The C-17 is the newest airlift aircraft by the Air Force's inventory. The C-17 is powered by four fully reversible Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 engines capable of carrying a large payload around the intercontinental ranges without refueling. The design of the aircraft lets it operate through small, austere airfields. Each engine is rated at 40,440 pounds of thrust. The thrust reverse direct the flow of air upward and forward to avoid ingestion of dust and debris. Maximum use has been made of off-the-shelf and commercial equipment, including Air Force-standardized avionics. The C-17 can take off and land on runways as short as 3,000 feet (914 meters) and as narrow as 90 feet (27.4 meters) wide. Even on such narrow runways, the C-17 can turn around using a three-point star turn and its backing capability. The aircraft is also able to perform theater airlift missions when required. The C-17 is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to main operating bases or directly to forward bases in the deployment area, provides theater and strategic airlift in both air land and airdrop modes, and augments aeromedical evacuation and special operations missions. The C-17 biggest contribution to the present airlift system will be long range direct delivery. The C-17 measures approximately 174 feet (53 meters) long with a wingspan of 169 feet, 10 inches (51.76 meters.
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