10. Globemaster III, C-17
The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III entered service in 1991 with an approximate unit cost of $328 million. Conceived by McDonnell Douglas and later produced under Boeing, it first flew in 1991 and reached USAF units in 1995.
It executes both tactical and strategic lift, moving personnel, vehicles, and supplies efficiently with rapid load cycle features.
The C-17 performs airdrop, medical evacuation, and worldwide cargo missions, meeting current logistical requirements.
Replacing the Lockheed C-141 Starlifter, it expanded lift capacity and helped alleviate strain on the C-5 fleet by taking over mid sized loads.