MCDONNELL DOUGLAS C-17A 'Globemaster III'

TYPE:

• Long-range and intra-theatre heavy cargo transport.

PROGRAMME:

• In February 1980, the USAF issed the CX requirement for a new heavy transport.
• The new airlifter needed to operate in the strategic role yet provide the ability to land close behind the battlefield on semi/un-prepared airstrips.
• On August 28, 1981, the US Air Force choose McDonnell Douglas to develop the C-X cargo aircraft.
• The full-scale development was called off in January 1982 and replaced on July 26, 1982 by a slow-paced preliminary development order.
• Development and three prototypes (one flying) were ordered on December 31, 1985.
• First production C-17A contract was given on January 20, 1988
• First flight on September 15, 1991.

DESIGN FEATURES:

• Externally blown flap system based on McDonnell Douglas YC-15 medium STOL transport prototypes.
• Includes extended flaps in exhaust flow from engines during take-off and landing.
• Design of the C-17A has now become the classical airlifter concept, a large circular-section fuselage, accommodating the flightdeck and pressurized hold, retractable tricycle landing gear, and high-set flying surfaces.
• Combines load-carrying capacity of C-5 with STOL performance of C-130.
• Structure is designed to survive battle damage and protect the crew.

POWER PLANT:

• Four 18,915 kg (41,700 lb) Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 dry thrust turbofans. Total thrust of 162,800 lb (724 kN)
• Engine is pylon-mounted in individual underwing pods, each fitted with a thrust reverser deployable both in flight and on the ground.
• Provision for in-flight refuelling. Two outboard wing fuel tanks of 21,210 litres (5603 US gallons, 4666 Imp gallons) each, two inboard wing fuel tanks of 30,056 litres (7940 US gallons, 6612 Imp gallons) each.
• Total capacity: 102,610 litres (27,086 US gallons; 22,572 Imp gallons).

ACCOMMODATION:

• Normal flight crew consist of pilot and co-pilot, side by side on flight deck, two observer positions and loadmaster station at forward end of main floor.
• Bunks for crew immediately aft of flight deck area, and crew comfort station at forward end of cargo hold.
• Main cargo hold able to accommodate US Army wheeled vehicles, including five-ton expandable vans in two rows, or three Jeeps side by side, or up to three AH-64A Apache attack helicopters.
• Also fitted with 27 stowable tip-up seats along each sidewall and another 48 seats which can be erected along the centreline
• optionally up to 48 litters for medical evacuation mission or 144 troops, or 102 paratroops, or 102 seated casualties including attendents, or 78,108 kg (172,200 lb) of freight.