RCAF receives 5th C-17 Globemaster

Yesterday the RCAF accepted delivery of its fifth and final C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft at 8 Wing Trenton.

The acquisition cost of the total project was $415 million. With an initial breakdown in cost per aircraft of between $170 million and $218 million, many people where left wondering why the cost was so high. Both the RCAF and Boeing have refused to comment on the breakdown of the actual costs- saying the total contract was negotiated.

The Conservative government took some flack over the purchase of the fifth C-17 - as its purchase cost was higher than the previous aircraft and higher than several other NATO allies recently received. The increase in cost was attributed to the fact that it was one of the last C-17's Boeing was producing before ending its run.

DND released a little more information yesterday after the C-17 was delivered, saying the final cost included the cost of the aircraft, spare engines, extra equipment, projected costs and the exchange rate fluctuation. An additional $30 million will be spent on service over the next 12 years.