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C-17A: U.S. Air Force’s Secret Weapon Revealed – Part 2

Daniel Kim Views  

Aircraft capable of strategic, tactical, and airborne operations in any weather

The C-17A transport aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and introduced in 1991, is a versatile, all-weather aircraft capable of various missions, including strategic, tactical, and airborne operations. Priced at $328 million per unit (approximately 367.2 billion won), it is a pivotal strategic transport asset for the U.S. Air Force, embodying the concept of rapid deployment force and enabling deployment to frontline airfields.

The aircraft boasts a flight range of 4,740 miles and can transport 70 tons of cargo, such as one M-1 tank or three Stryker armored vehicles, from the U.S. mainland to military bases worldwide without refueling. With a capacity of approximately 150 troops, it features advanced flight electronics and cargo loading systems, enabling a crew of three to operate. Its exceptional short take-off and landing capabilities allow it to operate on runways as short as 2,986 feet long and 59 feet wide, executing 180-degree turns within 82 feet. This versatility enables it to operate in austere environments without ground support facilities, facilitated by a reverse thrust device for easy maneuvering.

In July 2018, the C-17 was utilized to transport 55 caskets holding the remains of U.S. soldiers from the Korean War from Wonsan, North Korea, to Osan Air Base.

A scene of the C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft firing a flare to confuse enemy missiles. Photo provided by the U.S. Air Force

The C-17A stands out for its versatility. It excels in strategic, tactical, and airborne missions with a reputation for high reliability and easy maintenance, thanks to its specialization in short take-off and landing (STOL). The ability to transport diverse cargo, conduct tactical drops, and evacuate multiple casualties swiftly epitomizes the capabilities of an all-weather transport aircraft deployed in urgent battlefield scenarios.

More importantly, given the characteristics of the U.S. military, which often requires emergency deployment worldwide, the role of the C-17A can be described as immense. For airborne divisions and airborne corps that need to deploy to the other side of the world within half a day, the C-17A is the most critical mobility asset.

As previously noted, one of its most distinctive advantages is its ability to operate without requiring a lengthy landing distance despite its size. The C-17A can safely take off with a minimum runway length of 3,500 feet and width of 90 feet, while it can land with a full cargo load with just 2,700 feet of secured runway space.

Also, its cargo capacity reaches 166,445 pounds, which is more significant or similar to the 44,953-pound capacity of the C-130, the 176,370-pound capacity of the AN-22, the 145,505-pound capacity of the Y-20, and the 81,571-pound capacity of the A400M.

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Daniel Kim
content@viewusglobal.com

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