Article Posted on : - Apr 20, 2011

Australian Air Force C-17 Globemaster

LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA (BNS): Australia has signed an agreement with the US government to acquire a fifth Boeing C-17 Globemaster III airlifter.

A statement issued by Boeing said, due to the RAAF's immediate need for an additional airlifter, the US Air Force has approved Australia’s request to take delivery of its fifth C-17 in August. The airlifter will be assigned to RAAF Base Amberley’s 36 Squadron, near Brisbane.

The C-17 can transport large payloads across vast ranges, land on short, austere runways, and operate in extreme climates. It is the only airlifter that possesses both tactical and strategic capabilities.

The Foreign Military Sale allows the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) to expand its C-17 fleet as it faces an increased demand for humanitarian and disaster relief missions.

Boeing provides support to the RAAF's C-17s through the C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership, a Performance-Based Logistics program that includes an extensive support network.

The company has delivered 230 C-17s worldwide to date, including 20 to international customers. The US Air Force -- including active National Guard and Reserve units -- has taken delivery of 210.