The first of the 10 Boeing C-17 Globemaster III heavy lifters will be delivered to the IAF in June 2013. The next nine aircraft will be delivered by 2014. Boeing is shortly going to start training the IAF pilots to bring the aircraft to India next year. The training is likely to begin in May/June. Initially 10 of IAF pilots will be trained for the aircraft.
On the lines of the C-130Js bought from the Lockheed Martin, Boeing will also be helping the IAF in setting up a swanky airbase and other infrastructure facilities. The heavy lifters are likely to be based at the Hindon airbase in Ghaziabad.
Timeline of the C-17 project
- Letter of Agreement signed - June 2011
- First Flight of the aircraft - Jan 2013
- Certification - May 2013
- Delivery date of India's first C-17 - June 2013
- Next 9 aircraft by 2014
The government-to-government deal to acquire 10 C-17s for
$4.1 billion is the largest defence deals between the two countries. The IAF
has become the largest customer in the world for the US-built heavy airlifters.
C-17 in reverse gear
The strategic airlifters will be the largest in the
transport fleet of the IAF will be replacing its ageing Soviet-era fleet. The
aircraft powered by four engines has capability to perform in hot climate and
high altitude; and also it can land at short runways.
C-17 just after take-off
A tactical and strategic airlifter, the C-17 can land
combat-ready troops in remote locations or airdrop them directly where needed.
The C-17's ability to back up allows it to operate on narrow taxiways and
congested ramps.
With a maximum payload of 75 tonnes, the C-17 can take off
and land in merely 3,000 feet runway or less.
No comments:
Post a Comment