What is the C-17 used for?

What is the C-17 used for?

The C-17 Globemaster serves as the U.S. Air Force’s primary strategic lift aircraft for global transport of troops and equipment. 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.

How fast does AC 17 go?

approximately 450 knots
Its cruise speed is approximately 450 knots (. 74 Mach). The design of the aircraft (high-lift wing, slats, and externally blown flaps) allows it to operate through small, austere airfields. The C-17 can take off and land on runways as short as 3,500 feet (1,064 meters) and only 90 feet wide (27.4 meters).

What is the range of a C-17?

6,456 mi
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III/Range

How long can a C-17 fly?

174′
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III/Length

Why did C-17 stop production?

By April 2011, 230 production C-17s had been delivered, including 210 to the USAF. The C-17 prototype “T-1” was retired in 2012 after use as a testbed by the USAF. In January 2010, the USAF announced the end of Boeing’s performance-based logistics contracts to maintain the type.

What is replacing the C-17?

The entire process took about two years. As C-17s rotate into depot maintenance, the C-17’s legacy Head-Up Display system will be replaced, with the new system providing increased field of view, contrast ratio, and resolution, Air Mobility Command reports.

Is the C-17 still in production?

It marks the end of an era that began with the C-17’s 1st flight, on Sept 15/91. In a follow-on release, Boeing says that C-17 production for all customers will end in 2015, with the closure of the Long Beach, CA assembly line after the last 22 C-17s are delivered.

How many tanks can a C-17 carry?

C-17 Technical Specifications

Wing Span 51.74 m (169.8 ft.)
Payload Options 18 x 463L pallets 188 Passengers (9 seat pallets + sidewall seats) 102 Paratroopers + 8 Equipment Bundles 3 x Combat-ready Stryker Infantry Fighting Vehicles 1 x M-1 Main Battle Tank 2 x UH-60 Utility Helicopters

Why was C-17 discontinued?

The C-17 received the “Globemaster III” name in early 1993. In late 1993, the Department of Defense (DoD) gave the contractor two years to solve production and cost overrun problems or face termination of the contract after the delivery of the 40th aircraft.

What is the replacement for the C-17?

The Globemaster III
“It’s really pretty far out there to think about the full replacement of the C-17.” The Globemaster III will be a stalwart for years to come.

Can the C-17 carry a tank?

Cargo systems on Boeing’s C-17 Globemaster III The US Army M1A1 main battle tank can be carried with other vehicles. The maximum payload is 170,900lb (77,519kg) with 18 pallet positions, including four on the ramp.

Can a C-17 carry an Abrams tank?

Also, the C-17 is able to transport the M1 Abrams main battle tank. Furthermore, the C-17 can carry up to 102 troops, 36 litter patients, or 18 standard 463-L pallets. Cargo and vehicles are loaded onto the C-17 through a large aft door that accommodates military vehicles and palletized cargo.