January 2008
The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) its fourth C-17 Globemaster III during a ceremony at the company's Long Beach, Calif., C-17 manufacturing facility.
"I am very pleased that our team has once again delivered to the RAAF a world-class airlift capability, on time and on budget," said Jean Chamberlin, vice president and C-17 program manager, to senior RAAF officials and more than 1,000 Boeing C-17 employees in attendance. "This is a great day for Boeing and demonstrates our commitment to design, build, deliver and support the world's greatest airlifter."
"This C-17 is an impressive aircraft that will join with our three other C-17s to give Australia the kind of global airlift capability that we have never previously enjoyed," said Australian Air Commodore Graham Bentley.
The aircraft features the "Block 17" configuration -- the most modern variant of C-17s built by Boeing, with upgraded software and avionics. The RAAF C-17 also has unique markings that differentiate it from U.S. Air Force C-17s. A black stallion on its tail identifies the airplane as part of the RAAF's No. 36 Squadron, an airlift unit based in Amberley, Queensland. A kangaroo on the aircraft's fuselage is part of the RAAF roundel, a distinctive emblem painted on military aircraft to indicate its nation of origin.
The aircraft joins three others delivered to the RAAF since late-2006. With the delivery of this new airlifter, the worldwide C-17 fleet now includes 171 U.S. Air Force C-17s as well as four in the UK Royal Air Force (RAF) and two in the Canadian Forces. The RAF and the Canadian Forces each will receive two additional C-17s this year. The U.S. Air Force is on contract to receive 19 additional C-17s by mid-2009.
The C-17 is the world's only tactical airlift aircraft with strategic capabilities. Capable of flying between continents and landing on short, austere runways, the C-17 is used worldwide for both military and humanitarian missions.
Today's delivery leaves just 23 C-17s remaining on the production schedule. Without additional orders, the C-17 line will close in late 2009. Despite significant evidence of increasing airlift needs, the U.S. Air Force has not budgeted for additional C-17s the last two years, forcing congressional plus-ups to meet the needed requirement.
Want to see what 24 hours of creative awesomeness look like? Click here.
This news message is supported by The Creative Finder, an online platform for photographers, illustrators, designers, and art directors to promote their portfolios towards new clients and collaborators. Creatives who wish to sign up for an account can save 10% off annual fees with promo code 'designtaxi'.
