Boeing C-17A Globemaster III

The Boeing C-17A Globemaster III isa four-engined large strategic transport aircraft that forms the backbone of the US Air Forces strategic air lift forces. The aircraft harks back to the McDonnell Douglas YC-15 demonstrator of the early 1980s which won the C-X contract in the US. The C-17 was originally developed by McDonnell Douglas who then merged with Boeing in 1997. The C-17 has been designed to operate from short and narrow airfields utilising advanced blown air flaps giving it excellent STOL performance. The type can also operate from unpaved airstrips, when necessary, a capability the USAF practice in the Nevada desert on a regular basis.

The 10th Transport Squadron of the Transport Wing Qatari Emiri Air Force operates Qatar’s fleet of eight C-17 from Al Udeid Air Base. Qatar originally ordered four C-17s with the first being delivered during 2009. In 2015 Qatar placed a follow up order for a further four examples which were sourced from the final five C-17s which were built without a buyer by Boeing – known as the White Tail C-17s. One aircraft is painted in the colour scheme of the national airline, Qatar Airways.

The Qatar Emeri Air Force will be providing one of their C-17s for static display at this year’s Air Tattoo. Subject to availability it is hoped that the aircraft provided will be in Qatar Airways markings and will also be transporting an NH90NFH which will also be on static display. The C-17 and NH90 will be parked together with other aircraft from Qatar to mark the 50th anniversary of their air force.

Photo Credit: RIAT Volunteer