In general, military transport aircraft are designed for long-range operations and can fly for many hours without refueling. This makes them essential for transporting troops, cargo, and equipment across long distances. There are differences between types, however, and ranges are dependent on the payload carried. With in-air refueling capabilities for many aircraft, these ranges and operating options can be changed significantly.
We consider in this article a few of the most popular military transport aircraft and their range possibilities.
Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy
The Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy is the largest military transport aircraft in the USAF fleet, capable of lifting a payload of 281,000 pounds (127.5 metric tons). The first C-5 Galaxy was introduced in 1970, with the much-updated C-5M entering service in 2009.
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According to the US Air Force, the aircraft offers a range of 4,800 nautical miles with 120,000 pounds of cargo. This increases to around 7,000 nautical miles with no cargo. With maximum payload, the aircraft has a range of 2,300 nautical miles. Of course, as with many military transport aircraft, the C-5M can be refueled in the air – increasing its range and operating capability significantly.
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III was designed in the 1980s to replace the C-141 Starlifter and work alongside the larger Lockheed C-5 Galaxy. 279 examples of the aircraft were built up to 2015.
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It can lift a payload of 171,000 pounds (77 metric tons). With a reduced load of 100,000 pounds (45 metric tons), it offers a range of over 4,500 nautical miles, according to the UK RAF. Unloaded, the aircraft can fly up to 6,230 nautical miles. Like the C-5M, the C-17 can be fully refueled in flight.
Airbus A400M Atlas
The A400M Atlas is the latest military transport offering from Airbus. It was initially proposed and ordered by a group of European countries (plus Turkey) and has since been sold elsewhere. The UK RAF has taken on the aircraft to replace its Lockheed C-130 Hercules.
The aircraft can carry a payload of up to 81,600 lbs (37 metric tons). With a maximum cargo load, it offers a range of 1,800 nautical miles. Empty, it can fly 4,700 nautical miles. Notably, it is also able to operate from smaller runways and rougher, unprepared surfaces than larger transports.
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In 2021, the UK RAF reported it had carried out the first aerial refueling of an A400M Atlas aircraft. This is not something that is done as standard yet, but it could extend operating options considerably. Speaking about this, Flight Lieutenant Crow from 205 Squadron, which conducted the tests, explained:
“This is the very first air-to-air refuelling on this platform in the UK. We have undertaken simulation training to make sure we were familiar with how the aircraft would perform. Air-air refuelling enables the aircraft to reach further, fly for longer and lift more weight around the world more effectively.”
Antonov An-124
Following the destruction of the even larger An-225 Mriya during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Antononv An-124 is notable as the largest transport aircraft in the world and is used for civilian roles in addition to military. It offers a cargo capacity of up to 330,693 pounds (150 metric tons).
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For such a large aircraft, it offers an impressive range as well. With maximum payload, it can fly 2,000 nautical miles. This increases to 4,500 nautical miles with an 80-ton load. Unlike most other transport aircraft, the An-124 cannot be refueled in flight. In 1987, the An-124 set a world record for the longest flight without refueling – it flew 10,880 nautical miles (20,151 kilometers) with a flight time of 25 hours 30 minutes.
This has been a quick look at the range and operating capabilities of a few of the most popular military transport aircraft. Feel free to discuss these or other aircraft further in the comments section below.
Sources: RAF (Atlas refueling), US Air Force, RAF (C17)