The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlifter fleet celebrated the historical milestone of achieving 3 million flying hours on May 5.
The C-17 is the only strategic airlifter in the world that has tactical capabilities that allow it to fly between continents; land on short, austere runways and airdrop supplies precisely where needed.
U.S. Air Force is the largest operator of the C-17, flying 222 and foreign countries have 44.
The C-17 passed the 1-million-hour mark in March 2006 and the 2-million-hour mark in December 2010.
A ceremony was held at USAF Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, and Joint Base Charleston to commemorate the fleet’s milestone. As part of the ceremony, a combined Charleston aircrew and Boeing team flew a ceremonial flight.
The C-17 fleet is in its 22nd year of operation; it was first delivered in June 1993. Getting to the 3 millionth flying hour all started on Sept. 15, 1991, when the aircraft made its maiden flight.
The platform provides unparalleled strategic and tactical airlift and airdrop capability to United States as well as eight other partner nations including UK, Australia, India, Canada and Kuwait.
During the recent earthquake in Nepal, Indian Air Force extensively used its C-17 fleet to provide humanitarian help, quickly followed by C-17s from the United States, Canada and United Kingdom. India also used the C-17 to evacuate thousands of peoples from Yemen, following the recent war.
Boeing is preparing to shut its C-17 production line, later this year following lack of orders. Boeing is currently building the last C-17, which will become the fifth white tail aircraft. A recent Australian order for two reduced the unsold aircraft no to five.
The C-17 Globemaster III is a high-wing, four-engined, T-tailed aircraft with a rear loading ramp. With its 160,000-pound (72,600-kilogram) payload, the C-17 can take off from a 7,600-foot (2316 meter) airfield, fly 2,400 nautical miles (4444 kilometers) and land on a small, austere airfield in 3,000 feet (914 meters) or less. The C-17 can be refueled in flight. On the ground, a fully loaded aircraft, using engine reversers, can back up a 2 percent slope.
