Boeing to provide C-17 training for UAE

Feb. 22 (UPI) -- Boeing received an $18.7 million contract from the United Arab Emirates to provide logistics support and C-17 training simulator maintenance.

The two-year contract tasks the company with supporting the country's training efforts with the C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. Boeing provides similar functions for several other armed forces, and says it will tailor its services to meet the UAE's specific requirements.

"With this new UAE contract, Boeing will continue training the Emirati C-17 students through each phase of their careers," program manager Larry Sisco said in a press release.

Sisco went on to add the work will support the UAE's combat readiness in the future.

"We help our customers do amazing things by delivering critical training and learning tools -- affordably and on time," he said. "By maintaining our focus on innovation and service, we play a key role in helping the UAE maintain a high mission-readiness rate for its C-17 fleet."

Boeing provides C-17 training services for pilots in Britain, India and NATO, and has installed 35 aircrew simulators at training centers around the world.

The Boeing-built C-17 Globemaster III is a four-engine, multirole military transport aircraft capable of carrying large payloads which can include supporting equipment or personnel. The airlifter has a range of 2,400 nautical miles, and is able to perform 60,000 payload drops.