Dubai Airshow: Boeing C-17 marks its huge presence at Dubai Airshow

The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III marks its monster presence at this years show.

The Charleston, South Carolina, stationed aircraft is here on display at the static, and while this is one of the US Air Force's C-17s, manufacturer Boeing is hoping that the UAE will follow neighbouring Qatar and purchase four of the type for airlift and humanitarian roles. 

The C-17 entered service with the USAF in January 1995 and now has 187 in service and is expected to take an additional 15 by August 2010.

The mammoth aircraft is a high-wing, four-engine, T-tailed military transport vehicle is capable of carrying payloads up to 169,000lb. It measures 53 meters with a wingspan of 169 feet.

It has an international range and the ability to land on small airfields of just 3000 feet of runway. The aircraft is capable of turning in a small radius and can complete a 180° star turn in 80ft.    

A fully integrated electronic cockpit and advanced cargo systems allow a crew of three, the pilot, co-pilot and loadmaster, who operates the systems.  Being manned by just three reduces manpower requirements, risk exposure and long-term operating costs.

Cargo is loaded onto the C-17 through its huge aft door that accommodates military vehicles and palletized cargo. Maximum load capacity is 170, 900 pounds and at its gross takeoff weight is 585,000 pounds.

 The C-17 prime role is for service is to act as strategic delivery of troops, it can hold 102 troops/paratroopers, and all types of cargo to main operating bass or directly o forward bases in the deployment area. It is also used on humanitarian missions, tactical airlift and airdrop missions and can transport litters and ambulatory patients during aeromedical evacuations when required.

“This is a fantastic mission we have here,” says staff Sergeant Jason Head, “This aircraft is a true piece of survival machinery.  We have a 92 percent success rate on all missions.”

Recent mission for this particular aircraft at the show include dropping troops, military vehicles, equipment and survival needs in to war-torn Iraq and Afghanistan.

“We are always in danger on these particular missions but it is our job to make a safe delivery of urgently needed equipment to our fellow comrades or to transport more troops to these countries.  Other missions also bring a sense of satisfaction, such as dropping food and medical supplies to countries recently affected by a Tsunami. It’s not necessarily the most comfortable aircraft for you to fly on for hours, but we have fun and get on with it. Saying that, there are a few beds by the cockpit for pilots to rest, so if we’re lucky they might give up a bed for us,” laughs Head.

 During our half hour flight over Dubai there was no time for sleeping as the aircraft demonstrated its short take-off and maneuvrability and showed just why it is an impressive part of the daily flying display.

With its sideways fold-down seating, one can sympathise with Sergeant Head's long-haul discomfort, but the aircraft is proven as effective and capable of getting the job done.