained with USAF crews to gain competence on thetype. The RAF's fourth C-17 was delivered on 24 August 2001. The RAF aircraft were some of the first to takeadvantage of the new center wing fuel tank.The RAF declared itself delighted with the C-17 and reports began to emerge that they wished to retain the aircraftregardless of the A400M's progress. Although the C-17 fleet was to be a fallback for the A400M, the UK announcedon 21 July 2004 that they had elected to buy their four C-17s at the end of the lease, even though the A400Mappeared to be moving closer to production. They also announced there would be a follow-on order for one C-17,with possible additional purchases later.[52] While the A400M is described as a "strategic" airlifter, the C-17 givesthe RAF true strategic capabilities that it would not wish to lose, for example a maximum payload of 169,500 lb(77,000 kg) compared to the Airbus' 82,000 lb (37,000 kg).[49]

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced on 4 August 2006 that they had ordered an additional C-17 and that thefour aircraft on lease would be purchased at the end of the current contract in 2008. A fifth aircraft was delivered on22 February 2008 and reported for duty on 7 April 2008 at Brize Norton air base in Oxfordshire.[53] Due to fears thatthe A400M may suffer further delays, the MoD announced in 2006 that it planned to acquire three more C-17s, for atotal of eight, with delivery in 2009–2010. On 26 July 2007, Defence Secretary Des Browne announced that theMoD intended to order a sixth C-17 to boost operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.[54] On 3 December 2007, the MoDannounced a contract with Boeing for a sixth C-17,[55] which was handed over to the RAF on 11 June 2008.[56] On18 December 2009, Boeing confirmed that the RAF had ordered a seventh C-17, with delivery scheduled forDecember 2010.[57] [58] In RAF service, the C-17 has not been given an official designation (e.g., C-130J referred toas Hercules C4 or C5) due to its leased status, but is referred to simply as the C-17 or "C-17A Globemaster".

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 7

Australia

An RAAF C-17 parked at Melbourne Airport,January 2009

Wing Commander Linda Corbould, commanderof No. 36 Squadron RAAF, training in a USAF

C-17

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) began investigating options toacquire heavy lift transport aircraft for strategic transport in 2005.[59]

In late 2005 the then Minister for Defence Robert Hill stated that theAustralian Defence Force was considering such aircraft due to thelimited availability of strategic airlift aircraft from partner nations andair freight companies. The C-17 was considered to be favoured overthe A400M as it was a "proven aircraft" and was already in production.One major requirement from the RAAF was the ability to airlift theArmy's new M1 Abrams main battle tanks; another requirement wasimmediate delivery. Though unstated, commonality with the USAFand the United Kingdom's RAF was also considered advantageous.The aircraft for the RAAF were ordered directly from the USAFproduction run, and are identical to American C-17 even in paintscheme, the only difference being the national markings. This alloweddelivery to commence within nine months of commitment to theprogram.[60]

On 2 March 2006, the Australian Government announced the purchaseof three aircraft and one option with an entry into service date of2006.[49] In July 2006 a fixed price contract was awarded to Boeing todeliver four C-17s for US$780m (AUD$1bn).[61] Australia also signeda US$80.7M contract to join the global 'virtual fleet' C-17 sustainmentprogram[62] and the RAAF's C-17s will receive the same upgrades asthe USAF's fleet.[63]

The Royal Australian Air Force took delivery of its first C-17 in a ceremony at Boeing's plant at Long Beach,California on 28 November 2006.[64] Several days later the aircraft flew from Hickam Air Force Base, Honolulu,Hawaii to Defence Establishment Fairbairn, Canberra, arriving on 4 December 2006. The aircraft was formallyaccepted in a ceremony at Fairbairn shortly after arrival.[65] The second aircraft was delivered to the RAAF on 11May 2007 and the third was delivered on 18 December 2007. The fourth Australian C-17 was delivered on 19January 2008.[66] All the Australian C-17s are operated by No. 36 Squadron and are based at RAAF Base Amberleyin Queensland.[67] The squadron is working towards reaching its full operational capability in mid-2011.[62]

Australia's C-17s have supported ADF operations around the world. Tasks have included supporting Air CombatGroup training deployments to the United States, transporting Royal Australian Navy Sea Hawk helicopters andmaking fortnightly missions to the Middle East to supply Australian forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. The C-17s havealso carried humanitarian supplies to Papua New Guinea during Operation Papua New Guinea Assist in 2007,supplies and South African Puma helicopters to Burma in 2008 following Cyclone Nargis,[68] and relief supplies toSamoa following the 2009 earthquake.

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 8

Canada

Canadian Forces C-17 (CC-177) at Lake FrontAirport, New Orleans

Canada has had a long-standing need for strategic airlift forhumanitarian and military operations around the world . The CanadianForces (CF) had followed a pattern similar to the Luftwaffe in usingrented Antonovs and Ilyushins for many of their needs, includingdeploying the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) totsunami-stricken Sri Lanka in 2005. The CF was forced to rely entirelyon leased An-124 Ruslan for a deployment to Haiti in 2003, as well asa combination of leased Ruslans, Ilyushins and USAF C-17s formoving heavy equipment into Afghanistan. The Canadian ForcesFuture Strategic Airlifter Project was initiated in 2002 to studyalternatives, including long-term leasing arrangements.[69]

On 5 July 2006, the Canadian government issued a notice that it intended to negotiate directly with Boeing for thepurchase of four airlifters.[70] Then on 1 February 2007 Canada awarded a contract for four C-17s with deliverybeginning in August 2007.[71] Like Australia, Canada was granted airframes originally slated for the U.S. Air Force,to accelerate delivery.[72]

Canadian Forces CC-177 Globemaster onapproach to CFB Trenton

On 16 June 2007, the first Canadian C-17 rolled off the assembly lineat Long Beach, California and into the paint hangar for painting andaddition of Canadian markings including the national logo and airforce roundel. The first Canadian C-17 made its initial flight on 23July.[73] It was turned over to Canada on 8 August,[4] and participatedat the Abbotsford International Airshow on 11 August prior to arrivingat its new home base at 8 Wing, CFB Trenton, Ontario on 12August.[74] Its first operational mission was delivery of disaster reliefto Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Dean.[75] The second C-17 arrived at 8 Wing, CFB Trenton on 18 October2007. The last of four aircraft was delivered in April 2008.[76] The C-17 is officially designated CC-177Globemaster III within the Canadian Forces.[77] The aircraft are assigned to Canadian Forces Air Command's 429Squadron based at CFB Trenton.

On 14 April 2010, a Canadian C-17 Globemaster III landed at Canadian Forces Station Alert, the world's mostnortherly airport.[78]

NATO (Strategic Airlift Capability Program)A number of NATO countries signed a letter of intent to purchase C-17s on 19 July 2006 at the 2006 FarnboroughAirshow to participate in the joint purchase and operation of C-17s within NATO, a program called the NATOStrategic Airlift Capability.[79] A further letter of intent was announced on 12 September 2006 that included a fewother countries, some of which have since withdrawn.The present members are Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania,Slovenia, the United States, as well as two Partners for Peace countries Finland and Sweden.[79]

The purchase is for two C-17s, and a third which is the US contribution to the pool, which is operated in the samefashion as the NATO AWACS aircraft.[80] The AWACS aircraft are jointly manned by crew from NATO countries.The Aircraft are based at Papa Air Base in Hungary.On 14 July 2009, Boeing delivered the first C-17 under NATO's Strategic Airlift Capability (SAC) program. Thesecond and third C-17s were delivered in September and October 2009.[81] [82]

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 9

OtherThe Qatar Emiri Air Force operates two Boeing C-17s. Boeing delivered Qatar's first C-17 on 11 August 2009 andthe second on 10 September 2009.[83]

In February 2009, the United Arab Emirates signed an agreement to purchase four C-17 airlifters.[84] In January2010, UAE signed a contract with Boeing for six C-17s (four C-17s in 2011, and two in 2012).[85] [86]

Future and potential operators

India

In June 2009, the Indian Air Force (IAF) selected the C-17 to fulfill its Very Heavy Lift Transport Aircraftrequirement. If approved by the Indian Defense Ministry, the C-17 would replace the Ilyushin Il-76 as the IAF'slargest heavy lift transport aircraft in service.[87] [88] [89] In January 2010, the US Government received a requestfrom India for 10 C-17s through the US Government's Foreign Military Sales program,[90] and was approved by USCongress in June 2010.[91] Signing of a contract for the sale is pending.[92] On 23 June, the Indian Air Forcesuccessfully test-landed a USAF C-17 at the Gaggal Airport, India. This completed the IAF's C-17 trials.[93] InAugust 2010, it was reported that the IAF is seeking to order a total of 16 C-17s.[94] India aims to finalize the C-17defense agreement with the United States before the November visit of President Barack Obama.[95]

Other military interest

During the summer 2008 it was reported that the South Korea had allocated funds for the purchase of three or fourC-17-class airplanes for use in supporting expeditionary deployments.[96] In September 2010, Kuwait requested thepurchase of one C-17, spare parts and support through the U.S.'s Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.[97]

Commercial interest

In the mid-1990s, McDonnell Douglas began to market the C-17 to commercial civilian operators, under the nameMD-17.[98] Due to its high projected fuel, maintenance and depreciation cost for a low-cycle military design incommercial service, as well as a limited market dominated by the An-124, very little interest was expressed. AfterMcDonnell Douglas merged with Boeing, the commercial version was renamed BC-17.[99] However, the aircraftreceived no orders and Boeing stopped offering the BC-17 for sale.

Variants• C-17A: Initial military airlifter version.• C-17A "ER": Unofficial name for C-17As with extended range due to the addition of the center wing tank.[43]

[100] This upgrade was incorporated in production beginning in 2001 with Block 13 aircraft.[100]

• C-17B: Proposed tactical airlifter version. The design includes double-slotted flaps, an additional main landinggear on center fuselage, more powerful engines and other systems for shorter landing and take-off distances.[101]

Boeing offered the C-17B to the US military in 2007 for carrying the Army's Future Combat Systems (FCS)vehicles and other equipment.[102]

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 10

Operators

C-17 Globemaster III Operators

RAF, RAAF and USAF C-17s and flight crews atRAF Brize Norton in June 2007

A training mission in Jan. 2007 over theHawaiian Islands

Australia• Royal Australian Air Force: 4

C-17ERs

• No. 36 Squadron[103]

Canada• Canadian Forces Air Command: 4

C-17ERs[76]

• 429 Transport Squadron, CFBTrenton [104]

NATO• Heavy Airlift Wing: 3 in

service,[105] including 1 C-17 onloan from USAF.

 Qatar• Qatari Air Force has 2 C-17A in

use.[6] [106]

 United Arab Emirates• United Arab Emirates Air Force (6

C-17A on order)[86]

UK• Royal Air Force: has 6 C-17ERs is

service (1 on order).

• No. 99 Squadron, RAF BrizeNorton

USA• United States Air Force has 192

total (71 C-17, 121 C-17ER) ininventory as of December 2009.[58]

223 funded with 213 on order inJune 2010.[107]

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 11

A C-17 releases a barrage of flares.The wing-tip vortices can be seen inthe flare smoke behind the aircraft.

A C-17 performs touch-and-go landings whileanother C-17 prepares for take-off

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 12

• 3d Wing

• 517th Airlift Squadron• 15th Airlift Wing

• 535th Airlift Squadron• 60th Air Mobility Wing

• 21st Airlift Squadron• 62d Airlift Wing

• 4th Airlift Squadron• 7th Airlift Squadron• 8th Airlift Squadron• 10th Airlift Squadron

• 97th Air Mobility Wing

• 58th Airlift Squadron• 154th Wing, ANG

• 204th Airlift Squadron• 172d Airlift Wing, ANG

• 183d Airlift Squadron• 176th Wing, ANG

• 249th Airlift Squadron• 305th Air Mobility Wing

• 6th Airlift Squadron• 315th Airlift Wing, AFRC

• 300th Airlift Squadron• 317th Airlift Squadron• 701st Airlift Squadron

• 349th Air Mobility Wing, AFRC

• 301st Airlift Squadron• 412th Test Wing

• 418th Flight Test Squadron• 436th Airlift Wing

• 3d Airlift Squadron• 437th Airlift Wing

• 14th Airlift Squadron• 15th Airlift Squadron• 16th Airlift Squadron• 17th Airlift Squadron

• 446th Airlift Wing, AFRC

• 97th Airlift Squadron• 313th Airlift Squadron• 728th Airlift Squadron

• 452d Air Mobility Wing, AFRC

• 729th Airlift Squadron• 512th Airlift Wing, AFRC

• 326th Airlift Squadron• 514th Air Mobility Wing, AFRC

• 732d Airlift Squadron

Deliveries

2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991

6 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 14 13 11 10 7 6 6 8 5 4 1

Sources: C-17 Globemaster III Pocket Guide,[108] Boeing IDS Major Deliveries[109]

Notable accidents and incidents

C-17 on the runway at Bagram Air Base,Afghanistan on 31 January 2009 after landing

with landing gear retracted.

• On 10 September 1998, a U.S. Air Force C-17 (AF SerialNo.96-0006) suffered a landing gear failure as it landed inVestmannaeyjar, Iceland, a 3800-foot (1200 m) runway, to deliverKeiko the whale. After receiving temporary repairs, it was flown toanother city in Iceland for further repairs.[110] [111] The total repairbill topped $1 million.

• On 10 December 2003, a U.S. Air Force C-17 (AF Serial No.98-0057) was hit by a SAM after take-off from Baghdad, Iraq. Oneengine was disabled and the aircraft returned for a safe landing.[112]

The aircraft was repaired and returned to service.[113]

• On 6 August 2005, a U.S. Air Force C-17 (AF Serial No. 01-0196) ran off the runway at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan while attempting to land, destroying the airplane's nose and main landing gear. At the time, it was the most extensively damaged C-17 to date.[114] A Boeing recovery team spent two months getting the aircraft ready

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 13

to fly back to Boeing's Long Beach production facility.[115] The five-day flight back to the United States had to beperformed by a test pilot, because the temporary repairs caused numerous performance limitations.[116] Theaircraft repair was completed at Long Beach in October 2006 and the aircraft has reentered normal operations.

• On 30 January 2009, a U.S. Air Force C-17 (AF Serial No. 96-0002 – "Spirit of the Air Force") made a gear-upbelly landing at Bagram Air Base.[117] [118] By late April 2009, the C-17 was ferried from Bagram AB to NovaScotia for an overnight stay after making several stops along the way. It later flew to Boeing's plant in LongBeach, California, for more permanent repairs. It is expected to return to service once the repairs are completed.The USAF Aircraft Accident Investigation Board concluded that the main reason for the incident was the crew'sfailure to lower the landing gear as a consequence of omitting the pre-landing checklist.[119]

• On 28 July 2010, a U.S. Air Force C-17 (AF Serial No. 00-0173 – "Spirit of the Aleutians") crashed onElmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska during a training flight, killing all four aboard.[120] It was practicing for the2010 Arctic Thunder Air Show.[121] [122] The plane crashed near a railroad, and damaged tracks and disrupted railoperations.[123] The cause of the accident is under investigation.[124] This is the first deadly C-17 accident and itsfirst major accident.[123]

Specifications (C-17)

C-17 in an Aeromedical Evacuation configuration

Paratroopers dropping from a C-17 during atraining exercise

Data from USAF fact sheet,[3] Boeing,[125] [126] and AerospaceWeb[127]

General characteristics• Crew: 3: 2 pilots, 1 loadmaster• Capacity:

• 134 troops with palletized seats or• 102 troops with standard centerline seats or• 36 litter and 54 ambulatory patients or• Cargo, such as an M1 Abrams tank, three Strykers or 6 M1117

Armored Security Vehicles• Payload: 170,900 lb (77,519 kg) of cargo distributed at max over

18 463L master pallets or a mix of palletized cargo and vehicles• Length: 174 ft (53 m)• Wingspan: 169.8 ft (51.75 m)• Height: 55.1 ft (16.8 m)• Wing area: 3,800 ft² (353 m²)• Empty weight: 282,500 lb (128,100 kg)• Max takeoff weight: 585,000 lb (265,350 kg)• Powerplant: 4× Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 turbofans, 40,440

lbf (180 kN) each

• Fuel capacity: 35,546 US gal (134,556 L)

Performance• Cruise speed: Mach 0.76 (450 knots, 515 mph, 830 km/h)• Range: 2,420 nmi[125] (2,785 mi, 4,482 km)• Service ceiling: 45,000 ft (13,716 m)• Max wing loading: 150 lb/ft² (750 kg/m²)• Minimum thrust/weight: 0.277• Takeoff run at MTOW: 7,600 ft (2,316 m)[125]

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 14

• Landing distance: 3,500 ft (1,060 m)

See also• Strategic airlift• Airhead

Related development• McDonnell Douglas YC-15

Comparable aircraft• Antonov An-124• Ilyushin Il-76• Lockheed C-5 Galaxy• Lockheed C-141 Starlifter

Related lists• List of active Canadian military aircraft• List of active United States military aircraft• List of active United Kingdom military aircraft• List of military aircraft of the United States

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Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 18

[101] Trimble, Stephen. "Boeing offers C-17B as piecemeal upgrade" (http:/ / www. flightglobal. com/ articles/ 2008/ 08/ 19/ 314814/boeing-offers-c-17b-as-piecemeal-upgrade. html). Flight International, 19 August 2008.

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[108] "C-17 Globemaster III Pocket Guide", The Boeing Company, Long Beach, CA, June 2010[109] BDS Major Deliveries (current year) (http:/ / www. boeing. com/ bds/ deliveries. html), Boeing, retrieved 30 June 2010.[110] C-17A S/N 96-0006 (http:/ / www. mcchordairmuseum. org/ REV B OUR HISTORY NAME C-17 96-0006 SP OF BERLIN. htm)[111] "C-17 Accident During Whale Lift Due To Design Flaw" (http:/ / findarticles. com/ p/ articles/ mi_6712/ is_24_203/ ai_n28736153/ )[112] Information on 98-0057 incident (http:/ / aviation-safety. net/ database/ record. php?id=20031209-0), Aviation-Safety.net[113] C-17, tail 98-0057 image from 2004 (http:/ / www. airliners. net/ open. file/ 0614580/ M/ ), airliners.net.[114] Bagram Runway Reopens After C-17 Incident – DefendAmerica News Article (http:/ / www. defendamerica. mil/ articles/ aug2005/

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Bibliography• Kennedy, Betty R. Globemaster III: Acquiring the C-17, Air Mobility Command Office of History, 2004.• Norton, Bill. Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, Specialty Press, 2001. ISBN 1-58007-061-2.

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III 19

External links• C-17 page on Boeing.com (http:/ / www. boeing. com/ defense-space/ military/ c17/ index. htm)• C-17 USAF fact sheet (http:/ / www. af. mil/ information/ factsheets/ factsheet. asp?id=86)• C-17 History page on Boeing.com (http:/ / www. boeing. com/ history/ mdc/ c-17. htm)• C-17 page on GlobalSecurity.org (http:/ / www. globalsecurity. org/ military/ systems/ aircraft/ c-17. htm)• C-17 detailed photographs on b-domke.de (http:/ / www. b-domke. de/ AviationImages/ Globemaster. html)• C-17 interior used for passenger transport (http:/ / www. defenselink. mil/ DODCMSShare/ HomePagePhoto/

2006-07/ hires_060723-F-7234P-163. jpg)• C-17 political support site (http:/ / www. c17foramerica. com)• C-17 photos on Airliners.net (http:/ / www. airliners. net/ search/ photo. search?distict_entry=true&

aircraft_genericsearch=Boeing C-17 Globemaster III)

Article Sources and Contributors 20

Article Sources and ContributorsBoeing C-17 Globemaster III  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=395740322  Contributors: *bj*, 100percentColombian, A2Kafir, ANigg, ASIMOV51, Aardvark114, Abdhiraj,Accurizer, Achmelvic, Acroterion, Aerobird, Agnistus, Ahoerstemeier, Ahunt, Airforceone860, Airwolf, Akradecki, Aldis90, Alexandre.2.beaudry, Alvinrune, Ambanmba, Andrwsc,Anotherclown, Anthony, Arado, Archer1234, Archtransit, Arctic Night, ArnoldReinhold, Arpingstone, Asams10, Askari Mark, Attilios, Atul367, Avn 135, Añoranza, BQZip01, Bart133,Bbarnett, Bcs09, Beaupower32, Beeblebrox, Bevo74, BilCat, BlackMarlin, BoNoMoJo (old), Bobblewik, Borgx, Boris Barowski, Brian Crawford, Bubba73, Buckshot06, BurtAlert, Burto88,CDN99, Caese, CanadianLinuxUser, Chachu207, Chanakyathegreat, Chekaz, Chilicheez, Chrisbolt, Chrismax80, Chwyatt, Ckielstra, Cla68, Clarityfiend, Colonel Cow, ComaDivine,ComputerGeezer, Conversion script, Coolhawks88, Correctemundo, CowMan, Curiosity567, DH85868993, Da Joe, Dark Tea, David Newton, Dbromage, Debresser, Degen Earthfast,Demiurge1000, Denniss, Dhpage, Discospinster, Dmfallak, Dr. Blofeld, Dragonnas, EagleWSO, Emt147, EoGuy, Epbr123, Ericg, Ettrig, Eurocopter, Europrobe, Fat pig73, Ferengi, Fertuno,FiggyBee, Figureskatingfan, Fikri, Fleminra, Flightsoffancy, Flyguy649, Flyingidiot, Flystraightin, Fnlayson, Fullerton, G.Freeman, GPS73, GRAHAMUK, GW Simulations, Gaius Cornelius,Gamgee, GangstaEB, Gcarlisle, Gene Nygaard, Gerbilface, Gogo Dodo, Gpvos, GreatWhiteNortherner, Greyengine5, Grumpyoldgeek, Gsl, H1523702, HJ Mitchell, Hamiltondaniel,Hammersfan, Hcobb, Hellbus, Highflier, Hodgetts, Hudicourt, ITshnik, Iceberg3k, Iluvcapra, IrrtNie, Jeffkw, Jg1708, Jimderkaisser, Jimsim22, Jj04, Joffeloff, John, John Smith's, JohnOwens,Jor70, Joshbaumgartner, Jusdafax, KBi, Karl Dickman, Keith Breazeal, Keith.hornsby, Ketiltrout, Kevincw01, King Zebu, Kingpin13, Koyaanis Qatsi, Kozuch, KrakatoaKatie, Krellis, Kurykh,Kyteto, LA2, LCmucky, Lan Di, LanceBarber, Leelee 2001uk, Leszek Jańczuk, Letdorf, Lightmouse, Ligulem, LogicDictates, Looper5920, LorenzoB, Luftmann, M.nelson, MBK004, MER-C,Mabelair, MarcoTolo, Marcus Qwertyus, Mark Sublette, Mark83, MarsRover, Mattclare, Maury Markowitz, McNeight, McSly, Meganfoxx, Memset, MicaelJ, Michael Zimmermann,Michaelh2001, MilborneOne, Minimac's Clone, Mmx1, MoRsE, Morven, Mostergr, Mr.friend, Mzajac, N2e, N328KF, Ndunruh, NeilFraser, Ng.j, Nick Drake, Nick-D, Nigel Ish, Night Gyr,Niteowlneils, Noclador, Noisy, Noq, Nordicremote, NorthernThunder, NorthnBound, Oklandr8rs2000, Oleg Alexandrov, Ospalh, PLooB, PRRfan, Parikhjigish, Pauli133, PaulinSaudi, Pearle,Pen of bushido, Phthinosuchusisanancestor, Piledhigheranddeeper, Planefreak25, Plasma east, Plenumchamber, Pmsyyz, PortDawg, Premkudva, Pretender2j, Preuninger, Quadell,QuantumEleven, Radagast, RadicalBender, Ram-Man, Raryel, Raymondwinn, Regular Daddy, ResPublicae, Rickster89, Ricmarzane, Riddley, Rjwilmsi, Rlandmann, Rmhermen, RobbWiki,Rogerd, RottweilerCS, RoyBoy, Ruleke, Rumiton, Rye1967, Savantpol, Sheeny.au, Shenme, Shythylacine, Signal Buster, Signsolid, Simon12, SirYoda, Skcpublic, Skyfox007, Skyfox265,Snickerdo, SoLando, Spellmaster, Ssbohio, Stars999, SteinbDJ, Subsolar, Sukhmani1978, Sumergocognito, Sunray, Tagishsimon, Template namespace initialisation script, Tfeth, Thaihawk, TheEpopt, ThePointblank, Thenoflyzone, Tingkai, Tom, Tom87020, Tony1, Tymun, Ulflarsen, Vdm, Vladimir.lapacek, WSpaceport, Wackywace, Wakemp, WayeMason, Whale plane, Wiki Raja,Wikipe-tan, Wknight94, XJamRastafire, XLerate, Xaiver0510, YSSYguy, Zahid Abdassabur, Zer0faults, Zorakoid, 539 anonymous edits

Image Sources, Licenses and ContributorsFile:C17_aircraft_alt.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:C17_aircraft_alt.jpg  License: unknown  Contributors: Staff Sgt. Jacob N. 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CuomoFile:C-17 6.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:C-17_6.jpg  License: unknown  Contributors: CristianChirita, Denniss, FieldMarine, PMG, Thuresson, 1 anonymous editsFile:C-17 2006-05-10 F-2559D-003.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:C-17_2006-05-10_F-2559D-003.jpg  License: unknown  Contributors: United States Air Forcephoto by Brian DyjakFile:Flag of Australia.svg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Australia.svg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: Ian FieggenFile:Flag of Canada.svg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Canada.svg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: User:E Pluribus Anthony, User:MzajacFile:Flag of Qatar.svg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Qatar.svg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: (of code)File:Flag of the United Arab Emirates.svg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_the_United_Arab_Emirates.svg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: AnimeAddict AA, Avala, Dbenbenn, Duduziq, F l a n k e r, Fry1989, Fukaumi, Gryffindor, Guanaco, Homo lupus, Kacir, Klemen Kocjancic, Krun, Madden, Neq00, Nightstallion, Piccadilly Circus,Pmsyyz, RamzyAbueita, 4 anonymous editsFile:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_the_United_Kingdom.svg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: User:Zscout370File:Flag of the United States.svg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_the_United_States.svg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: User:Dbenbenn,User:Indolences, User:Jacobolus, User:Technion, User:Zscout370File:C-17 at Bagram Air Base.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:C-17_at_Bagram_Air_Base.jpg  License: unknown  Contributors: US Air ForceFile:Medevac mission, Balad Air Base, Iraq.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Medevac_mission,_Balad_Air_Base,_Iraq.jpg  License: unknown  Contributors: U.S.Air Force Photo/Master Sgt. 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