The US Air Force's second-largest airlifter, the C-17 Globemaster III, is set to gain significant offensive capabilities. Boeing has introduced the "Revolver" launch system, which will enable the aircraft to launch multiple hypersonic missiles from its cargo bay. This adaptation aligns with the USAF's strategy to enhance the offensive capabilities of airlifters like the C-17 and C-130J, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region where conflicts with China may arise.
The USAF's plan anticipates that cargo and tanker planes will need to provide more than logistical support in potential confrontations with powerful adversaries like Russia or China. The Revolver system is designed to integrate X-51A Waverider hypersonic cruise missiles, allowing the launch of 12 missiles using an advanced drum and electromagnetic catapult mechanism. These missiles, known for their scramjet engines, can exceed Mach 5, offering long-range precision strikes.
Originally intended for the B-52 Stratofortress, the X-51 program involved collaboration among the Air Force, DARPA, NASA, Boeing, and Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne. Although the X-51 was scheduled for mid-2020s service, delays have pushed back its deployment.
In 2013, the X-51A achieved a historic hypersonic flight, maintaining scramjet power for three and a half minutes at Mach 5.1. Boeing showcased the Revolver concept in a video, emphasizing its versatility and enhanced capabilities for the C-17.
The C-17, capable of transporting 102 paratroopers, 54 patients, or 85 tons of cargo, is a critical asset for global operations. With the Revolver launcher, it will also serve in missile deployment, enhancing its role in modern military logistics.
Boeing's efforts in hypersonic technology also include the DARPA Glide Breaker program, aiming to develop a hypersonic interceptor prototype. Meanwhile, China's advancements in hypersonic weaponry pose a significant challenge, with the US making substantial investments to close the gap, including a $756 million contract with Lockheed Martin for ground-based hypersonic systems.
The USAF tested a hypersonic cruise missile in the Pacific in March, demonstrating its commitment to remaining competitive. Recent exercises with the C-17 have involved loading and unloading missile cradles, illustrating its flexibility to operate from various airfields.
The Rapid Dragon project explores deploying cruise missiles from cargo planes, allowing C-17s to carry out offensive missions with minimal modifications. This approach is seen as cost-effective, providing strategic advantages by leveraging existing transport fleets.
China is wary of this capability, recognizing the difficulty in tracking cargo planes capable of launching missiles from unexpected locations. Overall, the C-17's transformation into a missile-carrying aircraft exemplifies the evolving strategies in modern warfare, with significant implications for global military dynamics.
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