By Boeing Company on Thursday, June 13th, 2013
Boeing Transfers 1st C-17 to Indian Air Force
The Indian Air Force (IAF) flew its first Boeing C-17 Globemaster III to India today, becoming the most recent operator of the leading airlifter.
“The C-17 will equip the Indian Air Force with amongst the world’s most advanced humanitarian and strategic capabilities,” said Air Vice Marshal SRK Nair, Assistant Chief of Air Staff Operations (Transport and Helicopters). “We have looked forward to this present day when our Indian Air Force flies the 1st C-17 to its new home in India.”
Boeing is heading in the right direction to deliver four more C-17s to the IAF this year and five in 2014. This primary aircraft was transferred today after completion of a flight test program at Edwards Air Force Base in Palmdale, Calif., that began following the Jan. 22 delivery.
“Congratulations to the Indian Air Force in this milestone as India joins the global community of C-17 operators,” said Tommy Dunehew, Boeing vp of economic Development for Mobility, Surveillance and Engagement. “Nations turn to the C-17 for the potential to accomplish quite a lot of operations, from peacekeeping and disaster relief to troop movements from semi-prepared airfields. This aircraft will provide the Indian Air Force with the flexibility to enhance airlift capability.”
Boeing has now delivered 254 C-17s, including 222 to the U.S. Air Force and a complete of 32 C-17s to Australia, Canada, India, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the uk and the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability initiative of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations.
Boeing will support the IAF C-17 fleet throughout the Globemaster III Integrated Sustainment Program (GISP) Performance-Based Logistics contract. The GISP “virtual fleet” arrangement ensures mission readiness by providing all C-17 customers access to an intensive support network for worldwide parts availability and economies of scale.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is definitely one of the world’s largest defense, space and security businesses focusing on innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $33 billion business with 59,000 employees worldwide.
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