Massive US M1 Abrams Tank Chained Like a Monster During Air Lift in C-17

YouTube / The Daily Aviation

70 Tons of Muscle

C-17 Globemasters were the answer to the US military’s need for a quicker way to transport soldiers and equipment. C-17s can take off and land on short runways and austere locations.

An impressive fact about the C-17 is its ability to carry one M1 Abrams tank. The 3rd generation main battle tank weighs approximately 70 tons depending on the variant. 

In order to secure the M1, it is chained to the floor so its weight doesn’t shift during flight. The M1 is placed on top of planks to protect the Globemaster’s floor while facing the back to secure the turret.

After landings, the air marshall will direct the C-17 to a designated spot for unloading. Since the tank driver’s field of view is heavily obscured, soldiers are needed to guide the tank out of the aircraft.