The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III of the United States Air Force has a rare modification that allows it to do a unique feat in the world of aviation. The enormous tactical quadjet can switch to reverse thrust on all four of its Pratt & Whitney turbofan engines from high altitude and drop 25,000 feet down to 'the deck' on a tactical descent into a combat zone to make deliveries to troops on the ground. This unique ability allows it to stay at high altitude, where it is safe from many anti-aircraft threats until the very last moment, and then pass through the hazardous low-level as quickly as possible.

When pilots pull the throttles back to idle and engage the reversers, the engine airflow is deflected upward and forward. This creates intense aerodynamic drag without stalling the wings. The C-17's deliveries sometimes include basic supplies, and the fast drop is a precaution to avoid being targeted, but on other missions it could be delivering a main battle tank to the front line and potentially coming under direct fire. The engines enable jaw-dropping descent rates of up to 15,000 feet per minute, four to five times steeper than a standard commercial airliner, and keep the C-17 safe in hostile skies.