The US Air Force's C-17 Globemaster III, a large transport aircraft with unmatched cargo flexibility, underpins the military's Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept by enabling rapid resupply to dispersed forward locations.

With about 220 in service, the fleet allows ACE to shift operations away from large, centralized bases to smaller, distributed airfields that can quickly generate combat power near potential battle areas.

Reliability and maintainability represent two outstanding benefits of the C-17 program, according to Air Force fact sheets.

The ultimate measure of airlift effectiveness is the ability to rapidly project and sustain an effective combat force close to a potential battle area.

The ACE concept represents a fundamental transformation in Air Force operations.

It emphasizes quickly establishing remote airfields to support fighter refueling and rearming near combat zones while reducing vulnerability to enemy strikes.

Modern threats demand forces that can quickly establish and operate from remote airfields.

The C-17's engineering makes this strategic shift possible. Its high-lift wing design, combined with slats and externally blown flaps, enables operations from small, austere airfields that would ground other heavy transports.

The aircraft can take off and land on runways as short as 3,500 feet (1,064 meters) and only 90 feet wide (27.4 meters).

The C-17 demonstrates remarkable agility through three-point star turns and backing capability.

During combat under ACE conditions, the C-17 provides major resupply to forward-deployed units operating from hasty, remote airfields.

The aircraft is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to main operating bases or directly to forward bases in the deployment area.

It can also perform tactical airlift, airdrop, and aeromedical evacuation missions, transporting both litter and ambulatory patients.

Operational excellence

The C-17's performance metrics underscore its reliability in demanding conditions.

The aircraft maintains a 92% mission-completion success rate while requiring only 20 maintenance hours per flight hour, according to Air Force data.

Mission availability rates reach 75% for full capability operations and 82% for partial capability missions.

The C-17 has a crew of three personnel, two pilots and one loadmaster.

The C-17's cargo capacity reaches 170,900 lbs (77,519 kg) of cargo distributed at maximum over 18 463L master pallets or a mix of palletized cargo and vehicles.

This flexibility allows rapid reconfiguration based on mission requirements.

For personnel transport, the aircraft can accommodate 102 paratroopers for an airdrop or 134 troops with palletized and sidewall seats.

Heavy cargo operations showcase the C-17's strategic value. The aircraft can carry one M1 Abrams tank, two Bradley armored vehicles, or three Stryker armored vehicles.

Cargo is loaded onto the C-17 through a large aft ramp and door system that accommodates virtually all of the Army's air-transportable equipment.

Performance specifications reflect the aircraft's global reach capabilities.

The C-17 cruising speed is 450 knots (520 mph, 830 km/h; Mach 0.74-0.79) with a range of 2,780 miles (4,480 km) carrying 157,000 lb (71,214 kg) payload. Service ceiling is 45,000 feet (14,000 m).

Beyond US Air Force operations, the transport is in service with allied air forces including India, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and the Europe-based multilateral organization Heavy Airlift Wing.

This international presence enhances coalition operations and demonstrates the aircraft's proven capabilities across diverse operational environments.