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In 1980, the USAF found some of the C-141s had
major structural problems as a result of heavy use. In response, McDonnell
Douglas elected to develop a new aircraft using the YC-15 as the basis.
McDonnell Douglas won the contract to build its proposed aircraft, by then
designated the C-17A Globemaster III. Development problems and limited
funding caused delays until the late 1980s. By the mid-1990s, most of the
problems had been resolved. The first C-17 squadron was declared
operational by the U.S. Air Force in January 1995. In 1997 McDonnell
Douglas merged with Boeing.
The US DoD and Boeing are
considering further follow-on orders to take total 222 aircraft by 2010.
In 2000, the UK Defence Secretary announced that the RAF would lease four
C-17s for giving the RAF true strategic capabilities. The first C-17 was
delivered to the RAF in 2001. In RAF service the C-17 has not been given
an official designation due to its leased status, but is referred to
simply as the C-17.
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