C-17 Globemaster: U.S. Air Force airlifter can carry an Abrams tank and heavy cargo directly to austere airfields worldwide

C-17 Globemaster: U.S. Air Force airlifter can carry an Abrams tank and heavy cargo directly to austere airfields worldwide

That capability has become more important as U.S. mechanized equipment has grown larger and heavier in response to improving adversary capabilities. The Air Force said those changes have increased demand for aircraft able to move large and outsize cargo during armed contingencies, peacekeeping deployments and humanitarian missions. The Boeing-built aircraft can rapidly transport troops and equipment to major operating bases or directly to forwar…