The C-17 Globemaster III, the US Air Force's primary strategic lift aircraft, is a proven asset for the service's Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept because of its ability to rapidly transport troops and cargo to main or forward operating bases.

The ACE concept was created to develop a force and fleet capable of responding to evolving threats. It shifts focus from large, centralized bases to dispersed cluster bases, including those in austere and remote environments.

The C-17 is well equipped to operate in such environments.

Each of its four engines has 18,343kg of thrust and is equipped with thrust reversers that direct the exhaust airflow of gas turbines forward upon landing to avoid the ingestion of dust and debris.

The thrust reversers can create in-flight drag for maximum rate descents, enabling operations in and out of short runways and austere airfields.

The Globemaster III can land on runways as short as 1,070 meters and only 27 meters wide. Using its three-point star turn and backing capabilities, the C-17 can turn itself around on such narrow runways.

The C-17 has a global range with in-flight refueling and has a speed of 450 knots (0.74 Mach).

Transport capabilities

The aircraft's heavy lifting capabilities make it capable of supporting flexible operations in the battlespace, even from afar.

A single C-17 Globemaster III can carry 77,500kg of cargo, or 102 paratroopers and all of their equipment, or 18 pallets of supplies and munitions, bringing both supplies and manpower wherever needed.

It is even capable of carrying nearly all of the US Army's mobile equipment, including a single 68-ton M1 Abrams battle tank.

The C-17 can carry up to four UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, expanding the reach of the troops and cargo on the aircraft.

The Black Hawk, capable of flying 12 fully equipped troops in each helicopter, can fly closer to front lines or transport manpower or supplies to more isolated areas, further extending support to soldiers.

Supporting a robust and agile force requires aircraft that are maintainable and dependable. For every flying hour, the C-17 requires only 20 aircraft maintenance man-hours.

With more than 220 C-17s in operation, the fleet can reach any corner of the world quickly and effectively.