Most of the information in this fact sheet was obtained from the US Airforce site. All information is general and not varient specific. If you find some wrong information, or can add anything please e-mail me.

Description
The C-17 Globemaster III is the newest, most flexible cargo aircraft to enter the airlift force. The C-17 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 aircraft is also able to perform tactical airlift and airdrop missions when required.

History and Features
The C-17 made its maiden flight on Sept. 15, 1991, and the first production model was delivered to Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., on June 14, 1993. The 17th Airlift Squadron, the first squadron of C-17s, was declared operationally ready Jan. 17, 1995. The Air Force is programmed to receive a total of 120 C-17s by the year 2005. The bulk of the inventory will be at Charleston AFB and McChord AFB, Wash. C-17s will also be at Altus AFB, Okla. and an Air National Guard unit at Jackson, Miss.

The aircraft is operated by the Air Mobility Command with current operations at the 437th Airlift Wing and the 315th Airlift Wing (Air Force Reserve).

General Characteristics
Primary function: Cargo and troop transport
Contractor: Boeing
Power plant: Four Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 turbofan engines
Thrust: 40,440 pounds, each engine
Wing span: 169 feet 10 inches (51.76 meters)
Length: 174 feet (53 meters)
Height: 55 feet 1 inch (16.79 meters)
Speed: 450 Knots (Mach 0.74)
Maximum takeoff weight: 585,000 pounds (265,352 kilograms)
Ceiling: 45,000 feet (13,716 meters)
Range: Unlimited with inflight refueling.
Crew: Three
Armament: None
Unit Cost: $180 million
Date deployed: 1993