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Boeing claims it is closer than ever to launching the long-awaited BC-17 commercial derivative of its C-17 strategic transport, but says the growing gap in guaranteed production beyond delivery of the final contracted aircraft in 2009 makes this, and any further potential study derivatives, increasingly expensive to develop.
“We have several customers with money that have given us requests for proposals,” says C-17 vice president and programme manager Dave Bowman, who adds: “I’ve never received RFPs before.”
Although the company declines to identify the interested groups, Bowman says “this is the closest we’ve ever been to launching this programme, and we have got actual proposals in hand from customers.
“We’re looking forward to launching the programme, which could initially be for between 30 and 60 aircraft,” says Bowman, who adds the potential market “could be upwards of 100 aircraft.”
Originally posted by Zaphod58
This would be great, because then Boeing would be able to put the C-17B into the competition for the new transport they're developing for the 2012 time frame. They'd be able to get the C-17B for roughly 1/10th the cost of an entirely new airframe.
To be equipped with a centre body gear to help it operate from semi-unprepared strips, the C-17B would have its maximum take-off weight increased from 265,000kg (585,000lb) to 279,000kg, while take-off distance would be reduced at gross weight from 7,040ft (2,150m) to around 6,880ft.
It would also feature upgraded, higher thrust Pratt & Whitney PW2000 engines, an engine-out compensation system, stability and augmentation system and advanced situational awareness and defensive systems countermeasures suite.
Last month, a C-17 US transport plane was hit by a missile shortly after take off from Baghdad. An engine exploded, but the plane returned safely with only one of its 16 people aboard slightly injured.
Originally posted by Mondogiwa
Not that I would ever want to get hit in any aircraft by a missile but damn, being in a C5 or C 17 would be even freakier!! I mean what do you do?? Any way to get out??? Do those heavies even have ejection of any sort??
Peace y'all.....Mondo
Originally posted by FredT
I wonder how the economics will work out. Typicaly large military cargo aircraft while offering impressive lift capacities, do not have the cost per ton average to compete even in the large cargo market.
Unless the US government is willing to offer subsadies to the purchasers it may work out.
A "fractional ownership" plan that could make a commercial C-17 a possibility will be kicked off any day by the Pentagon.
The proposed partnership between the USAF and civilian charter and freight companies could generate demand for up to 30 BC-17X aircraft, an FAA-approved version of the Globemaster III heavy lifter with a price tag of around $140 million each, manufacturer Boeing believes.
After earlier studies, the Pentagon will now ask for bids to get the program rolling.
Originally posted by longbow
I wonder how the economics will work out. Typicaly large military cargo aircraft while offering impressive lift capacities,
Economics works, otherwise there would not be that many Antonovs still flying .