June-end user trails for Boeing C-17 Globemaster in India

The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlifter will undergo user-trails by the Indian Air Force (IAF) during the last week of June 2010. The C-17 will fly into India for the trails in a fortnight’s time from where it will fly to airfields for hot and cold weather trials, informed sources said. The trails should help to speedily wrap up the deal for up to 10 aircraft as sought by the IAF.If the sale formalities and the various inter-governmental agreements are concluded over the next 10 to 12 months, then the aircraft should be in IAF service in the next three years. The aircraft has been requested by New Delhi for sale under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program under which the U.S. government will deal directly with the Indian government. The FMS route is considered a faster way of procurement than direct negotiations with the concerned companies. India’s strategic airlift requirements are currently met by the IL-76 and An-32 aircraft both of which are ageing and the IAF’s need to speedily transport men and material to trouble spots and scenes of natural disaster has increased substantially over the last few years. The need for a strategic airlifter was sorely felt during the Mumbai terrorist attacks when commandos had to be flown in by commercial airlines and equipment by other means. During the course of a media briefing in New Delhi on June 9, Boeing’s Vice President Business Development, Global Mobility Systems, Tommy Dunehew confirmed that the user trails had been set for this “summer” without elaborating on the timeframe or the date. He said the C-17 was meant for operations in adverse weather conditions and could carry back-to-back missions and will substantially add to the IAF’s capability to rapidly move men and equipment from base to the operational theatre. For example, the C-17 could carry three Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) in its belly besides a complement of their crew and soldiers. He said internationally, the C-17 has acquired a reputation for timely delivery of equipment and supplies. “People are happy to see the C-17, as they know that the aircraft is bringing help. Its multi-mission capabilities allow it to be configured as an airborne hospital, a troop carrier, a specialist equipment carrier and for airdrop of aid material.” When asked about the high price tag of the C-17, reported to be $580 million, Dunehew declined to comment on the price stating that it was a subject of inter-government negotiations. However, criticism has arisen with some analysts questioning that for the price of one C-17, around 10 Il-76 aircraft could be bought.Those in favor of the C-17 contend that the Boeing plane can deliver more cargo, at faster speed and faster turnaround time as compared to any other heavy lift aircraft and this could mean the difference between success and failure during a critical mission.