Boeing

Boeing and British Aerospace today submitted a joint proposal to the United Kingdom Ministry Of Defense in response to an invitation to tender for the United Kingdom Short Term Strategic Airlift requirement (STSA).

The joint response, which details the team's solution to meet the United Kingdom's need for short-term strategic airlift, includes four C-17s, training and support options. A decision is expected early next year.

"We believe the C-17 provides the best combination of operational capability, flexibility and reliability of any airlift airplane in history," said Dr. David Spong, Boeing vice president and C-17 program manager. "The C-17 truly is the new standard in airlift."

The Boeing Company and British Aerospace believe their proposal will fully meet all of the requirements for the STSA and will offer the best value for the Royal Air Force (RAF). The procurement model being proposed will establish a new benchmark in government-industry cooperation.

The C-17 will provide a strategic airlift capability for the United Kingdom that will allow the RAF to deploy by air all of the specified Joint Rapid Reaction Force equipment. The C-17 Globemaster III has amassed an impressive operational resume with the U.S. Air Force while establishing 22 world aviation records for its class.

In addition, Spong, on behalf of Boeing Airlift and Tanker Programs, will accept the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award from President Clinton Feb. 4. The unit was named a Baldrige winner for its business excellence in 1998.

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