The C 17 Globemaster III Vs The C 5 Galaxy
The two famous military transports have some key differences.
The two largest strategic airlifters operated by the United States Air Force are undeniably some of the most dynamic military transports ever built.
These two quad-engine jets can carry immense payloads, traverse oceans, and provide dynamic logistical support for all US military engagements.
Boeing, which merged with McDonnell Douglas in 1997, and first built by Lockheed in the late 1960s.
The C-17 Globemaster 3, would enter service in 1970 and remains a part of the United States Air Force fleet today.
The jet would be upgraded by Lockheed Martin in the 1980s, and, in total, 131 examples of the type were built.
The C-17 Globemaster III first took to the skies for the Air Force in 1995 and did not stop rolling off Boeing's assembly lines until 2015.
A total of 279 examples of the C-17 were built, and they entered service with air forces from across the globe, not just the USAF.
But what sets these two aircraft apart?
In this video, we will look deeper at the differences in capability that separate this pair of strategic airlifters.
First taking to the skies on June 30th, 1968, the C-5 Galaxy was one of the largest military aircraft ever to enter service.
Longer than a Boeing 747, the aircraft can carry over 120 tons and has a maximum takeoff weight of 840,000 pounds.
The jet is powered by four General Electric CF6 turbofan engines.
The aircraft can traverse impressive distances, maintaining a range of 4,800 nautical miles.
According to R.G. Grant's 2002 Complete History of Aviation, the C-5 Galaxy is the most capable transport aircraft ever built for the US Air Force, able to carry 100 times the payload of a typical World War II bomber like the B-17 Flying Fortress.
The jet is impressive, not just due to its ability to cargo massive amounts of freight but also because it can transport oversized machines.
According to Duotech, the aircraft can carry two M-1 Abrams tanks or six AH-64 Apache attack helicopters.
The C-17 Globemaster III was McDonnell Douglas's follow-up to the C-5 Galaxy program, as the Air Force required a slightly smaller strategic airlifter.
The aircraft is 174 feet long, making it roughly similar in length to a Boeing 7-5-7-300, but with far more potent engines.
The jet is undeniably capable, with a maximum payload of over 300,000 pounds, and can carry a singular M1 Abrams tank or six armored security vehicles.
The aircraft is more suitable for short-haul operations, with a range of 2,420 nautical miles, while lugging a 157,000-pound payload.
However, the plane can be easily deployed anywhere across the globe within hours, with a ferry range in excess of 6,000 miles.
The aircraft performed critical logistics missions during both Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
While the US Air Force exclusively adopted the C-5 Galaxy, the C-17 has been popular with air forces across the globe.
Eight different nations operate the quadjet, including, notably the Air Force of Qatar, which utilizes a C-17 with a livery very similar to that of flag carrier Qatar Airways.
So, in summary.
Lockheed's C-5 Galaxy is one of the largest military aircraft ever built and can carry a whopping payload of over 120 tons.
McDonnell Douglas' C-17 Globemaster III, later produced by Boeing, is slightly smaller than the C-5 Galaxy and has a maximum payload of over 300,000 pounds.
While the C-5 Galaxy is exclusively used by the US Air Force, the C-17 has been adopted by eight nations for various logistics missions.
#aviation #airplane #aircraft #military #airforce #pilot
Source: https://bit.ly/41KeI2G
Copyright © Aviation Station 2024