Boeing C-17 Globemaster III.

 

About aircraft

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III was developed for United States air Force which is a large military transport aircraft which was developed from McDonnell douglas from 1980-1990. The Douglas C-74 Globemaster and the Douglas C-124 Globemaster II are two previous piston-engined military cargo aircraft whose name are carried forward by the Boeing C-17. Tactical and strategic airlift missions, transporting troops and cargo throughout the world are common task performed by Boeing C-17 where as medical evacuation and airdrop duties are additional role of Boeing C-17. To replace the Lockheed C-141 Starlifter, and to fulfill some duties of the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy, Boeing C-17 aircraft was designed.

Overview of Boeing C-17

Cargo close to battle area can be airlifted easily by Boeing C-17 Globemaster III since it is an strategic transport aircraft. Its length is 53 meters (174 feet) with having a wingspan of 51.77 meters (169 feet 10 inch). Four Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 turbofan engines are used to power Boeing C-17 aircraft. This engines are based on Pratt and Whitney PW2040 engines which are used for Boeing 757. 180 kN of thrust is produced by each engine of Boeing C-17.  A crew of three i.e pilot, copilot and loadmaster are required for cargo operation of Boeing C-17 aircraft. The dimensions of Boeing C-17 cargo compartment are as 27 meters (88 feet) long, 5.5 meters (18 feet) wide and 3.76 meters (12 feet 4 in) high. M1 Abrams main battle tank, other armored vehicles, trucks, and trailers, along with palletized cargo can be accommodate in entire cargo compartment of Boeing C-17 aircraft. Boeing C-17 has maximum payload of 77500 kg where as it's maximum takeoff weight is 265000 kg.

Some characteristics of Boeing C-17

1. Its length is 53 meters (174 feet). 
2. Its wingspan is 51.77 meters (169 feet 10 inch). 
3. Its height is 16.79 meters (55 feet 1 inch). 
4. Its wing area is 350 meter square (3800 sq ft). 

Performance of Boeing C-17

1. Its maximum speed is 1080 km/h (670 mph, machines 0.875). 
2. Its cruise speed is 830 km/ h (520 mph, mach 0.74 - 0.79). 
3. Its range is 4480 ok with 71214 kg payload. 
4. Its service ceiling is 14000 meters. 
5. Its wing loading is 730 kg/m². 
6. It is designed to operate from runway as short as 1100 meters (3500 feet) and as narrow as 27 meters (90 feet). 

Some highlights of Boeing C-17

1. It perform role of Strategic and tactical airlifter. 
2. It is originated from United States. 
3. It is manufactured by McDonnell Douglas / Boeing. 
4. Primarily it is operated by United States Air Force, Indian Air Force, Royal Air Force.