Boeing on Jan 22, 2013 delivered-on sched-ule-the first of 10 C-17 Globemaster Ⅲ airlift-ers for the Indian Air Force (IAF). India's first C-17 will now enter a US Air Force flight test programme at Edwards Air Force Base in Palmdale, Calif. Boeing is on track to deliver four more C-17s to the IAF this year and five in 2014. "The C-17 met the stipulated airlift requirements of the IAF when it flew field evaluation trials in India during June 2010," said Air Commodore Sanjay Nimesh, Air Attache at the Embassy of India. "It was exciting to see the C-17 fly again, this time with Indian Air Force markings, as the airlifter completed its first-flight milestone on Jan. 11. We look forward to the day that the first IAF C-17 flies over India." "The C-17's ability to operate in extremely hot and cold climates; transport large payloads across vast ranges; and land on short, austere runways makes it ideal for India's airlift needs," said Nan Bouchard, Boeing vice president and C-17 programme manager. "We value our continued partnership with India and the US government and will provide dedicated support as India's first C-17 enters flight testing."
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