Specialised Aircraft No. 1

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III

In June 2009, the Indian Air Force selected the C-17 for its Very Heavy Lift Transport Aircraft requirement to replace several types of transport aircraft. In January 2010, India requested 10 C-17s through the U.S.'s Foreign Military Sales program, the sale was approved by Congress in June 2010. On 23 June 2010, the Indian Air Force successfully test-landed a US Air Force C-17 at the Gaggal Airport,Dharamsala, India to complete the IAF's C-17 trials.  

In February 2011, the Indian Air Force and  The Boeing company agreed terms for the order of 10 C-17 Globemaster.  The aircraft provides strategic airlift and the ability to deploy Special Forces, such as during national emergencies. The 10 C-17 Globemaster are based at Hindon Air Force Station,Ghaziabad,UP,India .

The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is designed to fulfill military and humanitarian airlift needs well into the 21st century. A high-wing, four-engine tailed aircraft with a rear loading ramp, the C- 17 can carry large combat and troops or humanitarian aid across international distances directly to small airfields anywhere in the world. With a payload  of  approx  74798kg approx. The C-17 can take off from a 7,000-feet airfield, fly  Upto  4444 km and land on a small airfield of 3,000 feet or less. 

The Skylords regularly fly missions within India, such as to high-altitude bases at Leh  and Thoise.  In June 2017, the U.S.Department of State approved the potential sale of one C-17 to India.

C-17 Globemaster played a vital role in Humanitarian situations : Saving lives from Kashmir to Chennai: IAF’s big birds to the rescue

The Indian Air Force’s C-17 aircraft went to Juba and evacuated Indian nationals who were stranded in South Sudan. Minister of State for Ministry of External Affairs, General VK Singh is onboard C-17 aircraft, leading Operation ‘Sankat Mochan’ himself.

Heavy lifter C-17 Globemaster  which helped in saving thousands of lives during Uttarakhand and Kashmir floods and the deadly Nepal earthquake,  again did a yeoman service in rain-hit Chennai where they ferried nearly 1,500 people to safety following the deluge. C17 rescue operations were landing at Arakkonam Base,  the ‘big bird’ transported to safety over 480 people to Delhi, Hyderabad and Patna.

A Boeing C-17 Globemaster III successfully landed and took off from one of the highest landing strips in India, located in Mechuka in Arunachal Pradesh. Located at an elevation of about 1830 metres above sea level and close to China border, Mechuka was one of the several strategic locations during the 1962 war with China.

C-17 Specifications:-

Operating with a crew of only three, the C-17 transport has maximum range of 2,400 nautical miles with a payload of 165,000 pounds. It can be aerial refueled for longer missions. The Globemaster accommodates outsized cargo, such as the M-1 tank , and its cavernous interior can be configured  easily for paratrooper, container or platform airdrops.

Wing Area: 3800ft/353m

Wing Sweep: 25 degree

Aspect Ratio: 7.165

Cruise Speed: 915-950 Km/hr

Thus, C- 17 Globemaster III proved to be a new capability to India for fighting against the enemy – A transport that can deliver large cargos to close-in combat troops.

                                                                                                               

 By- Utkarsh Das