Copyright © A. Filippone (1999-2004). All Rights Reserved.
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McDonnell-Douglas C-17 (Globemaster III)


C-17 at take-off C-17 at landing
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High lift systems in full display on take-off and landing of the military cargo plane McDonnell-Douglas C-17.

The C-17 Globemaster III was designed to combine the load capacity of the C-5 Galaxy with the STOL performance of the Lockeed C-130 Hercules. The airplane, in fact, can use runways with poor maintainance, as short as 1000 m (3000 ft). The main hold can accomodate McDonnell-Douglas Apache AH-64 helicopters and M1 battle tanks. The aircraft can be refuelled in flight.

The photos were taken at an airshow at Oshkosh, Wisconsin (summer 1997).

Technical Data

Max Speed 648 km/h (403 miles/h)
Cruise Speed M=0.77
Powerplant 4 x 185 kN, PW F117 turbofan
Wing Span 52 m (117 ft, 3 in)
Length 53 m (174 ft)
Empty Weight 122,000 kg
Max Take-Off Weight 263,100 kg (580,000 lb)

Selected References:

  • The Encyclopedia of World Aircraft, edited by D. Donald, Blitz Editions, London, 1997.

  • Mark H. C-17 Brings New Era in Airlift, Aerospace America, March 1994, pages 26-30

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Copyright © A. Filippone (1999-2004). All Rights Reserved.