Welcome back to Armytech for a feature on the workhorse of the US Air Force; the C-17 Globemaster, that failed several tests during its development stage that results in cost overrun and delays in production

I have a special reason for my fondness for C-17... I'm looking at the print on my wall of P1 taking off for the first time on 15th September 1991, a gift from McDonnell Douglas as a token of appreciation for the work I and many others did for the HUD in Airborne Displays Division of GEC Avionics. I worked on the software for both sub-systems of the HUD, namely the Display and Monitor systems. And as soon as I finished on C-17 I was thrown into F-16 Block 50 with barely the chance to grab a breath!

i've passed over this many times....it looks very small compared to a "normal" runway...but they are lined up very closely to each other (meaning that the miles are close and throw you off a bit when overhead)

When I was overseas I had chance take off in one of these and I can tell you people underestimate them they are huge but they can take off in alot less of space than people think it's amazing

C17s are the 4 wheel drive of all airplanes. They are specially designed to land and takeoff in short, gravel, dirt, sandy runways. Quite a show for those who witnessed it first hand at this small airport. I'm quite jealous to be honest. American ARMY will never ceased to amaze me. Roby Miner from Mauritius Island