WORLD · AI-ASSISTED SUMMARY
US Air Force's C-17 Origins Lie in 1970s STOL Prototype
WHY IT MATTERS
The C-17's design and capabilities owe a debt to the 1970s STOL prototype competition, highlighting the USAF's continued investment in innovative airlift technology.
What happened
The McDonnell Douglas C-17 Globemaster III's development story began with the Advanced Medium STOL Transport competition in 1976.
Although the US Air Force did not produce a production-grade jet from this competition, the YC-15 prototype's impressive Short Take-Off and Landing performance laid the groundwork for the C-17.
The YC-15's four jet engines and Externally Blown Flaps enabled it to maximize thrust, impressing the USAF with its capabilities.
LINKED SOURCES
The 1970s STOL Prototype Duel The US Air Force Canceled Then Quietly Turned Into The C-17
Simple Flying · Luke Diaz · Discovery only; publisher copyright terms apply
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