The All-Purpose Airlifter:

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org

Several Canadian Leopard tanks got a ride on the C-17 “Spirit of McChord” transport going into Kandahar AB, Afghanistan from Manas AB, Kyrgyzstan. The 817th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron’s Det. 1 from McChord AFB, Wash., moved the tanks and supporting equipment into Afghanistan for Canadian ground forces supporting the NATO mission. The 30-foot long, 100,000-pound tanks were positioned and secured by C-17 loadmasters before the flight using chains, tie-down mechanisms, and rings on the cargo floor to make sure the tanks and C-17 aircraft were not damaged. NATO plans to buy its own new C-17s in the near future.

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org