ST. LOUIS, Oct. 10, 2006 -- The first Boeing [NYSE: BA] C-17 Globemaster III for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has rolled out of the company's paint hangar in Long Beach, Calif., and has begun preparations for its first flight, scheduled for later this month.
"The C-17 will give Australia a new global airlift capability, significantly enhancing our ability to support national and international operations, and major disaster rescue and relief efforts," said Australia's Acting Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal John Blackburn. "All of Australia is looking forward to delivery of this new capability and seeing it quickly commence operation. The C-17 will meet the vital airlift needs of the Australian Defence Force over the next 30 years."
Other than the aircraft's unique Australian markings, the new C-17 is identical to the U.S. Air Force C-17s that Boeing is now manufacturing. The black stallion on the C-17's tail identifies the airplane as part of the RAAF's No. 36 Squadron, an airlift unit that will be based in Amberley, west of Brisbane. The 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.
"It's very exciting to see Australia's first C-17 become a reality so quickly," said Dave Bowman, Boeing vice president and C-17 program manager. "Less than five months ago, Australia signed a Letter of Agreement with the U.S. government to acquire four C-17s, and we're on track to deliver the first one on Nov. 28. We are providing Australia a world-class capability in world-record time."
The Australian C-17s will be "Block 17" aircraft, the most advanced variant in the worldwide C-17 fleet, which now includes 157 U.S. Air Force and four U.K. Royal Air Force (RAF) C-17s. The new Block 17 capabilities feature upgrades to the aircraft's combat lighting, formation flying capability and flight control software.
The Australian aircraft will be the first international C-17 delivery since the RAF received its fourth C-17 in August 2001. After a welcome ceremony in Canberra, Australia's capitol city, the RAAF's first C-17 will arrive at RAAF Base Amberley in early December.
The second Australian C-17 is scheduled for delivery in 2007, and the final two aircraft will be delivered in 2008.
Used for both military and humanitarian missions, the C-17 is the world's only tactical airlift aircraft with strategic capabilities. Boeing is designing, building and delivering 180 U.S. Air Force C-17s on a multi-year contract that runs through 2008. The 10 new C-17s funded in the fiscal year 2007 U.S. defense bill, along with recently announced international C-17 orders and commitments, likely have extended the C-17 production line through the end of 2009.
