Boeing delivered the Indian Air Force’s fourth C-17 transport, announced the company. The aircraft departed Boeing’s assembly plant in Long Beach, Calif., on Oct. 19, according to the company’s Oct. 24 release. The Indians are on track to receive five of the 10 C-17s they have on order by year’s end, states the release. The remaining five are scheduled for delivery in 2014. Earlier this month, the IAF used its C-17s to support relief efforts after Cyclone Phailin, according to Boeing. The storm caused heavy flooding in eastern India. India received its first C-17 in June, second in July, and third in August. With this newest delivery, Boeing said it has now supplied 258 C-17s to the United States and international customers. (See also US, India Consider C-17 Exchange and End of the Line.)
Collaborative Combat Aircraft designs from Anduril and General Atomics passed their critical design reviews early in November, clearing the way for detailed production efforts to get underway, the Air Force said. How future versions will be upgraded is still under discussion.