The RAF has received its eighth C-17.
In a ceremony on May 18 at Boeing’s final assembly facility in Long Beach, California, the eighth Royal Air Force C-17A Globemaster III, ZZ178, was handed over to the UK Ministry of Defence.
“I’m honoured and delighted to deliver the RAF’s newest C-17 to join the fleet at Number 99 Squadron, where our seven C-17s are in constant demand flying missions in support of Defence and other government agencies’ requirements,” said RAF Wg Cdr David Manning, Officer Commanding 99 Squadron.
The RAF C-17As are operated by 99 Squadron at RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire. The first RAF C-17As entered service in 2001 and have surpassed 74,000 flight hours – 15% above the projected rate. After initially acquiring four aircraft, in order to cater for increasing demand, the UK contracted for its eighth C-17 in March of this year.
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