Indian Air force Inducts Fourth C-17 Into Service

The Indian Air Force today inducted its fouth 70-tonne C-17 heavy-lift transport aircraft into service at the Hindon Air Base, Ghaziabad.

The Boeing C-17, is capable of carrying a payload of 80 tonnes or 150 fully geared troops, and will replace the Russian Il-76 (40 tonnes load carrying capability) as the biggest aircraft in the IAF inventory. 

The fourth C-17 aircraft was delivered under a deal signed in 2011 for 10 aircrafts estimated to be over $3 billion (Rs. 20,000 crore) into the newly-formed 81 'Skylord' Squadron, an IAF official said.

The U.S. Air Force will complete the delivery of all the 10 aircraft by the end of next year.

The aircraft is expected to enhance the operational potential of the IAF with its payload carriage and performance capability and would augment the strategic reach during disaster relief or any similar missions.

After the completion of the 10 aircraft, the IAF may also exercise the option of procuring six more planes for its fleet.