The C-17 is the latest airlift aircraft to enter the Air Force's inventory. The C-17 is a four engine turbofan aircraft capable of airlifting massive payloads over intercontinental ranges without refueling. Its design is meant to allow delivery of outsize combat cargo and equipment directly into austere airfields.
The C-17 will deliver passengers and cargo over intercontinental distances, offer theater and strategic airlift in each airland and airdrop modes, and augment aeromedical evacuation and special operations missions. The C-17's biggest contribution to the present airlift system will be long range direct delivery.
The C-17 is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and all kinds of cargo to main operating bases or directly to forward bases in the deployment area. The aircraft is additionally able to perform theater airlift missions when needed.
A propulsive lift system allows the C-17 to achieve safe landings on short runways. The C-17 is capable of landing a full payload in less than 3,000ft. The propulsive lift system uses engine exhaust to generate lift. The engine exhaust is directed onto large flaps, which extend into the exhaust stream, allowing the aircraft to fly a steep approach at a relatively low landing speed.
The aircraft is capable of turning in a small radius and can complete a 180° star turn in 80ft. The aircraft can also carry out routine backing. A fully loaded aircraft is capable of backing up a 2% gradient slope using the directed flow thrust reversers.
