Boeing C-17 Globemaster III

Mystery Spotter 🇺🇸

11 Apr 2026 · © Qoheleth

Low flying military cargo plane spotted on RTE 309 near Queen Anne, MD. Call Sign: RIDER 75 USAF Make: Boeing C17-A Altitude: 466ft AGL Speed: 241 kts

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Aircraft

C-17 Globemaster III C17

Military gray

Manufacturer

Boeing

Gear

iPhone 16 Pro

Achievements

Cargo King, Rare Bird, Boeing Beginner, Military Maverick

4 badges earned

Location

38.9425, -75.9769

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Insights

Aviation History

Main heavy military transport for US and allied air forces; first flight 1991, entered service 1995.

Fleet Rarity

Widely used by US and allied militaries but fewer than 300 built.

Record Flights

Performed long-haul strategic airlift missions; involved in Afghanistan evacuation operations.

Safety & Events

No fatal crashes; gained public attention during Kabul airlift (2021).

Future Outlook

Still in widespread military service, no planned replacement before 2030s.

Specifications

Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 (military variant of PW2040)

Engine

51.75 m

Wingspan

53.04 m

Length

4,482 km (with max payload)

Range

830 km/h

Speed

Up to 134 troops or 77,519 kg cargo

Capacity

265,352 kg

MTOW

16.79 m

Height

4 x 40,440 lbf (180 kN)

Thrust

ICAO Chapter 4 (≥100 EPNdB at takeoff, varies by configuration)

Noise