Intro

The C-17A is a four engine aircraftwith a high wing configuration and a military airlifter that was firstbuilt by McDonnell Douglas and later by Boeing after they merged. Theaircraft is also known as the Globemaster III and is capable oftransporting heavy loads of both military cargo, vehicles and troopsas well as performing operations from small airstrips and to dropcargo off from the air.

The four Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 turbofan engines each providea very powerful thrust of 40,400 lbf (179.9 kN). Each engine has abuilt-in feature for the reverse thrusters, which enables the engineto produce a very powerful reverse thrust. This reverse thrust canhelp the C-17A to a full stop within just 9 seconds. The reversethrust can also make the C-17A taxi backwards with up to 20 mph (30km/h) if needed to.

General Information & Aircraft Specs

• Produced by McDonnell Douglas / Boeing
• National Origin United States
• First Flight 15th of September 1991
• Introduction 17th of January 1995
• Role Strategic and Tactical Airlifter
• Produced 1991 - 2015
• Built 279
• Status Active Service
• Unit Costs US$218 milion (2007)

• Crew 3 (2 pilots + 1 loadmaster)
• Capacity 170,900 lb (77.519 kgs)
• Length 174 ft (53 m)
• Height 55 ft 1 in (16,79 m)
• Wingspan 169 ft 9.6 in (51,755 m)
• Wing Area 3,800 sq ft (350 m2)
• Aspect Ratio 7.165
• Empty Weight 282,500 lb (128.140 kgs)
• MTOW 585,000 lb (265.352 kgs)
• Fuel Capacity 35,546 US gal (134.560 L)
• Power Plant 4x Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 Turbofan engines
• 40,400 lbf (179.9 kN) thrust each

• Cruise Speed 450 Kn (520 mph / 830 km/h)
• Range 2,420 Nmi (2,780 mi / 4.480 km) w/157,000 lb payload
• Ferry Range 4,300 Nmi (4,900 mi / 8.000 km)
• Service Ceiling 45,000 ft (14.000 m)
• Wing Load 150 lb/sq ft (730 kg/m2)
• Thrust/Weight 0.277 (minimum)
• Takeoff MTOW 8,200 ft (2.499 m)
• Takeoff 395'lb 3,000 ft (914 m)
• LD Dist >50' 3,500 ft (1.067 m) w/max payload

Purchase, Download And Installation

I purchased this add-on through theFlightSim.Com Storeand found that the purchase and download was quick and with ease. Theconnection to the download server is superb so the entire download wascompleted in no time. The file downloaded is named VRT-1135 and is arather small zip file of only 165 MB.

After the download was completed I searched for and found theinstallation wizard and started the installation process. To completethe installation was also very easy - there are no 'auto-find' thecorrect installation folder so you have to select the directory andfolder manually. This however is of course no problem, you can eitherselect the P3D folder or you can install the add-on outside the mainP3D folder as often recommended. If you want to install within the P3Dfolder, please do select the path all the way to the airplane's folder- otherwise the aircraft will be placed in the root of the P3Dfolder. I did my installation with the pathP3D/SimObjects/Airplanes/.

The installation process was quick - only about 30 seconds orso. There were no version updates ready to be installed and there isno registration key needed. Please do note that it is required thatyou as a minimum have the version P3D v4.5 installed for this add-on towork properly. I did my installation and tests on exactly the P3D xv4.5platform.

Included in the download is a manual which is a 28 page PDF filefound within the aircraft folder in SimObjects/Airplanes/ and themanual contains the basic information about the exterior withhot-keys for opening the main door, the paratroopers door and the ramp,etc. The manual also informs about the lights and the various views aswell as providing very detailed information about the various systems inthe cockpit - both the systems working and the systems that are notworking.

Going to the virtual hangar I found the C-17A perfectly placedunder Virtavia. There is one model included and several differentliveries, all placed perfectly one after another.

External

I started my test with an external walk-around e.g. like apre-flight inspection to get the full view of the model. My firstthought was that this model resembled the old FSX model which I hadpreviously tested, and it also turned out that this was true. Themodel is the original FSX model, which has received an extensiveupdate to work in P3D v4.5.

Walking around the aircraft I felt very impressed - the aircraft isbeautifully created with a keen focus on details, size and of coursealso on the realism. The aircraft model resembles the real aircraftnicely in all dimensions and has all the very distinctive features such asthe high wing configuration with the negative V-shape, the enormousT-tail and the fat-body design.

The textures used are high quality multi-layer 2048-pixeltextures. The texture detailing features everything from the smallrivets to various markings and creates a very realisticappearance of the aircraft model. I did not see much wear and tear ordirt on the external model which could have been nice, since thisaircraft is not brand new any more. Still the model is really wellmade and absolutely a joy to look at.

There are several animations created for the external model such asthe control surfaces covering the ailerons, the rudder and theelevator and also animations for the flaps (fowler flaps), spoilers,reverse thrusters, front exit and steps, paratroopers doors and therear cargo ramp, etc. All animations are created very life-like andwith smooth and realistic motions. You can open the main exit with thestandard 'Shift+E' command and the right side door activates using the'Shift+E+4' command. The paratrooper door is 'Shift+E+3' and soon. Please do notice that using the loading ramp can only be activatedwhen on ground - here I mean opening the ramp fully. Additionally youcan also toggle the pilots by clicking the 'Ctrl+W' keys.

I also set my focus on the lights and the effect of the variouslights. The effect is very realistic. For example, the wingtip lightsare soft but still with a bright and clear flash of course bestvisible during dusk, night and dawn operations. The landing lights arealso soft with a very realistic shine. The landing lights illuminatethe runway perfectly providing a realistic and powerful experiencecoming in on final. The same for the taxi lights which perfectlyilluminate the area in front of the aircraft and help create avery authentic atmosphere for this aircraft.

I did not see any smoke effect which probably is very well inaccordance to real life, since the engines on this aircraft are modernage high performance engines. The model does unfortunately not featurea wing-flex effect which I would have hoped for.

Internal

Jumping into the aircraft I found both a 2D cockpit as well as avirtual cockpit. The 2D cockpit is very well made and featuresmultiple clickable switches, very beautiful gauges and pop-up panelswhich can be activated using the Shift+number keys or using the smallsmart icons placed in the captain's section of the MiP. One of thepanels feature a complete checklist which is just awesome - that makesthe cockpit and the use of the cockpit more interesting. The 2Dcockpit looks like a brand new cockpit featuring no or minimum wearand tear, which I think would have added to the overall impression andexperience of the 2D cockpit if it was there.

The virtual cockpit is also very well created with a beautiful 3Dvisualization of the entire cockpit. The cockpit environment is veryrealistic and the atmosphere created in really good. Virtavia hasindeed had a great focus on details and realism. Unfortunately thereare several systems and buttons which are not animated - hereespecially in the lower / back section of the pedestal.

The textures used in the cockpit are in general high qualitymulti-layer textures that also show a great amount of wear and tear,which absolutely helps to create a realistic environment. The texturesfor the various instruments, gauges, levers and switches, etc. areawesome but taking a look at the panels which does not feature buttonsor switches, e.g. the side panels or panels in between sections,I find these textures to be of a lower quality. Maybe this is to keepthe aircraft frame rate friendly - I would have liked the same qualityall over the cockpit.

There are lots of animations included in the virtual cockpit -the control stick, the rudder, the various levers and of courseall the buttons and switches. All animations are very well createdwith smooth and realistic motions.

In regards to effects in the virtual cockpit then there is a reallygood cockpit environment light when flying from dusk till dawn. Thelight is soft and did not irritate my eyes but still the light wasable to illuminate the cockpit perfectly.

Another specific part that I noticed when sitting in the virtualcockpit, was that I could now see the wings and engines. In the oldFSX version (as I remember it) the wings were not visible from thecockpit. They are now and that is absolutely superb!

Sound

There are several sound sets included in this add-on coveringvarious aspects of the environment both for the internal (cockpitenvironment) as well as for the external part of the aircraft.

First we have the primary sound set that covers the engine soundsat various rpms as well as the start-up and the shutdown and of coursealso the reverse thrusters. Secondly we have a sound set covering allthe environmental sounds in the cockpit such as the clicking of buttons,flipping of switches and movement of levers, etc. There is also a soundset covering the movement of the flaps and the gear as well asthe ramp, etc.

I would have expected a sound set for the various chimes asbank-angle warning, overspeed warning or when coming in on finalwith the countdown of 50, 40, 30, etc. however I did not hear manychimes other than the overspeed warning which sounded a lot like thedefault warning and of course also the stall speed warning. If this istrue to real life in regards to the 'missing chimes' I am unsure but Iwould assume there would be more chime in the real Globemaster.

The sound quality is high quality TSS sound and the sound is veryrealistic and certainly adds to the overall impression and theexperience of the aircraft. The sound is a very important part ofcreating an authentic and realistic environment and the included soundsets are all of a very good quality.

I tested the sounds in first ordinary stereo, then 2.1 stereo usingfront speakers and an active sub and finally using a complete 7.1surround sound setup. The sound performed perfectly in all tests bothinternally and externally.

Flight Dynamics And Characteristics

Now to the fun part - the actual flight tests. I started outtesting the general handling of the aircraft when taxiing orparking the aircraft and what I found was an aircraft that handleseasily. The view from the cockpit is excellent and provides the pilotwith a great overview of the surrounding area. The nose wheel is veryefficient and makes the aircraft turn within a very small radius.

The thrust is firm, steady and accurate and the aircraft does notneed much thrust before it starts to move. If you change the thrust ithandles much like any other jet aircraft where you have a delay whenthe engine spools up/down meaning that you have to plan ahead. Alsoif taxiing and you want to come to a full stop, you need to takeinto account the delay but also the weight of the aircraft which makethe 'idle run distance' fairly long.

In regards to the throttles I also tested the reverse thrusters onground, and yes, the aircraft can taxi backwards when full reversethrusters are applied. This is very well in accordance to real lifeand an awesome feature of this aircraft. It really comes in handy ifyou are to perform a takeoff from a very short runway - then you cantaxi out on the runway and then back-up the aircraft all the way andhereby make use of the entire runway.

The wheel brakes are very efficient and combining them with thereverse thrusters and the spoilers, the landing distance can be rathershort (and ultra short with a strong headwind).

Performing the takeoff was a nice experience. Even though theaircraft features an enormous tail, the aircraft is very steadyblasting down the runway even with gusty winds. When the aircraftlifts off the ground not much actually changes since the aircraft is aheavy aircraft and is very steady also in stormy weatherconditions. The takeoff distance is short due to both some verypowerful engines and some huge flaps. The powerful engines provide asuperb climb-rate which is also noticeable in the add-on.

Handling the aircraft in the air is easy and very smooth - theailerons are rather sensitive and the rudder and elevator is much likea B747. When you place the aircraft in a 30 degree turn it does notrequire much effort to keep the bank angle, hereby making the turnvery steady and creating a good and relaxed flight experience.

I did a few specific tests of the flight dynamics to test if theflight dynamics were in according to the specs of the real lifeaircraft. These tests were of the service ceiling and the max IASmarked in the instruments versus the overspeed warning and what Ifound was that the flight dynamics are very well in accordance to thespecs. E.g. the service ceiling is specified to be 45,000' and in mytest I reached an altitude of 48,500' however, a steady cruise couldnot be maintained over 46,000' making the performance very realisticaccording to the specs.

Flying the aircraft using the auto pilot is a good experience - itresembles flying a Boeing 737 using the Collins autopilot and theautopilot is very intuitive, simple and easy to get familiar with forthe most common actions.

I did a few tests in regards to stall and stall speeds and foundthat the aircraft handles very nicely entering a stall with levelwings. Actually I noticed that if I had a 10 degree nose-up with fullflaps and the throttle at idle it was like the aircraft didn't reallywant to stall - I could see on the altimeter that the altitude starteda descent but no stall warning however, pitching up to 13 degreesnose-up I got a stall warning but the aircraft was still easy tocontrol.

The stall speed also changes according to the flaps positionmeaning that the stall steed for the aircraft with flaps and gear upwas about 140 knots in my setup at about 7,000'. Lowering the gearresulted in a new stall speed of about 142 knots and lowering theflaps to maximum as well changed the stall speed to be about 100knots. I love the fact that you see a difference and this just makesthe simulation more realistic in my opinion.

When you lower the flaps in real life you also see a result on thenose position towards the horizon so this was of course also somethingthat I had to test. The result was that by lowering the flaps the nosealso went downward and vise versa.

If you need to make a rapid descent then this is also possibleespecially when the aircraft is blessed with such huge or moreaccurately 'enormous' spoilers. Applying the spoilers absolutely showedan impact on the IAS and also on the descent rate which I think isvery well in accordance to real life.

The last test I did was the flaring of the aircraft when coming infor landing. Flaring the C17 was quite an experience because I feltthat the aircraft would just keep on flying like it was surfing on anair-bobble - this even though the throttle was idle and the flaps weremax down. I would assume that this also is much like real life due tothe huge wing area and the enormous flaps but this I of course cannotconfirm since I have never flown this aircraft in real life.

Conclusion

To wrap up my experience of the Boeing C17A Globemaster III createdby Virtavia, then I like this aircraft very much. I think Virtavia hascreated a beautiful rendition of this heavy lifter which is not acommon aircraft for P3Dv4.

The model is a high quality model featuring multi-layer highquality textures, a very accurate model, an abundance of details andmarkings and a very realistic and authentic appearance. The add-onfeatures a good quality 2D cockpit as well as a very beautiful andauthentic virtual cockpit where Virtavia has been able to create avery realistic atmosphere providing the simmer with a sensationalexperience.

Also the sounds included are top quality and indeed very realisticwhich adds to the exceptional experience of this aircraft.

The model is the original FSX model with a series of updates and itworks perfectly in P3Dv4.5+ - if you liked the FSX version you willcertainly also like this version. It is very easy to see that Virtaviahas kept a keen focus on detailing, quality, accuracy and on creatingthe aircraft as realistic and authentic as possible. In my opinionVirtavia has reached their goal with great success.

The aircraft does not take up much space on your hard drive and isindeed very frame rate friendly - I had absolutely no experiences ofminimum frames.

I rate the C17A with a solid 4/5-stars rating - and I thankVirtavia for creating this awesome aircraft for the P3D platform aswell. I hope that you will convert more of your beautiful oldaircraft to the P3D platform, they are awesome!

Ray Andersen

Rays Aviation

Purchase Virtavia - C-17A Globemaster III for Prepar3D v4.5

Purchase Virtavia - C-17A Globemaster III for FSX

Purchase Virtavia - C-17A Globemaster III for FSX: Steam

Purchase Virtavia - C-17A Globemaster III for FS2004

Purchase Virtavia - C-17A Globemaster III for X-Plane

Review Computer Specifications

• Windows 10 (64-bit)
• Windows 7 (32-bit) (secondary system)
• Intel Core™ i7-4790K 4x4.00 GHz (Turbo 4x4.40 GHz)
• Asus Maximus VII Ranger (ROG-series)
• Antec Kuhler H20 650 Water Cooler
• Kingston HyperX Beast-series 32 GB DDR3-2133 RAM
• 500 GB Samsung 850 EVO SSD
• 3 TB Seagate Barracura (7200 rpm, 6 GB/s)
• Asus GeForce GTX 980 Strix OC 4 GB
• 150/150 Mbit Fiber Internet Connection
• Prepar3D v4+
• REX SkyForce3D