Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) shared a video of a huge United States Air Force plane yesterday (Monday) taking off from the Ganda air base in Gran Canaria. The footage has caught the attention of aviation enthusiasts as it shows the spectacular take-off of a C17 Globemaster III, a giant of the skies renowned for its capability and versatility in military and humanitarian missions.
The C17 Globemaster III has been a cornerstone of the US Air Force transport fleet since its introduction in the 1990s, and was designed by McDonnell Douglas, now part of Boeing.
This aircraft not only has the ability to carry heavy cargo but is also equipped to operate on short and unprepared runways, making it ideal for operations in hard-to-reach areas.
The versatility of the C17 can also carry up to 77,500 kilograms of cargo, ranging from troops and military equipment to medical supplies and vehicles. Additionally, it is equipped with advanced avionics systems and can be refuelled in flight, extending its range without the need to land.
The aircraft featured in the video belongs to the United States Air Force, which utilises these planes not only for military deployments but also for humanitarian aid missions and support in natural disasters. In crisis contexts, the C17 has been instrumental in the rapid transportation of aid and medical evacuations.
Due to its strategic position in the Atlantic, the Canary Islands are frequently used as a stopover point for transatlantic military and cargo planes like this one.
