The United States military participating in Operation Core 23, which takes place in Pará and Amapá, between November 1st and 16th, has the support of a Boeing C-17, a plane that was developed for the country’s Air Force.
The C-17’s maiden flight took place on September 15, 1991, with the first production model being delivered to Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina, in June 1993.
Initially, the Air Force had planned to purchase 120 copies of the plane. However, due to its success in mobility operations, new units were ordered, resulting in a fleet of 223 aircraft.
Operational features
The C-17 is 53 meters long, with a wingspan of 51.75 meters, powered by four Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 turbofan engines, which are also used on the Boeing 757.
Each engine has a thrust of 40,440 pounds, with reversers that direct airflow upward and forward to keep out dust and debris.
The aircraft is operated by a crew of three: commander, co-pilot and cargo operator, to reduce the need for manpower and exposure to risks and operational costs.
Among the loads that can be carried on the C-17 are the M1 Abrams tank, weighing 69 tons; armored vehicles; trucks; and trailers.
Up to 102 parachutists can jump from the plane.
The maximum payload capacity is 77,519 kilograms, with a maximum take-off weight of 265,352 kilograms.
Cruising speed is approximately 450 knots (Mach 0.74) at 28,000 feet. The maximum height is 45 thousand feet.
Usage options
The Air Force claims the C-17 is the most flexible cargo aircraft in its fleet. It is capable of quickly delivering troops and all types of cargo to the country’s main operating bases.
It can also be used in tactical air transport, launch and to transport ambulatory patients in aeromedical operations.
C-17 technical sheet
- Primary Function: Transport of cargo and troops
- Manufacturer: Boeing
- Motor: Four Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 turbofan engines
- Propulsion: 40,440 pounds
- Wingspan: 51.75 meters
- Length: 53 meters
- Height: 16.79 meters
- Speed: 450 knots at 28 thousand feet (Mach 0.74)
- Maximum height: 45 thousand feet at cruising speed
- Maximum takeoff weight: 265,352 kilos
- Charge: 77,519 kilos
- Cost: US$202.3 million (1998 cost)
- Implementation date: June 1993
- Aircraft division: Air Force active service: 157; Air National Guard: 47; Air Force Reserve: 18
Source: CNN Brasil
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