Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) is a joint acquisition program between the Army and Air Force intended to procure a commercial off-the-shelf aircraft capable of meeting Army and Air Force requirements for intra-theater airlift. The C-27J Spartan, built by L-3 Communications, was awarded the JCA contract in 2007. This is an update of a report by William Knight and will be updated as conditions warrant.
Strategic mobility, moving men & equipment from U.S. bases to the areas where they are required, is a critical element in U.S. military strategy. The U.S. cannot maintain adequate forces abroad to satisfy its security needs; therefore, it must be prepared to meet military aggression through rapid movement of active & reserve units. A Congressionally mandated study done in 1981 determined that the U.S. lacks adequate means to rapidly move troops & equipment overseas. This study analyzes the Admin¿s. plan for meeting mobility needs & solving this important problem. The study, centered on C-17 aircraft, examines 3 alternative plans in depth as well, & provides an excellent view of the problems & dilemmas facing the DoD in this important area. Illus.
The C-17 Globemaster III is a long-range cargo/transport aircraft operated by the U.S. Air Force since 1993. To date, Congress has funded 190 C-17s for the Air Force. The C-17 program remains a key issue as Congress evaluates the needs of the Department of Defense's (DoD) strategic airlift force. This paper provides program background for the C-17. For more detailed analysis of current issues regarding the C-17 acquisition, see CRS Report RL34264, "Strategic Airlift Modernization: Analysis of C-5 Modernization and C-17 Acquisition Issues." This report will be updated as events warrant.
The C-17 Globemaster III is a long-range cargo/transport aircraft operated by the U.S. Air Force since 1993. Congress approved development of the aircraft in the late 1970s, when it was recognized that the Air Force did not have enough airlift capability. In 1981, the McDonnell Douglas C-17 emerged as winner of a competition with Boeing and Lockheed to develop a next-generation aircraft to replace C-130s and C-141s. Full-scale development of the C-17 got underway in 1986, but technical problems and funding shortfalls delayed the program, leading to slipped schedules and increased costs. Despite these difficulties, the C-17 has retained congressional support and enjoyed strong Air Force and Army backing. Defense officials view the C-17 as essential in the post-Cold War environment, because of its ability to use smaller bases in remote areas. The C-17 first flew in 1991, about a year later than originally scheduled. Deliveries began in 1993, and in January 1995 the Air Force declared the aircraft fully operational. By January 2000, the Air Force had taken delivery of 57 C-17s, some of which were used in Bosnia and later in Kosovo operations with notable success. Production problems in the late 1980s raised questions about the possibility of more cost-effective alternatives. In April 1990, Defense Secretary Cheney reduced the projected buy from 210 to 120 planes. In late 1993, DOD gave the contractor two years to solve production problems or face termination of the contract, with airlift shortfalls to be filled by modified commercial transport planes or existing military airlifters.
The C-17 Globemaster III is a long-range cargo aircraft operated by the U.S. Air Force since 1993. To date, Congress has funded 190 C-17s for the Air Force. The C-17 program remains a key issue as Congress evaluates the needs of DOD's strategic airlift force. This paper provides program background for the C-17. For more detailed analysis of current issues regarding the C-17 acquisition, see CRS Report RL34264, Strategic Airlift Modernization: Analysis of C-5 Modernization and C-17 Acquisition Issues.
