Boeing has completed its industrial participation (IP) programmes for the first five C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft operated by the Royal Air Force (RAF) ahead of schedule, fulfilling C-17 UK IP obligations.

Companies that have contributed to Boeing’s C-17 programme include BAE Systems, CAV Aerospace Llantrisant, Eaton Aerospace, GE Aviation Systems Cheltenham, GE Aviation Systems Hamble, GKN Aerospace, Goodrich Actuation Systems and IPECO.

Boeing is bringing another $1.1bn in opportunities to the UK industry through IP programmes associated with the RAF’s sixth and seventh C-17 aircraft, the AH-64 Apache integrated operational support programme, the CH-47 Chinook through-life customer support programme, and the Project Julius Chinook mk4 upgrade programme.

Earlier this month, the RAF received its seventh C-17 aircraft as part of the UK’s strategic air bridge to UK armed forces in Afghanistan.