Hauling cargo with the C-17

Designed to haul heavy loads anywhere around the world, the C-17 Globemaster III serves as the U.S. military's "tractor-trailer of the sky" for all intents and purposes. Capable of hauling freight, trucks, tanks, or 102 fully-loaded paratroopers and gear, the C-17 is designed to land and take off from "austere" runways as short as 3,500 ft. and as narrow as 90 ft. Operated by a crew of just three - two pilots and one loadmaster - the C-17's maiden flight occurred back in 1991. Today, over 200 of these big aircraft serve with the U.S. Air Force and its auxiliaries. (All photos courtesy of the U.S. Air Force.)