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16" x 20". Full-color
print.
The C-17 is
possibly the most flexible airlift aircraft to enter the Air Force
inventory since the C-130 Hercules. The ultimate measure of airlift
effectiveness is the ability to rapidly project and sustain an effective
combat force close to a potential battle area. The Boeing C-17
Globemaster III is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and
cargo to main operating bases, or directly to forward bases in the
deployment area. The aircraft is also able to perform tactical airlift
and airdrop missions when required. The C-17 program
was restructured in 1990 following the OSD Major Aircraft Review,
reducing the planned buy from 210 to 120 aircraft.
Since 1995, the fleet has
amassed more than 250,000 flying hours. The C-17 has been involved in
numerous contingency operations, including flying troops and equipment
to Operation Joint Endeavor to support peacekeeping in Bosnia and Allied
Force Operation in Kosovo. In 1998, eight C-17s completed the longest
airdrop mission in history, flying more than 8,000 nautical miles from
the United States to Central Asia, dropping troops and equipment after
more than 19 hours in the air, a feat repeated in 2000.
No. GT265-GA. Only $4.95 |