C-17 Aircraft (IF)

The C-17 Aircraft (IF) program, as outlined in Program Element PE 0401130F, is a key Air Force initiative under the Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget. It is focused on sustaining and modernizing the C-17 Globemaster III fleet. The C-17 is a four-engine strategic airlifter designed to deliver outsize cargo, such as tanks and helicopters, to short and austere airfields. It supports a wide range of missions including deployment, employment, sustaining support, retrograde, aeromedical evacuation, and combat redeployment. The program's primary objective is to ensure the C-17 remains capable and relevant by addressing obsolescence, enhancing mission execution, and meeting evolving airspace access mandates.

Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) is a modernization effort aimed at upgrading the C-17's communications capabilities. The goal is to improve both voice and data communications for air traffic control and mission execution by integrating new hardware and software solutions. BLOS leverages military and commercial satellite systems to extend communication ranges and includes mandated cryptographic upgrades. The program is focused on completing test and evaluation activities and certification, with closure and operational testing reviews planned for the following year. These upgrades are essential for maintaining secure and reliable communications in contested and remote environments.

Databus Collection & Analytics (DBCA) is a newly renamed initiative that aims to capture and analyze all data across the C-17's databuses. The objective is to drive efficiencies in predictive maintenance, operations, training, safety, and cybersecurity. By implementing comprehensive data collection and analytics, the program seeks to enable root-cause analysis, propulsion and auxiliary power unit health trending, and sortie reconstruction for operator training and debriefing. Activities center on pre-acquisition contracting to establish the acquisition strategy, with a planned standdown of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) activities in the following year.

Flight Test Support provides contractor and Air Force support for testing new capabilities on the C-17 aircraft. This includes maintenance of test aircraft, engineering support for technical and safety issues, test planning and analysis, and direct costs associated with flight testing at Air Force facilities such as Edwards AFB. The objective is to ensure that all new modifications and upgrades are thoroughly evaluated for safety and effectiveness before fleet-wide implementation. Funding reflects a ramp-up in flight testing activities to support ongoing modernization efforts.

Aircraft Connectivity is a strategic initiative driven by the National Security Strategy and National Defense Strategy, emphasizing the importance of robust connectivity for mobility aircraft in the Indo-Pacific and other regions. Air Mobility Command is developing a Federated Mission System Reference Architecture for the C-17, integrating multiple data sources, connectivity options, analytics, and applications into an interoperable system. This includes tactical data links, satellite communications, and intra-aircraft communications, with projects such as Starshield and Hybrid SATCOM. The focus is on pre-acquisition contracting, with future funding expected to be sourced from reconciliation legislation.

Flight Deck Replacement (FDR) is the largest and most critical modernization effort within the C-17 Aircraft (IF) program. The objective is to replace obsolete flight deck components, including mission flight computers, multi-function displays, standby engine displays, and video integrated processors, to prevent fleet grounding due to parts obsolescence. The new open systems architecture will enable future modular upgrades and bring C-17 flight deck technology up to current industry standards. Activities include engineering and manufacturing development, software development, cybersecurity, testing, and integration laboratory updates, with contractor design activities leading to major program reviews.

The C-17 Aircraft (IF) program is structured to address immediate and long-term needs for the Air Force's strategic airlift capability. The program leverages multiple contract vehicles, including indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts and purchase orders, to support research, development, and testing activities. Civilian pay expenses are also included to ensure effective program management and execution. The budget request reflects an increase in funding to accelerate Flight Deck Replacement and sustain other critical modernization efforts, ensuring the C-17 fleet remains a cornerstone of rapid global mobility and national security.