Why Does The C-17 Globemaster Have A T-Tail?

Summary The C-17 Globemaster is designed for strategic military transport with greater stability for heavy oversized cargo. The T-tail design provides advantages like consistent elevator response, stall condition management, and maneuverability. The aircraft's features include simplified design, short-field performance, resistance to stall conditions, and effective rudder use.

The Boeing C-17 Globemaster is a large military transport aircraft designed and developed by McDonnell Douglas in the 1980s. The aircraft was specifically developed for the United States Air Force (USAF) to carry out strategic military transport missions. The aircraft performed its first flight in September 1991 and entered service with the USAF in January 1995.

After McDonnell Douglas' merger with Boeing in 1997, the latter continued manufacturing the C-17 for nearly two decades. Developed from the McDonnell Douglas YC-15, a four-engine short takeoff and landing (STOL) prototype, the C-17 saw several design and performance improvements. Apart from its larger size, the C-17 features swept wings and more powerful engines.

The airlifter also features a T-tail, which offers greater flight stability while allowing sufficient clearance from jet exhaust. The Boeing C-17 Globemaster design Length : 174 ft (53 m) Wingspan : 169 ft 9.6 in (51.

755 m) Height : 55 ft 1 in (16.79 m) Wing Aspect ratio : 7.165 Empty weight : 282,500 lb (128,140 kg) Max takeoff weight : 585,000 lb (265,352 kg) Fuel capacity .

35,546 US.