C-17 Globemaster for Australia

[andré herc]

Minister for Defence – Sixth C-17A Globemaster III – Letter of Request

23 September 2011


Minister for Defence Stephen Smith announced today that Australia is investigating the purchase of a sixth C-17A Globemaster III heavy-lift aircraft.

Australia has sent a Letter of Request to the United States regarding the potential purchase of an additional C-17A aircraft through the United States Foreign Military Sales program, formally seeking cost and availability information.

A sixth C-17 would give the Government increased options to support a wider range of contingencies that might require heavy-lift aircraft. Advice from Defence is that a sixth aircraft would double the number of C-17A aircraft available for operations at any one time compared to four aircraft.

Minister Smith made this announcement at the Amberley Air Force Base today at the ceremony marking the arrival into Australia of the Royal Australian Air Force's fifth C-17A.

The acquisition of the fifth C-17A was announced by the Government on 1 March this year and was confirmed in the 2011-12 Budget.

On 14 September, Minister Smith took delivery of the fifth C-17A Globemaster III at Boeing's Long Beach production facility near Los Angeles.

The Royal Australian Air Force's five C-17A aircraft were delivered over the period 2006 to 2011. The first of these became operational in 2007, providing the Australian Defence Force with a global airlift capability.

The addition of the fifth aircraft to the Air Force's fleet will expand Australia's capacity to deploy personnel and equipment rapidly all around the world.

The C‑17A aircraft can lift very large and heavy cargoes over long distances providing a significant contribution to Australia's ability to reach and respond to events. One C‑17A can carry up to four C-130 Hercules loads in a single lift and cover twice the distance in three-quarters of the time of a C‑130.

Events in Queensland, Christchurch and Japan earlier this year underlined the C‑17s as an essential part of Australia's capacity to respond to natural disasters both within Australia and within our region.

The ability of C-17s to move equipment and people played a vital role in the aftermath of Cyclone Yasi in north Queensland in February, helping to transport ADF personnel and civilians and airlifting more than 320 tonnes of cargo, including more than 200 tonnes of food supplies. C-17s also helped evacuate to safety in Brisbane more than 250 patients from Cairns Hospital and Cairns Private Hospital.

C-17s also delivered much-needed equipment, stores and emergency services personnel to New Zealand in the wake of the terrible February earthquake in Christchurch and returned more than 100 Australian civilians to Australia.

In March, following the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, C-17s moved more than a million pounds (450 tonnes) of cargo, including 41 vehicles, as well as 135 passengers as part of Australia's relief efforts in Japan.  At one stage during the relief operation, Australia had three C-17 aircraft in Japan providing humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief support.

While disaster relief has been a recent public focus for C-17 operations, they also continue to support Australian and International Security Assistance Forces in Afghanistan and the Middle East, meeting their primary purpose in providing military long-range heavy airlift.

Following receipt of cost and availability information from the United States, the Government will make a decision about the purchase based on capability, cost and schedule assessments of the sixth C‑17A.

http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/2011/09/23/minister-for-defence-sixth-c-17a-globemaster-iii-%E2%80%93-letter-of-request/

[andré herc]

LONG BEACH, Calif., Sept. 14, 2011 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] today delivered Australia's fifth C-17 Globemaster III airlifter to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) during a ceremony at the C-17 program's final assembly facility in Long Beach. A RAAF delegation led by Stephen Smith, Australia's Minister for Defence, received the country's latest C-17 at an event also attended by Chief of the Defence Force Gen. David Hurley, Australian Secretary of Defence Duncan Lewis, and U.S. Ambassador to Australia Jeffrey Bleich.

"Australia's fleet of four C-17s has been on the front lines of defense and humanitarian missions around the world, and continues to demonstrate the aircraft's great versatility and capability," said Boeing Military Aircraft President Chris Chadwick. "We look forward to a continued close partnership with the Commonwealth."

Australian C-17s were part of the relief mission to Japan following a devastating earthquake and tsunami earlier this year. The fleet delivered more than 1 million pounds of cargo, including water cannons to help cool the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant. RAAF C-17s also conducted relief operations following a major earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand, and floods in Pakistan and Australia.

"Since 2006, Boeing has enjoyed a strong partnership with the RAAF and the crews who fly the C-17," said Bob Ciesla, Boeing C-17 program manager. "With this fifth C-17, the RAAF continues to expand and extend its global airlift reach. We're certain that the C-17 we delivered today will continue to fully provide the reliability and versatility the RAAF has come to expect."

The Commonwealth of Australia in April announced the signing of an agreement with the U.S. government to acquire its fifth C-17. The U.S. Air Force approved the Foreign Military Sale and assigned a C-17 already in production to be delivered to the RAAF.

The C-17 provides the RAAF with the capability to airlift large payloads across intercontinental distances and transport combat-ready troops to remote locations, by either landing or airdropping them directly where needed. The C-17's unique maneuverability allows it to operate on narrow taxiways and congested ramps. With a maximum payload of 164,900 pounds (74,797 kg), the C-17 can take off and land on runway space measuring 3,000 feet (914.4 m) or less.

There are currently 235 C-17s in service worldwide – 24 with international customers. The U.S. Air Force, including active duty, Guard and Reserve units, has 211 C-17s. Other international customers include the UK Royal Air Force, the Canadian Forces, the Qatar Emiri Air Force, the United Arab Emirates Air Force and Air Defense, 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 U.S. government to acquire 10 C-17s that will be delivered in 2013-2014.

http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=1921

[andré herc]

Nog geen 4 maanden wachten en het vliegtuig wordt geleverd. Geen slechte service.

Kijk en dat bedoel ik nu, dat is wat anders als dat tien jaren plan hier in Nederland met die derde DC-10,en tot slot van het liedje komt hij helemaal niet in dienst van de KLU. :crazy:

[HermanB]

Nog geen 4 maanden wachten en het vliegtuig wordt geleverd. Geen slechte service.

[HermanB]

Australia to get fifth C-17 in August
By Craig Hoyle

Australia has signed an agreement to acquire a fifth C-17 strategic transport, with Boeing to deliver the aircraft in just four months' time. Announcing details of the new Foreign Military Sales deal on 18 April, the US manufacturer said: "Due to the Royal Australian Air Force's immediate need for an additional airlifter, the US Air Force has approved Australia's request to take delivery of its fifth C-17 in August."

To be operated by the RAAF's 36 Sqn from Amberley air base, Queensland, the aircraft will join four others that entered use between 2006 and 2008. Its addition will allow the service to meet "an increased demand for humanitarian and disaster relief missions", Boeing says. The RAAF has recently used its C-17s to support humanitarian relief operations following natural disasters that have devastated parts of Australia, Japan and New Zealand.

Plans to acquire the new aircraft were outlined by Australian minister of defence Stephen Smith at the Avalon air show earlier this year, when he revealed that Canberra had requested pricing and availability data from the US government. In a 9 March notification to Congress, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency valued the sale at an estimated $300 million, including associated equipment, spare parts, training and logistical support.

Australia's decision to buy a fifth C-17 is expected to mean that it will not exercise an option to acquire two more Lockheed Martin C-130J tactical transports to expand the RAAF's current 12-strong fleet. Boeing has so far delivered 230 C-17s, including 210 to the USAF. The type is also operated by Canada, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and the UK, and by a 12-member group of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations.

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/04/19/355726/australia-to-get-fifth-c-17-in-august.html

[andré herc]

Australia – C-17 GLOBEMASTER III Aircraft
WASHINGTON, March 9, 2011 – The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia of a C-17 GLOBEMASTER III aircraft and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $300 million.
The Government of Australia has requested a possible sale of one C-17 GLOBEMASTER III aircraft, up to four Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 engines, one AN/AAQ-24V(13) Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) System, spare and repair parts, supply and test equipment, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical documentation, United States Government and contractor engineering, logistics, and technical support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $300 million.
Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific. The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region. Australia's efforts in operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, peacekeeping, and humanitarian operations have made a significant impact on regional, political, and economic stability and have served U.S. national security interests. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives and facilitates burden sharing with our allies.
Australia currently has a heavy airlift capability comprised of four C-17As. This additional C-17 will further improve Australia's capability to rapidly deploy in support of global coalition operations and will also greatly enhance its ability to lead regional humanitarian/peacekeeping operations such as its current response to the Queensland flooding, cyclone aftermath and the New Zealand Earthquake.
Australia has the ability to absorb and employ the additional C-17. The C-17 fleet is based at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Amberley. RAAF Base Amberley is the primary base for airlift and tanker aircraft and is currently undergoing the infrastructure upgrades required to support the C-17 and other large aircraft Australia already received or is under contract to purchase.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The prime contractor will be the Boeing Company in Long Beach, California. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Australia.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

dsca.mil

[Elzenga]

Tja...Australië is zo'n 4000 km breed van oost naar west en bijna 3200 van noord naar zuid... en ligt behoorlijk ver weg van veel....dus dat men daar een iets groter en zwaarder transporttoestel wenst snap ik wel...

Elzenga, Australië is qa grondoppervlake groter dan Nederland, maar qa inwonersaantal zal het ongeveer gelijk zijn,maar besteed wel meer van zijn bnp aan defensie. Natuurlijk heeft een land als Australië voldoende grondstoffen om te kunnen verkopen en heeft het asielzoekers probleem niet vanwege een streng asielbeleid waardoor het geld daar niet aan op gaat, maar we hebben in eerdere berichten over  Australië kunnen lezen, dat men 2 LHD´s, 3 F100 Fregatten laat bouwen, 24 Super Hornets heeft aangeschaft, plannen heeft voor nieuwe subs, terwijl men hier in Nederland een kaalslag gaat doen op Defensie.

De Australische bevolking woont wel dus duizenden kilometers verspreid...en dus heb je meer strategische transportcapaciteit nodig...wat men nu ook bij de grote natuurrampen goed kan gebruiken. Australië is een immigrantenland pur sang dus dat maakt het volgens mij al onvergelijkbaar met Nederland (en het feit dat wij dat niet zijn ligt volgens mij aan de basis van de problemen hier). Maar inderdaad...men ziet daar wel in dat men een goede (defensie)verzekering moet houden...en zelfs moet uitbreiden. Het percentage dat Australië besteedt ligt aardig in de buurt van waar ik voor pleit in mijn Alternatieve Opzet (ik lees 1,8%).

En inderdaad..bezuinigen op defensie is slechts een keuze...geen noodzaak.

[Elzenga]

Tja...Australië is zo'n 4000 km breed van oost naar west en bijna 3200 van noord naar zuid... en ligt behoorlijk ver weg van veel....dus dat men daar een iets groter en zwaarder transporttoestel wenst snap ik wel...

Elzenga geef nu eens gewoon toe dat deze Minister van Defensie van Australië ook weet wat zijn Krijgsmacht op korte termijn echt nodig heeft als deze wereldwijd inzetbaar moet zijn

Voor Australië is dat een C-17 voor ons een A400M ...gaan we dan veel meer plezier van beleven ...en is ook efficiënter...dan zo onverstandig te zijn onze strategische transportmiddelen te kopen bij onze grote economisch concurrent. De huidige C-17 pool lijkt me voorlopig meer dan voldoende.

[Nikehercules]

Bezuinigen is een keuze, geen noodzaak!

Veel beter kan het niet omschreven worden.
Hoe logisch het ook klinkt toch word vaak gedaan alsof het idd wel een noodzaak is.

[IPA NG]

Australië 21 miljoen inwoners. 27% meer dan Nederland

NL budget 8 miljard , straks 7 miljard .
Australië ruim 18 miljard euro...

Bezuinigen is een keuze, geen noodzaak!

EDIT:

C-17's, Poseidons, Wedgetails, Globalhawks, etcetera...

[Ace1]

Tja...Australië is zo'n 4000 km breed van oost naar west en bijna 3200 van noord naar zuid... en ligt behoorlijk ver weg van veel....dus dat men daar een iets groter en zwaarder transporttoestel wenst snap ik wel...

Elzenga, Australië is qa grondoppervlake groter dan Nederland, maar qa inwonersaantal zal het ongeveer gelijk zijn,maar besteed wel meer van zijn bnp aan defensie. Natuurlijk heeft een land als Australië voldoende grondstoffen om te kunnen verkopen en heeft het asielzoekers probleem niet vanwege een streng asielbeleid waardoor het geld daar niet aan op gaat, maar we hebben in eerdere berichten over  Australië kunnen lezen, dat men 2 LHD´s, 3 F100 Fregatten laat bouwen, 24 Super Hornets heeft aangeschaft, plannen heeft voor nieuwe subs, terwijl men hier in Nederland een kaalslag gaat doen op Defensie.

[andré herc]

Tja...Australië is zo'n 4000 km breed van oost naar west en bijna 3200 van noord naar zuid... en ligt behoorlijk ver weg van veel....dus dat men daar een iets groter en zwaarder transporttoestel wenst snap ik wel...

Elzenga geef nu eens gewoon toe dat deze Minister van Defensie van Australië ook weet wat zijn Krijgsmacht op korte termijn echt nodig heeft als deze wereldwijd inzetbaar moet zijn

[Elzenga]

Tja...Australië is zo'n 4000 km breed van oost naar west en bijna 3200 van noord naar zuid... en ligt behoorlijk ver weg van veel....dus dat men daar een iets groter en zwaarder transporttoestel wenst snap ik wel...

[Ace1]

Ongeveer iets 1.5 miljard euro volgens de link van lex

Dan kost een C-17 Clobemaster 325 miljoen euro per stuk, als ik dat goed heb?

[Laurens]

Ongeveer iets van 1.5 miljard euro volgens de link van lex