I am confused…what exactly is the purpose of this C17?
After the Tsunami 2004, some wealthy Muslim countries noticed that they had a lot of money and help for the nations in the , but no airlift capability.
So the reason for Qatar (and UAE also) to use Boeing’s C-17 airlifter is for humanitarian and peacekeeping cargo missions around the world, especially in Muslim countries.
…Qatar “has expressed an interest to acquire” the C-17, Bruce Lemkin, deputy under secretary of the Air Force for international affairs, said in an interview at the Farnborough International Airshow.
A high-wing, four-engine, T-tailed aircraft with a rear-loading ramp, the C-17 can carry large combat equipment and troops or humanitarian aid between continents to small, austere airfields worldwide.
Qatari officials could not immediately be reached for comment. They are negotiating to buy two C-17s with an option for two more, a person familiar with the matter said.
This person said Qatar is interested in being able to respond to humanitarian crises such as tsunamis and earthquakes in what he described as a new way for a Muslim nation.
“They want to be able to fly in with something that has an Arab flag on its tail,” said the person, who asked not to be identified….
Source: Reuters – Qatar interested in Boeing C-17 (Wed Jul 16, 2008)
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