C-17 Globemaster heavy transport
The Royal Australian Air Force received the first of four C-17 Globemaster heavy transports in December 2006 and the second in May 2007. The Globemaster is operated by No 36 Squadron from RAAF Base Amberley, near Brisbane.
The C-17 Globemaster is a high-wing four-engine heavy transport. It has three times the carrying capacity of the C-130 Hercules, allowing Australia to rapidly deploy troops, combat vehicles, heavy equipment and helicopters anywhere in the world. The Globemaster is large enough to transport the M1A1 Abrams tank, Black Hawk, Seahawk or Chinook helicopters, three Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopters or five Bushmaster infantry vehicles.
It significantly enhances our ability to support national and international operations, and major disaster relief efforts.
Related links
- The Master has Arrived, Air Force News, 14 December 2006
- Master Plan for C-17s, Air Force News, 23 March 2006
- New Heavy Lify Capability for Air Force, Minister for Defence media release, 3 March 2006
- Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
|---|---|
| Role | Heavy multi-role transport and strategic airlift |
| Crew | Three; two pilots and a loadmaster |
| Engine | Four Pratt and Whitney PW2040 turbofans (40,440 lbs thrust each) |
| Airframe | Length: 53m, height: 16.8m |
| Wingspan | 51.7m |
| Weight | 72,500kg payload |
| Speed | 800km/h (cruising speed) |
| Range | 4,500km |
| Accommodation | Depending on configuration:
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