Portal:Royal Air Force/Selected ship/3
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| C-17 Globemaster III | |
|---|---|
 Unlike most strategic airlifters, the C-17 Globemaster III excels at operating from rough or improvised landing strips. |
|
| Type | Strategic airlifter |
| Manufacturer | McDonnell Douglas/Boeing |
| Maiden flight | 15 September 1991 |
| Introduction | 14 July 1993 |
| Status | In service |
| Primary users | United States Air Force Royal Air Force Royal Australian Air Force Canadian Forces |
| Number built | at least 180[1] |
| Unit cost | est. US$180 million[1] |
| Developed from | McDonnell Douglas YC-15 |
The Boeing (formerly McDonnell Douglas) C-17 Globemaster III is an American strategic airlifter manufactured by Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, and operated by the United States Air Force, the British Royal Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force. It has also been selected by the Canadian Forces with a planned 2007. NATO also has plans to acquire the airlifter.
The C-17 takes its name from two previous heavy lifter aircraft, the C-74 Globemaster and the C-124 Globemaster II.
The C-17 Globemaster III is the newest purpose-built cargo aircraft to enter the United States and Western air forces. 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. It is also capable of performing tactical airlift, medical evacuation and airdrop missions.
In recent years the size and weight of U.S. mechanized firepower and equipment have grown, which has significantly increased air mobility requirements, particularly in the area of large or heavy outsize cargo. The C-17 can airlift such cargo close to a potential battle area.
