Boeing delivers third airlifter to UAE Air Force

Boeing said on Tuesday it has delivered a third C-17 Globemaster III airlifter to the UAE Air Force and Air Defence.The UAE Air Force and Air Defence accepted delivery of its first C-17 in May and Boeing is contracted to deliver a fourth C-17 to the UAE later this year and two more in 2012."We selected the C-17 Globemaster III for the versatility and reliability the aircraft brings to our mission," said UAE Air Force and Air Defence Officer Commanding Col. Pilot Humaid Al Mansoori."The first two C-17s delivered to the UAE Air Force and Air Defence have been flying around the world in support of humanitarian missions. The fleet's newest airlifter is a welcome addition so that we can continue to be ready for any contingency, anywhere and any time."The C-17 can transport large payloads across vast ranges without refueling and operate in extremely hot and cold climates, making it the optimum choice for meeting the UAE's strategic and tactical airlift requirements.With a full payload of 170,000 pounds, a C-17 can fly 2,400 nautical miles on versatile missions including brigade airdrop and aeromedical evacuation.The C-17 also can land on short runways of 3,000 feet or less and land on austere airfields.There are currently 234 C-17s in service worldwide - 23 with international customers with the US Air Force, including active duty, Guard and Reserve units, having 211.International customers include the Qatar Emiri Air Force, the UK Royal Air Force, the Canadian Forces, the Royal Australian Air Force, and the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability initiative of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations.India became the newest C-17 customer in June, when India's Ministry of Defence signed an agreement with the US government to acquire 10 C-17s that will be delivered in 2013-2014.A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defence, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defence, space and security businesses. Headquartered in St Louis, the company is a $32bn business with 65,000 employees worldwide. From / Arabian Business