Brand new 1/200 scale diecast airplane model of Boeing C-17 Globemaster III Transport Aircraft "Altus Air Force Base" United States Air Force "Gemini 200" Series die cast model by GeminiJets. Detailed exterior. True-to-scale detail. Has opening cargo door. Comes with a display stand. This model does not have any openings. Manufacturer's original unopened packaging. Made of diecast metal with some plastic parts. Dimensions approximately L-10.5, Wingspan-10.125 inches. Diecast metal and plastic construction for durability and a heavy, realistic feel. HISTORY ASPECTS: The USAF C-17A Globemaster III with tail number 00179, based at Altus Air Force Base, is an essential component of the United States Air Force's (USAF) strategic airlift capabilities. This massive cargo aircraft has played a vital role in numerous conflicts and humanitarian missions, showcasing its versatility and reliability. The McDonnell Douglas/Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft that was developed for the United States Air Force (USAF) from the 1980s to the early 1990s by McDonnell Douglas. The C-17 carries forward the name of two previous piston-engine military cargo aircraft, the Douglas C-74 Globemaster and the Douglas C-124 Globemaster II. The C-17 is based upon the YC-15, a smaller prototype airlifter designed during the 1970s. It was designed to replace the Lockheed C-141 Starlifter, and also fulfill some of the duties of the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy. Compared to the YC-15, the redesigned airlifter differed in having swept wings, increased size, and more powerful engines. Development was protracted by a series of design issues, causing the company to incur a loss of nearly US$1.5 billion on the program's development phase. On 15 September 1991, roughly one year behind schedule, the first C-17 performed its maiden flight. The C-17 formally entered USAF service on 17 January 1995. Boeing, which merged with McDonnell Douglas in 1997, continued to manufacture the C-17 for almost two decades. The final C-17 was completed at the Long Beach, California plant and flown on 29 November 2015. During Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, the C-17A 00179 was at the forefront of airlift operations, providing critical support in the form of troop transportation, medical evacuation, and the rapid deployment of supplies and equipment. Its ability to carry oversized cargo and operate from austere airfields made it an invaluable asset in these high-stakes conflicts. Additionally, the aircraft has been instrumental in humanitarian missions, delivering aid and relief supplies to disaster-stricken regions around the world. Its presence in operations like Hurricane Katrina relief efforts demonstrated its adaptability beyond the battlefield, solidifying its reputation as a workhorse for the USAF. Whether you're a collector or an aviation enthusiast, this 1:200 scale model serves as a tribute to the brave men and women of the USAF who have relied on the C-17A for critical missions. Display it with pride, honoring the aircraft's remarkable service record and its continued role in defending freedom and aiding those in need around the world.