C-17 Globemaster for Indian Air Force

A squadron of Boeing's C-17 Globemaster III are to be implemented in the Indian Air Force from 2013. The military transport aircraft will be used for rapid strategic airlift of the Special Forces in the case of terrorism and other national emergencies. The C-17 is set to replace the Ilyushin II-76 as its largest aircraft transport.

The aircraft boasts the ability to takeoff and land in small airstrips, and re-fuel midair. The C-17 is operated predominantly by the US, but they are also used in the UK, Australia, Canada, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and NATO Heavy Airlift Wing.

A "major join" ceremony took place yesterday in Long Beach, California, where the first of the squadron was featured. IAF and Boeing officials attended the event.

C-17 Indian Air Force

India's consul general in San Francisco, N Parthasarathi, described it as "practically riveting for Indo-US relations".

United Arab Emirates Requests Sale of F117-PW-100 Engines for its C-17 Aircraft

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified U.S. Congress July 31 of a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Government of the United Arab Emirates for two F117-PW-100 engines for an estimated cost of $35 million.

The Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has requested a proposed sale of 2 spare F117-PW-100 engines in support of the UAE C-17 GLOBEMASTER III aircraft. The estimated cost is $35 million.

The proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.

The proposed sale will improve the UAE’s readiness and capability to meet current and future strategic airlift requirements. The UAE will use its C-17s to provide humanitarian aid in the Middle East and Africa region and to support its troops in coalition operations. The C-17 will provide a heavy airlift capability and complement day-to-day operations of the UAE’s existing C-130H fleet.


The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractor will be Pratt and Whitney in East Hartford, Connecticut. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Boeing Completes Major Join of India's 1st C-17 Airlifter

Boeing [NYSE: BA] today in Long Beach integrated the forward, center and aft fuselages and the wing assembly of India's first C-17 Globemaster III during the airlifter's "major join" ceremony. Embassy, senior Indian Air Force and local elected officials drove ceremonial rivets into the aircraft as they celebrated the achievement of this key program milestone.

India's Ministry of Defence signed an agreement with the U.S. government on June 15, 2011, to acquire 10 C-17 airlifters, making India the largest C-17 customer outside the U.S. Those governments finalized the Foreign Military Sales contract for the airframe alone on June 6.

"The defense relationship between India and the United States is an important dimension of our strategic partnership," said Ambassador N. Parthasarathi, Consul General of India, San Francisco. "This momentous occasion, where we see India's first C-17 take shape, further strengthens our growing relationship. As India strives to become a global reservoir of highly skilled and technologically sophisticated manpower, we will witness an escalating technology transfer, collaborative joint research and development, and co-production of defense items between our two countries."

Boeing Delivers UAE Air Force and Air Defence's 6th C-17

Boeing delivered the sixth United Arab Emirates (UAE) C-17 Globemaster III to the UAE Air Force and Air Defence earlier this month at the company's final assembly facility in Long Beach.
 
The delivery completes an agreement announced on Jan. 6, 2010, for six advanced airlifters to modernize the UAE's transport capabilities. Boeing delivered four C-17s to the UAE in 2011 and a fifth aircraft in May.
 
"After every delivery, UAE C-17s fly into action, conducting humanitarian airlift and disaster-response missions and life-saving aeromedical evacuation," said Bob Ciesla, Boeing vice president, Airlift, and C-17 program manager. "We're proud to deliver another C-17 that strengthens the UAE Air Force and Air Defence's range and ability to perform critical airlift missions around the globe."
 
The C-17 is the global airlifter of choice, delivering cargo in every worldwide operation for more than a decade. The C-17's ability to fly long distances and land in remote airfields in rough, land-locked regions make it a premier transporter for military, humanitarian and peacekeeping missions. With a full payload of 164,900 pounds, a C-17 can fly 2,400 nautical miles and land in 3,000 feet or less on a small unpaved or paved airfield, day or night.
 
As part of the C-17 Globemaster III Integrated Sustainment Program (GISP) Performance-Based Logistics agreement with the U.S. Air Force, Boeing provides after-delivery support to the UAE C-17 fleet. The GISP provides all C-17 customers an affordable sustainment solution that includes the C-17 "virtual fleet" arrangement where all participants benefit from the economies of scale found in purchasing materials for the entire worldwide fleet.
 
"Through innovative Performance-Based Logistics contracting and partnering with customers, we have provided tailored support solutions, maintaining the highest level of aircraft readiness while continuously reducing the cost of ownership," said Gus Urzua, vice president, C-17 GISP.
 
Boeing has delivered 244 C-17s worldwide, including 216 to the U.S. Air Force active duty, Guard and Reserve units. A total of 28 C-17s have been delivered to Australia, Canada, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability initiative of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations. India has 10 C-17s on order for delivery in 2013 and 2014.

Indian Air Force to get first off its 10 Boeing C17 Globemaster III in June 2013

 

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will get the delivery of its first Boeing C17 Globemaster III airlifter in June next year and the rest nine will join the force by August 2014.

“The test flight of the first C17 for India will begin in January. The certification will be done by May and the delivery will start in June. The training of IAF representatives will begin from May this year,” said Patrick Druez, business development (mobility) at Boeing Defense, Space & Security.

In June 2011, the Indian government approved the purchase of 10 C17s, amounting to $4.8 billion. The C17s will replace the IAF’s 17 Il-76 transports, which are only able to carry around 50,000 kg, compared to C17’s 74, 000 kg.

Being able to operate from short, mud-paved landing strips, such as those on India’s borders, the C17 can lift 75-tonne payloads to anywhere in China, Central Asia, the Gulf countries and much of Southeast Asia, without refuelling. Capable of carrying 188 passengers, or 102 fully-kitted paratroopers, the C17 can also transport a battle-loaded Arjun or T-90 tank, or a Chinook helicopter with its rotors dismantled. The IAF is in the process of upgrading its transport fleet, and recently took delivery of six Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules, to be used for special operations. It is also developing a medium transport with Russia and seeking new tanker aircraft.

The delivery of Boeing P8I, long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine aircraft, is also set to happen by the end of this year. The aircraft completed its first flight in September 2011, and is set to be delivered by December.

To upgrade military equipment, India plans to spend $100 billion over the next decade. One of India’s most ambitious projects is its joint development of a stealth fighter with Russia, based on the Sukhoi T-50. India will start taking delivery of 250 aircraft by 2015.

Dusty Landing

c-17 globemaster iii crash

A Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, operated by the United States Air Force, crashed on Wednesday near Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska at about 6:15 pm (0215 Thursday UTC), killing all four crew members. The plane was practicing for the 2010 Arctic Thunder air show.
These facts were confirmed by Air Force Lt. Gen. Dana Atkins, Commander of Alaskan Command NORAD, in an impromptu press conference later in the evening. Col. John McMullen, commander of the 3rd Wing (under whose authority the plane belonged), announced the four deaths on Thursday. Three were members of the U.S. Air National Guard, one was active duty. Names are being withheld pending the notification of family members.
The Elmendorf base is near Anchorage, Alaska, and the fireball and plume were visible from that city's downtown. "It was a big, gray plume of smoke and I saw a fireball go up in it," said Anchorage Fire Dept. Captain Bryan Grella in an interview with the Associated Press.
The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III aircraft is designed for rapid response strategic airlift, medical evacuation, and airdrop roles, carrying cargo and troops. The aircraft are used by the United States, the United Kingdom, NATO, Australia, Canada, and Qatar.

                                      

India – C-17 GLOBEMASTER III Aircraft

WASHINGTON, April 26, 2010 – The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress on
April 23 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to India of 10 Boeing C-17 GLOBEMASTER III aircraft
and associated equipment, parts, and logistical support for an estimated cost of $5.8 billion. 
The Government of India (GOI) requests a possible sale of 10 Boeing C-17 GLOBEMASTER III
aircraft, 45 F117-PW-100 engines (40 installed and 5 spare engines), 10 AN/ALE-47 CounterMeasures Dispensing Systems, 10 AN/AAR-47Missile Warning Systems, spare and repairs parts,
repair and return, warranty, pyrotechnics, flares, other explosives, aircraft ferry and refueling support,
crew armor, mission planning system software, communication equipment and support, personnel
training and training equipment, publications and technical data, U.S. Government and contractor
technical, engineering, and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. 
The estimated cost is $5.8 billion.
This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by
helping to strengthen the U.S.-India strategic relationship and to improve the security of an important
partner which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in
South Asia.
India will likely use these aircraft to replace its aging aircraft and associated supply chain with new and
highly reliable aircraft.  The acquisition of these C-17s will not present a new capability for the Indian
Air Force, but will offer an increase in airlift capacity, reliability, and safety.  The C-17 will increase
the ability of the GOI to mobilize troops and equipment within the country and will enable India to
provide significantly increased humanitarian assistance and disaster relief support within the region. 
Additionally, the C-17s will facilitate enhanced standardization with the United States.  India will have
no difficulty absorbing these aircraft into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractors will be The Boeing Company in Long Beach, California, and Pratt &
Whitney Military Engines in East Hartford, Connecticut.  Additional subcontractors may be needed
depending on the exact nature of the contracting arrangements established.  At this time, there are no
known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.  
Implementation of this proposed sale will require the participation of up to 20 U.S. Government and
20 contractor representatives for annual program management and technical reviews in India or the
U.S. for one week per review for approximately six years.