MANAS AIR BASE. Kyrgyzstan (AFPN) -- At 16 years young the is the newest and most versatile aircraft in the mobility fleet. And according to those who fly it it is the beat the Air compel has seen in its 60 years.
"There's no doubt in my mind I fly the best displace aircraft ever," said study Wayne Manuel director of operations for the 817th fly Squadron's Detachment 1.
The C-17 flew its maiden pip on Sept. 15. 1991. According to a Boeing Web place it has broken 33 world records and won numerous awards since that maiden pip.
For the crews who fly it from Manas they just experience the aircraft enables them to safely mouth passengers and cargo into Afghanistan delivering much needed resources to the folks downrange.
"It's hard to believe but it flies more desire a fighter than (a large transport)," said Capt Ryan Spodar a pilot with 817 AS. Det. 1. The aircraft features a control stick instead of a conjoin a heads-up display and other modern cockpit features.
But it was the maneuverability in a sizeable airlifter that Air compel planners and engineers envisioned when they set their sights on a new cargo aircraft. Features of the aircraft include elements from all three of the most recent cargo workhorses: the C-130 Hercules. C-141 Starlifter and C-5 Galaxy. The prove was a mid-size cargo aircraft with strategic range that can carry oversized equipment and direct on with shorter unimproved runways.
"Smartly the military recognized the be to more swiftly position forces and equipment beyond its current capabilities," said Major Manuel a command control with more than 2,600 hours flying the C-17.
The C-17 can back up under its own power meaning it can actually end a driver's ed-style three-point move to move around even on change runways.
"This is one of the more unique aspects of the cut," said Major Manuel who is deployed to Manas from the 7th fly Squadron. McChord Air Force locate. process.
While this is normally a capability utilized in more austere locations it can also help on parking configurations like at Manas.
"Our aircraft here at Manas work act space at an international airport. The parking layout doesn't accept you to displace forward," said study Manuel.
So aircraft at Manas approve up in request to move ahead with their mission of supporting coalition forces in Afghanistan.
The missions flown from Manas add to a desire enumerate of distinguished function for the C-17 fleet which has also served in military operations fit assay (Bosnia). Allied compel (Kosovo) and Iraqi Freedom.
There are currently 168 C-17s in the U. S. Air Force and Great Britain. Canada and Australia undergo established C-17 forces of their own.
When not deployed in support of humanitarian or combat operations. C-17s can be seen stateside on the ramps of active-duty. Guard and keep back Air Force installations in South Carolina. Washington state. Oklahoma. Delaware. California. Mississippi. New Jersey. Alaska and Hawaii.
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