C-17 Takeoff Performance on Hot and High Airfields

Understanding C-17 Weight Specifications

Official Air Force fact sheets consistently list the maximum gross takeoff weight of the C-17 Globemaster III as 585,000 pounds. This single public specification cannot establish permissible weight or runway requirements for a particular departure without current approved aircraft data and qualified crew assessment.

Weather and Performance Considerations

Extreme heat reduces air density, impacting takeoff performance. Factors such as high elevation, low pressure, high temperature, and humidity all reduce aircraft capability. Gross weight, runway slope, length, wind, and temperature collectively affect performance; restrictions vary with aircraft type and conditions. Density altitude is defined as pressure altitude corrected for nonstandard temperature. For operational decisions, current approved data and qualified crews are essential.

Correction Note: The prior version gave an incorrect maximum weight of 840,000 pounds and included unsupported worked takeoff examples; those are removed. The Air Force public fact sheet lists the correct maximum gross takeoff weight of 585,000 pounds.

Official C-17 Fact Sheet | FAA Weather Guidance | FAA Density Altitude Lesson