IAF is said to be buying ten C 17s to replenish it ageing IL 76 and C 42 fleet.
If that is so, then merely 10 would be adequate?
It is to get C 130J in 2011.
If one looks at the operational situation, then the fleet currently held is adequate for Pakistan.
However, given the fact that the Chinese are doing provocative and aggressive actions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) could it be that C 17 is being bought for tactical lift to counter the Chinese and more so since it is claimed that it has a shorter landing runway requirement than most transporter and more so the airfield on the LAC are semi paved or even unpaved?
What are the characteristics of C 17 vs IL 76 not only in landing, take off or weight parameters on tarmac. unpaved runways?
It maybe added that C 17 is still experimenting on its landing and take off characteristics on soil conditions and soil strength of runways.
Why I have put it in this sub forum is that it affects the land battle!
If that is so, then merely 10 would be adequate?
It is to get C 130J in 2011.
If one looks at the operational situation, then the fleet currently held is adequate for Pakistan.
However, given the fact that the Chinese are doing provocative and aggressive actions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) could it be that C 17 is being bought for tactical lift to counter the Chinese and more so since it is claimed that it has a shorter landing runway requirement than most transporter and more so the airfield on the LAC are semi paved or even unpaved?
What are the characteristics of C 17 vs IL 76 not only in landing, take off or weight parameters on tarmac. unpaved runways?
It maybe added that C 17 is still experimenting on its landing and take off characteristics on soil conditions and soil strength of runways.
Why I have put it in this sub forum is that it affects the land battle!