Final answer:
The number of CMDS dispensers on a C-17 can vary, but a C-17 usually has multiple dispensers that can carry several hundred countermeasure flares and chaff cartridges.
Step-by-step explanation:
The C-17 Globemaster III aircraft is equipped with the Countermeasures Dispensing System (CMDS) as part of its defensive capabilities. The CMDS is designed to protect the aircraft from surface-to-air and air-to-air missile threats by dispensing flares and chaff. The exact number of CMDS dispensers on a C-17 can vary depending on the configuration and mission requirements. Typically, a C-17 has multiple CMDS dispensers installed, with the ability to carry several hundred countermeasure flares and chaff cartridges that can be deployed manually or automatically in response to detected threats.