The C-17A Globemaster III is
still a young aircraft, being
less than 10 years since its
first flight and with production less
than halfway through its presently
funded run. However, its gestation is
a fascinating study in the development
and acquisition of U.S. military
aircraft. Combining the strategic and
tactical airlift missions in one airframe
with Short Takeoff and Landing
(STOL) capability augmented
with a fly-by-wire flight control system
makes the C-17 an especially
interesting transport aircraft. Its mission
is varied and dynamic and its
short service record to date has been
one suggesting a long and noteworthy
future. My own experience with
the C-17 dates back to two years
before first flight and through the
flight test program where I served as
a lead U.s. Air Force flight test engineer
and USAF officer. I think readers
4
PREFACE
AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
will agree that this is an auspicious
time to detail the Globemaster ITI.