C-17 to be retired to museum

[Stratofreighter]

http://www.airforce-magazine.com/DRArch ... useum.aspx

C-17 for Air Force Museum

C-17 for Air Force Museum: T-1, the first-built C-17A transport aircraft, will enter the National Museum of the US Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, next year, following its retirement.

Sarah Swan, museum spokeswoman, confirmed this to the Daily Report.

She noted that the aircraft's "date of arrival [next year] has yet to be determined."

This C-17, serial number 87-0025, first flew in September 1991. The Air Force has used it as a test asset at Edwards AFB, Calif.

12/12/2011

[Wildpicture]

That is just 20 years of service, not much compared to other aircraft. Certainly since spares are very readily available and will be in future decades.

[ehusmann]

It was the first built and used as a test aircraft. Hardly a normal one therefore and probably used and abused to the max. Not very surprising it is being retired way before the rest of the fleet.

Erwin

[Le Addeur noir]

This airplane was probably built with many non-standard features and re-confiruration for normal use would be cost -prohibitive.

Presumably Edwards AFB will be retaining their other C-17A,03-3121.This airplane is a very rare sight outside the USA.