Rajan Wilcox
The C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft developed for the United States Air Force (USAF). It is capable of carrying a maximum payload of 170,900 pounds (77,500 kg) and has a maximum takeoff weight of 585,000 pounds (265,000 kg). The C-17 is powered by four powerful turbofan engines, which provide it with exceptional thrust and fuel efficiency. In terms of fuel capacity, later versions of the C-17 were fitted with a wing center-section tank capable of holding 9,600 US gallons (36,340 liters) of fuel, significantly extending its range and capabilities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Maximum fuel capacity | 36,340 liters (9,600 US gallons) |
| Maximum payload capacity | 172,000 pounds (77,519 kilograms) |
| Maximum gross takeoff weight | 585,000 pounds (265,000 kilograms) |
| Maximum unrefueled range | 2,900 nautical miles (5,370 kilometres) |
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What You'll Learn
The C-17 ER variant can carry 9,600 US gallons of fuel
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. 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 are based on the commercial Pratt & Whitney PW2040 used on the Boeing 757.
The C-17 ER variant, which stands for Extended Range, is capable of carrying 9,600 US gallons of fuel. This variant includes a sealed center wing bay as a fuel tank, increasing the aircraft's range and fuel capacity. With this additional fuel capacity, the C-17 ER can fly up to 2,800 nautical miles (5,200 kilometres) without refuelling. This extended range enhances the aircraft's operational flexibility and enables it to undertake longer missions without the need for frequent refuelling stops.
The C-17's fuel system is designed to provide efficient fuel management during flight. The aircraft's fuel tanks are strategically placed within the wings and fuselage, ensuring an optimal distribution of weight and balance. The fuel system also includes advanced fuel pumps, gauges, and monitoring systems to ensure precise fuel management and enhance the overall efficiency of the aircraft.
The C-17 ER's increased fuel capacity not only extends its range but also contributes to its versatility. With the ability to carry more fuel, the aircraft can stay airborne for longer periods, making it suitable for various missions, including long-duration flights, extended patrol missions, and humanitarian relief operations where refuelling options may be limited. Furthermore, the C-17 ER's fuel efficiency and range have made it a valuable asset for military and humanitarian organisations worldwide, including the Canadian Armed Forces and the German Air Force.
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The C-17 has an unrefuelled range of 2,400 nautical miles
The C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft developed for the United States Air Force (USAF). It is a flexible cargo aircraft capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to main operating bases or forward bases in the deployment area. The C-17 has an unrefuelled range of 2,400 nautical miles (4,400 kilometres) on the first 71 aircraft. This range is achieved 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 is powered by four Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 turbofan engines, which provide a total of 161,600 lbf (720 kN) of thrust. The engine's thrust reversers direct exhaust air upwards and forward, reducing the chances of foreign object damage and providing reverse thrust for manoeuvring on the ground. The C-17's maximum payload capacity is 170,900 pounds (77,500 kg), and its maximum takeoff weight is 585,000 pounds (265,000 kg).
The C-17's wings play a crucial role in its performance, with a total surface area of 3,800 square feet. They feature a supercritical airfoil design, which enhances the aircraft's range, cruising speed, and fuel efficiency. This advanced design produces weaker shock waves, resulting in less drag and higher efficiency. The C-17's cruise speed is approximately 450 knots (830 km/h), allowing for rapid transport of cargo and troops.
In terms of fuel capacity, later production C-17s were fitted with a wing centre-section tank capable of holding 9,600 US gallons (36,340 litres) of fuel. These aircraft are informally designated as "C-17 ER". The C-17 has demonstrated its versatility in various missions, including transporting armoured vehicles, medical evacuations, and even carrying the body of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.
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Extended-range models have a sealed centre wing bay as a fuel tank
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 capable of carrying payloads of up to 170,900 pounds (77,500 kg). 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 has an impressive range and fuel efficiency. The first 71 aircraft had an unrefueled range of about 2,400 nautical miles (4,400 kilometres). However, the subsequent extended-range models, known as C-17 ER, have an even greater range. These models include a sealed centre wing bay as a fuel tank, increasing the fuel capacity by 36,340 litres (9,600 US gallons). This design enhancement boosts the unrefueled range to 2,800 nautical miles (5,200 kilometres).
The C-17 ER's increased fuel capacity and range offer significant advantages for military and humanitarian operations. This extended range enables the aircraft to reach more remote locations without refuelling, enhancing its operational flexibility and reducing dependence on intermediate refuelling bases. Such capabilities were demonstrated in 2013 when two C-17s were deployed to transport French armoured vehicles to Bamako, Mali, during the French intervention in the country.
The C-17's fuel efficiency is further improved by its supercritical wings, which enhance its range, cruising speed, and fuel efficiency by reducing drag. Additionally, the engine's thrust reversers direct engine exhaust upwards and forward, providing added drag during maximum-rate descents, which further optimises fuel usage. The combination of its powerful engines, advanced wing design, and efficient fuel utilisation allows the C-17 to excel in rapid strategic delivery missions.
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The C-17 has a maximum unloaded range of 6,230 nautical miles
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. It is capable of carrying a maximum payload of 170,900 pounds (77,500 kg) and has a maximum takeoff weight of 585,000 pounds (265,000 kg). The C-17 has a maximum unloaded range of 6,230 nautical miles (11,540 km).
The C-17's range and payload capabilities make it a highly versatile aircraft. With its powerful Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 turbofan engines, it can carry substantial payloads over long distances without refuelling. This capability is further enhanced by its fuel-efficient supercritical wing design, which minimises drag and maximises performance.
The C-17's range and payload characteristics enable it to meet a variety of mission requirements. It can transport troops, with a maximum capacity of 134 soldiers, and deliver them directly to forward bases within its range. It can also carry various types of cargo, including vehicles and tanks, making it a flexible asset for military and humanitarian operations.
The C-17's range capabilities are further extended by its ability to refuel in flight. This enables the aircraft to undertake extended missions and reach remote locations. The C-17 played a crucial role in the French intervention in Mali in 2013, transporting armoured vehicles to Bamako. It has also been used for medical evacuations, such as during the 2015 Sousse attacks in Tunisia, demonstrating its adaptability to diverse operational needs.
The C-17 Globemaster III's combination of range, payload, and versatility makes it a valuable asset for military and humanitarian missions, providing strategic reach and rapid response capabilities to support global operations.
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The C-17 can drop fuel to remote bases
The C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft developed for the United States Air Force (USAF) by McDonnell Douglas and Boeing. It is designed to deliver troops and cargo rapidly to main operating bases or forward bases in the deployment area.
The C-17 can also drop fuel to remote bases. The largest refuel drop ever recorded was when a C-17 dropped 120 bundles of fuel to a remote base in the Middle East. The C-17 has a maximum payload capacity of 172,000 pounds (77,519 kilograms) and a maximum takeoff weight of 585,000 pounds (265,352 kilograms). The aircraft's range depends on its payload and cruise altitude. 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 unrefueled range of about 2,400 nautical miles (4,400 km) on the first 71 aircraft.
Later models of the C-17, known as the C-17 ER, feature a sealed center wing bay as a fuel tank, increasing the aircraft's range to 2,800 nautical miles (5,200 km). These models have a wing center-section tank with a capacity of 9,600 US gallons (36,340 liters) of fuel. The C-17's flexible design allows it to operate from various runways, including unpaved and unimproved runways, making it well-suited for delivering fuel to remote bases.
The C-17's ability to deliver fuel to remote bases is a critical capability, enabling the support of military and humanitarian operations in areas that may be inaccessible by other means. This capability has been leveraged in real-world operations, such as the French intervention in Mali in 2013, where C-17s were used to transport armored vehicles. The C-17's combination of payload capacity, range, and flexibility makes it a valuable asset for air forces around the world.
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Frequently asked questions
The C-17 Globemaster III has a sealed center wing bay that can be used as a fuel tank, increasing the aircraft's range. The fuel tank can hold up to 9,600 US gallons of fuel.
The C-17's range varies depending on its payload. With a payload of 160,000 pounds, the aircraft can fly up to 2,400 nautical miles without refuelling. On the other hand, the extended-range models, known as C-17 ER, can cover 2,800 nautical miles.
The maximum unloaded range of the C-17 is 6,230 nautical miles or 11,540 kilometres.
The C-17's fuel capacity and extended range enable it to carry out long-distance missions without the need for frequent refuelling. This capability enhances the aircraft's operational flexibility and strategic reach.
