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	Director, Operational Test & Evaluation
FY97 Annual Report

C-17 AIRLIFT AIRCRAFT

	Air Force ACAT ID Program 120 aircraft Total program cost (TY$) $35869M Average unit cost (TY$) $278M Full-rate production 1QFY96 Prime Contractor Boeing

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION & CONTRIBUTION TO JOINT VISION 2010

The C-17 is a four engine turbofan aircraft capable of airlifting large payloads over interconti-nental ranges without refueling. Its design is intended to allow delivery of outsize combat cargo and equipment directly into austere airfields. The C-17 will deliver passengers and cargo over intercontinental distances, provide theater and strategic airlift in both airland and airdrop modes, and augment aeromedical evacuation and special operations missions.

Significant features of the C-17 include: supercritical wing design and winglets to reduce drag, inflight refueling capability, externally blown flap configuration, direct lift control spoilers and high impact landing gear system, forward and upward thrust reverser system that provides backup capability, cargo operating systems that permit operation by a single loadmaster, a two-person cockpit, and maximum use of built-in test features to reduce maintenance troubleshooting times.

The C-17 supports the JV 2010 operational concept of focused logistics.

An Operational and Live Fire Test and Evaluation Report on the C-17 (BLRIP) was submitted to Congress in November 1995. The report assessed the operational effectiveness and suitability of the aircraft to conduct operational missions within the context of the existing airlift system. The C-17 was judged to be operationally effective, with limitations and operationally suitable. A full rate production decision, MS IIIB, was held in November 1995.

The MS III TEMP was approved by DOT&E in October 1995. The FOT&E Plan and the Detailed Test Plan for Personnel Formation Airdrop (PFA) were approved by DOT&E in June 1996.

Follow-on DT&E is being managed by the Aeronautical Systems Center, ASC/YC. FOT&E is being conducted by the Air Mobility Command, with management by HQ AMC/TE, Scott AFB, IL and test execution by the Air Mobility Warfare Center's Flight Test Squadron at McGuire AFB, NJ, utilizing the 33rd FLTS-Det 1, located at Charleston AFB, SC. The primary FOT&E objectives include completing deferred IOT&E events, developing and refining employment procedures and tactics, and addressing IOT&E deficiencies.

The DOT&E and his staff have been actively involved in the C-17 program during FOT&E. DOT&E staff members have visited the test-site and have directly observed test events to include discussions with test team members. DOT&E has been represented at integrated process teams meetings, senior management review groups, general officer steering committees and test plan working groups.

As part of PFA testing a multiple element formation geometry has been identified. A report PFA testing was published in October 1997.

Deficiencies delineated in the BLRIP report are being addressed in FOT&E. Future tests will cover integrated diagnostics, OBIGGS, SKE 2000, numerous suitability areas and on the defensive system

Progress is being made in correcting deficiencies and completing deferred IOT&E events. Primary efforts in 1997 were concentrated on personnel formation airdrop testing. The combined DT/OT team looked at different formation geometries, element spacing, and other airdrop parameters to assure paratrooper safety. Although a new formation geometry has been developed, it requires an eight mile spacing between elements. In addition, jumper exit rate, total time over drop zone, static line length, station keeping equipment upgrades, and wake vortex interactions are still issues.

FOT&E with a dedicated test team at Charleston SC is scheduled to terminate in FY98. DOT&E is reviewing the appropriateness of this schedule. Areas for test have been identified and prioritized. DOT&E will approve selected test plans and actively participate and in FOT&E related activities.