View source for Boeing C-17 Globemaster III

{{Short description|American four engine military transport aircraft}}
{{Redirect|C-17||C17 (disambiguation)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2024}}
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{{Infobox aircraft
|name= C-17 Globemaster III
|image= C-17 test sortie.jpg
|image_caption= The prototype C-17, known as T-1, on a test flight in 2007
|aircraft_type= Strategic and tactical [[airlift]]er
|national_origin= United States
|manufacturer= [[McDonnell Douglas]] / [[Boeing Defense, Space & Security|Boeing]]
|designer=
|first_flight= 15 September 1991
|introduction= 17 January 1995
|retired=
|status= In service
|primary_user= [[United States Air Force]] <!--Limit one (1) primary user. Top four (4) users listed in 'primary user' and 'more users' fields based on number of C-17s in service now, not on order. -->
|more_users= [[Indian Air Force]] <br />[[Royal Air Force]] <br />See ''[[#Operators|Operators]]'' for others<!-- Limit is THREE (3) in 'more users' field, FOUR (4) total users with primary user. Please separate with <br />. Listed by actual number in their fleets.-->
|produced= 1991–2015<ref name=C-17_last_join/>
|number_built= 279<ref name=C-17_last_join>[http://www.presstelegram.com/business/20150226/workers-at-boeing-say-goodbye-to-c-17-with-last-major-join-thursday "Workers at Boeing Say Goodbye to C-17 with Last Major Join Thursday"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150506081340/http://www.presstelegram.com/business/20150226/workers-at-boeing-say-goodbye-to-c-17-with-last-major-join-thursday |date=6 May 2015}}. Press-Telegram, 26 February 2015.</ref>
|unit cost= US$218 million ([[flyaway cost]] for FY 2007)<ref>[http://www.saffm.hq.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-080204-081.pdf "FY 2009 Budget Estimates", p. 2-1.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081003005611/http://www.saffm.hq.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-080204-081.pdf |date=3 October 2008}} ''US Air Force'', February 2008.</ref> (equivalent to ${{Inflation|US-GDP|218|2007}} million in {{Inflation-year|US-GDP}}){{Inflation/fn|US-GDP}}
|developed_from= [[McDonnell Douglas YC-15]]
|variants=
}}
The '''McDonnell Douglas'''/'''Boeing C-17 Globemaster III''' is a large [[military transport aircraft]] developed for the [[United States Air Force]] (USAF) between the 1980s to the early 1990s by [[McDonnell Douglas]]. The C-17 carries forward the name of two previous piston-engined military cargo aircraft, the [[Douglas C-74 Globemaster]] and the [[Douglas C-124 Globemaster II]].
The C-17 is based upon the [[McDonnell Douglas YC-15|YC-15]], a smaller prototype airlifter designed during the 1970s. It was designed to replace the [[Lockheed C-141 Starlifter]], and also fulfill some of the duties of the [[Lockheed C-5 Galaxy]]. Compared to the YC-15, the redesigned airlifter differed in being larger, having swept wings, and more powerful engines. Development was protracted by a series of design issues, causing the company to incur a loss of nearly US$1.5 billion on the program's development phase. On 15 September 1991, roughly one year behind schedule, the first C-17 performed its [[maiden flight]]. The C-17 formally entered USAF service on 17 January 1995. [[Boeing]], which merged with McDonnell Douglas in 1997, continued to manufacture the C-17 for almost two decades. The final C-17 was completed at the [[Long Beach, California]], plant and flown on 29 November 2015.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2015-11-29-Final-Boeing-C-17-Globemaster-III-Departs-Long-Beach-Assembly-Facility |title=Final Boeing C-17 Globemaster III Departs Long Beach Assembly Facility |publisher=Boeing |date=29 November 2015 |access-date=1 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407161607/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2015-11-29-Final-Boeing-C-17-Globemaster-III-Departs-Long-Beach-Assembly-Facility |archive-date=7 April 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>
The C-17 commonly performs tactical and [[airlift#Strategic airlift|strategic airlift]] missions, transporting troops and [[cargo]] throughout the world; additional roles include [[medical evacuation]] and [[airdrop]] duties. The transport is in service with the USAF along with air arms of [[Indian Air Force|India]], the [[Royal Air Force|United Kingdom]], [[Royal Australian Air Force|Australia]], [[Royal Canadian Air Force|Canada]], [[Qatar Emiri Air Force|Qatar]], the [[United Arab Emirates Air Force|United Arab Emirates]], [[Kuwait Air Force|Kuwait]], and the Europe-based multilateral organization [[Heavy Airlift Wing]].
The type played a key logistical role during both [[Operation Enduring Freedom]] in Afghanistan and [[Iraq War|Operation Iraqi Freedom]] in Iraq, as well as in providing [[humanitarian aid]] in the aftermath of various natural disasters, including the [[2010 Haiti earthquake]], the [[2011 Sindh floods]] and the [[2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake]].
==Development==
[[File:Yc15-1 072.jpg|thumb|The [[McDonnell Douglas YC-15]] design was used as the basis for the C-17.|alt=Top view of cargo aircraft in-flight, trailed by a fighter chase aircraft. Under each un-swept wing are two engines suspended forward ahead the leading edge.]]
===Background and design phase===
In the 1970s, the U.S. Air Force began looking for a replacement for its [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules]] tactical cargo aircraft.<ref>[https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/djreprints/access/72923084.html?dids=72923084:72923084&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Nov+13%2C+1972&author=&pub=Wall+Street+Journal&desc=Air+Force+Lets+Advanced+STOL+Prototype+Work&pqatl=google "Air Force Lets Advanced STOL Prototype Work."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107202542/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/djreprints/access/72923084.html?dids=72923084:72923084&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Nov+13%2C+1972&author=&pub=Wall+Street+Journal&desc=Air+Force+Lets+Advanced+STOL+Prototype+Work&pqatl=google |date=7 November 2012}} ''The Wall Street Journal'', 13 November 1972.</ref> The [[Advanced Medium STOL Transport]] (AMST) competition was held, with [[Boeing Integrated Defense Systems|Boeing]] proposing the [[Boeing YC-14|YC-14]], and [[McDonnell Douglas]] proposing the [[McDonnell Douglas YC-15|YC-15]].<ref>Miles, Marvin. [https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/660687842.html?dids=660687842:660687842&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Nov+11%2C+1972&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=McDonnell%2C+Boeing+to+Compete+for+Lockheed+C-130+Successor&pqatl=google "McDonnell, Boeing to Compete for Lockheed C-130 Successor."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107202454/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/660687842.html?dids=660687842:660687842&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Nov+11%2C+1972&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=McDonnell%2C+Boeing+to+Compete+for+Lockheed+C-130+Successor&pqatl=google |date=7 November 2012}} ''Los Angeles Times'', 11 November 1972.</ref> Though both entrants exceeded specified requirements, the AMST competition was canceled before a winner was selected. The USAF started the C-X program in November 1979 to develop a larger AMST with longer range to augment its strategic airlift.<ref name=kennedy_part1>Kennedy 2004, pp. 3–20, 24.</ref>
By 1980, the USAF had a large fleet of aging [[Lockheed C-141 Starlifter|C-141 Starlifter]] cargo aircraft. Compounding matters, increased strategic airlift capabilities was needed to fulfill its rapid-deployment airlift requirements. The USAF set mission requirements and released a request for proposals (RFP) for C-X in October 1980. McDonnell Douglas chose to develop a new aircraft based on the YC-15. Boeing bid an enlarged three-engine version of its AMST YC-14. Lockheed submitted both a C-5-based design and an enlarged C-141 design. On 28 August 1981, McDonnell Douglas was chosen to build its proposal, then designated ''C-17''. Compared to the YC-15, the new aircraft differed in having swept wings, increased size, and more powerful engines.<ref name=norton_p12-3>Norton 2001, pp. 12–13.</ref> This would allow it to perform the work done by the C-141, and to fulfill some of the duties of the [[Lockheed C-5 Galaxy]], freeing the C-5 fleet for [[outsize cargo]].<ref name=norton_p12-3/>
Alternative proposals were pursued to fill airlift needs after the C-X contest. These were lengthening of C-141As into C-141Bs, ordering more C-5s, continued purchases of [[McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender|KC-10]]s, and expansion of the [[Civil Reserve Air Fleet]]. Limited budgets reduced program funding, requiring a delay of four years. During this time contracts were awarded for preliminary design work and for the completion of engine certification.<ref name=norton_p13-5/> In December 1985, a full-scale development contract was awarded, under Program Manager Bob Clepper.<ref>[https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/newsday/access/98482212.html?dids=98482212:98482212&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jan+03%2C+1986&author=The+Los+Angeles+Times&pub=Newsday+(Combined+editions)&desc=Douglas+Wins+%243.4B+Pact+to+Build+C-17&pqatl=google "Douglas Wins $3.4B Pact to Build C-17."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107202522/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/newsday/access/98482212.html?dids=98482212:98482212&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jan+03%2C+1986&author=The+Los+Angeles+Times&pub=Newsday+(Combined+editions)&desc=Douglas+Wins+%243.4B+Pact+to+Build+C-17&pqatl=google |date=7 November 2012}} ''Los Angeles Times'', 3 January 1986.</ref> At this time, first flight was planned for 1990.<ref name=norton_p13-5>Norton 2001, pp. 13, 15.</ref> The USAF had formed a requirement for 210 aircraft.<ref name=kennedy_p70>Kennedy 2004, pp. 70, 81–83.</ref>
Development problems and limited funding caused delays in the late 1980s.<ref>Kennedy, Betty Raab. [http://rtoc.ida.org/rtoc/open/briefings_articles/kennednd.pdf "Historical Realities of C-17 Program Pose Challenge for Future Acquisitions."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061229165750/http://rtoc.ida.org/rtoc/open/briefings_articles/kennednd.pdf |date=29 December 2006}} ''Institute for Defense Analyses'', December 1999.</ref> Criticisms were made of the developing aircraft and questions were raised about more cost-effective alternatives during this time.<ref>Fuller, Richard L. [https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/24563333.html?dids=24563333:24563333&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Sep+09%2C+1989&author=Col.+Richard+L.+Fuller%2C+Director+of+public+affairs%2C+United+States+Air+Force.&pub=Chicago+Tribune+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=More+load+for+the+buck+with+C-17&pqatl=google "More load for the buck with C-17."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107202443/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/24563333.html?dids=24563333:24563333&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Sep+09%2C+1989&author=Col.+Richard+L.+Fuller%2C+Director+of+public+affairs%2C+United+States+Air+Force.&pub=Chicago+Tribune+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=More+load+for+the+buck+with+C-17&pqatl=google |date=7 November 2012}} ''Chicago Tribune'', 9 September 1989.</ref><ref>Sanford, Robert. [http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SL&p_theme=sl&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB04C1540E361A8&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM "McDonnell Plugs Away on C-17."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609065724/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SL&p_theme=sl&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB04C1540E361A8&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |date=9 June 2011}} ''St. Louis Post-Dispatch'', 3 April 1989.</ref> In April 1990, Secretary of Defense [[Dick Cheney]] reduced the order from 210 to 120 aircraft.<ref>Brenner, Eliot. [https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=799&dat=19900426&id=GJVTAAAAIBAJ&sjid=FogDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6880,2683844 "Cheney cuts back on Air Force programs."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320131636/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=799&dat=19900426&id=GJVTAAAAIBAJ&sjid=FogDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6880,2683844 |date=20 March 2017}} ''Bryan Times'', 26 April 1990.</ref> The maiden flight of the C-17 took place on 15 September 1991 from the McDonnell Douglas's plant in [[Long Beach, California]], about a year behind schedule.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/1991/09/17/us/c-17-s-first-flight-smoother-than-debate.html "C-17's First Flight Smoother Than Debate."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224220847/http://www.nytimes.com/1991/09/17/us/c-17-s-first-flight-smoother-than-debate.html |date=24 February 2017}} ''The New York Times'', 17 September 1991.</ref><ref name=norton_p25-8/> The first aircraft (T-1) and five more production models (P1-P5) participated in extensive flight testing and evaluation at [[Edwards Air Force Base]].<ref name=RL30685>[http://opencrs.com/document/RL30685 "RL30685, Military Airlift: C-17 Aircraft Program."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210075144/http://www.opencrs.com/document/RL30685 |date=10 February 2009}} ''Congressional Research Service'', 5 June 2007.</ref> Two complete airframes were built for static and repeated load testing.<ref name=norton_p25-8>Norton 2001, pp. 25–26, 28.</ref>
===Development difficulties===
A static test of the C-17 wing in October 1992 resulted in its failure at 128% of design limit load, below the 150% requirement. Both wings buckled rear to the front and failures occurred in stringers, spars, and ribs.<ref>[http://www.dodig.mil/Audit/Audit2/93-159.pdf "Technical Assessment Report; C-17 Wing Structural Integrity."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328005836/http://www.dodig.mil/Audit/Audit2/93-159.pdf |date=28 March 2012}} ''Department of Defense'', 24 August 1993. Retrieved: 23 August 2011.</ref> Some $100 million was spent to redesign the wing structure; the wing failed at 145% during a second test in September 1993.<ref>[https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19930914/1721000/c-17-wing-fails-again-probe-is-sought "C-17 Wing Fails Again; Probe Is Sought."]  ''Seattle Times'', 14 September 1993.</ref> A review of the test data, however, showed that the wing was not loaded correctly and did indeed meet the requirement.<ref>[http://documents.blackvault.com/documents/dod/readingroom/5/767.pdf "Findings, Conclusions and Recommendations of the Executive Independent Review Team."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310080544/http://documents.blackvault.com/documents/dod/readingroom/5/767.pdf |date=10 March 2012}} ''US Government Executive Independent Review Team'' via ''blackvault.com'', 12 December 1993.</ref> The C-17 received the "Globemaster III" name in early 1993.<ref name=norton_p12-3/> In late 1993, the [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]] (DoD) gave the contractor two years to solve production issues and cost overruns or face the contract's termination after the delivery of the 40th aircraft.<ref>Evans, David. [https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/24383613.html?dids=24383613:24383613&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Mar+29%2C+1993&author=David+Evans%2C+Chicago+Tribune.&pub=Chicago+Tribune+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=Pentagon+to+Air+Force%3A+C-17+flunks&pqatl=google "Pentagon to Air Force: C-17 flunks."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107202533/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/24383613.html?dids=24383613:24383613&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Mar+29%2C+1993&author=David+Evans%2C+Chicago+Tribune.&pub=Chicago+Tribune+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=Pentagon+to+Air+Force%3A+C-17+flunks&pqatl=google |date=7 November 2012}} ''Chicago Tribune'', 29 March 1993.</ref> By accepting the 1993 terms, McDonnell Douglas incurred a loss of nearly US$1.5 billion on the program's development phase.<ref name=RL30685/>
In March 1994, the Non-Developmental Airlift Aircraft program was established to procure a transport aircraft using commercial practices as a possible alternative or supplement to the C-17. Initial material solutions considered included: buy a modified Boeing 747-400 NDAA, restart the C-5 production line, extend the C-141 service life, and continue C-17 production.<ref name="gao-nsiad-94-209">{{cite web |url=https://www.gao.gov/products/nsiad-94-209 |title=NSIAD-94-209 Airlift Requirements: Commercial Freighters Can Help Meet Requirements at Greatly Reduced Costs |publisher=United States General Accounting Office}}</ref><ref name="gao-nsiad-97-38" /> The field eventually narrowed to: the Boeing 747-400 (provisionally named the [[Boeing 747-400#Government, military and other variants|C-33]]), the [[Lockheed C-5 Galaxy#C-5D|Lockheed Martin C-5D]], and the McDonnell Douglas C-17.<ref name=gao-nsiad-97-38>{{cite web |title=NSIAD-97-38 Military Airlift: Options Exist for Meeting Requirements While Acquiring Fewer C-17s |url=https://www.gao.gov/assets/nsiad-97-38.pdf |publisher=United States General Accounting Office}}</ref> The NDAA program was initiated after the C-17 program was temporarily capped at a 40-aircraft buy (in December 1993) pending further evaluation of C-17 cost and performance and an assessment of commercial airlift alternatives.<ref name="gao-nsiad-97-38" />
In April 1994, the program remained over budget and did not meet weight, fuel burn, payload, and range specifications. It failed several key criteria during airworthiness evaluation tests.<ref>[https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19910528/1285732/air-force-letter-to-douglas-spells-out-75-defects-for-c-17 "Air Force Letter To Douglas Spells Out 75 Defects For C-17."]  ''Los Angeles Times'', 28 May 1991.</ref><ref>[http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=LB&p_theme=lb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAE8F93D6E54ED8&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM "C-17 fails engine start test."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609070008/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=LB&p_theme=lb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAE8F93D6E54ED8&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |date=9 June 2011}} ''Press-Telegram'', 12 April 1994.</ref><ref>[http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=CO&s_site=charlotte&p_multi=CO&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB6CC1343F2E14F&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM "Parts Orders for C-17 far too high, GAO says."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609070228/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=CO&s_site=charlotte&p_multi=CO&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB6CC1343F2E14F&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |date=9 June 2011}} ''Charlotte Observer'', 16 March 1994.</ref> Problems were found with the mission software, landing gear, and other areas.<ref>[http://archive.gao.gov/t2pbat3/151473.pdf "The C-17 Proposed Settlement and Program Update."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090906113020/http://archive.gao.gov/t2pbat3/151473.pdf |date=6 September 2009}} ''United States General Accounting Office'', 28 April 1994.</ref> In May 1994, it was proposed to cut production to as few as 32 aircraft; these cuts were later rescinded.<ref>Kreisher, Otto. [https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/sandiego/access/1242506621.html?dids=1242506621:1242506621&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=May+25%2C+1994&author=OTTO+KREISHER&pub=The+San+Diego+Union+-+Tribune&desc=House+rescinds+cuts+in+C-17+program+%7C+Vote+may+help+thousands+retain+jobs+in+Long+Beach&pqatl=google "House rescinds cuts in C-17 program."]{{dead link|date=July 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} ''San Diego Union'', 25 May 1994.</ref> A July 1994 [[Government Accountability Office]] (GAO) report revealed that USAF and DoD studies from 1986 and 1991 stated the C-17 could use 6,400 more runways outside the U.S. than the C-5, but these studies had only considered runway dimensions, but not runway strength or load classification numbers (LCN). The C-5 has a lower LCN, but the USAF classifies both in the same broad load classification group. When considering runway dimensions and load ratings, the C-17's worldwide runway advantage over the C-5 shrank from 6,400 to 911 airfields. The report also stated "current military doctrine that does not reflect the use of small, austere airfields", thus the C-17's short field capability was not considered.<ref name=airfields>[http://archive.gao.gov/t2pbat3/152088.pdf "Comparison of C-5 and C-17 Airfield Availability."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927183044/http://archive.gao.gov/t2pbat3/152088.pdf |date=27 September 2007}} ''United States General Accounting Office'', July 1994.</ref>
A January 1995 GAO report stated that the USAF originally planned to order 210 C-17s at a cost of $41.8 billion, and that the 120 aircraft on order were to cost $39.5 billion based on a 1992 estimate.<ref name=gao>[http://www.gao.gov/archive/1995/ns95026.pdf "C-17 Aircraft – Cost and Performance Issues."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930184250/http://www.gao.gov/archive/1995/ns95026.pdf |date=30 September 2007}} United States General Accounting Office, January 1995.</ref> In March 1994, the U.S. Army decided it did not need the {{convert|60000|lb|abbr=on}} [[low-altitude parachute-extraction system]] delivery with the C-17 and that the C-130's {{convert|42000|lb|abbr=on}} capability was sufficient.<ref name=gao/> C-17 testing was limited to this lower weight. Airflow issues prevented the C-17 from meeting airdrop requirements. A February 1997 GAO report revealed that a C-17 with a full payload could not land on {{convert|3000|ft|m|sigfig=3|abbr=on}} wet runways; simulations suggested a distance of {{convert|5000|ft|abbr=on}} was required.<ref name=GAO_Joint_Endevour>[http://www.gao.gov/archive/1997/ns97050.pdf "C-17 Globemaster – Support of Operation Joint Endeavor."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930184336/http://www.gao.gov/archive/1997/ns97050.pdf |date=30 September 2007}} ''United States General Accounting Office'', February 1997.</ref> The YC-15 was transferred to [[309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group|AMARC]] to be made flightworthy again for further flight tests for the C-17 program in March 1997.<ref name=BFS>Bonny et al. 2006, p. 65.</ref>
By September 1995, most of the prior issues were reportedly resolved and the C-17 was meeting all performance and reliability targets.<ref>[http://www.afa.org/media/press/windall.asp "Air Force Secretary Says Modernization, C-17 on Track."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070914103934/http://www.afa.org/media/press/windall.asp |date=14 September 2007}} ''Air Force magazine'', 19 September 1995.</ref><ref>[http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=LB&p_theme=lb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAE901FCF584869&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM "Future Brightens for C-17 Program."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609070312/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=LB&p_theme=lb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EAE901FCF584869&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |date=9 June 2011}} ''Press-Telegram'', 31 March 1995.</ref> The first USAF squadron was declared operational in January 1995.<ref>[http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SL&p_theme=sl&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB082E680DBFA28&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM "Air Force fills Squadron of C-17s ."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609070320/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=SL&p_theme=sl&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB082E680DBFA28&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |date=9 June 2011}} Associated Press, 18 January 1995.</ref>
===Production and deliveries===
[[File:8th Airlift Squadron C-17A Globemaster III 90-0535.jpg|thumb|[[Paratrooper]]s dropping from a C-17 during a training exercise in 2010|alt=Two paratroopers dropping from a C-17 during an exercise]]
In 1996, the DoD ordered another 80 aircraft for a total of 120.<ref>Kilian, Michael. [https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/17166359.html?dids=17166359:17166359&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jun+01%2C+1996&author=Michael+Kilian%2C+Washington+Bureau.&pub=Chicago+Tribune+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=IN+RECORD+PROCUREMENT+U.S.+ORDERS+80+C-17S+PLANE+DEAL+GOOD+FOR+2%2C000+JOBS+IN+CALIFORNIA&pqatl=google "In Record Procurement U.S. Orders 80 C17s – Plane Good Deal for 2,000 jobs in California."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107202432/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/17166359.html?dids=17166359:17166359&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jun+01%2C+1996&author=Michael+Kilian%2C+Washington+Bureau.&pub=Chicago+Tribune+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=IN+RECORD+PROCUREMENT+U.S.+ORDERS+80+C-17S+PLANE+DEAL+GOOD+FOR+2%2C000+JOBS+IN+CALIFORNIA&pqatl=google |date=7 November 2012}} ''Chicago Tribune'', 1 July 1996.</ref> In 1997, McDonnell Douglas merged with domestic competitor Boeing. In April 1999, Boeing offered to cut the C-17's unit price if the USAF bought 60 more;<ref>Wallace, James. [https://web.archive.org/web/20081122153258/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-64094695.html "Boeing to cut price of C-17 if Air Force buys 60 more."] ''Seattle Post'', 2 April 1999.</ref> in August 2002, the order was increased to 180 aircraft.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2002/08/16/business/9.7-billion-us-deal-for-boeing-c-17-s.html "$9.7 Billion U.S. Deal for Boeing C-17's."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224215147/http://www.nytimes.com/2002/08/16/business/9.7-billion-us-deal-for-boeing-c-17-s.html |date=24 February 2017}} ''The New York Times'', 16 August 2002.</ref> In 2007, 190 C-17s were on order for the USAF.<ref>[http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/military/c17/c17news.html "Boeing Company Funds Extension."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080907015006/http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/military/c17/c17news.html |date=7 September 2008}} ''Boeing'', 9 July 2008.</ref> On 6 February 2009, Boeing was awarded a $2.95 billion contract for 15 additional C-17s, increasing the total USAF fleet to 205 and extending production from August 2009 to August 2010.<ref name=Feb2009_contract>Trimble, Stephen. [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/02/10/322315/usaf-signs-deals-for-15-more-c-17s-upgraded-c-5ms.html "Boeing in $3bn air force contract."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221001509/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/02/10/322315/usaf-signs-deals-for-15-more-c-17s-upgraded-c-5ms.html |date=21 February 2009}} ''Flight International'', 10 February 2009.</ref> On 6 April 2009, U.S. Secretary of Defense [[Robert Gates]] stated that there would be no more C-17s ordered beyond the 205 planned.<ref>Cole, August and [[Yochi Dreazen|Yochi J. Dreazen]]. "Pentagon Pushes Weapon Cuts." ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'', 7 April 2009, p. 1.</ref> However, on 12 June 2009, the [[United States House Armed Services Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces|House Armed Services Air and Land Forces Subcommittee]] added a further 17 C-17s.<ref>Kreisher, Otto. [http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0609/061209cdpm1.htm "House panel reverses cuts in aircraft programs."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606134322/http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0609/061209cdpm1.htm |date=6 June 2011}} ''Congress Daily'', 12 June 2009.</ref>
Debate arose over follow-on C-17 orders, the USAF requested line shutdown while [[United States Congress|Congress]] called for further production. In [[Fiscal year|FY]]2007, the USAF requested $1.6 billion (~${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=1600000000|start_year=2007}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}) in response to "excessive combat use" on the C-17 fleet.<ref name=avweek_20060313>Fulghum, D., A. Butler and D. Barrie. [http://awin.aviationweek.com/ArticlesStory.aspx?id=b9a164fd-807b-4404-8224-f386cc54691f"Boeing's C-17 wins against EADS' A400."] {{dead link|date=July 2019|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} ''[[Aviation Week & Space Technology]]'', 13 March 2006, p. 43.</ref> In 2008, USAF General [[Arthur Lichte]], Commander of [[Air Mobility Command]], indicated before a House of Representatives subcommittee on air and land forces a need to extend production to another 15 aircraft to increase the total to 205, and that C-17 production may continue to satisfy airlift requirements.<ref>Trimble, Stephen. [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/04/04/222723/usaf-reveals-c-17-cracks-and-dispute-on-production-future.html "USAF reveals C-17 cracks and dispute on production future."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080406082347/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/04/04/222723/usaf-reveals-c-17-cracks-and-dispute-on-production-future.html |date=6 April 2008}} ''Flightglobal.com'', 4 April 2008.</ref> The USAF finally decided to cap its C-17 fleet at 223 aircraft; the final delivery was on 12 September 2013.<ref>Mai, Pat. [http://www.ocregister.com/articles/boeing-524848-force-air.html "Air Force to receive its last C-17 today"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130914024815/http://www.ocregister.com/articles/boeing-524848-force-air.html |date=14 September 2013}} "OrangeCountRegister.com",12 September 2013.</ref>
In 2010, Boeing reduced the production rate to 10 aircraft per year from a high of 16 per year, due to dwindling orders and to extend the production line's life while additional orders were sought. The workforce was reduced by about 1,100 through 2012, a second shift at the Long Beach plant was also eliminated.<ref>Vivanco, Fernando and Jerry Drelling. [http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=1588 "Boeing C-17 Program Enters 2nd Phase of Production Rate and Work Force Reductions."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110401160926/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=1588 |date=1 April 2011}} ''Boeing Press Release'', 20 January 2011.</ref> By April 2011, 230 production C-17s had been delivered, including 210 to the USAF.<ref>Hoyle, Craig. [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/04/19/355726/australia-to-get-fifth-c-17-in-august.html "Australia to get fifth C-17 in August."] ''Flightglobal'', 19 April 2011.</ref> The C-17 prototype "T-1" was retired in 2012 after use as a testbed by the USAF.<ref>Sanchez, Senior Airman Stacy. [http://www.edwards.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123090905 "Edwards T-1 reaches 1,000 flight milestone."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317022651/http://www.edwards.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123090905 |date=17 March 2012}} ''95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs'', 20 March 2008.</ref> In January 2010, the USAF announced the end of Boeing's performance-based logistics contracts to maintain the type.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/05/18/341939/why-is-usaf-bringing-maintenance-in-house.html "Why is USAF bringing maintenance in-house?"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100524004441/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/05/18/341939/why-is-usaf-bringing-maintenance-in-house.html |date=24 May 2010}} ''flightglobal.com'', 18 May 2005.</ref> On 19 June 2012, the USAF ordered its 224th and final C-17 to replace one that crashed in Alaska in July 2010.<ref>Miller, Seth and Michael C. Sirak. [http://www.airforce-magazine.com/DRArchive/Pages/2012/June%202012/June%2020%202012/EndoftheLine.aspx "Likely End of the Line for The Air Force C-17 Production."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121120160859/http://www.airforce-magazine.com/DRArchive/Pages/2012/June%202012/June%2020%202012/EndoftheLine.aspx |date=20 November 2012}} ''Air Force Magazine'', 20 June 2012.</ref>
In September 2013, Boeing announced that C-17 production was starting to close down. In October 2014, the main wing spar of the 279th and last aircraft was completed; this C-17 was delivered in 2015, after which Boeing closed the Long Beach plant.<ref>The World, Aviation Week and Space Technology, 4 August 2014, p. 10</ref><ref>{{Citation |last= Meeks |first= Karen Robes |title= Long Beach's Boeing workers assemble final C-17, plan for an uncertain future |newspaper= [[Long Beach Press-Telegram]] |date= 24 February 2015 |url= http://www.presstelegram.com/business/20150224/long-beachs-boeing-workers-assemble-final-c-17-plan-for-an-uncertain-future |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150301105706/http://www.presstelegram.com/business/20150224/long-beachs-boeing-workers-assemble-final-c-17-plan-for-an-uncertain-future |archive-date= 1 March 2015 |url-status= live}}</ref> Production of spare components was to continue until at least 2017. The C-17 is projected to be in service for several decades.<ref>[http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/la-fi-boeing-long-beach-20130919-story.html#page=1 "Boeing to shut C-17 plant in Long Beach"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006100456/http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/breaking/la-fi-boeing-long-beach-20130919-story.html#page=1 |date=6 October 2014}} ''Chicago Tribune'', 18 September 2013.</ref><ref>[http://www.militarytimes.com/article/20130918/NEWS04/309180036/Boeing-end-C-17-production-2015 "Boeing to end C-17 production in 2015"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118230950/https://www.militarytimes.com/article/20130918/NEWS04/309180036/Boeing-end-C-17-production-2015/ |date=18 November 2018}}. Militarytimes.com, 18 September 2013.</ref> In February 2014, Boeing was engaged in sales talks with "five or six" countries for the remaining 15 C-17s;<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/singapore-boeing-confident-of-placing-unsold-c-17s-395826/ "Boeing confident of placing unsold C-17s"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222045950/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/singapore-boeing-confident-of-placing-unsold-c-17s-395826/ |date=22 February 2014}}. Flightglobal.com, 22 February 2014.</ref> thus Boeing decided to build ten aircraft without confirmed buyers in anticipation of future purchases.<ref name=gw2015/>
In May 2015, ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' reported that Boeing expected to book a charge of under $100 million and cut 3,000 positions associated with the C-17 program, and also suggested that Airbus' lower cost [[Airbus A400M Atlas|A400M Atlas]] took international sales away from the C-17.<ref>Shukla, Tarun. "A forlorn end to California's aviation glory". ''The Wall Street Journal'', 6 May 2015, pp. B1-2.</ref>
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|+ C-17 yearly deliveries<ref>"C-17 Globemaster III Pocket Guide", The Boeing Company, Long Beach, CA, June 2010</ref><ref>[http://www.boeing.com/bds/deliveries.html "BDS Major Deliveries (current year)."] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100311045032/http://www.boeing.com/bds/deliveries.html |date=11 March 2010}} ''Boeing'', March 2014. Retrieved: 5 April 2014.</ref>
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==Design==
[[File:Cockpit of a RAAF C-17 Globemaster in 2014.jpg|thumb|Cockpit of a C-17]]
The C-17 Globemaster III is a strategic transport aircraft, able to airlift cargo close to a battle area. The size and weight of U.S. mechanized firepower and equipment have grown in recent decades from increased air mobility requirements, particularly for large or heavy non-palletized [[outsize cargo]]. It has a length of {{convert|174|ft|m}} and a wingspan of {{convert|169|ft|10|in|m}},<ref name=AF_fact/> and uses about 8% composite materials, mostly in secondary structure and control surfaces.<ref name=composite>{{cite web |url=https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20040086015/downloads/20040086015.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809204228/https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20040086015/downloads/20040086015.pdf |archive-date=2021-08-09 |url-status=live |title=An Assement of the State-of-the-Art in the Design and Manufacturing of Large Composite Structures for Aerospace Vehicles |date=9 August 2021}}</ref> The aircraft features an [[Dihedral (aeronautics)|anhedral]] wing configuration, providing pitch and roll stability to the aircraft. The aircraft's stability is furthered by its T-tail design, raising the center of pressure even higher above the [[center of mass]]. Drag is also lowered, as the horizontal stabilizer is far removed from the [[Vortex|vortices]] generated by the two wings of the aircraft.[https://monroeaerospace.com/blog/the-pros-and-cons-of-a-t-tail-empennage/]
The C-17 is powered by four [[Pratt & Whitney PW2000|Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100]] [[turbofan]] engines, which are based on the commercial [[Pratt & Whitney PW2000|Pratt & Whitney PW2040]] used on the [[Boeing 757]]. Each engine is rated at {{convert|40400|lbf|kN|abbr=on}} of thrust. The engine's [[thrust reversal|thrust reversers]] direct engine exhaust air upwards and forward, reducing the chances of [[foreign object damage]] by ingestion of runway debris, and providing enough reverse thrust to back up the aircraft while taxiing. The thrust reversers can also be used in flight at idle-reverse for added drag in maximum-rate descents. In [[vortex surfing]] tests performed by two C-17s, up to 10% fuel savings were reported.<ref>Drinnon, Roger. [http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123321609 "'Vortex surfing' could be revolutionary."] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116045517/http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123321609 |date=16 November 2012}} ''[[United States Air Force]]'', 11 October 2012. Retrieved: 23 November 2012.</ref>
[[File:RAAF Boeing C-17 landing at Kharkov.jpg|thumb|left|A [[Royal Australian Air Force]] C-17 landing at [[Kharkiv International Airport]], showing its landing gear]]
For cargo operations the C-17 requires a crew of three: pilot, copilot, and loadmaster. The cargo compartment is {{convert|88|ft|m}} long by {{convert|18|ft|m}} wide by {{convert|12|ft|4|in|m}} high. The cargo floor has rollers for palletized cargo but it can be flipped to provide a flat floor suitable for vehicles and other rolling stock. Cargo is loaded through a large aft ramp that accommodates [[rolling stock]], such as a 69-ton (63-metric ton) [[M1 Abrams]] [[main battle tank]], other armored vehicles, trucks, and trailers, along with [[463L master pallet|palletized cargo]].
Maximum payload of the C-17 is {{convert|170900|lb|kg ST}}, and its [[maximum takeoff weight]] is {{convert|585000|lb|kg}}. With a payload of {{convert|160000|lb|kg}} and an initial cruise altitude of {{convert|28000|ft|m|abbr=on}}, the C-17 has an unrefueled range of about {{convert|2400|nmi|km|abbr=off}} on the first 71 aircraft, and {{convert|2800|nmi|km|abbr=off}} on all subsequent extended-range models that include a sealed center wing bay as a fuel tank. Boeing informally calls these aircraft the ''C-17 ER''.<ref name=bids_c17_fml>[http://www.boeing.com/commercial/airports/arff/arffc17.pdf "C-17/C-17 ER Flammable Material Locations."] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071025184815/http://www.boeing.com/commercial/airports/arff/arffc17.pdf |date=25 October 2007}} ''Boeing'', 1 May 2005.</ref> The C-17's cruise speed is about {{convert|450|kn|km/h}} (Mach 0.74). It is designed to airdrop 102 [[paratrooper]]s and their equipment.<ref name=AF_fact/> According to Boeing the maximum unloaded range is {{Convert|6230|nmi|km}}.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Boeing: C-17 Globemaster III|url=https://www.boeing.com/defense/c-17-globemaster-iii/|access-date=2022-02-17|website=boeing.com}}</ref>
The C-17 is designed to operate from runways as short as {{convert|3500|ft|m|abbr=on|0}} and as narrow as {{convert|90|ft|m|abbr=on}}. The C-17 can also operate from unpaved, unimproved runways (although with a higher probability to damage the aircraft).<ref name=AF_fact /> The thrust reversers can be used to move the aircraft backwards and reverse direction on narrow taxiways using a [[Three-point turn|three- (or more) point turn]]. The plane is designed for 20 [[man-hour]]s of maintenance per flight hour, and a 74% mission availability rate.<ref name=AF_fact />
==Operational history==
===United States Air Force===
[[File:C-17 aircraft over over the Blue Ridge Mountains 2005.jpg|thumb|USAF C-17s fly over the [[Blue Ridge Mountains]] in the eastern U.S., December 2005.]]
The first production C-17 was delivered to [[Charleston Air Force Base]], South Carolina, on 14 July 1993. The first C-17 unit, the [[17th Airlift Squadron]], became operationally ready on 17 January 1995.<ref name=nort_units>Norton 2001, pp. 94–95.</ref> It has broken 22 records for oversized payloads.<ref>[http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2001/q4/nr_011128n.htm "Boeing C-17 Globemaster III Claims 13 World Records."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415163714/http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2001/q4/nr_011128n.htm |date=15 April 2012}} ''Boeing'', 28 November 2001.</ref> The C-17 was awarded U.S. aviation's most prestigious award, the [[Collier Trophy]], in 1994.<ref>[http://www.naa.aero/html/awards/index.cfm?cmsid=150 "Collier Trophy, 1990–1999 winners."]{{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080528193410/http://www.naa.aero/html/awards/index.cfm?cmsid=150 |date=28 May 2008}} ''National Aeronautic Association''. Retrieved: 1 April 2010.</ref> A Congressional report on operations in Kosovo and [[Operation Allied Force]] noted "One of the great success stories...was the performance of the Air Force's C-17A"<ref>Department of Defense 2000, p. 39.</ref> It flew half of the strategic airlift missions in the operation, the type could use small airfields, easing operations; rapid turnaround times also led to efficient utilization.<ref>Department of Defense 2000, p. 40.</ref>
In 2006, eight C-17s were delivered to [[March Joint Air Reserve Base]], California; controlled by the [[Air Force Reserve Command]] (AFRC), assigned to the [[452nd Air Mobility Wing]] and subsequently assigned to AMC's [[436th Airlift Wing]] and its AFRC "associate" unit, the [[512th Airlift Wing]], at [[Dover Air Force Base]], Delaware, supplementing the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dover.af.mil/units/index.asp|title=Dover Air Force Base – Units|publisher=United States Air Force|access-date=1 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414182845/http://www.dover.af.mil/units/index.asp|archive-date=14 April 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Mississippi Air National Guard's 172 Airlift Group received their first of eight C-17s in 2006. In 2011, the [[New York Air National Guard]]'s [[105th Airlift Wing]] at [[Stewart Air National Guard Base]] transitioned from the C-5 to the C-17.<ref name=Stewart_History>[http://www.105aw.ang.af.mil/history/index.asp "105th Airlift Wing, New York Air National Guard – History"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130214201134/http://www.105aw.ang.af.mil/history/index.asp |date=14 February 2013}}. Retrieved 3 March 2014.</ref>
C-17s delivered military supplies during [[Operation Enduring Freedom]] in Afghanistan and [[Iraq War|Operation Iraqi Freedom]] in Iraq as well as [[humanitarian aid]] in the aftermath of the [[2010 Haiti earthquake]], and the [[2011 Sindh floods]], delivering thousands of food rations, tons of medical and emergency supplies. On 26 March 2003, 15 USAF C-17s participated in the biggest combat airdrop since the [[United States invasion of Panama]] in December 1989: the night-time airdrop of 1,000 paratroopers from the [[173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team (United States)|173rd Airborne Brigade]] occurred over Bashur, Iraq. These airdrops were followed by C-17s ferrying M1 Abrams, M2 Bradleys, M113s and artillery.<ref>Anderson, Jon R. [http://www.stripes.com/news/1st-id-task-force-s-tanks-deployed-to-northern-iraq-1.4187 "1st ID task force's tanks deployed to northern Iraq."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002123053/http://www.stripes.com/news/1st-id-task-force-s-tanks-deployed-to-northern-iraq-1.4187 |date=2 October 2012}} ''Stars and Stripes'', 10 April 2003. Retrieved: 8 June 2011.</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Faulisi|first1=Stephen|title=Massive air lift|url=http://www.af.mil/News/Photos/igphoto/2000031446/|website=U.S. Air Force Photos|publisher=United States Air Force|access-date=31 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831174341/http://www.af.mil/News/Photos/igphoto/2000031446/|archive-date=31 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> USAF C-17s have also assisted allies in their airlift needs, such as Canadian vehicles to Afghanistan in 2003 and Australian forces for the [[Operation Astute|Australian-led military deployment to East Timor]] in 2006. In 2006, USAF C-17s flew 15 Canadian [[Leopard 1#Canada|Leopard C2 tanks]] from Kyrgyzstan into Kandahar in support of NATO's Afghanistan mission. In 2013, five USAF C-17s supported French operations in [[Mali]], operating with other nations' C-17s (RAF, NATO and RCAF deployed a single C-17 each).
Flight crews have [[nickname]]d the aircraft "''the Moose''", because during ground refueling, the pressure relief vents make a sound like the call of a female [[moose]] in heat.<ref>{{cite news |author=Barrie Barber |date=January 11, 2015 |title=Wright-Patt crew plays crucial Afghanistan role: As combat operations end, Ohio airmen make frequent, risky flights |work=Dayton Daily News |issn=0897-0920 |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/1644372252 | id={{ProQuest|1644372252}} |quote=After a seven-hour flight that began from Ramstein Air Base in Germany, the "Moose" as the C-17 is nicknamed, is thirsty. The plane makes the sound of a moose call as fuel pushes out air inside the tanks.}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://taskandpurpose.com/news/air-force-c-17-moose-jet/ |title=Here's why the Air Force's workhorse C-17 is called 'the Moose' |author=David Roza |magazine=Task & Purpose |date=August 6, 2021}}</ref>
Since 1999, C-17s have flown annually to Antarctica on [[Operation Deep Freeze]] in support of the [[US Antarctic Research Program]], replacing the C-141s used in prior years. The initial flight was flown by the USAF [[62nd Airlift Wing]].<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.mcchord.af.mil/News/Features/Display/Article/1896579/where-its-cold-we-go/ |title=Where it's cold we go |date= 3 July 2019 |access-date= 6 March 2021 |publisher= US Air Force}}</ref> The C-17s fly round trip between [[Christchurch Airport]] and [[McMurdo Station]] around October each year and take 5 hours to fly each way.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.dvidshub.net/news/328690/stars-align-deep-freezes-last-regular-season-mission |title=Stars align for Deep Freeze's last regular season mission |author= Maj. Brooke Davis |date= 22 February 2019 |access-date= 6 March 2021 }}</ref> In 2006, the C-17 flew its first Antarctic airdrop mission, delivering 70,000 pounds of supplies.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/128633/c-17-makes-1st-ever-airdrop-to-antarctica/ |title= C-17 makes 1st-ever airdrop to Antarctica |date= 21 December 2006 |access-date= 6 March 2021 |publisher= US Air Force }}</ref> Further air drops occurred during subsequent years.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://antarcticsun.usap.gov/features/1997 |title= Test Run: Air Force Makes Air Drop Over South Pole For Training Exercise |date= 18 December 2009 |access-date= 6 March 2021}}</ref>
[[File:Presidential limousine loaded in aircraft.jpg|thumb|right|The U.S. [[Presidential state car (United States)|Presidential Limousine]] is transported by a C-17 for long-distance trips.]]
A C-17 accompanies the President of the United States on his visits to both domestic and foreign arrangements, consultations, and meetings. It is used to transport the [[Presidential State Car (United States)|Presidential Limousine]], [[Marine One]], and security detachments.<ref>[http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=NewsLibrary&p_multi=APAB&d_place=APAB&p_theme=newslibrary2&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=10526128375A9604&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM "New Mexico Airport runway damaged by President's Cargo Plane."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609070332/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=NewsLibrary&p_multi=APAB&d_place=APAB&p_theme=newslibrary2&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=10526128375A9604&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |date=9 June 2011}} Associated Press, 1 September 2004.</ref><ref name=NatGeo_On_Board>[https://web.archive.org/web/20130126225131/http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/episodes/on-board-marine-one1/video/ "On Board Marine One, Presidential Fleet"]. National Geographic, 2009. Retrieved 5 September 2013.</ref> On several occasions, a C-17 has been used to transport the President himself, using the [[Air Force One]] call sign while doing so.<ref>[http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=PD&s_site=twincities&p_multi=SP&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EDCB9D2E176DD80&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM "C-17 proves its worth in Bosnian Supply effort."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609070345/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=PD&s_site=twincities&p_multi=SP&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EDCB9D2E176DD80&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |date=9 June 2011}} ''St Paul Pioneer'', 16 February 1996.</ref>
=== Rapid Dragon missile launcher testing ===
In 2015, as part of a missile-defense test at [[Wake Island]], simulated medium-range [[ballistic missile]]s were launched from C-17s against [[Terminal High Altitude Area Defense|THAAD missile defense systems]] and the [[USS John Paul Jones (DDG-53)|USS ''John Paul Jones'' (DDG-53)]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-missile-defense-idUSKCN0SQ2GR20151102 |title=U.S. completes complex test of layered missile defense system |last=Shalal |first=Andrea |location=[[Washington, D.C.]] |work=Reuters |date=1 November 2015 |access-date=28 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117074749/https://www.reuters.com/article/2015/11/02/us-usa-missile-defense-idUSKCN0SQ2GR20151102 |archive-date=17 November 2015}}</ref> In early 2020, [[pallet]]ized munitions–"Combat Expendable Platforms"– were tested from C-17s and C-130Js with results the USAF considered positive.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2020/05/27/air-force-looking-to-up-gun-its-airlift-planes/ |title=US Air Force looks to up-gun its airlift planes |last=Insinna |first=Valerie |work=Defense News |date=27 May 2020}}</ref>
In 2021, the Air Force Research Laboratory further developed the concept into tests of the [[Rapid Dragon]] system, which transforms the C-17 into a lethal [[cruise missile]] [[arsenal ship]] capable of mass launching 45 [[AGM-158 JASSM|JASSM-ER]] with 500&nbsp;kg warheads from a standoff distance of {{cvt|925|km|mi}}. Anticipated improvements included support for [[Joint Direct Attack Munition#JDAM Extended Range|JDAM-ER]], mine laying, drone dispersal as well as improved standoff range when full production of the {{cvt|1900|km|mi}} JASSM-XR was expected to deliver large inventories in 2024.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=16 December 2021 |title=Rapid Dragon's first live fire test of a Palletized Weapon System deployed from a cargo aircraft destroys target |magazine=Air Force Material Command |ref={{SfnRef|Air Force Material Command release|2021}} |publisher=Air Force Research Laboratory Public Affairs |url= https://www.afmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2879257/rapid-dragons-first-live-fire-test-of-a-palletized-weapon-system-deployed-from/|access-date=2022-07-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Host |first1=Pat |date=1 October 2021 |title=US AFRL plans Rapid Dragon palletized munitions experiments with additional weapons |work=Janes|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/us-afrl-plans-rapid-dragon-palletised-munitions-experiments-with-additional-weapons |access-date=2022-07-23}}</ref>
=== Evacuation of Afghanistan ===
On 15 August 2021, USAF C-17 02-1109 from the [[62nd Airlift Wing]] and [[446th Airlift Wing]] at [[Joint Base Lewis-McChord]] departed [[Hamid Karzai International Airport]] in [[Kabul]], [[Afghanistan]], while crowds of people trying to escape the [[2021 Taliban offensive]] ran alongside the aircraft. The C-17 lifted off with people holding on to the outside, and at least two died after falling from the aircraft. There were an unknown number possibly crushed and killed by the landing gear retracting, with human remains found in the landing-gear stowage.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-08-16|title=Kabul airport: footage appears to show Afghans falling from plane after takeoff |url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/16/kabul-airport-chaos-and-panic-as-afghans-and-foreigners-attempt-to-flee-the-capital |website=The Guardian |access-date= }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Cooper |first1=Helene|last2=Schmitt |first2=Eric |date=2021-08-17 |title=Body Parts Found in Landing Gear of Flight From Kabul, Officials Say |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/17/us/politics/afghans-deaths-us-plane.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/17/us/politics/afghans-deaths-us-plane.html |archive-date=2021-12-28 |url-access=limited |access-date=2021-08-18 |issn=0362-4331}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-air-force/2021/08/16/the-last-runway-out-of-kabul-us-transport-jets-face-complex-evacuation-mission/ |title= The last runway out of Kabul: US transport jets face complex evacuation mission |date= 18 August 2021 |access-date= }}</ref> Also that day, C-17 01-0186 from the [[816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron]] at [[Al Udeid Air Base]] transported 823 Afghan citizens from Hamid Karzai International Airport on a single flight, setting a new record for the type<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.airforcemag.com/kabul-evacuation-flight-c-17-record/ |access-date=22 August 2021 |publisher=Air Force News |date=20 August 2021 |title=Kabul Evacuation Flight Sets C-17 Record With 823 on Board }}</ref> which was previously over 670 people during a 2013 typhoon evacuation from [[Tacloban]], [[Philippines]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/467793/c-17-crew-members-reflect-on-philippine-relief-efforts/ |publisher=U.S. Air Force |date=19 December 2013 |title=C-17 crew members reflect on Philippine relief efforts |access-date= }}</ref>
===Royal Air Force===
[[File:C17 Transport Aircraft Taking Off from RAF Brize Norton MOD 45156519.jpg|thumb|RAF C-17 taking off from RAF Brize Norton]]
Boeing marketed the C-17 to many European nations including Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. The [[Royal Air Force]] (RAF) has established an aim of having interoperability and some weapons and capabilities commonality with the USAF. The 1998 [[Strategic Defence Review]] identified a requirement for a strategic airlifter. The Short-Term Strategic Airlift competition commenced in September of that year, but the tender was canceled in August 1999 with some bids identified by ministers as too expensive, including the Boeing/[[British Aerospace|BAe]] C-17 bid, and others unsuitable.<ref name=business>O'Connell, Dominic. "Political clash haunts MoD deal decision." ''The Business (Sunday Business Group)'', 5 December 1999.</ref> The project continued, with the C-17 seen as the favorite.<ref name=business/> In the light of [[Airbus A400M]] delays, the UK [[Secretary of State for Defence]], [[Geoff Hoon]], announced in May 2000 that the RAF would lease four C-17s at an annual cost of [[Pound sterling|£]]100 million from Boeing<ref name=avweek_20060313/> for an initial seven years with an optional two-year extension. The RAF had the option to buy or return the aircraft to Boeing. The UK committed to upgrading its C-17s in line with the USAF so that if they were returned, the USAF could adopt them. The lease agreement restricted the C-17's operational use, meaning that the RAF could not use them for para-drop, airdrop, rough field, low-level operations and air to air refueling.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thinkdefence.co.uk/2012/09/the-airbus-a400m-atlas-part-1-background-progress-and-c130j-or-c17-options/|title=The Airbus A400M Atlas – Part 1 (Background, Progress and Options)|date=4 September 2012|work=Think Defence|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506215911/http://www.thinkdefence.co.uk/2012/09/the-airbus-a400m-atlas-part-1-background-progress-and-c130j-or-c17-options/|archive-date=6 May 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
The first C-17 was delivered to the RAF at Boeing's Long Beach facility on 17 May 2001 and flown to [[RAF Brize Norton]] by a crew from [[No. 99 Squadron RAF|No. 99 Squadron]]. The RAF's fourth C-17 was delivered on 24 August 2001. The RAF aircraft were some of the first to take advantage of the new center wing fuel tank found in Block 13 aircraft. In RAF service, the C-17 has not been given an [[British military aircraft designation systems|official service name and designation]] (for example, C-130J referred to as Hercules C4 or C5), but is referred to simply as the C-17 or "C-17A Globemaster". Although it was to be a fallback for the A400M, the [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]] (MoD) announced on 21 July 2004 that they had elected to buy their four C-17s at the end of the lease,<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/review-turns-up-the-heat-on-eurofighter-186087/ "Review turns up the heat on eurofighter"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729091343/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/review-turns-up-the-heat-on-eurofighter-186087/ |date=29 July 2013}}. ''Flight International'', 22 July 2004.</ref> though the A400M appeared to be closer to production. The C-17 gives the RAF strategic capabilities that it would not wish to lose, for example a maximum payload of {{convert|169500|lb|kg}} compared to the A400M's {{convert|82000|lb|kg}}.<ref name=avweek_20060313/> The C-17's capabilities allow the RAF to use it as an airborne hospital for [[medical evacuation]] missions.<ref>"[http://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-air-hospital The Air Hospital] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107000045/http://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-air-hospital |date=7 November 2012}}" ''[[Channel 4]]'', 25 March 2010. Retrieved: 10 October 2012.</ref>
Another C-17 was ordered in August 2006, and delivered on 22 February 2008. The four leased C-17s were to be purchased later in 2008.<ref>Hoyle, Craig. [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/04/07/222815/pictures-uk-receives-fifth-c-17-as-raf-fleet-passes-40000-flight.html "UK receives fifth C-17, as RAF fleet passes 40,000 flight hours."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206104455/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/04/07/222815/pictures-uk-receives-fifth-c-17-as-raf-fleet-passes-40000-flight.html |date=6 December 2008}} ''FlightGlobal.com'', 14 April 2008.</ref> Due to fears that the A400M may suffer further delays, the MoD announced in 2006 that it planned to acquire three more C-17s, for a total of eight, with delivery in 2009–2010.<ref name=UK_6th>[http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/BrownePurchaseOfExtraC17WillsignificantlyBoostUkMilitaryOperations.htm "Browne: Purchase of extra C-17 will 'significantly boost' UK military operations."] ''UK Ministry of Defence'', 27 July 2007. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218215956/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/BrownePurchaseOfExtraC17WillsignificantlyBoostUkMilitaryOperations.htm |date=18 February 2012}}</ref> On 3 December 2007, the MoD announced a contract for a sixth C-17,<ref>[http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/RafGetsSixthC17Globemaster.htm "RAF gets sixth C-17 Globemaster."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071211202144/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/RafGetsSixthC17Globemaster.htm |date=11 December 2007}} ''UK Ministry of Defence'', 4 December 2007.</ref> which was received on 11 June 2008.<ref>
[http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2008/q2/080611c_nr.html "Boeing delivers 6th C-17 to Royal Air Force."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080617105332/http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2008/q2/080611c_nr.html |date=17 June 2008}} ''Boeing'', 11 June 2008.
</ref> On 18 December 2009, Boeing confirmed that the RAF had ordered a seventh C-17,<ref name=7th_C-17>Drelling, Jerry and Madonna Walsh. [http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=1000 "Royal Air Force to Acquire 7th Boeing C-17 Globemaster III."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091221175104/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=1000 |date=21 December 2009}} ''Boeing'', 17 December 2009.</ref> which was delivered on 16 November 2010.<ref name=RAF_Boeing_C-17s>Drelling, Jerry and Madonna Walsh. [http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=1523 "Boeing delivers UK Royal Air Force's 7th C-17 Globemaster III."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101123124605/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=1523 |date=23 November 2010}} ''Boeing'', 16 November 2010.</ref> The UK announced the purchase of its eighth C-17 in February 2012.<ref>Hoyle, Craig. [http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/uk-to-buy-eighth-c-17-transport-367960/ "UK to buy eighth C-17 transport"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213095909/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/uk-to-buy-eighth-c-17-transport-367960/ |date=13 February 2012}}. ''Flight International'', 8 February 2012.</ref> The RAF showed interest in buying a ninth C-17 in November 2013.<ref>[https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20131129020637/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20131124/DEFREG01/311240001/UK-Shows-Interest-Buying-Another-C-17 "UK Shows Interest in Buying Another C-17"] ''DefenseNews'' 24 November 2013.</ref>
On 13 January 2013, the RAF deployed two C-17s from RAF Brize Norton to the French [[Évreux-Fauville Air Base|Évreux Air Base]], transporting French armored vehicles to the Malian capital of [[Bamako]] during the [[Mali War#Battle of Konna and French intervention|French intervention in Mali]].<ref>{{Citation |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21004040 |date=13 January 2013 |title=Mali: RAF C17 cargo plane to help French operation |publisher=BBC News |access-date=20 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002070412/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21004040 |archive-date=2 October 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2015, an RAF C-17 was used to medically evacuate four victims of the [[2015 Sousse attacks]] from Tunisia.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-33322789 |title=Tunisia attack: Injured Britons flown home by RAF |publisher= BBC News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160626082813/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-33322789 |archive-date=26 June 2016 |url-status=live |date=30 June 2015}}</ref> On 13 September 2022, C-17 [[United Kingdom military aircraft serial numbers|ZZ177]] carried the body of Queen [[Elizabeth II]] from [[Edinburgh Airport]] to [[RAF Northolt]] in London. She had been lying in state at [[St Giles' Cathedral]] in Edinburgh, Scotland.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-62900494 |title=Queen Elizabeth II: Flight carrying coffin most tracked plane in history |publisher= BBC News |date=14 September 2022}}</ref>
===Royal Australian Air Force===
{{main|Boeing C-17 Globemaster III in Australian service}}
[[File:RAAF Boeing C-17A Globemaster III TSV Zhu.jpg|thumb|A RAAF C-17 in 2010]]
The [[Royal Australian Air Force]] (RAAF) began investigating an acquisition of strategic transport aircraft in 2005.<ref name=McLaughlin_p40-41>McLaughlin 2008, pp. 40–41.</ref> In late 2005, the then [[Minister for Defence (Australia)|Minister for Defence]] [[Robert Hill (Australian diplomat)|Robert Hill]] stated that such aircraft were being considered due to the limited availability of strategic airlift aircraft from partner nations and air freight companies. The C-17 was considered to be favored over the A400M as it was a "proven aircraft" and in production. One major RAAF requirement was the ability to airlift the [[Australian Army|Army's]] M1 Abrams tanks; another requirement was immediate delivery.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/australia-to-spend-up-to-15-bn-on-4-c17s-updated-01971/|title=Heavy Lifting Down Under: Australias Growing C-17 Fleet|work=defenseindustrydaily.com|access-date=1 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317100743/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/australia-to-spend-up-to-15-bn-on-4-c17s-updated-01971/|archive-date=17 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Though unstated, commonality with the USAF and the RAF was also considered advantageous. RAAF aircraft were ordered directly from the USAF production run and are identical to American C-17s even in paint scheme, the only difference being the [[Military aircraft insignia|national marking]]s, allowing deliveries to commence within nine months of commitment to the program.<ref name=awst_20061211>"Stock Standard". ''[[Aviation Week & Space Technology]]'', 11 December 2006.</ref>
On 2 March 2006, the Australian government announced the purchase of three aircraft and one option with an entry into service date of 2006.<ref name=avweek_20060313/> In July 2006, Boeing was awarded a fixed price contract to deliver four C-17s for {{USD|780M}} ({{AUD|1bn}}).<ref name=DID_Australia_C-17>[http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/australia-to-spend-up-to-15-bn-on-4-c17s-updated-01971/ "Heavy Lifting Down Under: Australia Buys C-17s."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006041203/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/australia-to-spend-up-to-15-bn-on-4-c17s-updated-01971/ |date=6 October 2011}} ''Defense Industry Daily'', 27 November 2012.</ref> Australia also signed a US$80.7M contract to join the global 'virtual fleet' C-17 sustainment program;<ref name=McLaughlin_p42>McLaughlin 2008, p. 42.</ref> RAAF C-17s receive the same upgrades as the USAF's fleet.<ref name=McLaughlin_p46>McLaughlin 2008, p. 46.</ref>
The RAAF took delivery of its first C-17 in a ceremony at Boeing's plant at Long Beach, California on 28 November 2006.<ref>[http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/military/c17/news/2006/q4/061128b_nr.html "Boeing delivers Royal Australian Air Force's First C-17."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629095605/http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/military/c17/news/2006/q4/061128b_nr.html |date=29 June 2011}} ''Boeing'', 28 November 2010. Retrieved: 13 August 2010.</ref> Several days later the aircraft flew from [[Hickam Air Force Base]], Hawaii to [[Fairbairn, Canberra|Defence Establishment Fairbairn]], Canberra, arriving on 4 December 2006. The aircraft was formally accepted in a ceremony at Fairbairn shortly after arrival.<ref>[http://www.defence.gov.au/minister/49tpl.cfm?CurrentId=6212 "First C-17 arrives in Australia."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502225152/http://www.defence.gov.au/minister/49tpl.cfm?CurrentId=6212 |date=2 May 2012}} ''Australian Government: The Hon. Dr Brendan Nelson, Minister for Defence'', 4 December 2006.</ref> The second aircraft was delivered to the RAAF on 11 May 2007 and the third was delivered on 18 December 2007. The fourth Australian C-17 was delivered on 19 January 2008.<ref>[http://www.tamilsydney.com/content/view/1133/1/ "Air Force's C-17 fleet delivered on time, on budget."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929150846/http://www.tamilsydney.com/content/view/1133/1/ |date=29 September 2011}} ''[[Greg Combet|The Hon. Greg Combet MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement]]'', 18 January 2008. Retrieved: 1 July 2011.</ref> All the Australian C-17s are operated by [[No. 36 Squadron RAAF|No. 36 Squadron]] and are based at [[RAAF Base Amberley]] in Queensland.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080329050815/http://www.raaf.gov.au/aircraft/globemaster.htm "C-17 Globemaster heavy transport."] ''Royal Australian Air Force'', 29 March 2008.</ref>
On 18 April 2011, Boeing announced that Australia had signed an agreement with the U.S. government to acquire a fifth C-17 due to an increased demand for humanitarian and disaster relief missions.<ref>[http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=1709 "Boeing, Australia Announce Order for 5th C-17 Globemaster III."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717093149/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=1709 |date=17 July 2011}} ''Boeing Press Release'', 18 April 2011.</ref> The aircraft was delivered to the RAAF on 14 September 2011.<ref>[http://australianaviation.com.au/2011/09/fifth-raaf-c-17-delivered/ "Fifth RAAF C-17 delivered."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111230103510/http://australianaviation.com.au/2011/09/fifth-raaf-c-17-delivered/ |date=30 December 2011}} ''Australian Aviation'', 23 September 2011. Retrieved: 15 September 2011.</ref> On 23 September 2011, Australian Minister for Defence Materiel [[Jason Clare]] announced that the government was seeking information from the U.S. about the price and delivery schedule for a sixth Globemaster.<ref>
Clare, Jason. [http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/2011/09/23/minister-for-defence-materiel-sixth-c-17a-globemaster-iii-–-letter-of-request/ "Sixth C-17A Globemaster III – Letter of Request."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609111644/http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/2011/09/23/minister-for-defence-materiel-sixth-c-17a-globemaster-iii-%E2%80%93-letter-of-request/ |date=9 June 2016}} ''Department of Defence''. Retrieved: 23 September 2011.
</ref> In November 2011, Australia requested a sixth C-17 through the U.S. [[Foreign Military Sales]] program; it was ordered in June 2012, and was delivered on 1 November 2012.<ref name="Purchase of additional C17">
[http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/2012/03/19/minister-for-defence-and-minister-for-defence-materiel-joint-media-release-purchase-of-additional-c17/ "Purchase of additional C17."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321033447/http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/2012/03/19/minister-for-defence-and-minister-for-defence-materiel-joint-media-release-purchase-of-additional-c17/ |date=21 March 2012}} ''Minister for Defence and Minister for Defence Materiel – joint media release'', 20 March 2012.
</ref><ref name=DID_Heavy_Lifting_Down_Under>[http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/australia-to-spend-up-to-15-bn-on-4-c17s-updated-01971/ "Heavy Lifting Down Under: Australia Buys C-17s."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006041203/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/australia-to-spend-up-to-15-bn-on-4-c17s-updated-01971/ |date=6 October 2011}} ''defenseindustrydaily.com'', 20 June 2012. Retrieved: 10 July 2012.</ref>
In August 2014, Defence Minister [[David Johnston (Australian politician)|David Johnston]] announced the intention to purchase one or two additional C-17s.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/national/prime-minister-tony-abbott-to-fly-worldwide-nonstop-on-airbus-kc30a/story-fncynjr2-1227023370734|title=Prime Minister Tony Abbott to fly worldwide non-stop on Airbus KC-30A|publisher=[[News.com.au]]|date=14 August 2014|access-date=14 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929015609/http://www.news.com.au/national/prime-minister-tony-abbott-to-fly-worldwide-nonstop-on-airbus-kc30a/story-fncynjr2-1227023370734|archive-date=29 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> On 3 October 2014, Johnston announced the government's approval to buy two C-17s at a total cost of {{USD|770M}} ({{AUD|1bn}}).<ref name="gw2015">{{citation |first=Greg |last=Waldron |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/australia-confirms-order-for-two-additional-c-17s-411041/ |title=Australia confirms order for two additional C-17s |work=[[Flightglobal]] |publisher=Reed Business Information |date=10 April 2015 |access-date=10 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413035241/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/australia-confirms-order-for-two-additional-c-17s-411041/ |archive-date=13 April 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[United States Congress]] approved the sale under the Foreign Military Sales program.<ref>[http://www.news.com.au/technology/design/abbott-government-to-spend-500-million-on-two-new-boeing-c17-heavylift-transport-jets/story-fnpjxnlk-1227078035546 Abbott Government to spend $500 million on two new Boeing C-17 heavy-lift transport jets] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141007054116/http://www.news.com.au/technology/design/abbott-government-to-spend-500-million-on-two-new-boeing-c17-heavylift-transport-jets/story-fnpjxnlk-1227078035546 |date=7 October 2014}}. Retrieved on 12 October 2014.</ref><ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/australia-to-buy-up-to-four-more-c-17s-404418/ Australia to buy up to four more C-17s] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008034555/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/australia-to-buy-up-to-four-more-c-17s-404418/ |date=8 October 2014}}. Retrieved on 12 October 2014.</ref> Prime Minister Tony Abbott confirmed in April 2015 that two additional aircraft were to be ordered, with both delivered by 4 November 2015;<ref>{{cite news|url=http://australianaviation.com.au/2015/04/pm-confirms-two-extra-c-17s-for-the-raaf/|title=PM confirms two extra C-17s for the RAAF|publisher=Australian Aviation|date=10 April 2015|access-date=15 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150424023737/http://australianaviation.com.au/2015/04/pm-confirms-two-extra-c-17s-for-the-raaf/|archive-date=24 April 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> these added to the six C-17s it had {{as of|2015|lc=y}}.<ref name="gw2015" />
===Royal Canadian Air Force===
[[File:Boeing C-17 Globemaster III departs RIAT Fairford on 17July2017 arp.jpg|thumb|A [[Royal Canadian Air Force]] C-17 (code 177703) departs the 2017 [[Royal International Air Tattoo]], [[RAF Fairford]], [[England]].]]
The [[Canadian Armed Forces]] had a long-standing need for strategic airlift for military and humanitarian operations around the world. It had followed a pattern similar to the [[German Air Force]] in leasing [[Antonov]]s and [[Ilyushin]]s for many requirements, including deploying the [[Disaster Assistance Response Team]] to tsunami-stricken Sri Lanka in 2005; the Canadian Forces had relied entirely on leased [[Antonov An-124|An-124 ''Ruslan'']] for a [[Canadian Army]] [[Operation Halo|deployment to Haiti]] in 2003.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://magazine.wingsmagazine.com/publication/?i=26329&article_id=261506&view=articleBrowser&ver=html5#%7B%22issue_id%22:26329,%22view%22:%22articleBrowser%22,%22article_id%22:%22261506%22%7D |title=The Standard For Strategic Airlift|access-date=2018-10-11|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181011214855/http://magazine.wingsmagazine.com/publication/?i=26329&article_id=261506&view=articleBrowser&ver=html5#%7B%22issue_id%22:26329,%22view%22:%22articleBrowser%22,%22article_id%22:%22261506%22%7D|archive-date=11 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> A combination of leased ''Ruslans'', Ilyushins and USAF C-17s was also used to move heavy equipment to Afghanistan. In 2002, the Canadian Forces Future Strategic Airlifter Project began to study alternatives, including long-term leasing arrangements.<ref>Whelan, Peter. [http://ploughshares.ca/pl_publications/strategic-lift-capacity-for-canada/ "Strategic lift capacity for Canada."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305022906/http://ploughshares.ca/pl_publications/strategic-lift-capacity-for-canada/ |date=5 March 2016}} ''The Ploughshares Monitor'', Volume 26, Issue 2, Summer 2005.</ref>
On 5 July 2006, the Canadian government issued a notice of intent to negotiate with Boeing to procure four airlifters for the Canadian Forces Air Command ([[Royal Canadian Air Force]] after August 2011).<ref>[http://www.merx.com/English/SUPPLIER_Menu.Asp?WCE=Show&TAB=1&State=7&id=PW-%24SSC-004-13706&hcode=lZi0smL%2fmio4eGxwwqDpfg%3d%3d Airlift Capability Project – Strategic ACP-S – ACAN] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061014233633/http://www.merx.com/English/SUPPLIER_Menu.Asp?WCE=Show&TAB=1&State=7&id=PW-%24SSC-004-13706&hcode=lZi0smL%2fmio4eGxwwqDpfg%3d%3d |date=14 October 2006}} MERX Website – Government of Canada</ref> On 1 February 2007, Canada awarded a contract for four C-17s with delivery beginning in August 2007.<ref>[https://www.ctvnews.ca/o-connor-announces-military-plane-purchase-1.227438 "O'Connor announces military plane purchase".] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090923210545/http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20070202/oconnor_plane_070202/20070202?hub=Canada |date=23 September 2009}} ''CTV.ca'', 2 February 2007.</ref> Like Australia, Canada was granted airframes originally slated for the USAF to accelerate delivery.<ref name=fi_20070205>Wastnage, J. [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2007/02/05/211969/canada-gets-usaf-slots-for-august-delivery-after-signing-for-four-boeing-c-17s-in-20-year-c4bn.html "Canada gets USAF slots for August delivery after signing for four Boeing C-17s in 20-year C$4bn deal, settles provincial workshare squabble."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080528143933/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2007/02/05/211969/canada-gets-usaf-slots-for-august-delivery-after-signing-for-four-boeing-c-17s-in-20-year-c4bn.html |date=28 May 2008}} ''[[Flight International]]'', 5 February 2007.</ref> The official Canadian designation is ''CC-177 Globemaster III''.<ref>[http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/v2/equip/cc177/index-eng.asp "Aircraft – CC-177 Globemaster III."]{{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121227111556/http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/v2/equip/cc177/index-eng.asp |date=27 December 2012}} ''Royal Canadian Air Force'', 15 January 2010.</ref>
On 23 July 2007, the first Canadian C-17 made its initial flight.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2007-07-25-Boeing-Starts-Flight-Tests-for-Canadas-First-C-17 |title= Boeing Starts Flight Tests for Canada's First C-17 |website= boeing.mediaroom.com |publisher= [[The Boeing Company]] |date= 25 July 2007 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150217002944/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2007-07-25-Boeing-Starts-Flight-Tests-for-Canadas-First-C-17 |archive-date= 17 February 2015 |url-status= live}}</ref> It was turned over to Canada on 8 August,<ref name=CF_C-17>{{cite web |url= https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2007-08-08-Boeing-Delivers-Canadas-First-C-17 |title= Boeing delivers Canada's First C-17 |publisher= [[The Boeing Company]] |date= 8 August 2007 |access-date= 13 March 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150217002914/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2007-08-08-Boeing-Delivers-Canadas-First-C-17 |archive-date= 17 February 2015 |url-status= live}}</ref> and participated at the [[Abbotsford International Airshow]] on 11 August prior to arriving at its new home base at 8 Wing, [[CFB Trenton]], Ontario on 12 August.<ref name=Trenton>[https://archive.today/20121216042919/http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/site/newsroom/news_e.asp?id=4120 "First CC-177 Globemaster III Receives Patriotic and Enthusiastic Welcome."] ''Department of National Defence''. Retrieved: 2 August 2012.</ref> Its first operational mission was to deliver disaster relief to Jamaica following [[Hurricane Dean]] that month.<ref>[https://www.ctvnews.ca/new-military-aircraft-leaves-on-aid-mission-1.253790 "New military aircraft leaves on aid mission."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090505004819/http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20070824/globemaster_070824/20070824?hub=Canada |date=5 May 2009}} ''Cnews.com'', 24 August 2007.</ref> The last of the initial four aircraft was delivered in April 2008.<ref name=CF_4th>[http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/site/newsroom/news_e.asp?cat=114&id=5802 "Canada takes delivery of final CC-177."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070710034852/http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/site/newsroom/news_e.asp?cat=114 |date=10 July 2007}} ''Canadian Forces'', 3 April 2008.</ref> On 19 December 2014, it was reported that Canada intended to purchase one more C-17.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-buys-additional-military-cargo-jet-as-c-17-production-wraps-up-1.2879347 |title=Canada buys additional military cargo jet as C-17 production wraps up |work=CBC News |date=19 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141222022754/http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-buys-additional-military-cargo-jet-as-c-17-production-wraps-up-1.2879347 |archive-date=22 December 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 30 March 2015, Canada's fifth C-17 arrived at CFB Trenton.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.intelligencer.ca/2015/03/30/rcafs-new-bird-reaches-its-nest |title= RCAF's new bird reaches its nest |last= Lessard |first= Jerome |date=30 March 2015 |newspaper= Belleville Intelligencer |via= intelligencer.ca |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624204434/http://www.intelligencer.ca/2015/03/30/rcafs-new-bird-reaches-its-nest |archive-date= 24 June 2016 |url-status= live}}</ref> The aircraft are assigned to [[429 Transport Squadron]] based at CFB Trenton.
On 14 April 2010, a Canadian C-17 landed for the first time at [[CFS Alert]], the world's most northerly airport.<ref>[http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/v2/nr-sp/index-eng.asp?id=10443 "Top of the world welcomes CC-177 Globemaster III."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611181048/http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/v2/nr-sp/index-eng.asp?id=10443 |date=11 June 2011}} ''airforce.forces.gc.ca.'' Retrieved: 18 August 2011.</ref> Canadian Globemasters have been deployed in support of numerous missions worldwide, including [[Operation Hestia]] after the earthquake in Haiti, providing airlift as part of [[Operation Mobile]] and support to the Canadian mission in Afghanistan. After [[Typhoon Haiyan]] hit the Philippines in 2013, Canadian C-17s established an air bridge between the two nations, deploying Canada's DART and delivering humanitarian supplies and equipment. In 2014, they supported Operation Reassurance and Operation Impact.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ottawa to buy 5th C-17 aircraft|url=http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/ottawa-to-buy-5th-c-17-aircraft-1.2155642|agency=CTV News|publisher=Bell Media|date=19 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171120154926/http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/ottawa-to-buy-5th-c-17-aircraft-1.2155642|archive-date=20 November 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Strategic Airlift Capability program===
[[File:Boeing C-17A Globemaster III, NATO - Strategic Airlift Capability JP6917250.jpg|thumb|One of the [[Strategic Airlift Capability]] C-17s]]
At the 2006 [[Farnborough Airshow]], a number of NATO member nations signed a [[letter of intent]] to jointly purchase and operate several C-17s within the [[Strategic Airlift Capability]] (SAC).<ref name=NATOairl>[http://www.nato.int/issues/strategic-lift-air-sac/index.html "Strategic Airlift Capability: A key capability for the Alliance."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061019125328/http://www.nato.int/issues/strategic-lift-air-sac/index.html |date=19 October 2006}} ''NATO''. Retrieved: 1 April 2010.</ref> The purchase was for two C-17s, and a third was contributed by the U.S. On 14 July 2009, Boeing delivered the first C-17 for the SAC program with the second and third C-17s delivered in September and October 2009.<ref>Hoyle, Craig. [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/07/15/329668/pictures-boeing-delivers-first-c-17-for-nato-led-heavy-airlift-wing.html "Boeing delivers first C-17 for NATO-led Heavy Airlift Wing."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090718095213/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/07/15/329668/pictures-boeing-delivers-first-c-17-for-nato-led-heavy-airlift-wing.html |date=18 July 2009}} ''Flight International'', 15 July 2009.</ref><ref>Drelling, Jerry and Eszter Ungar.[http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=870 "3rd Boeing C-17 Joins 12-Nation Strategic Airlift Capability Initiative."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110919085035/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=870 |date=19 September 2011}} ''Boeing'', 7 October 2009.</ref> SAC members are Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Sweden and the U.S. as of 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=NATO |title=Strategic airlift |url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_50107.htm#SAC |access-date=2024-08-31 |website=NATO |language=en}}</ref>
The SAC C-17s are based at [[Hungarian Air Force#P.C3.A1pa AFB|Pápa Air Base]], Hungary. The Heavy Airlift Wing is hosted by Hungary, which acts as the flag nation.<ref>[http://www.heavyairliftwing.org/background "Background."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111111094857/http://www.heavyairliftwing.org/background |date=11 November 2011}} ''Heavy Airlift Wing''. Retrieved: 2 August 2012.</ref> The aircraft are crewed in similar fashion as the NATO [[E-3 Sentry|E-3]] AWACS aircraft.<ref>[http://www.e3a.nato.int/ "NATP Airborne Early Warning & Control Force: E-3A Component."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060914041659/http://www.e3a.nato.int/ |date=14 September 2006}} ''NATO''. Retrieved: 1 April 2010.</ref> The C-17 flight crew are multi-national, but each mission is assigned to an individual member nation based on the SAC's annual flight hour share agreement. The NATO Airlift Management Programme Office (NAMPO) provides management and support for the Heavy Airlift Wing. NAMPO is a part of the NATO Support Agency (NSPA).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nspa.nato.int/en/index.htm |title=Nato Support and Procurement Agency |access-date=1 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160608180109/http://www.nspa.nato.int/en/index.htm |archive-date=8 June 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2014, Boeing stated that the three C-17s supporting SAC missions had achieved a readiness rate of nearly 94 percent over the last five years and supported over 1,000 missions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/boeing-c-17-support-effort-strategic-airlift-capability-exceeds-1000-missions/ |title=Boeing C-17 Support Effort for Strategic Airlift Capability Exceeds 1,000 Missions |work=Defensemedianetwork.com |date=7 September 2014 |access-date=1 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322034617/http://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/boeing-c-17-support-effort-strategic-airlift-capability-exceeds-1000-missions/ |archive-date=22 March 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>
===Indian Air Force===
In June 2009, the [[Indian Air Force]] (IAF) selected the C-17 for its Very Heavy Lift Transport Aircraft requirement to replace several types of transport aircraft.<ref name=tect24j13 /> In January 2010, India requested 10 C-17s through the U.S.'s Foreign Military Sales program,<ref name="India Requests Boeing C-17s.">Mathews, Neelam. [http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story.jsp?id=news/awx/2010/01/08/awx_01_08_2010_p0-195411.xml&headline=India%20Requests%20Boeing%20C-17s&channel=defense "India Requests Boeing C-17s."]{{Dead link|date=June 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} ''Aviation Week'', 8 January 2010.</ref> the sale was approved by Congress in June 2010.<ref>[http://www.sify.com/news/us-congress-clears-c-17-sale-for-india-news-international-kgcnOdacjcb.html "US Congress clears C-17 sale for India."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022062858/http://www.sify.com/news/us-congress-clears-c-17-sale-for-india-news-international-kgcnOdacjcb.html |date=22 October 2012}} ''Deccan Chronicle'', 18 August 2011.</ref> On 23 June 2010, the IAF successfully test-landed a USAF C-17 at the [[Gaggal Airport|Gaggal Airport, India]] to complete the IAF's C-17 trials.<ref>[http://www.janes.com/news/defence/jdw/jdw100705_1_n.shtml "IAF completes C-17 test-flight."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605171247/http://en.rian.ru/russia/20090212/120098967.html |date=5 June 2011}} ''Jane's Information Group'', 5 July 2010.</ref> In February 2011, the IAF and Boeing agreed terms for the order of 10 C-17s<ref name="articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com">[http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-03-17/news/29138728_1_il-76-iaf-chief-marshal-pv-naik "IAF finalises order for 10 C-17 strategic airlifters."]{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} ''The Times of India'', 17 March 2011. Retrieved: 1 July 2011.</ref> with an option for six more; the US$4.1 billion order was approved by the Indian [[Cabinet Committee on Security]] on 6 June 2011.<ref name=The_Hindu_Cabinet_approved>Prasad, K.V. [http://www.hindu.com/2011/06/07/stories/2011060765092000.htm "India to buy C-17 heavy-lift transport aircraft from U.S."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608131938/http://www.hindu.com/2011/06/07/stories/2011060765092000.htm |date=8 June 2011}} ''The Hindu'', 7 June 2011. Retrieved: 7 June 2011.</ref><ref name="livemint.com">[http://www.livemint.com/Companies/6uAPJaguKDn2s1jpL6gAUN/India8217s-4-bn-order-to-support-jobs-at-Boeing8217s.html "India's $4-Bn Order To Support Jobs At Boeing."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228065731/http://www.livemint.com/Companies/6uAPJaguKDn2s1jpL6gAUN/India8217s-4-bn-order-to-support-jobs-at-Boeing8217s.html |date=28 February 2014}} ''BusinessWeek'', 7 June 2011.</ref> Deliveries began in June 2013 and were to continue to 2014.<ref name=MOD_purchase>[http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=78432 "Purchase of Transport Aircraft."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004154842/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=78432 |date=4 October 2018}} ''pib.nic.in'', 12 December 2011. Retrieved: 2 August 2012.</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Boeing delivers third C-17 Globemaster military transport aircraft to Indian Air Force|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/boeing-delivers-third-c-17-globemaster-military-transport-aircraft-to-indian-air-force/articleshow/21995683.cms|access-date=23 August 2013|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=23 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130823092131/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/boeing-delivers-third-c-17-globemaster-military-transport-aircraft-to-indian-air-force/articleshow/21995683.cms|archive-date=23 August 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2012, the IAF reportedly finalized plans to buy six more C-17s in its [[Five-Year plans of India|five-year plan]] for 2017–2022.<ref name=tect24j13>{{cite news |title=C-17 boosts India's strategic airlift capability: IAF Air Chief Marshal N A K Browne |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/c-17-boosts-indias-strategic-airlift-capability-iaf-air-chief-marshal-n-a-k-browne/articleshow/21267520.cms |work=The Economic Times |date=24 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912233334/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/c-17-boosts-indias-strategic-airlift-capability-iaf-air-chief-marshal-n-a-k-browne/articleshow/21267520.cms |archive-date=12 September 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=toi10sep/><ref>[http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/india-to-buy-more-than-16-c-17-airlifters/articleshow/8850290.cms "India to buy more than 16 C-17 airlifters."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019172652/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/india-to-buy-more-than-16-c-17-airlifters/articleshow/8850290.cms |date=19 October 2012}} ''Economictimes.indiatimes.com''. Retrieved: 2 August 2012.</ref>
[[File:Boeing C-17A Globemaster III ‘CB-8010’.jpg|thumb|Boeing C-17A Globemaster III 'CB-8010']]
It provides strategic airlift, the ability to deploy special forces,<ref>Knowles, Victoria. [http://www.armedforces-int.com/news/c-17-globemaster-for-indian-air-force.html "C-17 Globemaster for Indian Air Force."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120803231249/http://www.armedforces-int.com/news/c-17-globemaster-for-indian-air-force.html |date=3 August 2012}} Armed Forces International, 1 August 2012.</ref> and to operate in diverse terrain – from Himalayan air bases in North India at {{convert|13000|ft|m|abbr=on}} to Indian Ocean bases in South India.<ref name=dh24jy13>{{cite news|title=US Army chief apprised of Indian strategies|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/346930/us-army-chief-apprised-indian.html|newspaper=Deccan Herald|date=24 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726155843/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/346930/us-army-chief-apprised-indian.html|archive-date=26 July 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> The C-17s are based at [[Hindon Air Force Station]] and are operated by [[No. 81 Squadron IAF]] ''Skylords''.<ref name ="skylordform">{{cite news|title=Indian Air Force inducts C-17 Globemaster III, forms Skylords Squadron|url=http://frontierindia.net/indian-air-force-inducts-c-17-globemaster-iii-forms-skylords-squadron#axzz2dkJMhASF|newspaper=Frontier India|date=2 September 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130904125850/http://frontierindia.net/indian-air-force-inducts-c-17-globemaster-iii-forms-skylords-squadron#axzz2dkJMhASF|archive-date=4 September 2013}}</ref> The first C-17 was delivered in January 2013 for testing and training;<ref>[https://archive.today/20130215192949/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20130124/DEFREG03/301240018/1st-C-17-Airlifter-8216-Delivered-8217-Indian-Officials "1st C-17 Airlifter 'Delivered' to Indian Officials"]. Defense News, 24 January 2013.</ref> it was officially accepted on 11 June 2013.<ref name=Boe_1st_C-17>[http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=2697 "Boeing Transfers 1st C-17 to Indian Air Force"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615224604/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=2697 |date=15 June 2013}}. Boeing, 11 June 2013.</ref> The second C-17 was delivered on 23 July 2013 and put into service immediately. IAF Chief of Air Staff [[Norman Anil Kumar Browne|Norman AK Browne]] called it "a major component in the [[Future of the Indian Air Force|IAF's modernization drive]]" while taking delivery of the aircraft at Boeing's Long Beach factory.<ref name=tt23j13>{{cite news |title=IAF gets its second C-17 |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2013/20130724/main5.htm |work=The Tribune |date=23 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130725042613/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2013/20130724/main5.htm |archive-date=25 July 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 2 September 2013, the ''Skylords'' squadron with three C-17s officially entered IAF service.<ref>[http://www.armedforces-int.com/news/c-17-globemaster-iii-joins-indian-air-force.html "C-17 Globemaster III Joins Indian Air Force"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130906052326/http://www.armedforces-int.com/news/c-17-globemaster-iii-joins-indian-air-force.html |date=6 September 2013}}. Armedforces-Int.com, 2 September 2013</ref>
The ''Skylords'' regularly fly missions within India, such as to high-altitude bases at [[Leh Air Force Station|Leh]] and [[Thoise]]. The IAF first used the C-17 to transport an infantry battalion's equipment to [[INS Jarawa|Port Blair]] on Andaman Islands on 1 July 2013.<ref name=toi2j>{{cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/IAFs-new-C-17-flies-non-stop-to-Andamans-to-supply-Army-equipment/articleshow/20869070.cms |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130705144615/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-07-02/india/40328759_1_10-c-17-aircraft-rugged-c-17s-panagarh |url-status=live |archive-date=5 July 2013 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |title=IAF's new C-17 flies non-stop to Andamans to supply Army equipment |date=2 July 2013 |access-date=5 July 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=US, India Consider C-17 Exchange|url=http://www.airforcemag.com/DRArchive/Pages/2013/July%202013/July%2031%202013/US,-India-Consider-C-17-Exchange.aspx|newspaper=Air Force Magazine|date=31 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140524004221/http://www.airforcemag.com/DRArchive/Pages/2013/July%202013/July%2031%202013/US,-India-Consider-C-17-Exchange.aspx|archive-date=24 May 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Foreign deployments to date include [[Tajikistan]] in August 2013, and [[Rwanda]] to support [[Indian Army United Nations peacekeeping missions|Indian peacekeepers]].<ref name=toi10sep>{{cite news|title=Globemasters deployed for overseas missions|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Globemasters-deployed-for-overseas-missions/articleshow/22445215.cms|access-date=10 September 2013|newspaper=The Times of India|date=10 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130909234452/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Globemasters-deployed-for-overseas-missions/articleshow/22445215.cms|archive-date=9 September 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> One C-17 was used for transporting relief materials during [[Cyclone Phailin]].<ref>{{cite news|title=IAF C-17 Globemaster makes debut in Cyclone Phailin rescue efforts|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/iaf-c-17-globemaster-makes-debut-in-cyclone-phailin-rescue-efforts-update-cyclone-phailin-113101200360_1.html|newspaper=Business Standard|date=12 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029185558/http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/iaf-c-17-globemaster-makes-debut-in-cyclone-phailin-rescue-efforts-update-cyclone-phailin-113101200360_1.html|archive-date=29 October 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>
The sixth aircraft was received in July 2014.<ref name="financialexpress.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/news/indian-air-force-gets-sixth-c17-globemaster-with-vintage-package-in-belly/1274687|title=Indian Air Force gets sixth C-17 Globemaster with vintage package in belly|last=PTI|work=financialexpress.com|access-date=1 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024001706/http://www.financialexpress.com/news/indian-air-force-gets-sixth-c17-globemaster-with-vintage-package-in-belly/1274687|archive-date=24 October 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2017, the U.S. Department of State approved the potential sale of one C-17 to India under a proposed $366 million (~${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=366000000|start_year=2017}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}) U.S. Foreign Military Sale.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/government-india-c-17-transport-aircraft |title=Government of India – C-17 Transport Aircraft |website=dsca.mil |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630203059/http://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/government-india-c-17-transport-aircraft |archive-date=30 June 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> This aircraft, the last C-17 produced, increased the IAF's fleet to 11 C-17s.<ref name="iaf-11-c17-dod.defense.gov"/> In March 2018, a contract was awarded for completion by 22 August 2019.<ref name="iaf-11-c17-dod.defense.gov">{{cite web|url=https://dod.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract-View/Article/1481376/|title=India to receive final 'white-tail' C-17 – Jane's Contracts for March 30, 2018|website=DOD.defense.gov|access-date=14 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114142035/https://dod.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract-View/Article/1481376/|archive-date=14 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 7 February 2023, an IAF C-17 delivered humanitarian aid packages for [[2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake|earthquake]] victims in Turkey and Syria by taking a detour around Pakistan's airspace in the aftermath of 2021 Taliban takeover of Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://zeenews.india.com/aviation/turkey-earthquake-pakistan-denies-airspace-to-indias-c-17-plane-carrying-ndrf-team-medical-aid-report-2570657.html |title=Turkey Earthquake: India's C-17 Plane Carrying Relief Aid Avoids Pakistan's Airspace |last=Garg |first=Arjit |publisher=Zee News |date=14 March 2023 |access-date=28 May 2023}}</ref>
An IAF C-17 executed a precision airdrop of two [[Rigid inflatable boat|Combat Rubberised Raiding Craft]] along with a platoon of 8 [[MARCOS]] commandos in an operation to rescue the ''ex-MV Ruen'', a [[Malta|Maltese]]-[[ensign (flag)|flagged]] [[cargo ship]] hijacked by [[Piracy off the coast of Somalia|Somali pirates]] in December 2023. The mission was conducted on 16 March 2024 in a 10-hour round trip mission to an area 2600&nbsp;km away from the Indian coast.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=2024-03-17 |title=Indian Navy's 40-hour operation {{!}} Pirates shot down Navy's drone, Marine Commandos airdropped |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/40-hour-indian-navy-operation-in-arabian-sea/article67961302.ece |access-date=2024-03-18 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The ship was being used as a [[Mother ship|mothership]] for piracy. In a joint operation carried out with the [[Indian Navy]] assets such as [[P-8I Neptune]] [[maritime patrol aircraft]], [[General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper|SeaGuardian]] drones, destroyer ''[[INS Kolkata]]'' and patrol vessel ''[[INS Subhadra (P51)|INS Subhadra]]'', the IAF C-17 airdropped Navy's MARCOS commandos, who boarded the hijacked ship, rescued 17 sailors and disarmed 35 pirates in the operation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Navy rescues 17 crew from hijacked ship, captures 35 pirates after 40-hour op |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/indian-navy-pirates-surrender-mv-ruen-ins-kolkata-2515876-2024-03-17 |access-date=2024-03-17 |website=India Today |date=17 March 2024 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ships, Drones, Commandos: How Indian Navy Rescued Hijacked Vessel |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/ships-drones-commandos-how-indian-navy-rescued-hijacked-vessel-5254211 |access-date=2024-03-17 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-17 |title=Dramatic ops on high seas: Indian Navy rescues hijacked vessel MV Ruen, arrests 35 Somali pirates |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/india/story/dramatic-ops-on-high-seas-indian-navy-rescues-hijacked-vessel-mv-ruen-arrests-35-somali-pirates-421783-2024-03-17 |access-date=2024-03-17 |website=Business Today |language=hi}}</ref>
=== Qatar ===
[[File:Boeing C-17A Globemaster III Qatar Emiri Air Force A7-MAE - MSN F252 QA4 (10101360223).jpg|thumb|Qatar Emiri Air Force C-17]]
Boeing delivered Qatar's first C-17 on 11 August 2009 and the second on 10 September 2009 for the [[Qatar Emiri Air Force]].<ref>Drelling, Jerry and Lorenzo Cortes. [http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=832 "Boeing Delivers Qatar's 2nd C-17 Globemaster III."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090916041418/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=832 |date=16 September 2009}} ''Boeing'', 10 September 2009.</ref> Qatar received its third C-17 in 2012, and fourth C-17 was received on 10 December 2012.<ref name="Boeing">{{cite web |url= http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=2522 |title= Boeing delivers Qatar Emiri Air Force's 4th C-17 Globemaster III |publisher= Boeing |date= 10 December 2012 |archive-url= https://archive.today/20130128142052/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=2522 |archive-date= 28 January 2013 |url-status= live}}</ref> In June 2013, ''The New York Times'' reported that Qatar was allegedly using its C-17s to ship weapons from [[Libya]] to the [[Syrian opposition]] during the [[Syrian Civil War|civil war]] via [[Turkey]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/22/world/africa/in-a-turnabout-syria-rebels-get-libyan-weapons.html?ref=world&_r=0 |work=The New York Times |first1=C. J. |last1=Chivers |first2=Eric |last2=Schmitt |first3=Mark |last3=Mazzetti |title=In Turnabout, Syria Rebels Get Libyan Weapons |date=21 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160724184924/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/22/world/africa/in-a-turnabout-syria-rebels-get-libyan-weapons.html?ref=world&_r=0 |archive-date=24 July 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 15 June 2015, it was announced at the Paris Airshow that Qatar agreed to order four additional C-17s from the five remaining "white tail" C-17s to double Qatar's C-17 fleet.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.janes.com/article/52269/paris-air-show-qatar-to-double-c-17-fleet |work=IHS Jane's 360 |first1=J. |last1=Binnie |title=Paris Air Show: Qatar to double C-17 fleet |date=15 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621061512/http://www.janes.com/article/52269/paris-air-show-qatar-to-double-c-17-fleet |archive-date=21 June 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> One Qatari C-17 bears the civilian markings of government-owned [[Qatar Airways]], although the airplane is owned and operated by the Qatar Emiri Air Force.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hoyle |first=Craig |date=2009-08-12 |title=PICTURE: Gulf state's second C-17 gets Qatar Airways livery |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/picture-gulf-states-second-c-17-gets-qatar-airways-livery/88396.article |access-date=2024-06-09 |website=Flight Global}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2009-09-10 |title=Boeing Delivers Qatar's 2nd C-17 Globemaster III |url=https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2009-09-10-Boeing-Delivers-Qatars-2nd-C-17-Globemaster-III |access-date=2024-06-09 |website=[[Boeing]] Mediaroom}}</ref> The head of Qatar's airlift selection committee, Ahmed Al-Malki, said the paint scheme was "to build awareness of Qatar's participation in operations around the world."<ref name=":0" />
=== United Arab Emirates ===
In February 2009, the [[United Arab Emirates Air Force]] agreed to buy four C-17s.<ref name=UAE_order>Trimble, Stephen. [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/02/25/323068/uae-strengthens-airlift-capacity-with-c-130j-c-17-deals.html "UAE strengthens airlift capacity with C-130J, C-17 deals."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090301153829/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/02/25/323068/uae-strengthens-airlift-capacity-with-c-130j-c-17-deals.html |date=1 March 2009}} ''Flight International'', 25 February 2009.</ref> In January 2010, a contract was signed for six C-17s.<ref name=Boe_UAE_contract>[http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=1019 "Boeing, United Arab Emirates Announce Order for 6 C-17s"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100111223743/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=1019 |date=11 January 2010}}. ''Boeing'', 6 January 2010.</ref> In May 2011, the first C-17 was handed over and the final was received in June 2012.<ref>[http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/05/11/356496/pictures-uae-receives-first-c-17-transport.html "UAE receives first C-17 transport."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110618161919/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/05/11/356496/pictures-uae-receives-first-c-17-transport.html |date=18 June 2011}} ''flightglobal.com'', 11 May 2011.</ref><ref>[http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=2300 "Boeing Delivers UAE Air Force and Air Defence's 6th C-17."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522192502/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=2300 |date=22 May 2013}} ''Boeing'', 20 June 2012.</ref>
===Kuwait===
[[File:KAF342 (22559708964).jpg|thumb|A Kuwait Air Force C-17 in 2015]]
Kuwait requested the purchase of one C-17 in September 2010 and a second in April 2013 through the U.S.'s [[Foreign Military Sales]] (FMS) program.<ref name="Kuwait – C-17 GLOBEMASTER III.">[http://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/kuwait-c-17-globemaster-iii "Kuwait – C-17 GLOBEMASTER III."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426233329/http://dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/kuwait-c-17-globemaster-iii |date=26 April 2014}} ''U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency'', 17 April 2013.</ref> The nation ordered two C-17s; the first was delivered on 13 February 2014.<ref name=1st_C-17_Kuwait>[http://boeing.mediaroom.com/Boeing-Delivers-Kuwait-Air-Force-s-1st-C-17-Globemaster-III "Boeing Delivers Kuwait Air Force's 1st C-17 Globemaster III"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302204314/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/Boeing-Delivers-Kuwait-Air-Force-s-1st-C-17-Globemaster-III |date=2 March 2014}}. Boeing, 13 February 2014.</ref>
=== Proposed operators ===
In 2015, New Zealand's Minister of Defence, [[Gerry Brownlee]], was considering the purchase of two C-17s for the [[Royal New Zealand Air Force]] at an estimated cost of $600 million as a heavy air transport option.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11433122|title=Two new Boeing C-17s to cost NZDF $600m|date=15 April 2015|work=The New Zealand Herald|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305001810/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11433122|archive-date=5 March 2016|url-status=live|last1=Davison|first1=Isaac}}</ref> However, the New Zealand Government eventually decided not to acquire the C-17.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Cowlishaw|first1=Shane|title=Plans to replace Defence Force's 'rusting' Hercules fleet fails to get lift off|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/74849069/Plans-to-replace-Defence-Forces-rusting-Hercules-fleet-fails-to-get-lift-off|work=stuff|date=13 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005075148/http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/74849069/Plans-to-replace-Defence-Forces-rusting-Hercules-fleet-fails-to-get-lift-off|archive-date=5 October 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Consideration of a C-17 Air Transport Capability|url=http://www.defence.govt.nz/reports-publications/consideration-of-c17-capability.html|publisher=New Zealand Ministry of Defence|access-date=9 July 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813024634/http://www.defence.govt.nz/reports-publications/consideration-of-c17-capability.html|archive-date=13 August 2016}}</ref>
==Variants==
* '''C-17A:''' Initial military airlifter version.
* '''C-17A "ER":''' Unofficial name for C-17As with extended range due to the addition of the center wing tank.<ref name=bids_c17_fml/><ref name=norton_p93/> This upgrade was incorporated in production beginning in 2001 with Block 13 aircraft.<ref name=norton_p93>Norton 2001, p. 93.</ref>
** '''Block 16:''' This software/hardware upgrade was a major improvement of the improved Onboard Inert Gas-Generating System (OBIGGS II), a new weather radar, an improved stabilizer strut system and other avionics.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Boeing Frontiers Online|url=https://www.boeing.com/news/frontiers/archive/2005/september/i_ids1.html|access-date=2020-11-12|website=boeing.com}}</ref>
** '''Block 21:''' Adds [[Automatic dependent surveillance – broadcast|ADS-B]] capability, [[IFF Mark X|IFF]] modification, communication/navigation upgrades and improved flight management.<ref>{{Cite web|title=C-17 fleet Completes Block 21 Upgrade|url=https://www.aflcmc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2068589/c-17-fleet-completes-block-21-upgrade/|access-date=2020-11-12|website=Air Force Life Cycle Management Center|date=28 January 2020 |language=en-US}}</ref>
* '''C-17B:''' A proposed tactical airlifter version with double-slotted flaps, an additional main landing gear on the center fuselage, more powerful engines, and other systems for shorter landing and take-off distances.<ref>Trimble, Stephen. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-offers-c-17b-as-piecemeal-upgrade-314814/ "Boeing offers C-17B as piecemeal upgrade."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207015031/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-offers-c-17b-as-piecemeal-upgrade-314814/ |date=7 December 2017}} ''Flight International'', 19 August 2008.</ref> Boeing offered the C-17B to the U.S. military in 2007 for carrying the Army's [[Future Combat Systems]] (FCS) vehicles and other equipment.<ref>Trimble, Stephen. [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2007/10/16/218272/boeing-offers-c-17b-to-us-army.html "Boeing offers C-17B to US Army."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080704213619/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2007/10/16/218272/boeing-offers-c-17b-to-us-army.html |date=4 July 2008}} ''Flight International'', 16 October 2007.</ref>
* '''KC-17:''' Proposed [[aerial refueling|tanker]] variant of the C-17.<ref>FlightGlobal.[https://www.flightglobal.com/mdc-reveals-kc-17-cargo/tanker-details/5706.article "MDC reveals KC-17 cargo/tanker details"]</ref>
* '''MD-17:''' Proposed variant for US airlines participating in the [[Civil Reserve Air Fleet]],<ref>Sillia, George. [http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/1997/news_release_970828n.html "MD-17 Receives FAA Certification."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070609085801/http://boeing.com/news/releases/1997/news_release_970828n.html |date=9 June 2007}} ''Boeing'', 28 August 1997.</ref> later redesignated as '''BC-17X''' after 1997 merger.<ref>Saling, Bob. [http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2000/news_release_000928a.html "Boeing Is Undisputed Leader In Providing Air Cargo Capacity (Boeing proposes BC-17X)."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110114120746/http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2000/news_release_000928a.html |date=14 January 2011}} ''Boeing'' 28 September 2000.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=BC-17X Commercial Freighter |url=http://www.boeing.com/commercial/pd/bc17x/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010215040948/http://www.boeing.com/commercial/pd/bc17x/index.html |archive-date=15 February 2001 |access-date=15 February 2001 |website=Boeing}}</ref>
==Operators==
[[File:C-17 operators.svg|thumb|upright=2|Map of countries that operate the C-17 Globemaster III (highlighted in blue)]]
[[File:Pzh-2000 inside of a C-17.jpg|thumb|U.S. Air Force C-17 transporting a Dutch [[Panzerhaubitze 2000|PzH 2000]] self-propelled howitzer to Afghanistan, 2006]]
[[File:An RAF Chinook helicopter is loaded into a C-17 Globe master. MOD 45158747.jpg|thumb|A RAF [[CH-47 Chinook|Chinook]] helicopter is loaded into a C-17.]]
[[File:Medevac mission, Balad Air Base, Iraq.jpg|thumb|A C-17 in its aeromedical evacuation configuration]]
[[File:82nd Airborne paratroopers in a C-17.jpg|thumb|[[United States Army]] paratroopers seated in a C-17 as it maneuvers to a [[drop zone]] for a mass-attack airdrop]]
[[File:C-17 carrying passengers out of Afghanistan.jpg|thumb|A C-17 evacuating 823 passengers [[Operation Allies Refuge|out of Kabul]] on 15 August 2021]]
{{Listen
|image       = [[File:Video Camera Icon.png|50px]]
|help        = no
|filename    = C-17 Airdrop 4 Humvees + 50 Paratroopers.ogv
|title       = C-17 conducting airborne operation
|description = The [[517th Airlift Squadron|517th Airlift Sq]] airdrops [[Humvee|HMMWVs]] and [[paratrooper]]s from 3rd Bn, [[509th Infantry Regiment (United States)|509th Inf Reg]], [[4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division|4th IBCT(A), 25th Infantry Division]].
|filename2   = C-17 LVADS with SBT 20.ogv
|title2      = U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy MCADS
|description2= A C-17 aircrew conduct Maritime Craft Aerial Deployment System (MCADS) exercise with [[Special warfare combatant-craft crewmen|Special Boat Team 20]].
|pos         = right
}}
;{{AUS}}
* [[Royal Australian Air Force]] – 8 C-17A ERs in service as of Jan. 2018.<ref name=WAF_2018 /><ref>{{cite web |title=Eighth and final RAAF C-17 delivered |work=Australian Aviation |url=http://australianaviation.com.au/2015/11/eighth-and-final-raaf-c-17-delivered/ |date=4 November 2015 |access-date=6 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117175754/http://australianaviation.com.au/2015/11/eighth-and-final-raaf-c-17-delivered/ |archive-date=17 November 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>
** [[No. 36 Squadron RAAF|No. 36 Squadron]]<ref name=raaf_newspaper_20060323>[http://www.defence.gov.au/news/raafnews/editions/4804/topstories/story02.htm "Master plan for C-17s."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060518063754/http://www.defence.gov.au/news/raafnews/editions/4804/topstories/story02.htm |date=18 May 2006}} ''Air Force News'', Volume 48, No. 4, 23 March 2006.</ref>
;{{CAN}}
* [[Royal Canadian Air Force]] – 5 CC-177 (C-17A ER) aircraft in use as of Jan. 2018.<ref name=WAF_2018>{{cite web |last=Hoyle |first=Craig |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-world-air-forces-maintaining-strength-443655/ |title=World Air Forces 2018 |work=Flightglobal Insight |date=1 December 2017 |access-date=6 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202153055/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/analysis-world-air-forces-maintaining-strength-443655/ |archive-date=2 December 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
** [[No. 429 Squadron RCAF|429 Transport Squadron]], [[CFB Trenton]]<ref>[http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/newsroom/view_news_e.asp?id=2389 "Canada's New Government Re-Establishes Squadron to Support C-17 Aircraft."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080528224541/http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/newsroom/view_news_e.asp?id=2389 |date=28 May 2008}} Canadian Department of National Defence, 18 July 2007.</ref>
;{{IND}}
* [[Indian Air Force]] – 11 C-17s as of Aug. 2019.<ref name=WAF_2018 /><ref name="iaf-11-c17-dod.defense.gov"/>
** [[No. 81 Squadron IAF|No. 81 Squadron]] (''Skylords''), [[Hindon Air Force Station|Hindon AFS]]<ref name ="skylordform"/>
;{{KWT}}
* [[Kuwait Air Force]] – 2 C-17s as of Jan. 2018<ref name=WAF_2018 />
;{{flagicon|European Union}} Europe
* The multi-nation [[NATO Strategic Airlift Capability|Strategic Airlift Capability]] [[Heavy Airlift Wing]] – 3 C-17s in service as of Jan. 2018,<ref name=WAF_2018 /><ref>[http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=764 "Multinational Alliance's 1st Boeing C-17 Joins Heavy Airlift Wing in Hungary."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090904150053/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=764 |date=4 September 2009}} Boeing, 27 July 2009.</ref> including 1 C-17 contributed by the USAF;<ref>[http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=870 "3rd Boeing C-17 Joins 12-Nation Strategic Airlift Capability Initiative."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110919085035/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=870 |date=19 September 2011}} Boeing, 7 October 2009.</ref> based at [[Pápa Air Base]], Hungary.
;{{QAT}}
* [[Qatar Emiri Air Force]] – 8 C-17As in use as of Jan. 2018<ref name=WAF_2018 /><ref name="Purchase of Four C-17s">[http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2015-06-15-Boeing-Qatar-Confirm-Purchase-of-Four-C-17s "Boeing, Qatar Confirm Purchase of Four C-17s."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150720195027/http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2015-06-15-Boeing-Qatar-Confirm-Purchase-of-Four-C-17s |date=20 July 2015}} Boeing, 15 June 2015.</ref>
;{{UAE}}
* [[United Arab Emirates Air Force]] – 8 C-17As in operation as of Jan. 2018<ref name=WAF_2018 /><ref name="World Defence News">[http://worlddefencenews.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/united-arab-emirates-announce-purchase.html "United Arab Emirates announce purchase of two C-17 airlifters and nine AW139 helicopters."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150720215650/http://worlddefencenews.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/united-arab-emirates-announce-purchase.html |date=20 July 2015}} ''World Defence News'', 26 February 2015.</ref>
;{{UK}}
* [[Royal Air Force]] – 8 C-17A ERs in use as of May 2021<ref name=WAF_2018 /><ref>Wall, Robert. [http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/asd/2012/02/09/05.xml&headline=U.K.%20Adds%20Eighth%20C-17 "Aerospace Daily and Defense Report: U.K. Adds Eighth C-17."]{{Dead link|date=May 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} ''Aviation Week'', 9 February 2012. Retrieved: 10 February 2012.</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Globemaster (C-17) |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/aircraft/globemaster-c-17/ |access-date=13 August 2024 |website=[[Royal Air Force]]}}</ref>
** [[No. 24 Squadron RAF|No. 24 Squadron]], [[RAF Brize Norton]]<ref name=":1" />
** [[No. 99 Squadron RAF|No. 99 Squadron]], RAF Brize Norton<ref name=":1" />
;{{USA}}
* [[United States Air Force]] – 222 C-17s in service {{as of|2018|1|lc=on}}<ref name=WAF_2018 /> (157 Active, 47 Air National Guard, 18 Air Force Reserve)<ref name=AF_fact/>
** [[60th Air Mobility Wing]] – [[Travis Air Force Base]], California
*** [[21st Airlift Squadron]]
** [[62d Airlift Wing]] – [[McChord AFB]], Washington
*** [[4th Airlift Squadron]]
*** [[7th Airlift Squadron]]
*** [[8th Airlift Squadron]]
*** [[10th Airlift Squadron]] – (2003–2016)
** [[305th Air Mobility Wing]] – [[McGuire Air Force Base]], New Jersey
*** [[6th Airlift Squadron]]
** [[385th Air Expeditionary Group]] – [[Al Udeid Air Base]], Qatar
*** [[816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron]]
** [[436th Airlift Wing]] – [[Dover Air Force Base]], Delaware
*** [[3d Airlift Squadron]]
** [[437th Airlift Wing]] – [[Charleston Air Force Base]], South Carolina
*** [[14th Airlift Squadron]]
*** [[15th Airlift Squadron]]
*** [[16th Airlift Squadron]]
*** [[17th Airlift Squadron]] – (1993–2015)
** [[3d Wing]] – [[Elmendorf Air Force Base]], Alaska
*** [[517th Airlift Squadron]] (Associate)
** [[15th Wing]] – [[Hickam Air Force Base]], Hawaii
*** [[535th Airlift Squadron]]
** [[97th Air Mobility Wing]] – [[Altus AFB]], Oklahoma
*** [[58th Airlift Squadron]]
** [[412th Test Wing]] – [[Edwards AFB]], California
*** [[418th Flight Test Squadron]]
* [[Air Force Reserve]]
** [[315th Airlift Wing]] (Associate) – [[Charleston AFB]], South Carolina
*** [[300th Airlift Squadron]]
*** [[317th Airlift Squadron]]
*** [[701st Airlift Squadron]]
** [[349th Air Mobility Wing]] (Associate) – Travis AFB, California
*** [[301st Airlift Squadron]]
** [[445th Airlift Wing]] – [[Wright-Patterson AFB]], Ohio
*** [[89th Airlift Squadron]]
** [[446th Airlift Wing]] (Associate) – McChord AFB, Washington
*** [[97th Airlift Squadron]]
*** [[313th Airlift Squadron]]
*** [[728th Airlift Squadron]]
** [[452d Air Mobility Wing]] – [[March ARB]], California
*** [[729th Airlift Squadron]]
** [[507th Air Refueling Wing]] – [[Tinker AFB]], Oklahoma
*** [[730th Air Mobility Training Squadron]] (Altus AFB)
** [[512th Airlift Wing]] (Associate) – Dover AFB, Delaware
*** [[326th Airlift Squadron]]
** [[514th Air Mobility Wing]] (Associate) – McGuire AFB, New Jersey
*** [[732d Airlift Squadron]]
** [[911th Airlift Wing]] – [[Pittsburgh Air Reserve Station]], Pennsylvania
*** [[758th Airlift Squadron]]
* [[Air National Guard]]
** [[105th Airlift Wing]] – [[Stewart ANGB]], New York
*** [[137th Airlift Squadron]]
** [[145th Airlift Wing]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.145aw.ang.af.mil/|title=Home of the 145th Airlift Wing|website=145aw.ang.af.mil|access-date=22 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422124321/https://www.145aw.ang.af.mil/|archive-date=22 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> – [[Charlotte Air National Guard Base]], North Carolina
*** [[156th Airlift Squadron]]
** [[154th Wing]] – Hickam AFB, Hawaii
*** [[204th Airlift Squadron]] (Associate)
** [[164th Airlift Wing]] – [[Memphis Air National Guard Base|Memphis ANGB]], Tennessee
*** [[155th Airlift Squadron]]
** [[167th Airlift Wing]] – [[Shepherd Field Air National Guard Base|Shepherd Field ANGB]], [[West Virginia]]
*** [[167th Airlift Squadron]]
** [[172d Airlift Wing]] – Allen C. Thompson Field ANGB, [[Mississippi]]
*** [[183d Airlift Squadron]]
** [[176th Wing]] – Elmendorf AFB, Alaska
*** [[144th Airlift Squadron]]
==Accidents and notable incidents {{anchor|Accidents and notable incidents}}==
<!-- Add new items by date of notable incident/accident
-->
* On 10 September 1998, a USAF C-17 (AF Serial No.''96-0006'') delivered [[Keiko (orca)|Keiko]] the whale to [[Vestmannaeyjar Airport|Vestmannaeyjar]], Iceland, a {{convert|3800|ft|m|adj=on}} runway, and suffered a landing gear failure during landing. There were no injuries, but the landing gear sustained major damage.<ref>{{Cite web |title=C-17A S/N 96-0006 |url=http://www.mcchordairmuseum.org/REV%20B%20OUR%20HISTORY%20%20NAME%20C-17%2096-0006%20SP%20OF%20BERLIN.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080604032410/http://www.mcchordairmuseum.org/REV%20B%20OUR%20HISTORY%20%20NAME%20C-17%2096-0006%20SP%20OF%20BERLIN.htm |archive-date=4 June 2008 |access-date=2 August 2012 |website=McChord Air Museum}}</ref><ref>[https://archive.today/20120529185612/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_6712/is_24_203/ai_n28736153/ "C-17 Accident During Whale Lift Due To Design Flaw."] ''findarticles.com.'' Retrieved: 2 August 2012.</ref>
* On 10 December 2003, a USAF C-17 (AF Serial No. ''98-0057'') was hit by a [[surface-to-air missile]] after take-off from [[Baghdad International Airport|Baghdad]], [[Iraq]]. One engine was disabled and the aircraft returned for a safe landing.<ref>[http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20031209-0 "Information on 98-0057 incident."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080528170907/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20031209-0 |date=28 May 2008}} ''Aviation-Safety.net.'' Retrieved: 2 August 2012.</ref> It was repaired and returned to service.<ref>[http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0614580/M/ "C-17, tail 98-0057 image from 2004."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090601214059/http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0614580/M/ |date=1 June 2009}} ''airliners.net.'' Retrieved: 2 August 2012.</ref>
* On 6 August 2005, a USAF C-17 (AF Serial No. ''01-0196'') ran off the runway at [[Bagram Air Base]] in Afghanistan while attempting to land, destroying its nose and main landing gear.<ref>[http://www.defendamerica.mil/articles/aug2005/a080905wm5.html "Bagram Runway Reopens After C-17 Incident."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080218023330/http://www.defendamerica.mil/articles/aug2005/a080905wm5.html |date=18 February 2008}} ''DefendAmerica News Article''. Retrieved: 2 August 2012.</ref> After two months making it flightworthy, a test pilot flew the aircraft to Boeing's Long Beach facility as the temporary repairs imposed performance limitations.<ref>[http://www.boeing.com/news/frontiers/archive/2006/february/i_ids1.html "The Big Fix."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080528143600/http://www.boeing.com/news/frontiers/archive/2006/february/i_ids1.html |date=28 May 2008}} ''Boeing Frontiers Online'', February 2006.</ref> In October 2006, it returned to service following repairs.
[[File:C-17A 06-0002 No-wheels Landing Bagram Afghanistan lg.jpg|thumb|C-17 on the runway at [[Bagram Airfield|Bagram Air Base]], [[Afghanistan]], on 30 January 2009 after landing with landing gear retracted]]
* On 30 January 2009, a USAF C-17 (AF Serial No. ''96-0002'' – "Spirit of the Air Force") made a [[belly landing|gear-up landing]] at Bagram Air Base.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 February 2009 |title=Bagram Air Base runway recovery |url=https://www.af.mil/News/story/id/123133880/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090211095015/http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123133880 |archive-date=11 February 2009 |website=US Air Force}}</ref> It was ferried from Bagram AB, making several stops along the way, to Boeing's Long Beach plant for extensive repairs. The USAF Aircraft Accident Investigation Board concluded the cause was the crew's failure to follow the pre-landing checklist and lower the [[landing gear]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.amc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/147283/bagram-c-17-accident-investigation-board-complete/ |title=Bagram C-17 Accident Investigation Board complete |work=[[Air Mobility Command]] |date=7 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902170851/http://www.amc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/147283/bagram-c-17-accident-investigation-board-complete/ |archive-date=2 September 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* On 28 July 2010, a USAF C-17 (AF Serial No. ''00-0173'' – "Spirit of the Aleutians") [[2010 Alaska USAF C-17 crash|crashed]] at [[Elmendorf Air Force Base]], Alaska, while practicing for the 2010 [[Arctic Thunder Air Show]], killing all four aboard.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5x9AL_9hdA |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217161645/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5x9AL_9hdA&gl=US&hl=en |archive-date=2020-02-17 |title=Alaska C-17 Airshow Rehearsal Tragedy 2010 |via=[[YouTube]] |last= worldmediacollective |date= 9 September 2013}}</ref><ref name="ElmendorfAIB">{{Cite web |title=USAF Aircraft Accident Investigation Board Report for Incident of 28 July 2010 |url=http://www.pacaf.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-101214-048.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130304123146/http://www.pacaf.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-101214-048.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2013 |access-date=8 July 2017}}</ref> It crashed near a railroad, disrupting rail operations.<ref name=adn20100729>[http://www.adn.com/2010/07/29/1387215/fatal-c-17-crash-also-damaged.html "Arctic Thunder to continue after 4 died."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100802044638/http://www.adn.com/2010/07/29/1387215/fatal-c-17-crash-also-damaged.html |date=2 August 2010}} ''adn.com'', 30 July 2010.</ref> A military investigation found pilot error caused a [[Stall (fluid dynamics)|stall]].<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/12/11/alaska.plane.crash/ "Pilot error cause of Alaska cargo plane crash, report concludes."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151012173459/http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/12/11/alaska.plane.crash/ |date=12 October 2015}} CNN, 11 December 2010.</ref> This is the C-17's only fatal crash and the only [[hull loss]] accident.<ref name=adn20100729/>
* On 23 January 2012, a USAF C-17 (AF Serial No. ''07-7189''), assigned to the [[437th Airlift Wing]], [[Joint Base Charleston]], South Carolina, landed on runway 34R at [[Forward Operating Base Shank]], [[Afghanistan]]. The crew did not realize the required stopping distance exceeded the runway's length thus were unable to stop. It came to rest approximately 700 feet from the runway's end upon an embankment, causing major structural damage but no injuries. After 9 months of repairs to make it airworthy, the C-17 flew to Long Beach. It returned to service at a reported cost of $69.4 million.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=145343 |title=ASN Aircraft incident 23-JAN-2012 McDonnell Douglas C-17A Globemaster III 07-7189 |first=Harro |last=Ranter |website=aviation-safety.net |access-date=13 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220140336/https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=145343 |archive-date=20 December 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.flugzeug-bild.de/bild/flughaefen~deutschland~stuttgart-str/96607/07-7189-boeing-c-17a-globemaster-iii-04052016.html |title=07-7189 Boeing C-17A Globemaster III 04.05.2016 |website=Flugzeug-bild.de |access-date=13 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220214606/http://www.flugzeug-bild.de/bild/flughaefen~deutschland~stuttgart-str/96607/07-7189-boeing-c-17a-globemaster-iii-04052016.html |archive-date=20 December 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* On 20 July 2012, a USAF C-17 of the [[305th Air Mobility Wing]], flying from [[McGuire AFB]], [[New Jersey]], to [[MacDill Air Force Base]] in [[Tampa, Florida]], mistakenly landed at nearby [[Peter O. Knight Airport]], a small municipal field without a [[Air traffic control|control tower]], with Gen. [[Jim Mattis]], then commander of [[CENTCOM]] on board. After a few hours, the Globemaster took off from the airport's {{convert|3580|ft|m|adj=on}} runway without incident and made the short trip to MacDill AFB. The mistaken landing followed an extended duration flight from Europe to Southwest Asia to embark military passengers before returning to the U.S. The USAF investigation attributed the incident to fatigue leading to pilot error, as both airfields' main runways share the same magnetic heading and are only four miles apart along the shore of [[Tampa Bay]].<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/air-force-c-17-globemaster-iii-makes-surprise-landing-at-peter-o-knight/1241349/ |title= Air Force C-17 Globemaster III makes surprise landing at Peter O. Knight Airport on Davis Islands |last1= Ryan |first1= Patty |date= 22 January 2013 |orig-date= 20 July 2012 |work= [[Tampa Bay Times]] |location= Tampa Bay |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231027180907/https://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/air-force-c-17-globemaster-iii-makes-surprise-landing-at-peter-o-knight/1241349/ |archive-date= 27 October 2023 |url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.tampabay.com/news/military/macdill/air-force-blames-pilot-fatigue-for-c-17-landing-4-miles-from-macdill/1272014/ |title= Air Force blames pilot fatigue for C-17 landing 4 miles from MacDill |last1= Ryan |first1= Patty |date= 23 January 2013 |work= [[Tampa Bay Times]] |location= Tampa Bay |accessdate=1 December 2023}}</ref>
* On 9 April 2021, USAF C-17 10-0223 suffered a fire in its undercarriage after landing at [[Charleston Air Force Base|Charleston AFB]] following a flight from [[RAF Mildenhall]], UK. The fire spread to the fuselage before it was extinguished.<ref name="ASN090421">{{Cite web |title=10-0223 Accident |url=https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20210409-0 |accessdate=11 April 2021 |website=Aviation Safety Network |publisher=Flight Safety Foundation}}</ref>
==Specifications (C-17A)==
[[File:McDonnell Douglas C-17A Globemaster III 3-view line drawing.png|frameless|right|3-view line drawing of the McDonnell Douglas C-17A Globemaster III]]
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory,<ref name="Brassey's96-97">{{cite book |editor1-last=Taylor |editor1-first=Michael J.H. |title=Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory, 1996/97 |year=1996 |publisher=Brassey's |location=London, UK |isbn=1857531981 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/brasseysworldair0000unse/page/276 276-277] |edition=1st UK |url=https://archive.org/details/brasseysworldair0000unse/page/276}}</ref> U.S. Air Force fact sheet,<ref name=AF_fact>{{cite news |url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1529726/c-17-globemaster-iii/ |title=C-17 Globemaster III |work=[[United States Air Force]] |date=14 May 2018 |access-date=8 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808203032/https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1529726/c-17-globemaster-iii/ |archive-date=8 August 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> Boeing<ref name=Boeing_bg>[http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/military/c17/index.htm "Boeing C-17 Globemaster III Overview"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130308020532/http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/military/c17/index.htm |date=8 March 2013}}. Boeing, May 2008.</ref><ref name=Boeing_specs>[http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/military/c17/c17spec.htm "C-17 Globemaster III, Technical Specifications"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090305022900/http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/military/c17/c17spec.htm |date=5 March 2009}}. Boeing. Retrieved: 2 August 2012.</ref>
|prime units?=kts
<!--   General characteristics
-->
|crew=3 (2 pilots, 1 loadmaster)
|capacity={{cvt|170900|lb|0}} of cargo distributed at max over 18 [[463L master pallet]]s or a mix of palletized cargo and vehicles<!-- <br /> not needed with bullets -->
** 102 paratroopers ''or''
** 134 troops with palletized and sidewall seats ''or''
** 54 troops with sidewall seats (allows 13 cargo pallets) only ''or''
** 36 litter and 54 ambulatory patients and medical attendants ''or''
** Cargo, such as one [[M1 Abrams]] tank, two [[Bradley Fighting Vehicle|Bradley]] armored vehicles, or three [[Stryker]] armored vehicles
|length ft=174
|length in=
|length note=
|span ft=169
|span in=9.6
|span note=
|height ft=55
|height in=1
|height note=
|wing area sqft=3800
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio=7.165
|airfoil='''root:''' DLBA 142; '''tip:''' DLBA 147<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326174850/https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |archive-date=26 March 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|empty weight lb=282500
|empty weight note=
|gross weight kg=
|gross weight lb=
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight kg=
|max takeoff weight lb=585000
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity={{cvt|35546|USgal|impgal l}}
|more general=
<!--   Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=4
|eng1 name=[[Pratt & Whitney PW2000]]
|eng1 type=[[turbofan]] engines
|eng1 kw=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng1 hp=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng1 shp=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng1 kn=<!-- jet/rocket engines -->
|eng1 lbf=40440
|eng1 note= (US military designation: F117-PW-100)
<!--   Performance
-->
|max speed kts=
|max speed note=
|max speed mach=
|cruise speed kts=450
|cruise speed note=(Mach 0.74–0.79)
|stall speed kts=
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed kts=
|never exceed speed note=
|minimum control speed kts=
|minimum control speed note=
|range nmi=2420
|range note= with {{cvt|157000|lb|0}} payload
|combat range nmi=
|combat range note=
|ferry range nmi=6230<ref>{{cite web |title=C-17 Globemaster III |url=https://www.boeing.com/defense/c-17-globemaster-iii/ |access-date=6 February 2022}}</ref>
|ferry range note=
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling ft=45000
|ceiling note=
|g limits=<!-- aerobatic -->
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|climb rate ftmin=
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|wing loading lb/sqft=150
|wing loading note=
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|thrust/weight=0.277 (minimum)
|more performance=
* '''Takeoff run''' at MTOW: {{convert|8200|ft|m|abbr=on|0}}
* '''Takeoff run''' at {{cvt|395000|lb|0}}: {{convert|3000|ft|m|abbr=on|0}}<ref>{{cite web |author1= U.S. Government Accountability Office |title=C-17 Takeoff and Landing Distances (NSIAD-93-288R) |url=https://www.gao.gov/products/NSIAD-93-288R |date=14 October 1993 |access-date=31 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331033029/https://www.gao.gov/products/NSIAD-93-288R |archive-date=31 March 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''Landing distance:''' {{convert|3500|ft|m|abbr=on|0}}<ref name=AF_fact/>
|avionics=* AlliedSignal AN/APS-133(V) weather and mapping radar
}}
==See also==
{{Portal|Aviation}}
{{aircontent
|see also= <!-- other related articles that have not already linked: -->
|related= <!-- designs developed into or from this aircraft: -->
* [[McDonnell Douglas YC-15]]
|similar aircraft= <!-- aircraft that are of similar Role, Era, and Capability this design: -->
* [[Ilyushin Il-76]]
* [[Xi'an Y-20]]
|lists= <!-- Relevant lists that this aircraft appears in. -->
* [[List of active Canadian military aircraft]]
* [[List of active United Kingdom military aircraft]]
* [[List of active United States military aircraft]]
<!-- See [[WP:Air/PC]] for more explanation of these fields. -->
}}
==References==
{{Reflist}}
===Bibliography===
{{Refbegin|40em}}
* Bonny, Danny, Barry Fryer and Martyn Swann. ''AMARC MASDC III, The Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center, Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ, 1997–2005.'' Surrey, UK: British Aviation Research Group, 2006. {{ISBN|978-0-906339-07-7}}.
* Department of Defense. [https://books.google.com/books?id=22pQ2jPcRzsC ''Kosovo/Operation Allied Force After-Action Report''], DIANE Publishing; 31 January 2000.{{ISBN|978-1-4289-8107-2}}.
* Gertler, Jeremiah. [https://books.google.com/books?id=wyiLKkmVFHcC "Air Force C-17 Aircraft Procurement: Background and Issues for Congress."] ''Congressional Research Service'', DIANE Publishing; 22 December 2009. {{ISBN|978-1-4379-2801-3}}.
* Kennedy, Betty R. ''Globemaster III: Acquiring the C-17''. McConnell AFB, Kansas: Air Mobility Command Office of History, 2004.
* McLaughlin, Andrew. "Big Mover." Canberra: ''Australian Aviation (Phantom Media)'', September 2008.
* Norton, Bill. ''Boeing C-17 Globemaster III'' (Warbird Tech, Vol. 30). North Branch, Minnesota: Specialty Press, 2001. {{ISBN|1-58007-040-X}}.
<!-- * ''C-17 aircraft: cost of spare parts higher than justified'', U.S. General Accounting Office, 1996. ASIN B00010S6F0.
* ''C-17 aircraft: cost of spare parts higher than justified'', U.S. General Accounting Office, 2011. {{ISBN|978-1-240-73629-4}}. -->
{{Refend}}
== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website}}
* [https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1529726/c-17-globemaster-iii/ USAF C-17 fact sheet]
* [https://www.raf.mod.uk/aircraft/globemaster-c-17/ Globemaster (C-17)] – [[Royal Air Force]]
* [http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/en/aircraft-current/cc-177.page RCAF CC-177 Globemaster III page] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821174618/http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/en/aircraft-current/cc-177.page |date=21 August 2021 }}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20180911114518/https://www.airhistory.net/resources/c-17.php Full C-17 production list, including manufacturer serial numbers (c/n)]
* [https://blogs.chapman.edu/huell-howser-archives/2003/04/01/boeing-californias-gold-118/ Tour of the manufacturing line on ''California's Gold'']
{{McDD aircraft}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Boeing C-017 Globemaster III}}
[[Category:Boeing military aircraft|C-1017 Globemaster III]]
[[Category:McDonnell Douglas aircraft|C-017 Globemaster III]]
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