Sylvie Willis
The C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft developed for the United States Air Force (USAF) by McDonnell Douglas/Boeing. It is a high-wing, four-engine, T-tailed aircraft capable of carrying payloads of up to 170,900 pounds (77,500 kg). The C-17 has a maximum unrefuelled range of about 2,400-2,800 nautical miles (4,400-5,200 kilometres) and can operate with a crew of just three: a pilot, co-pilot, and loadmaster. The C-17's fuel capacity is a total of 102,614 litres (27,108 US gallons) stored in six fuel tanks in the wings, with an inflight refuelling socket behind the cockpit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Type | Military transport aircraft |
| Aircraft Name | Boeing C-17 Globemaster III |
| Engine Type | Four Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 turbofan engines |
| Engine Thrust | 40,400 lbf (180 kN) |
| Maximum Payload | 170,900 pounds (77,500 kg; 85.5 short tons) |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight | 585,000 pounds (265,000 kg) |
| Unrefueled Range | 2,400 nautical miles (4,400 kilometres) on the first 71 aircraft |
| Extended Range | 2,800 nautical miles (5,200 kilometres) on extended-range models |
| Cruise Speed | 450 knots (830 km/h) (Mach 0.74) |
| Crew Size | 3 (pilot, co-pilot, loadmaster) |
| Cargo Capacity | 88 ft long x 18 ft wide x 12 ft 4 inches high |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | Six wing tanks with a total capacity of 102,614 litres (27,108 US gallons) |
| Additional Fuel Tank | Some C-17s have a centre-section tank with a capacity of 36,340 litres (9,600 US gallons) |
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What You'll Learn
- The C-17 Globemaster III has a maximum unrefuelled range of 2,400 nautical miles (4,400 km)
- Extended-range models can fly 2,800 nautical miles (5,200 km)
- The C-17's supercritical wing design enhances range and fuel efficiency
- The C-17 has six fuel tanks in its wings, with a total capacity of 102,614 litres
- The C-17 has been flight-tested with a blend of synthetic fuel and JP-8
The C-17 Globemaster III has a maximum unrefuelled range of 2,400 nautical miles (4,400 km)
The C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft developed for the United States Air Force (USAF). It is a high-wing, four-engine, T-tailed aircraft that is capable of carrying payloads of up to 170,900 pounds (77,500 kg). With a payload of 160,000 pounds (73,000 kg) and an initial cruise altitude of 28,000 feet (8,500 m), the C-17 has an unrefuelled range of about 2,400 nautical miles (4,400 km). This range is made possible by the aircraft's efficient wing design and powerful engines.
The C-17's wings have a total surface area of 3,800 square feet and feature a supercritical airfoil design, which enhances the aircraft's range, cruising speed, and fuel efficiency. The wings' 35-degree sweep angle and advanced airfoil design reduce drag and allow the aircraft to fly with high efficiency. Additionally, the C-17 is equipped with four Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 turbofan engines, each capable of producing 40,400 lbf (180 kN) of thrust. The combination of efficient wings and powerful engines enables the C-17 to achieve its impressive unrefuelled range.
The C-17's fuel system includes six fuel tanks located in the wings, with a total capacity of 102,614 liters (27,108 US gallons). Later versions of the C-17 also feature a centre wing fuel tank, further extending the aircraft's range. The aircraft is designed for rapid strategic delivery and can operate from runways as short as 3,000 feet (914 m), making it a versatile and capable transport aircraft.
The C-17 Globemaster III's maximum unrefuelled range of 2,400 nautical miles (4,400 km) gives it the ability to cover long distances without refuelling, making it a valuable asset for military operations and cargo transport around the globe. This range, combined with its payload capacity and ability to operate from short and unprepared runways, makes the C-17 a highly versatile and effective military transport aircraft.
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Extended-range models can fly 2,800 nautical miles (5,200 km)
The C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft developed for the United States Air Force (USAF) during the 1980s and early 1990s by McDonnell Douglas. It is a high-wing, four-engine, T-tailed military transport vehicle capable of carrying payloads of up to 170,900 pounds (77,500 kg). The C-17 has an unrefuelled range of about 2,400 nautical miles (4,400 km) on the first 71 aircraft.
However, extended-range models can fly 2,800 nautical miles (5,200 km). These models include a sealed center wing bay as an additional fuel tank, increasing the aircraft's range. This extended range capability allows the C-17 to perform rapid strategic delivery of troops and cargo directly to forward bases in remote locations. The aircraft's ability to land on short and unprepared runways further enhances its operational flexibility.
The C-17's four Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 turbofan engines provide it with the power and performance needed for long-distance flights. Each engine is rated at 40,400 lbf (180 kN) of thrust, contributing to the aircraft's overall range and payload capacity. The engine's thrust reversers also aid in reducing foreign object damage and providing reverse thrust during taxiing.
The extended-range capability of the C-17 Globemaster III enhances its operational versatility, enabling it to undertake missions requiring long-distance travel and the transportation of heavy payloads. This makes the C-17 a valuable asset for military operations and humanitarian missions requiring the rapid deployment of personnel and supplies over significant distances.
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The C-17's supercritical wing design enhances range and fuel efficiency
The C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft developed for the United States Air Force (USAF). It is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and cargo to main operating bases or directly to forward bases in the deployment area. The C-17 is powered by four Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 turbofan engines, with each engine rated at 40,400 lbf (180 kN) of thrust.
The C-17's supercritical wing design is a key feature that enhances its range and fuel efficiency. The wings of the C-17 amass a total of 3,800 sq ft with a 7.165 aspect ratio, a 35-degree sweep angle, and a supercritical airfoil. The supercritical wing design is an advanced airfoil design that offers several advantages over traditional wing designs.
Firstly, the supercritical wing design improves the aircraft's range and fuel efficiency by reducing drag. The wing's airfoil shape produces weaker shock waves, which create less drag on the aircraft as it moves through the air. This reduction in drag allows the C-17 to fly farther on the same amount of fuel, increasing its range.
Secondly, the supercritical wing design contributes to the aircraft's high cruise speed. The weak shock waves generated by the wing's airfoil also enable the aircraft to maintain a higher cruise speed while burning less fuel. This not only improves the aircraft's fuel efficiency but also enhances its operational capabilities by allowing it to cover longer distances in shorter times.
Additionally, the C-17's wing design includes fixed-vane, double-slotted, and simple-hinged flap systems. These flap systems provide the aircraft with increased lift during takeoff and landing, allowing it to operate from shorter runways. This flexibility in runway requirements further enhances the aircraft's operational capabilities and makes it suitable for a wide range of missions.
The C-17's supercritical wing design, combined with its powerful engines, contributes to its impressive performance and fuel efficiency. With a maximum payload of 170,900 pounds (77,500 kg) and a maximum takeoff weight of 585,000 pounds (265,000 kg), the C-17 has an unrefueled range of about 2,400 nautical miles (4,400 kilometres) on the first 71 aircraft. The subsequent extended-range models, known as C-17 ER, have an even greater range of 2,800 nautical miles (5,200 kilometres) thanks to their additional fuel tank in the sealed center wing bay.
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The C-17 has six fuel tanks in its wings, with a total capacity of 102,614 litres
The C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft developed for the United States Air Force (USAF) by McDonnell Douglas/Boeing. It is a high-wing, four-engine, T-tailed military transport vehicle capable of carrying payloads of up to 170,900 pounds (77,500 kg). The C-17 has six fuel tanks located in its wings, with a combined capacity of 102,614 litres (27,108 US gallons). This substantial fuel capacity enables the aircraft to execute long-distance missions and provide rapid strategic delivery of troops and cargo directly to forward bases.
The C-17's powerful engines and advanced wing design further enhance its range and fuel efficiency. The aircraft is equipped with four Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 turbofan engines, each generating 40,400 lbf (180 kN) of thrust. The wings of the C-17 span 169 feet, 10 inches (51.75 meters) and feature a supercritical airfoil design, which reduces drag and improves efficiency. This combination of efficient aerodynamics and ample fuel capacity allows the C-17 to undertake extended missions without the need for frequent refuelling.
The C-17's fuel system also incorporates an inflight refuelling socket positioned behind the cockpit, enabling the aircraft to receive fuel while airborne. This capability extends the operational range and endurance of the C-17, making it well-suited for long-duration flights and missions in remote areas. The ability to refuel in the air provides the C-17 with greater flexibility and adaptability, ensuring it can respond to changing mission requirements and support extended operations as needed.
In addition to its impressive fuel capacity and range, the C-17's versatility extends to its payload capabilities. The aircraft can accommodate various types of cargo, including vehicles, palletized cargo, and paratroopers with their equipment. The cargo floor is designed with rollers that can be adjusted to provide either a flat surface suitable for vehicles or a rollerized conveyor system for palletized cargo. This adaptability allows the C-17 to support a wide range of mission requirements and ensure the efficient transport of cargo and personnel.
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The C-17 has been flight-tested with a blend of synthetic fuel and JP-8
The C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft developed for the United States Air Force (USAF) during the 1980s and early 1990s by McDonnell Douglas. It is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to main operating bases or directly to forward bases in the deployment area. The C-17 is powered by four Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 turbofan engines, which can be run on a blend of synthetic fuel and JP-8.
The C-17 has a maximum payload of 170,900 pounds (77,500 kg) and a maximum takeoff weight of 585,000 pounds (265,000 kg). With a payload of 160,000 pounds (73,000 kg) and an initial cruise altitude of 28,000 ft (8,500 m), the aircraft has an unrefueled range of about 2,400 nautical miles (4,400 km) on the first 71 aircraft. On all subsequent extended-range models, which include a sealed center wing bay as a fuel tank, the range increases to 2,800 nautical miles (5,200 km).
The C-17's fuel efficiency can be improved through vortex surfing, where two C-17s fly in formation, with the leading aircraft reducing the wingtip vortex experienced by the following aircraft. This technique has been shown to save up to 10% in fuel consumption.
In October 2007, a C-17 Globemaster III took off using a 50:50 blend of Fischer-Tropsch synthetic fuel and JP-8 in all four fuel tanks. This was the first time a C-17 had flown using only this synthetic fuel blend. The flight lasted four hours and was designed to assess the aircraft's performance using the synthetic blend. The raw material used for the Fischer-Tropsch process in this case was likely natural gas, though it can also be produced from coal.
The use of synthetic fuel blends in the C-17 is part of the Air Force's efforts to certify its fleet to use synthetic fuels, with the goal of certifying all USAF aircraft by 2011, in accordance with the Secretary of the Air Force’s Assured Fuels Initiative. The certification process for the C-17 includes service evaluation, material compatibility tests, and final supplier qualification of the engine, auxiliary power unit, and fuel quantity measurement system with the Fischer-Tropsch/JP-8 blend.
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Frequently asked questions
A C-17 has six fuel tanks in its wings, with a total capacity of 102,614 liters (27,108 US gallons).
The C-17 has an unrefueled range of about 2,400 nautical miles (4,400 kilometers) with a payload of 160,000 pounds (73,000 kilograms) and an initial cruise altitude of 28,000 feet (8,500 meters).
Yes, later versions of the C-17, informally called the C-17 ER, include a sealed center wing bay as a fuel tank, increasing the unrefueled range to 2,800 nautical miles (5,200 kilometers).
