C-17 Globemaster III (IAF)

[lambu]

Boeing to build 10 C-17 military cargo jets for India in $1.8 billion foreign military sale

Boeing to build 10 C-17 military cargo jets for India in $1.8 billion foreign military sale

Aircraft manufacturers at the Boeing Co. (NYSE:BA) Defense, Space & Security segment in Long Beach, Calif., will build 10 C-17 Globemaster III military cargo jets for the Indian Air Force in New Delhi, India, under terms of a $1.8 billion contract modification announced Thursday from the U.S. Air Force Aeronautical Systems Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. The aircraft sale is part of the Foreign Military Sales program. The C-17 Globemaster III is a four-engine military transport able to carry troops and equipment to unimproved runways in forward military operating areas. The aircraft can carry as much as 164,900 pounds of cargo, land on runways as short as 3,000 feet, and can back up to operate on narrow taxiways and congested ramps.
The c-17's avionics suite has two full-time all-function head-up displays, four multi-function active-matrix liquid crystal displays, an integrated radio management system with communications system open architecture (COSA), and a quadruple-redundant electronic flight control with mechanical backup system.
The high-wing, T-tailed military-transport aircraft, can carry large equipment, supplies and troops directly to small airfields in harsh terrain anywhere in the world day or night, Boeing officials say. It has delivered cargo in every worldwide operation since the 1990s. Its ability to fly long distances and land in remote airfields in rough, land-locked regions make it a suitable transporter for military, humanitarian, and peacekeeping missions.
The C-17, which is 174 feet long with a 170-foot wingspan, can take off from a 7,600-foot airfield and has a range of 2,400 nautical miles. It is large enough to carry wheeled U.S. Army vehicles, including the M-1 Abrams main battle tank and Bradley Fighting Vehicle. The four-engine C-17 is powered by the Pratt & Whitney PW2040 engine.
Boeing will build the 10 new C-17s for India at its factory in Long Beach, Calif., and should be finished by mid-2014.

Defenseblog-njs.blogspot.com

 

[Sridhar]

Boeing awarded approx $ 1.7 Billion for modification in IAF C-17 Globemaster contract
By (FINN) Frontier India News Network | February 3rd, 2012 | Category: Indian Air force News, International Defence production | No Comments »

California: On February 2nd, The Boeing Co., Long Beach, Calif., was awarded a $1,781,413,723 firm-fixed-price contract for a modification is a Foreign Military Sales requirement for the Indian Air Force. Ten C-17 aircraft will be procured for the IAF. The location of the performance is Long Beach, Calif. Work is expected to be completed by Jul. 28, 2014. ASC/WLMK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity.

On 15th June 2011, Boeing had announced receipt of Indian Air Force order to 10 C-17 Globe Master Aircraft's. The deal is worth $ 4.1 billion dollars.

On September 27, 2011, the Boeing Co., Huntington Beach, Calif., was awarded a not-to-exceed $469,000,000 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification for a foreign military sales requirement for the Indian Air Force (IAF) C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership Program. This action incorporates support of the IAF aircraft into the "virtual fleet" which includes aircraft maintenance, upgrades, and sustainment.

On 19th December 2011, Four Pratt & Whitney Engines ordered for Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster III's.

India is scheduled to take the delivery of its first C-17 Globemaster III in 2013.

With its tactical and strategic capabilities, the C-17 is expected to fulfill India's needs for military and humanitarian airlift.

Boeing awarded approx $ 1.7 Billion for modification in IAF C-17 Globemaster contract - Indian Defence

 

[Sridhar]

so the total is worth 4.1 + 0.5 + 1.7 = 6.3 billion dollors . Am i missing anything ...

 

[Koovie]

Boeing has finalised a contract to supply ten of its C-17 Globemaster III airlifters to the Indian Air Force, which will replace its Il-76 transports.

Boeing was awarded a US$1 781 413 Foreign Military Sales contract on February 2, concluding a three year negotiation process. However, the contract's value represents only a fraction of the amount that India is expected to pay for its ten C-17s. In April 2010 the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of the possible sale to India, and quoted the value of potential sale as amounting to US$5.8 billion. In June 2011 India's Cabinet approved the sale of the aircraft, amounting to US$4.8 billion.

Delivery of the aircraft is to begin in 2013 and end in 2014. In June 2011, it was reported that the Indian Air Force could buy more C-17s later. The Indian Air Force plans to base its C-17s at Hindon Air Force Station, where its recently acquired C-130Js are based.

The C-17s will replace the Indian Air Force's 17 Il-76 transports, which are only able carry around 50 000 kg, compared to the C-17's maximum of 74 000 kg. Both aircraft have a similar range, but the C-17 overall has better performance. However, at more than US$250 million per aircraft, it is far more expensive than the Il-76.

The C-17 contract comes months after New Delhi rejected bids from Lockheed Martin (for its F-16) and Boeing (for its F/A-18) for its MMRCA fighter competition. The US saw the rejection as a huge setback, especially after lobbying by Barack Obama and American efforts to improve ties with India. However, the rejection of American fighters in favour of Dassault's Rafale has been sweetened by the C-17 deal, and many others with the United States.

The Indian Air Force is upgrading its transport fleet, and recently took delivery of six Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules, to be used for special operations. It is also developing a medium transport with Russia and seeking new tanker aircraft.

India is the world's largest arms importer and plans to spend around US$100 billion over the next decade to upgrade its largely Soviet-era military equipment. In what has been described as one of the world's most dangerous regions, with three nuclear-armed countries bordering each other, India's fears of the rising might of China and threats from Pakistan - along with a underdeveloped aerospace industry - have made it the world's leading weapons importer.

One of India's most ambitious projects is its joint development of a stealth fighter with Russia, based on the Sukhoi T-50. India will start taking delivery of 250 aircraft by 2015.

In addition, state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd is developing its own stealth aircraft, called the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, planned to be in service by 2025. Meanwhile, its Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) is undergoing final testing and is expected to be introduced into the Air Force soon.

With regard to helicopters, bids are out for 22 combat helicopters and 15 heavy lift helicopters. It was reported in Indian media late last year that Boeing's AH-64 Apache was the front runner to win the US$1.4 billion deal for combat helicopters, having beaten the Mil Mi-28N. In addition, the country also ordered 12 AW101 helicopters, made by a unit of Finmeccanica, to be used for VIP transportation, and is building the locally developed Dhruv utility helicopter and Dhruv-derived Light Combat Helicopter. The army plans to obtain 114 Dhruvs and has a joint requirement for about 400 light helicopters along with the air force.

The Indian navy is undergoing a 15-year modernisation plan. While the erstwhile Russian aircraft carrier, Gorshkov, is slated for introduction later this year, India is also building another aircraft carrier with completion due in 2013 and has plans to build another by 2017.

Up to 11 new destroyers, and 10 frigates are to be introduced, starting 2012, to replace its ageing fleet. It has also started construction on six Scorpene class diesel-electric submarines and plans to have six nuclear-powered submarines in service within the next few decades.

The navy plans to equip its carriers with about 40 Russian Mikoyan MiG-29 combat jets, and is also developing a naval version of the LCA. It also has 12 Boeing P-8 anti submarine and reconnaissance aircraft on order.

It also plans to introduce 60 anti submarine warfare and about 50 light helicopters, apart from 120 domestically-built light helicopters.

The army plans to introduce about 250 locally built main battle tanks and about 1 650 Russian T-90 tanks by 2020. It also plans to develop and introduce 155 mm artillery guns within the next three years.

A modernization program for its soldiers, dubbed "Future Infantry Soldier As a System" is supposed to be completed by 2020. The army is also expanding along India's eastern border with China, with plans to raise 15 000 additional troops and a new artillery division.

In addition, India is developing Agni V and VI intercontinental ballistic missiles, capable of carrying nuclear warheads for distances over 6 000 km (3 700 miles).

http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.p...ce-market-grows&catid=35:Aerospace&Itemid=107

 

[Galaxy]

U.K. MOD to buy extra C-17 aircraft

8 Feb 12

Prime Minister David Cameron has today announced that the MOD is to order an additional C-17 Globemaster, taking the number of aircraft in the RAF's fleet to eight. The aircraft will cost £200m

Ministry of Defence | Defence News | Equipment and Logistics | MOD to buy extra C-17 aircraft

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The Indian cabinet has approved the purchase of 10 Boeing C-17 strategic transports, with the largest ever US-Indian arms deal to value $4.1 billion.

Indian cabinet confirms C-17 buy

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U.K. bought in £200m per aircraft which translates into $ 300m. But we bought in $ 410m. 37% High price that also 6 month back. It's close to 1.1 Bn $ difference.

Can anyone explain why we buying at higher price compare to Australia & U.K. ??

 

[sathya]

http://brahmand.com/news/India-keen-to-buy-six-more-C-17-planes-Boeing/9000/1/13.html

SINGAPORE (PTI): The Indian Air force has expressed interest in acquiring six more C-17 heavy lift transport aircraft, in addition to a contract for 10, the US defence giant Boeing said Tuesday.

"Indian Air Force has expressed for six more C-17s," Paul Lewis, Director of International Communications for Defence, Space and Security said.

Five of the 10 aircraft will be delivered by next year and the other five in 2014, he said. The deal for supplying ten C-17 aircraft is USD 4.1 billion.

Boeing was also set to deliver first of the maritime airplane, Poseidon P8-I, early next year to the Indian Navy, he told PTI at the Singapore Airshow being held from February 14 to 19. The P8-1 contract is worth USD 2.1 billion.

The Navy also has option to order four more of the P8-1, anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft in addition to the 8-unit contract.

These are Boeing's current contracts with India, a defence hardware market worth USD 30 billion for the coming years, added Mark E Kronenberg, vice-president for International business development for Integrated Defence Systems during briefing of the group's Indian market plans.

"Boeing is also negotiating to supply 22 AH64 Apache helicopters and 15 CH 47 Chinook helicopters, the Boeing officials said. The Chinook contract is at industrial proposal discussion stage which includes modification to the helicopters to Indian specification," said Lewis.

Elaborating on Boeing's interest in Indian defence hardware investment, Kronenberg said his group was exploring all potential opportunities in the Indian market.

This includes Sabre warfare system and maritime surveillance systems.

"Additionally, we are also to provide support services and training," he said.

 

[Adux]

When will IL-76 retire?

By 2015 - 10 C-17's, if we ink contract as boeing is saying, then we will get 6 more C-17 by 2016

16 C-17's and IL-76 will continue on till 2015, so our capacity will increase to nearly 33 aircrafts atleast till 2025. There is no way after such a increase IAF will allow for a cut. In 2025 it should be 33-40 C-17's.

 

[nitesh]

Adux, I don't think we will end up having these many C 17's. I guess on the max we may go for 25 of these beasts. Rest will be C 130J's and then MRTA will start coming

PS: It will be good to see those many in the service

 

[Adux]

Nitesh,

Lets agree on some assumptions and facts first and lets make a scenario.


Fact

10 C-17 will be operational by 2015
17 IL-76MD currently operational

The Indian Air Force current fixed-wing transport fleet comprises 24 IL-76 and more than 100 AN-32s.[29] 17 Il-76MD, 6 Il-78MKI aircraft and 2 A-50 with Israeli Phalcon radars for AWACS.[30] Mostly for transporting ration in high altitude regions in Jammu and Kashmir and Siachen region


Assumption

6 C-17 over the top of 10 will arrive in 2016-17
IL-76's will not be retired till 2020-2025 and will be upgraded

Conclusion.

From 2015-2025

IAF will operate atleast 16 C-17's and 17 IL-76

Why would IAF at the end of 2025, agree to a capability reduction, especially since with the size of Indian Army , even 100 C-17's are not enough. USA operates 205.

 

[Adux]

U.K. MOD to buy extra C-17 aircraft

8 Feb 12

Prime Minister David Cameron has today announced that the MOD is to order an additional C-17 Globemaster, taking the number of aircraft in the RAF's fleet to eight. The aircraft will cost £200m

Ministry of Defence | Defence News | Equipment and Logistics | MOD to buy extra C-17 aircraft

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Indian cabinet confirms C-17 buy

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U.K. bought in £200m per aircraft which translates into $ 300m. But we bought in $ 410m. 37% High price that also 6 month back. It's close to 1.1 Bn $ difference.

Can anyone explain why we buying at higher price compare to Australia & U.K. ??

They already have a C-17 infrastructure and we dont.

 

[nitesh]

Adux, I agree with the points partially, If we compare IL 76 and C 17 in one to one, then it will not be ideal. Of the IL 76 retiring, no way we are going to replace them one by one with C 17. Also US AF operates so many C 17 because of global policing duty, we have no intentions of doing that. Though it will be good to see the higher number of C 17 in service, but I don't see that is happening.

 

[Adux]

Adux, I agree with the points partially, If we compare IL 76 and C 17 in one to one, then it will not be ideal. Of the IL 76 retiring, no way we are going to replace them one by one with C 17. Also US AF operates so many C 17 because of global policing duty, we have no intentions of doing that. Though it will be good to see the higher number of C 17 in service, but I don't see that is happening.

Wether India likes it or not, we will be doing Global policing duties, earlier we shunned it, simply because we couldnt, call it the case of sour grapes. We have always done policing duties where we could, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh etc.As India grows, this is only going to increase. Let us not undersell our own capacity and vision. Our Strategic Transport Fleet will only increase as the demand for it increases as time passes by.


If IL-76 is not going to be retired in the next 3 years which I am pretty sure it is not, then why purchase C-17 with so much urgency. Look at their delivery times. 2 years after contract signature. This only tells you one thing, IAF is increasing its strategic transport fleet size. 8-10 years down the line, when IL-76's starts retiring, why wouldn't India be able to buy more then, if it can do now?

To be honest, I envision a Strategic Transport fleet of nearly 50 C-17's by 2025.

 

[nitesh]

Well, as I said before I would be happy to see this happening. Let's wait and watch how the things unfold

 

[sathya]

If IL-76 is not going to be retired in the next 3 years which I am pretty sure it is not, then why purchase C-17 with so much urgency. Look at their delivery times. 2 years after contract signature. This only tells you one thing, IAF is increasing its strategic transport fleet size. 8-10 years down the line, when IL-76's starts retiring, why wouldn't India be able to buy more then, if it can do now?

To be honest, I envision a Strategic Transport fleet of nearly 50 C-17's by 2025.

C 17 production nearing its end, can produce around 12/year.
since they have very few orders, they ll deliver fast.
if India needs more, will have to decide faster..

 

[Adux]

C 17 production nearing its end, can produce around 12/year.
since they have very few orders, they ll deliver fast.
if India needs more, will have to decide faster..

Valid point. You can bet your bottom dollar, India is going to keep them going till 2018 for sure. That is when Il-76's will start retiring. That is when we will place our next order after the intial 16. Have to see good planning by both IAF and Boeing. When I say 50 Strategic Transport Aircraft, It doesnt really have to be all C-17's or all IL-76, might be a new product in 2018 from the western or eastern stable, or maybe even IL-476.

 

[Adux]

Gents,


India is getting all its 10 C-17's by the June of 2014, We are sure about another 6 + 8. Which means by 2017 we would have 24 C-17's. 2020 is when the IL-76's start retiring.

The Indian Air Force will have all the 10 Boeing C-17 Globemaster III airlifters by August 2014, Patrick Druez who is in charge of Business Development Global Mobility Systems Boeing Defense, Space & Security, said.India will take delivery of the first C-17 in June 2013."The C-17 met all Indian Air Force requirements in high altitude and hot environment where other airlifters can't," he said at a media briefing on the sidelines of the Defence Expo here Thursday.

The airlifters can also land and take off in a narrow and short airfields, he said.The C-17 Globemaster III is the newest and most flexible cargo aircraft to enter the airlift force. It is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to main operating bases or directly to forward bases in the deployment area.

The aircraft can perform tactical airlift and airdrop missions and can transport litters and ambulatory patients during aeromedical evacuations when required.

In June 2011, India's Ministry of Defence signed an agreement with the United States government to acquire 10 C-17. The deal was the largest defense contract to have been signed by the Indian government with the US.

The C-17 is generally priced at around US$250 million per aircraft including four Pratt & Whitney F117 engines.

Indian Air Force To Take Delivery Of All 10 Boeing C-17 By Aug 2014 : Boeing | idrw.org

 

[Apollyon]

Dont think it's gonna be more than 24 (that too an optimism) C-17 Globemaster III ...as by 2017 Il-214 (although of different category) will come into frame and even Il-476 ....

 

[Adux]

In 2020, India will have for sure 16 C-17 and 24 IL-76 at the same time, IAF responsiblities are increasing, there is no way they are going to diminish their strength after enjoying that

 

[asianobserve]

For C130 and C17 (or other transport aircrafts for that matter) to deliver IFVs, light tanks or BMPs to hot spots you don't actually need to have a runway. Look at these combat delivery training footages:

C130

This could also be done by C17, Il76, An12, and other similar sized military transports. I still think that transport of IFVs or BMPs by Mi26 is impractical.

 

[Blackwater]

For C130 and C17 (or other transport aircrafts for that matter) to deliver IFVs, light tanks or BMPs to hot spots you don't actually need to have a runway. Look at these combat delivery training footages:

C130

This could also be done by C17, Il76, An12, and other similar sized military transports. I still think that transport of IFVs or BMPs by Mi26 is impractical.

IL-76 can not do this low level delivery. IL76 is not that versatile or flexible