US Army tests dual air transport of M10 Booker light tanks using C-17 aircraft.

According to pictures released by the U.S. Department of Defense on August 3, 2024, the U.S. Army has conducted tests on the lift capabilities of the M10 Booker light tank, confirming that two of these tanks can be simultaneously transported by a C-17 Globemaster III military transport aircraft. This test highlights the M10 Booker’s design, optimized for rapid deployment, allowing it to be efficiently moved in pairs via air transport, enhancing the U.S. Army's ability to project armored power across the globe quickly.
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U.S. soldiers of the North Carolina Air National Guard assess an Army M10 Booker Combat Vehicle before it is loaded onto a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, at the North Carolina Air National Guard base, Charlotte-International Airport, August 3, 2024.  (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

The C-17 Globemaster III, a critical component of the U.S. Air Force's strategic and tactical airlift capabilities, was demonstrated to transport the M10 Booker, a newly developed light tank designed for rapid deployment and versatility on the modern battlefield. The test underscored the C-17's role in enhancing the mobility and rapid deployment of armored units, a key aspect of the U.S. military's operational strategy.

The C-17 Globemaster III is an exceptionally versatile military transport aircraft capable of carrying up to approximately 78,000 kg (170,900 pounds) of cargo. This lets it transport heavy equipment, including two M10 Booker light tanks, in a single flight. The aircraft's robust lift capacity and ability to load and unload large vehicles rapidly enhance the U.S. military's strategic mobility. This capability is crucial for swiftly and efficiently deploying armored forces to various global locations, ensuring the military can respond quickly to emerging threats or operational needs.

The M10 Booker offers advanced armor and firepower, it as recently delivered to the U.S. Army's. The M10 Booker is designed as a mobile fire support vehicle to provide direct fire capabilities to infantry units rather than functioning as a traditional light tank. Its role focuses on delivering precise, high-impact firepower to support ground troops during offensive and defensive operations.

Equipped with advanced targeting systems and powerful armament, the M10 Booker can engage enemy positions, fortified structures, and other battlefield threats with accuracy and speed. This capability allows it to enhance the effectiveness of infantry units by providing them with the necessary firepower to overcome obstacles and maintain momentum in various combat scenarios. The ability to airlift two of these tanks in a single C-17 aircraft significantly boosts the U.S. Army's capacity to project power quickly and efficiently across the globe.

This capability is crucial for responding to various global threats, allowing for rapid deployment of armored forces to conflict zones or areas requiring military support. The test reflects ongoing efforts by the U.S. military to ensure that its forces remain highly mobile and capable of responding swiftly to any emerging threats.

As global tensions continue to shift, the ability to transport armored units like the M10 Booker rapidly and in significant numbers will likely play a pivotal role in maintaining U.S. military superiority and ensuring preparedness in a rapidly changing global security environment.

The M10 Booker light tank weighs approximately 42 tons, significantly lighter than the M1 Abrams, which weighs around 70 tons. This substantial difference in weight—28 tons—gives the M10 Booker a considerable advantage in terms of rapid deployment. The lighter weight allows for more efficient air transport, enabling two M10 Bookers to be carried simultaneously in a C-17 Globemaster III. In contrast, the M1 Abrams' heavier weight limits the number of tanks that can be transported at once and requires more specialized logistics.

This weight difference facilitates quicker and more flexible deployments and makes the M10 Booker more adaptable to various operational environments, including areas with limited infrastructure where moving the heavier M1 Abrams would be more challenging. Thus, the M10 Booker’s reduced weight compared to the M1 Abrams enhances the U.S. Army's ability to respond swiftly to a range of global military needs.