Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews
  • News
  • Guns
    • Rifles
    • Handguns
    • Shotguns
    • Special Weapons
  • Gear
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Holsters
    • Knives
    • Optics & Sights
    • Suppressors
  • Lifestyle
    • Culture
    • Military & Police
    • Tactics & Training
  • Videos
No Result
View All Result
Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews
  • News
  • Guns
    • Rifles
    • Handguns
    • Shotguns
    • Special Weapons
  • Gear
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Holsters
    • Knives
    • Optics & Sights
    • Suppressors
  • Lifestyle
    • Culture
    • Military & Police
    • Tactics & Training
  • Videos
No Result
View All Result
Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews
No Result
View All Result
 
FREE GUN FRIDAY > Enter to WIN the Ruger PC Charger & PC Carbine, Ammo from Black Hills and the Caldwell Portable Range Kit!

Tactical Rides: C-17 Globemaster III

Donald J. Mihalek by Donald J. Mihalek
January 19, 2016
in Military & Police
0
C-17 Globemaster III lead

The Jedi II, one of the USAF’s C-17 Globemaster III air lifters, sits on the tarmac at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey. C-17s commonly transport troops and cargo throughout the world.

0
SHARES
5
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
C-17 Globemaster III lead
The Jedi II, one of the USAF’s C-17 Globemaster III air lifters, sits on the tarmac at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey. C-17s commonly transport troops and cargo throughout the world.
C-17 Globemaster III cockpit
Here you can see the Jedi 11’s cockpit, where both pilots must keep an eye on several gauges and controls to keep the C-17 Globemaster III in flight.
C-17 Globemaster III countermeasures
The C-17 Globemaster III has several sensor-driven countermeasures on board to deter any anti-aircraft missiles from destroying it or its passengers.

C-17 Globemaster III Paratroopers
Paratroopers drop out of a C-17 Globemaster III’s side hatch during an insertion training exercise. The massive C-17 hauler can easily and effectively deliver 102 paratroopers to an area of operation.
C-17 Globemaster III engine
To haul such heavy loads, the C-17 Globemaster III is powered by four Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 turbofan engines, each rated for 40,400 pounds of thrust.
C-17 Globemaster III KC-10
To extend its range, the C-17 can refuel in mid-air by hooking onto a KC-10 tanker’s extended refueling boom, a challenging task that requires patience and precision.

When the U.S. military wants to load up and move out, or the U.S. Secret Service needs to move the President’s limos, or aid needs to be shipped to nations in need—they all make one call to the nearest U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III.

  • RELATED STORY: Special Ops: The Ghosts of HALO Parachuting

According to Boeing, “In the early 1970s, there was a push to modernize the U.S. air fleet, which included mission specifications that required the new aircraft to be capable of transporting supplies faster and closer to the frontlines, with the capability of performing short takeoffs and landings from runways in rough terrain.”

After many iterations, on Sept. 15, 1991, with stronger engines, swept wings and a larger cargo area, the C-17 made its first flight as the most advanced airlifter ever made and became the U.S. Air Force’s premier transport platform.

Boeing later said, “During flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base in California, the C-17 set 33 world records—more than any other airlifter in history. Since its first flight, the C-17 has exceeded 2 million fight hours and has supported both combat operations and humanitarian relief efforts in Pakistan, Haiti, Chile, China, Myanmar and Thailand.

Aboard Jedi 11

On March 22, I was lucky to set foot inside a C-17 at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey as a guest of the 732nd Airlift Squadron, whose motto is “Fly with the ram.” The squadron, a USAF Reserve unit that is part of the 514th Air Mobility Wing, is commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Irvin. Irvin has been flying C-17s for over 10 years, and in his civilian job he flies Boeing 777s for United Airlines

Irvin said, “The C-17 is one of the best assets the Air Mobility Command has at its disposal. It can perform almost every mission set we have compared to other aircraft, and in my opinion is the best bang for the buck for the taxpayer.”

The crew was comprised of several USAF Reserve pilots, including Captain Justin Paulson, First Lieutenant Tommy Beltz, Captain Kyle Johnson, Captain Lee Schmeer and Master Sergeant Thomas Shine, the primary “load master.” This flight was unique due to it being a mission evaluation for Captain Paulson. This meant the plane would go through many of its performance capabilities, including short takeoff and landing operations, low-flight operations, tactical arrivals and departures, and in-flight refueling.

As we walked the tarmac to the plane, Captain Paulson, who gave the crew brief, said, “I was active duty in the Air Force for eight years and just got into the Reserves. I’ve flown almost every mission with the C-17 that it can perform, and to this day, it’s still an amazing aircraft.”

As we walked down the tarmac to our ride, the aircraft grew from big to larger than life. Arriving on board was literally walking into the heartbeat of U.S. military prowess, and few other assets in the military, let alone the U.S. government, are as reliable and versatile as the C-17.

Heavy Lifter

The plane’s cargo area can carry a lot of equipment, including up to 102 paratroopers. With a maximum payload capacity of 170,900 pounds and a maximum gross takeoff weight of 585,000 pounds, the C-17 can move anything that can fit inside it. This includes carrying a cargo of wheeled U.S. Army vehicles in two side-by-side rows, such the U.S. Army’s main battle tank, the M1, or three Bradley infantry fighting vehicles.

With a typical cruise altitude of 31,000 feet, a cruise speed of 450 knots and a range of around 4,500 nautical miles prior to fueling, the plane can reach out and touch almost any destination in the world with minimal refuels. The C-17 ‘s ability to take off, land, backup and perform a three-point star turn on runways as short as 3,500 feet and only 90 feet wide is an amazing feat for a plane of its size.

As we strapped into one of the jump seats in the cargo area, we heard the engines roar to life as the Globemaster started rolling down the taxiway. Displaying the full power of the C-17’s engines, within seconds we ascended into the sky in a high arc.

The gigantic cargo bay can transform into many different configurations. According to Master Sergeant Shine, the “load master” on this flight, “Our main focus is to ensure the safety of the flight. The C-17 cargo compartment is a versatile area, and it usually takes about two hours to transform the load area into one of its many configurations.”

The plane can handle 18 pallet positions with four additional on the ramp. The C-17 Globemaster III can also airdrop a single load up to 60,000 pounds, sequential loads of up to 110,000 pounds, 40 containers that weigh up to 2,350 pounds each, or 102 paratroopers on a target.

“For medevac missions, we are able to transport up to 36 litter and 54 ambulatory patients and attendants, transforming us into an air hospital,” Shine said. “For us, the most rewarding missions we perform are medevacs, especially when we have to get our troops back safely from downrange. That’s when we can see that we really make a difference.”

The C-17 is also equipped with counter-measures, including jammers. The system interfaces to the C-17’s sensors, and the crew can reportedly select the mode of operation of the countermeasure dispenser for fully automatic, semi-automatic or manual operation. Bottom line: The plane can fly and protect itself with some of the most advanced technology on the market.

Force Of The Jedi

On this particular day, the pilots flew to the Lakehurst Naval side of the Joint Base and commenced practicing short-distance landings and takeoffs. Lieutenant Colonel Irvin said, “To become qualified, the pilot has to land the plane in a 500-foot box and stop within 3,500 feet. Once that’s accomplished, they need to be able to get the plane off the ground in as little as 3,500 feet and tactically accelerate the jet and climb to a few thousand feet to minimize the time when the aircraft is exposed to small-arms fire.”

The pilots also practiced low-altitude flying at 500 feet. Irvin explained, “Low-altitude operations with the C-17 Globemaster III are particularly tricky due to the size and wingspan of the aircraft, low-altitude obstacles like towers and civilian aircraft, but it’s a crucial operation to ingress and egress airfields at low altitude to reduce exposure to air defenses.”

From our perspective, the most challenging part of the flight appeared to be the aerial refueling. “Today we actually have a clear day with great air,” Irvin said. “Like everything, though, this is why we practice this and every other maneuver. Perfect practice makes perfect flying—the more reps you get in, the easier it will be in a real-word evolution.”

From the cockpit, we watched the pilot, Captain Paulson, and his co-pilot, Captain Kyle Johnson, deftly maneuver the C-17 underneath a KC-10 with its refueling boom extended. It takes a steady hand because the pilots have to line up just under and behind the refueler and then gauge air speed, distance and altitude to connect with the boom. The pilots were fully focused on hitting their target, and for a large aircraft, it seemed like they were moving the plane in inches versus feet.

“Aerial refueling is only accomplished by planning a pre-determined location, altitude, distance and air speed. Of course, the optimal time to perform this type of evolution is during daylight hours, but we also practice at night, which can be a lot more challenging,” Irvin said.

  • RELATED STORY: Combat Vehicles: Sikorsky’s SB-1 Defiant Helicopter

Turning back toward Joint Base McGuire, the crew executed a high-altitude tactical arrival, which avoids low-altitude flight in hot airspace, reducing exposure to small-arms fire. Once ready to land, First Lieutenant Tommy Belts called the tower and said, “Jedi 11 gear down,” as the plane’s main wheels made contact with the tarmac and the engines went into full reverse, stopping the plane in about 1,500 feet.

After parking the C-17, Irvin congratulated Captain Paulson on a great flight, thus completing his evaluation on one of the most technologically advanced aircraft in the world, but it takes a crew like the Jedi 11’s to make it actually perform.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bg-SOxvRXY

Didn't find what you were looking for?

CLICK HERE FOR COMMENTS

RELATED POSTS

The Beretta American Defender program offers discounts to first responders

Beretta American Defender Program Offers Discounts for First Responders

Air Force OSI Selects Glock

Air Force OSI Selects Glocks for New Duty Pistol

New Jersey LEOSA, federal law

Big Court Win for New Jersey LEOSA Permits

Limited Edition 5.11 Tactical hoodie for The Terminal List

5.11 Tactical and Prime Video Team Up for The Terminal List

Load More

TACTICAL-LIFE ARTICLE PAGE VIDEO

Discussion about this post

FEATURED POST

The Beretta American Defender program offers discounts to first responders

Beretta American Defender Program Offers Discounts for First Responders

In appreciation of First Responders and Military Personnel, Beretta USA announces that it has launched its Beretta American Defender Program. This program...

Read more

TRENDING

ATF Agent James Burk sued Columbus police, excessive force, reup

VIDEO: ATF Agent James Burk Tased by Columbus Police, Files Suit

...

Mossberg 590 Shockwave review for home defense myths

4 Home Defense Myths You Need to Stop Repeating

...

The Dicken Drill is named for Eli Dicken who saved many lives in the Greenwood Mall

The Elisjsha Dicken Drill

...

what are the best revolvers for home defense

Best Revolvers for Home Defense [2022]

...

PICK A CATEGORY

TACTICS & TRAINING SPOTLIGHT

Mossberg 590 Shockwave review for home defense myths

4 Home Defense Myths You Need to Stop Repeating

We cover home defense related issues a lot here on Tactical Life. Whether it's using a revolver for home defense,...

TACTICS & TRAINING SHOWCASE

The Dicken Drill is named for Eli Dicken who saved many lives in the Greenwood Mall

The Elisjsha Dicken Drill

You've got your concealed carry gun on you and get stopped by the cops. What do you do next?

What to Do When Pulled Over with a Concealed Carry

If you're serious about learning tactics for stopping an active shooter, you have to train hard

Tactics for Stopping an Active Shooter

it's important to know concealed carry laws by state

Concealed Carry Laws by State

Gun cleaning gunk 5000 rounds

Gun Cleaning: 5 Reasons Why You Need to Clean Your Firearms

learning the art of clearing pistol malfunctions could save your life

Clearing Pistol Malfunctions: A Lifesaving Self Defense Skill

Top 10 Lifesaving Concealed Carry Tips for 2022

Top 10 Lifesaving Concealed Carry Tips for 2022

Stippling a handgun

6 Steps to Stippling a Gun for Beginners

What Are NFA Trusts?

What Are NFA Trusts?

site logo
Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun news, gun reviews and gun magazines for gun enthusiasts, military and law enforcement
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • California Privacy Notice
  • Cookie Policy
© Athlon Outdoors, All Rights Reserved.
You use of this website constitutes and manifests your acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and awareness of the California Privacy Rights. Pursuant to U.S. Copyright law, as well as other applicable federal and state laws, the content on this website may not be reproduced, distributed, displayed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, without the prior, express, and written permission of Athlon Outdoors.

Manage your GDPR consents by clicking here. Manage your CCPA consents by clicking here.
No Result
View All Result
  • Guns
    • Rifles
    • Handguns
    • Shotguns
  • Knives
  • Gear
    • Holsters
    • Optics & Sights
    • Accessories
    • Ammo
    • Suppressors
  • Military & Police
  • News
  • Tactics & Training
  • Videos
    • LATEST VIDEOS
    • FREE GUN FRIDAY
    • RELOADING ZONE
    • SCCY Branded Videos
  • Publications
  • Advertising
  • Contact Us

© 2022 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme.