Boeing C-17A Globemaster III

Ellis Watkins 🇬🇧

04 Apr 2026 · © Ellis

C-17 BZN

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Aircraft

C-17A Globemaster III C17

Royal Air Force military grey

ZZ175

Registration

Airline

Royal Air Force

Manufacturer

Boeing

Location

RAF Brize Norton

BZZ/EGVN

51.7548, -1.5780

Open map

RAF Brize Norton BZZ

Airport

Insights

Aviation History

The C-17 Globemaster III is a major long-range heavy lift transport for US and allied forces, key in both military and humanitarian logistics since the 1990s.

Fleet Rarity

RAF operates 8 C-17s; global fleet is under 300 units, making it somewhat uncommon.

Record Flights

Commonly used for strategic airlift on long transcontinental missions including medical evacuations and rapid response deployments.

Safety & Events

RAF C-17s have been prominent in missions such as Afghan evacuation airlifts in 2021 and humanitarian operations globally.

Future Outlook

Expected to remain in service for many years; no immediate replacement planned, but eventual upgrades considered.

Specifications

Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100

Engine

51.75 m

Wingspan

53.04 m

Length

4,482 km (typical cargo load)

Range

830 km/h

Speed

Up to 77,500 kg cargo, or 102 troops

Capacity

265,350 kg

MTOW

16.79 m

Height

4 × 40,400 lbf (180 kN) each

Thrust

Stage 3 (older ICAO), ~100 dB on takeoff

Noise