Best C-17 Flight Simulator Addons in 2026: Complete Comparison Guide

Flying a C-17 Globemaster III from your home cockpit is now possible thanks to dedicated flight simulator developers. This comprehensive guide compares every C-17 addon available across Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane, FSX, and Prepar3D—covering features, realism, pricing, and which option best fits your setup.

Last Updated: January 2026

Quick Comparison: All C-17 Simulator Options

The Winner: Delta Simulations C-17 for MSFS

If you’re serious about flying the C-17 at home, the Delta Simulations C-17 for Microsoft Flight Simulator is the clear choice. It’s not just the best free option—it rivals payware quality in many aspects.

Why Delta Simulations Stands Out

This community-driven project has been in development for over three years, with input from real-world C-17 operators. The result is the most accurate civilian C-17 simulation available.

Cockpit Accuracy

• 0.5-inch accuracy to the real aircraft cockpit
• Developed with assistance from actual C-17 pilots and loadmasters
• Every switch, dial, and display positioned correctly
• Custom avionics suite replicating real C-17 systems

Features You’d Expect in Payware

• State saving: Aircraft remembers switch positions between sessions
• Electronic Flight Bag (EFB): Tablet interface for settings and checklists
• Failure simulation: Random and triggered system failures
• Ground equipment: Cones, chocks, and “remove before flight” tags
• Native WWise sound: Authentic engine and system sounds

Visual Quality

• Fully custom 3D model built for MSFS
• Detailed exterior with accurate panel lines and rivets
• Functional lighting: landing, nav, beacon, strobe, formation, taxi
• Multiple liveries available (USAF, RAF, RAAF, and more)

Delta Simulations: Pros and Cons

Download and Installation

Official Sources:

• Flightsim.to: Download Page
• GitHub: Source Repository

Installation Steps:

1. Download the latest release (deltasimulations-c17.zip)
2. Extract to your MSFS Community folder
3. Launch MSFS and select the C-17 from the aircraft menu
4. Read the included documentation for systems operation

X-Plane Option: Virtavia C-17

For X-Plane users, Virtavia offers a payware C-17 Globemaster III. However, user reviews are mixed.

Virtavia C-17 for X-Plane: Honest Assessment

Our Take: If X-Plane is your only option, the Virtavia C-17 provides a basic C-17 experience. But given the compatibility issues and the superior free alternative in MSFS, we recommend switching platforms if C-17 simulation is your priority.

FSX and Prepar3D Options

Virtavia C-17A for FSX/P3D

This is Virtavia’s more polished offering, optimized for FSX and Prepar3D v4/v5.

Key Features:

• 2048×2048 texture resolution
• FSX/P3D SDK optimization
• Bloom effects, self-shadowing, bump mapping
• Multiple variants and liveries
• Functional virtual cockpit

Pros and Cons

Steam C-17 Add-On for FSX

Available on Steam for FSX: Steam Edition users.

• Price: $24.99
• Reviews: 74% positive (Mostly Positive)
• Platform: FSX: Steam Edition only

Best For: Casual simmers who already own FSX on Steam and want a quick C-17 experience without the complexity of study-level systems.

UKMIL C-17 (Free for FSX)

A free option for FSX users featuring:

• Gmax-built 3D model
• Functional virtual cockpit
• Subtle wing flex animation
• Basic systems simulation

Best For: FSX users who want to try C-17 flying without investment.

Platform Comparison: Which Simulator Should You Use?

System Requirements for C-17 Simulation

The Delta Simulations C-17 is a complex aircraft that benefits from capable hardware:

Minimum (for MSFS + Delta C-17)

• CPU: Intel i5-8400 / AMD Ryzen 5 2600
• GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1070 / AMD RX 5700
• RAM: 16GB
• Storage: SSD with 150GB+ free space

Recommended

• CPU: Intel i7-12700K / AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
• GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 / AMD RX 6800
• RAM: 32GB
• Storage: NVMe SSD

What’s Missing: Features We’d Like to See

Even the excellent Delta Simulations C-17 has room for growth:

• Cargo loading simulation: Weight and balance calculations with loadable pallets
• Airdrop operations: Simulated personnel and cargo drops
• Air refueling: Connection with tanker aircraft
• Multi-crew: Shared cockpit for pilot/copilot training
• MSFS 2024 native: Full compatibility with the latest simulator

The Bottom Line

For C-17 home simulation in 2026, the path is clear:

1. Best Experience: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 + Delta Simulations C-17 (Free)
2. Alternative: Prepar3D v5 + Virtavia C-17A ($34.95)
3. Budget: FSX Steam Edition + Steam C-17 Add-On ($24.99)
4. Avoid: X-Plane C-17 options until better addons are developed

The Delta Simulations team has created something remarkable—a free addon that matches or exceeds payware quality. Combined with MSFS’s stunning visuals and global scenery, you can fly the C-17 anywhere in the world from your home cockpit.

Have questions about C-17 simulation? Join the Delta Simulations Discord or reach out via our contact page.