Boeing Makes Sale to RAF

The RAF announced yesterday that it will acquire another Boeing C-17 Globemaster transport, which will be the sixth in its inventory. The contract is valued at 130 million pounds. The plane is used to transport troops and equipment, and will help to increase the RAF's capacity in this regard.

The C-17 can carry a substantial load. For example, it can carry three Apache gunships, or 13 Land Rovers, or three Warrior armored vehicles, as well as other types of equipment, up to 75 tons worth. Its range is 2,400 miles, and it has the ability to land on rough airstrips in remote parts of the world. This addition will be of obvious help in activities in Afghanistan, and other parts of the world where anti-terrorism activities are necessary.

The RAF has used its other C-17s in Iraq, Afghanistan, and in Asian relief efforts, for example, after the devastating Tsunami that hit the area, and after regional earthquakes. Its great lifting capacity can bring in supplies and evacuate people in need of medical attention.

Previous C-17s have been leased from Boeing, with an option to buy. The RAF was pleased enough with the aircraft to exercise that option last year.

The aircraft can take off from an airfield 7,600 feet long and carry 54 troops with additional equipment, or 102 troops with less equipment. Only three crew members are needed to pilot and operate the plane. That includes the load master. The plane has automated systems that help the load master to deposit items at airfields. The plane can come into airfields at low speed and steep angles.

The planes have also been used in the Falkland Islands, and one delivered the submersible when a Russian submarine was in trouble, proving how versatile they can be.

If Britain used all six of the planes, it could deliver just over 600 troops to an area in one swoop. Assuming that they were used to secure an airfield, or already had one at their disposal, the planes could turn around and deliver the equipment that the troops needed for a longer stay. Such capabilities are invaluable in a period when small or midscale anti-terrorism actions will need to be fought from time to time, possibly anywhere in the world.

The aircraft has a high wing, a t-shaped tail, and four powerful engines. It can carry one M-1 battle tank, or many smaller vehicles, loaded side by side in two rows. It is capable of deploying paratroopers, and it has set various performance records for such aircraft.

RAF Buys C-17, RAF