C-17 Globemaster

Proven, ready and dependable

The C-17 Globemaster III is a high-wing, four-engine transport that delivers large equipment, supplies and troops directly to small, austere airfields anywhere in the world. Proven across every major operation since the 1990s, the C-17 combines long-range haul capability with short-field performance, oversized payload handling and aerial refueling to support tactical airlift, strategic delivery and humanitarian relief. Boeing provides life cycle sustainment, training and around-the-clock base support to keep fleets mission capable and ready.

Capabilities and Features

Mission Performance

A versatile transport built to meet demanding distance, destination and payload challenges.

Tactical short-field operations

Capable of landing on short, unpaved or paved strips by day or night and performing unique maneuvers such as pinnacle landings and slope backup.

Long-range strategic reach

Can fly more than 6,200 nautical miles with no payload and conduct aerial refueling for virtually unlimited range.

Heavy and oversized payloads

Carries up to 164,900 pounds (74,797 kilograms) and accommodates large equipment such as main battle tanks in two side-by-side rows.

Lift and Airdrop

Flexible cargo handling for logistics, troop movement and airborne delivery.

Large payload capacity

Supports single drops up to 60,000 pounds (27,216 kilograms) and sequential load drops totaling 110,000 pounds (49,895 kilograms) for mass delivery operations.

Comprehensive troop and cargo layouts

Seats up to 54 on the sidewall and 48 on the centerline, or configured for mixed cargo and personnel loads.

Rapid loading and offload

Rear ramp loading and advanced cargo handling support quick turnarounds in austere environments.

Sustainment and Support

End-to-end sustainment and global support to maximize fleet availability and reduce life cycle cost.

Globemaster III sustainment program

Boeing manages program execution, logistics, sustaining engineering and depot maintenance under a single sustainment contract to ensure system availability.

On-site base services

Provides base management, field services, engineering technical support and 24/7 spare parts support for operating locations.

Best-in-class readiness metrics

Fleet sustainment focuses on high mission-capable rates and favorable cost per flight-hour to keep operators ready worldwide.

Training and Readiness

Realistic, mission-focused training to prepare crews for tactical airlift and contingency operations.

Advanced simulation and courseware

Full-mission simulators and tailored training enable aircrews and loadmasters to practice tactical airdrops, aerial refueling, emergency procedures and humanitarian scenarios.

Train the way you operate

Integrated training solutions align with operational procedures to reduce time to proficiency and maintain high readiness across the force.

Specifications

Wingspan to Winglet Tip	169.8 feet (51.8 meters)
Height at Tail	55.1 feet (16.8 meters)
Engines	4 Pratt & Whitney PW2040 (military designation F117-PW-100) 40,440 pounds thrust each
Centerline Seating (stored on board)	48 (in sets of six back-to-back, 8 sets)
Cockpit	2 pilots, 2 observer positions
Navigation System	Digital electronics
Flight Controls System	Quadruple-redundant electronic flight control with mechanical backup system

Length	174 feet (53 meters)
Fuselage Diameter	22.5 feet (6.9 meters)
Sidewall Seating (permanently installed)	54 (27 each side, 18 inches (wide, 24-inch spacing center to center)
Palletized	80 on 8 pallets, plus 54 passengers on sidewall seats
Instrument Displays	2 full-time all-function head-up displays (HUD), 4 multifunction active matrix liquid crystal displays
Communication	Integrated radio management system with communications system open architecture (COSA)
Wing Area	3,800 square feet (353 square meters)