Australian Department of Defense, The Air Force’s giant Boeing C-17A is now ready to perform operational tasks for Australia.
The C-17 Globemaster has successfully completed eight months of intensive Introduction-into-Service activities, and has achieved Initial Operating Capability (IOC).
“Air Force has introduced this strategic asset safely, efficiently and in a relatively short period,” Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Geoff Shepherd said.
“The success of the C-17 project highlights the excellent cooperation between the Royal Australian Air Force, Defence Materiel Organisation, the Boeing Company and US Air Force. It is a great credit to the C-17 project office, the people of 36 Squadron and those who support them, their families,” Air Marshal Shepherd said.
RAAF’s first C-17 was delivered in December 2006, the second in May 2007. A further two will be delivered by mid-2008. The fleet of C-17A aircraft will provide a quantum leap in the Australian Defence Force’s ability to rapidly airlift cargo and equipment in support of military and humanitarian operations. The C-17A is able to provide responsive global airlift – especially in crisis situations. The Globemaster has a load capacity of almost four times that of the C-130 Hercules.
The C-17 project’s A$2.2 billion budget includes the construction of permanent facilities for No. 36 Squadron and its support agencies at RAAF Base Amberley.
The project also includes significant improvements to Air Movements facilities at RAAF Bases Darwin, Townsville, Edinburgh and Pearce.
36 Squadron will now conduct further development and training to enable the C-17 aircraft to be operated in more complex tactical roles, including airdrop of personnel and equipment, and aeromedical evacuation of high dependency patients.
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