Wright-Patt Reserve unit to receive C-17s

Published March 12, 2010

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The Air Force Reserve Command announced today it will replace ten C-5 Galaxy aircraft with eight C-17s at the 445th Airlift Wing here.

The decision, approved by the Secretary and Chief of Staff of the Air Force fulfills the plan for retirement of the 445th Airlift Wing's aging C-5A aircraft and replacement with C-17s.

It is anticipated that the first four aircraft destined for Wright-Patterson will arrive in Fiscal Year 2011 following the retirement of five C-5s. The additional four aircraft are expected to be delivered in FY 2012 upon retirement of the final C-5s.

The C-17 Globemaster III is the newest, most flexible cargo aircraft to enter the airlift force. The design of the aircraft allows it to operate through small, austere airfields. The C-17 can take off and land on runways as short as 3,500 feet and only 90 feet wide. Among its many capabilities is aeromedical evacuation.