C-17 Globemaster III

C-17 Globemaster III

The C-17 first entered US Air Force service in 1993, meeting a requirement for a strategic airlifter in forward theaters around on the globe. Requiring a crew of only three — two pilots and a loadmaster — this rugged and dependable airframe proved so versatile that it has since been adopted as the airlifter of choice of many foreign nations. The C-17’s four turbofan engines can loft up to 170,900 lbs. at a top speed of 450 knots, with a range of up to 2,800 miles. The C-17’s STOL capability means it can use runways as short as 3,500 feet and as narrow as 90 feet, as well as unimproved airstrips.

C-17 Globemaster III Characteristics

* Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 turbofan engines (4)
* 40,440 pounds of thrust per engine
* 169 ft., 10 in. wingspan (to winglet tips)
* 174 ft. in length
* 55 ft., 1 in. height
* 585,000 max peacetime takeoff weight
* 450 knots (mach 0.74) speed at 28,000 ft.
* 45,000 ft. flight ceiling
* global range with in-flight refueling 

Minted in the USA from special deep-relief coining dies; struck from solid bronze; and hand-finished with an antique patina for exceptional quality and detail, the C-17 Globemaster III challenge coin pays homage to this stalwart of U.S. Air Force global reach, its aircrews, maintenance, and logistical support personnel. The obverse features the C-17 Globemaster III in flight to a forward theater, with a schematic representation of the aircraft behind; the reverse features the Air Force symbol trimmed in Air Force blue.