Military Airlift: C-17 Aircraft Program
Abstract
The C-17 Globemaster III is a long-range cargo/transport aircraft operated by the U.S. Air Force since 1993. Congress approved development of the aircraft in the late 197Os, when it was recognized that the Air Force did not have enough airlift capability. In 1981, the McDonnell Douglas C-17 emerged as winner of a competition with Boeing and Lockheed to develop a next-generation aircraft to replace C-13Os and C-141s. Full-scale development of the C-17 got underway in 1986, but technical problems and funding shortfalls delayed the program, leading to slipped schedules and increased costs. Despite those difficulties, the C-17 has retained broad congressional support and enjoys strong Air Force and Army backing Defense officials view the C-17 as essential in the post-Cold War environment, because of its ability to fly long distances with large payloads yet still use smaller bases in remote areas. The C-17 first flew in 1991, about a year later than originally scheduled. Deliveries began in 1993, and in January 1995, the Air Force declared the aircraft fully operational. C-17s have been successfully used in Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan and other operations. The current inventory of C-17s is 100 aircraft.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 27, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA435617
Entities
People
- Christopher Bolkcom
Organizations
- Defense Acquisition University