The C-17 is a
multi-service, high-wing, 4-engine, T-tailed military-transport
aircraft, which can carry large equipment, supplies and troops directly
to small airfields in harsh terrain anywhere in the world day or night.
A fully integrated electronic cockpit and advanced cargo systems allow a
crew of three; the pilot, co-pilot and loadmaster, to operate all
systems on any type of mission.
The massive, sturdy, long-haul aircraft tackles distance, destination
and heavy, oversized payloads in unpredictable conditions.
The decision to lease four C-17 aircraft for some £771m from Boeing was
taken in 2001, and the aircraft entered service in 2001. The lease was
for a period of seven years, with the option to buy or extend at the end
of that period.
The option to buy the leased aircraft was exercised in August 2006
together with signature of the contract to procure a fifth new C-17
aircraft which was delivered in April 2008. A sixth C-17 was ordered as
a result of a £130 million contract signed in December 2007 and was
delivered in July 2008.
C-17 CAPABILITY
The C-17 fleet is capable of the deployment of 1,400 tonnes of freight
over 3,200 miles in a seven day period. The aircraft is able to carry
one Challenger 2 MBT, or a range of smaller armoured vehicles, or up to
three WAH-64 Apache aircraft at one time. Over 150 troops can be
carried. In-flight refuelling increases the aircraft range.
The UK Royal Air Force has six C-17s, which have, between them, flown
more than 22 million nautical miles in their eight years of service.
Since entering service in mid 2001, the UK C-17 fleet has been
continuously employed in support of ongoing coalition operations,
routine tasking and humanitarian relief.
The C-17 is in service with No 99 Squadron based at Brize Norton. No 99
Sqn has some 158 flight crew and ground staff.
C-17 GLOBEMASTER
Specifications
|
Crew
|
2 pilots and 1
loadmaster
|
Capacity
|
Maximum of 154
troops
|
|
Normal load of
102 fully-equipped troops, up to 172,200lb (78,108 kg) on up
to 18 standard freight pallets or 48 litters in the medevac
role
|
Cargo
Box |
|
Length |
20.78m
|
Height
|
3.76m
|
Width |
5.49m
|
Length Overall
|
53.04m
|
Height Overall
|
16.8 m
|
Wingspan
|
50.29m
|
Loadable width
|
5.5m
|
Cruising Speed
|
648 kph/403 mph
|
Range (max payload)
|
4,444 km/2,400
miles
|
Engines
|
4 x Pratt and Whitney
F117 turbofans
|
|