Canadian Forces CC-177 (Boeing C-17 Globemaster III) 177702 touches down on runway 06 at Inuvik.

Officially delivered by Boeing to the Canadian Forces at Long Beach, California only a few days ago, this C-17 arrived in Inuvik on its very first operational deployment delivering refueling equipment for the FOL.  With a 170ft wingspan, length of 174ft and a maximum gross takeoff weight of 585,000lbs this is the largest aircraft that has ever landed at Inuvik.  Several more flights are anticipated over the next while.

Canadian Forces CC-177 (Boeing C-17 Globemaster III) 177702 on the ramp at Inuvik.

The second of four strategic airlifters purchased from Boeing, these airframes were originally intended for the USAF but were granted to Canada in order to accelerate delivery.  Canada has traditionally relied on commercial cargo freighters for strategic airlift but during global crises and natural disasters the commercial capacity is quickly used up.  Adding the C-17 to its inventory will allow Canada to have an indigenous capability to move heavy loads and strategic cargo wherever and whenever required.  In addition to the C-17, Canada has also contracted with Lockheed-Martin for 17 new C-130J transports to replace its aging Hercules fleet.

More photos of the C-17 are here.