This US Air Force C-17 Engine is So Powerful it Can Create a Mini Tornado
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Welcome back to the our channel for an amazing look into the capabilities of some of the world's greatest military airlift cargo planes like the C-17 Globemaster III and the unique features they possess. I was on active duty Army back in early 90s at Fort Lewis, WA. We were doing a PT run around the airfield and saw this new plane doing "touch and go" runs. I was use to seeing C-5, C-141, KC-135, and C-130s and had no clue what cargo plane that was until many years later. You should see 4 B-1B F101's at full AB on a rainy day. Palmdale Ca engine run. I think it was around 1995. 4 of the biggest rain tornado's I've ever seen. As much as I love seeing the Blue Angels or Thunderbirds at an air show, I always get a kick out the C17 displays. Between the ridiculously short takeoffs and landings, the plane dipping it’s nose to bow at the audience after landing, and the engine tornados, they easily win the hearts of the audience. Virtually overlooked on the C17, is the "blown flaps" feature. The flaps have portions of a flap directly behind the engine. It's too hot for aluminum, so those portions are made of titanium. Most aircraft do not have flaps directly behind the engines. This adds immensely to the lift produced at very low air speeds. This allows very high angle of descent, while maintaining a low rate of descent. This combination allows a very short roll out on landing, & very short roll out on take off. Very few aircraft have put together this capability. The idea of blown flaps has been around a long time, but this aircraft came along just when materials technology made it practical. The prototype demonstrator had "double blown flaps". Not just one series of flaps, but when deployed, two sets of flaps, like louvres in a window shade. I asked if the change from double blown to single blown would lengthen landing and takeoff distance. The answer was "yes, but it would still meet specs". Double blown is heavier, more expensive, more complex, and requires more maintenance. I think they made the right choice.
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