C-17A Aircraft

Abstract

The C-17 can perform the entire spectrum of airlift missions and is specifically designed to operate effectively and efficiently in both strategic and theater environments. Airlift provides essential flexibility when responding to contingencies on short notice anywhere in the world. It is a major element of America's national security strategy and constitutes the most responsive means of meeting mobility requirements. Specific tasks associated with the airlift mission include deployment, employment, sustaining support, retrograde, and combat redeployment. Not only can the C-17 deliver outsize cargo to austere tactical environments, but it also reduces ground time during airland operations. The C-17 will perform its airlift mission well into this century. C-17 RDT&E funding efforts support, but are not limited to: aircraft performance improvements and airspace access mandates (i.e., Communications/Navigation Improvements); flight test activities and facilities; development of solutions for obsolescence and safety of flight issues; systems engineering/program management administration support; support for avionics laboratories; block development/change management; proposal preparation for new projects; cost estimating and engineering/acquisition studies not related to requirements generation. In FY16, the Efforts in the C-17 R2 part C, "Accomplishments/Planned Programs", transition from Performance Improvement and Obsolescence, Systems Engineering, and Test in FY14 & 15 to link RDT&E funding directly to Programs on the Air Force Acquisition Master List (AML). As a result, funding on lines that appear as unfunded in FY16 have transitioned to the following Programs: Common Configuration (CC), Communications/Navigation and Capability Mandates(CN/CM), Extended Range Onboard Inert Gas Generating System (ER/OBIGGS)II and Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS). CC includes several projects: Modernized Replacement Core Integrated Processor (M-RCIP), Communication and Navigation Capability (Comm Nav), Replacement Heads Up Display (RHUD), Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) & Global Air Traffic Management (GATM) updates, and Airdrop Improvements. CN/CM includes Communication, Navigation, Surveillance & Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) which is Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast Out (ADS-B out). ER OBIGGS II includes Onboard Inert Gas Generating System (OBIGGS) Filter Fire Fix which is a redesign of the OBIGGS II shutoff valve. BLOS modernization includes satellite communications and increased broadband capabilities. AERO I modernization is multi-channel voice and data delivered via an intermediate-gain antenna. This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development because this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.

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Document Details

Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2016
Source ID
672569_0401130F_7_3600_PB_2016

Tags

Readers

  • Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.

Technology Areas

  • Space

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