USAF C-17 Globemaster III Demo Team

The U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III has been in service for over 30 years and is the most flexible cargo aircraft. It plays a vital role in fulfilling the global air coverage desired by the United States military. 

The C-17 Globemaster was originally developed for the United States Air Force from the 1980s to the 1990s by McDonnell Douglas. The Globemaster took its first flight in 1991, was delivered to Joint Charleston Air Force Base in 1993 for testing and declared operationally ready in 1995. The goal of this aircraft is to transport equipment, supplies, and troops to bases all around the world.

The Globemaster also performs tactical airlift and airdrop missions, and transports ambulatory patients during aeromedical evacuations when required. The C-17 not only improves, but also fulfills the mobility requirements of the United States Military. 

The Globemaster III is one of the Air Force’s largest jets at 200 feet long and weighing in at a maximum takeoff weight of 585,000 pounds. The C-17 can take off from a 7,000-foot airfield, fly as fast as 590 mph, travel 2,400 miles, and land at a small airfield of 3,000 feet or less.

The demonstration team’s mission is to showcase the capabilities of this massive aircraft. They interact with air show fans and community leaders during the show, which is similar to what they would do in real-world missions.

Members must have a high level of experience in the C-17, meet training requirements and senior leaderships’ approval. The C-17 typically has a crew of three people, two pilots and one load master. This cuts down on manpower, risk exposure, and long-term operating costs.