C-17 Globemaster III, USA

C-17 Globemaster III, USATactical Transport Aircraft

intorductionThe Boeing C-17 Globemaster III military airlift aircraft is a high-wing, four-engine, T-tailed military transport vehicle capable of carrying payloads up to 169,000lb (76,657kg).

It has an international range and the ability to land on small airfields.

A fully integrated electronic cockpit and advanced cargo system allows a crew of three (the pilot, co-pilot and loadmaster) to operate all systems on any type of mission.

Since it entered service in January 1995, 218 aircraft have been delivered to the US Air Force.

designThe four Pratt & Whitney PW2040 (military designation-F117-PW-100) turbofan engines with 40,440lb thrust each are integrated in the wings.

Engine thrust reversers, which are operable in flight, and speed brakes enable the aircraft to carry out rapid deceleration and descent manoeuvres.

A fully loaded aircraft is capable of backing up a 2% gradient slope using the directed flow thrust reversers.

The plane is designed for 20man-hoursof maintenance per flight hour, and a 74% mission availability rate.

featuresA propulsive lift system allows the C-17 to achieve safe landings on short runways.

The C-17 is capable of landing a full payload in less than 3,000ft.

The aircraft is capable of turning in a small radius and can complete a 180 star turn in 80ft. The aircraft can also carry out routine backing.

A fully loaded aircraft is capable of backing up a 2% gradient slope using the directed flow thrust reversers.

The quadruple-redundant electronic flight control system also has a mechanically-actuated backup system.

Cargo systemsThe design of the cargo compartment allows the C-17 to carry a wide range of vehicles, palleted cargo, paratroops, air-drop loads and aeromedical evacuees.

The cargo compartment has a sufficiently large cross-section to transport large wheeled and tracked vehicles, tanks, helicopters (such as the AH-64 Apache), artillery and weapons such as the Patriot missile system.

The US Army M1A1 main battle tank can be carried with other vehicles.

The aircraft is equipped for LAPES (low-altitude parachute extraction system) drops. For Medevac, the C-17 can transport up to 36 litter and 54 ambulatory patients and attendants.

specificationsGeneral characteristicsCapacity:102 paratroopersor134 troops with palletized and sidewall seatsor54 troops with sidewall seats (allows 13 cargo pallets) onlyor36 litter and 54 ambulatory patients and medical attendantsorCargo, such as anM1 Abramstank, threeStrykers, or sixM1117 Armored Security VehiclesLength:174 ft (53 m)Wingspan:169.8 ft (51.75 m)Height:55.1 ft (16.8 m)Empty weight:282,500 lb (128,100 kg)Max. takeoff weight:585,000 lb (265,350 kg)Fuel capacity:35,546 U.S. gal (134,556 L)PerformanceCruise speed:Mach 0.74 (450 knots, 515 mph, 830km/h)Range:2,420 nmi(2,785 mi, 4,482 km); 5,610 nmi (10,390 km) with paratroopersService ceiling:45,000 ft (13,716 m)Max.wing loading:150 lb/ft (750 kg/m)

Referenceshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_C-17_Globemaster_III

http://www.boeing.com/boeing/defense-space/military/c17/

http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/c-17.htm

http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/c17/

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