Britain receives seventh C-17

LONDON, Jan. 25 (UPI) -- The British air force has received its seventh C-17 Globemaster III airlifter from Boeing following modifications to the aircraft in California.

Boeing and its Boeing Defense UK subsidiary said the plane has been assigned to 99 Squadron at the airbase at Brize Norton.

The aircraft features upgraded software and avionics, as well as additional fuel tanks that extend the aircraft's range to more than 4,000 nautical miles.

"The (British air force) C-17 fleet … delivers an incredible capability to our deployed forces on the front line," said Air Officer Commanding 2 Group, Air Vice Marshal Philip Osborn.

The aircraft was officially delivered to British air force representatives in California in November prior to modifications and later flown to Britain.

Britain's Ministry of Defense announced it would acquire its seventh C-17 in December 2009, less than one year before delivery.

Boeing supports the British air force's C-17s through the C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership, a performance-based logistics program at Brize Norton, the air force's main operating base for strategic air transport and air-to-air refueling.