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“We selected the C-17 Globemaster III for
the versatility and reliability the aircraft brings
to our mission,” said UAE Air Force and Air
Defence Officer Commanding Col. Pilot Humaid Al
Mansoori. “The first two C-17s delivered
to the UAE Air Force and Air Defence have been
flying around the world in support of humanitarian
missions. The fleet’s newest airlifter is
a welcome addition so that we can continue to
be ready for any contingency, anywhere and any
time.”
The UAE Air Force and Air Defence accepted delivery
of its first C-17 in May. Boeing is contracted
to deliver a fourth C-17 to the UAE later this
year and two more in 2012.
“Boeing employees and our supplier partners
are proud of the quality that we build into every
C-17 and pleased that the airlifters delivered
to the UAE customer are already supporting missions
worldwide,” said Boeing C-17 Program Manager
Bob Ciesla.
The C-17 can transport large payloads across
vast ranges without refueling and operate in extremely
hot and cold climates, making it the optimum choice
for meeting the UAE’s strategic and tactical
airlift requirements. With a full payload of 170,000
pounds, a C-17 can fly 2,400 nautical miles on
versatile missions including brigade airdrop and
aeromedical evacuation. The C-17 also can land
on short runways of 3,000 feet or less and land
on austere airfields.
As a member of the worldwide C-17 “virtual
fleet,” the UAE’s C-17s are supported
through the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment
Partnership. Under the virtual fleet concept,
C-17 customers receive comprehensive worldwide
logistics support (spares, support equipment,
tech orders, sustaining engineering, and on-site
field teams) through use of shared resources across
the entire fleet. This highly successful program
ensures high levels of mission readiness by providing
all C-17 customers -- regardless of fleet size
-- cost-effective access to an extensive support
program.
There are currently 234 C-17s in service worldwide
-- 23 with international customers. The U.S. Air
Force, including active duty, Guard and Reserve
units, has 211. International customers include
the Qatar Emiri Air Force, the UK Royal Air Force,
the Canadian Forces, the Royal Australian Air
Force, and the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability
initiative of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations.
India became the newest C-17 customer in June,
when India's Ministry of Defence signed an agreement
with the U.S. government to acquire 10 C-17s that
will be delivered in 2013-2014.
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