C 17 Globemaster III transport aircraft lands at Hindan airbase

NEW DELHI: The first C 17 Globemaster III transport aircraft landed at the Hindan airbase near here today, giving a major boost to the strategic airlift capabilities of the IAF.

The first of the 10 Boeing C 17, ordered from the US, touched down at Hindan airbase. The IAF had accepted the aircraft on June 11 at Log Beach, California, a Defence Ministry statement said.

The air and ground crew are being trained by the US Air Force.

The aircraft will 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.

According to Boeing, India will be the largest C 17 operator outside the US.

The C-17 commonly performs strategic airlift missions, transporting troops and cargo throughout the world; additional roles include tactical airlift, medical evacuation and airdrop duties.

The plane can carry 102 paratroopers or 158 troops with palletised and sidewall seats or 54 patients up to a distance of nearly 4,500 km at a speed of over 800 km per hour.