The Department of Defense will ask Congress to approve implementing legislation
for a multi-year purchase of 80 C-17 aircraft and engines at the maximum
affordable rate beginning in fiscal year 1997 and concluding in 2003. This
multi-year buy will complete the 120 C-17 fleet purchase. Paul G. Kaminski,
under secretary of defense for acquisition and technology, approved the
acquisition decision Feb. 1.
The proposed production schedule is eight, nine, 13, 15, 15, 15 and five for
the seven-year period at a cost of about $16.6 billion. The Air Force
proposal realizes an estimated five percent price reduction, or about $896
million, under this MYP proposal. The average unit procurement cost (including
spare parts, modifications and other support elements) is about $250 million
and the average unit flyaway cost is $200 million.
The decision also directed the Air Force continue to pursue Civil Reserve Air
Fleet Enhancement Study efforts initiated last November.
The C-17 Globemaster III, built by McDonnell Douglas, is currently flying
operational missions in support of Operation Joint Endeavor in Bosnia. The
C-17 made its maiden flight in September 1991 and achieved Initial Operational
Capability in January 1995.
