Global HeavyLift Holdings Commends Senator McCaskill's Request For Commercial Certification of Boeing C-17 (BC-17) From FAA

Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, United States, January 22, 2012 (PressReleasePoint) - Global HeavyLift Holdings, a Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) listed (http://www.ccr.gov/) entity with principal offices in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, is commending Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill's strong recommendation to the FAA that it fast track commercial certification of Boeing's workhorse C-17 Globemaster III strategic/tactical airlifter.

"GHH is exceptionally pleased that the Senator has demonstrated once again her unwavering support for this superlative airlifter, and the viability, if not the urgency, of establishing a U.S./NATO-controlled Heavylift industry based on very modestly modified C-17s -designated BC-17- for commercial use", says Global HeavyLift Holdings Managing Member Myron D. Stokes. "The Senator's actions are all the more notable when one considers the extraordinary efforts put forth by various parties in government and industry, both here and abroad, to kill C-17 by any means necessary."

World's Most Versatile Strategic/Tactical Airlifter: Boeing C-17 Globemaster III  Image: USAF

 

Global HeavyLift was founded in 2002 as a public persona of a public/private effort representing an atypically close collaboration between the U.S. Air Force, Boeing, themselves and other elements of industry at the direction of then SECAF Dr. James Roche. "The objective was to bring together the intellectual resources necessary to create a revamped (the first iteration of the strategy having been ruled as inadequate) architecture for infrastructure of a new globe spanning industry, Heavylift, while augmenting airlift requirements in the aftermath of Congressionally ordered force reductions post Cold War", says Stokes.  "Heavylift, currently controlled by the Russians with their commercialized An-124 Ruslan airlifter, is a subset of the air cargo industry that involves the movement of goods via air that are too large or outsized (Heavy Outsized Market-HOM) to fit in any door of any 747 or similar sized freighter, along with the Short Austere Market (SAM) that exploits the extraordinary short and rough/unfinished field capabilities of C-17. This is ideal for direct to site movement of heavy equipment and other materiel into the often remote, virtually inaccessible by ground transport, areas where gold, gas, diamonds and oil are found. Commercial C-17 utilization not only accelerates site preparation, but enables a significantly reduced time to market", he said.

A narrative of what was originally designated the CAMAA (Commercial Application of Military Airlift Aircraft) is linked here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commercial_Application_of_Military_Airlift_Aircraft

Stokes observes that up until now, the Russian/Ukrainian dominance of the Heavy and Outsized market was the primary concern, although not an insurmountable one. " It has always been GHH intent, as demonstrated by the 2008 visit of one of its people to Russian leadership in Moscow,  to work with them in a symbiotic way that allowed exploitation of the specific operational characteristics of both the C-17 and An-124.  The currently out of production Ruslan, while capable of carrying more outsized materiel and is quite robust, simply can't go where the Globemaster can and has - as proven in the crucibles of Iraq and Afghanistan.  Working in tandem, however, there is no let project anywhere on earth that cannot be serviced by these aircraft."

China C-17 Clone?
The new twist, Stokes says, is China's reported roll-out of its pre-production C-17 clone.  "This new airlifter, based on plans stolen by Chinese operatives in the same timeframe as the acquisition of extensive  technological and manufacturing data associated with the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense system along with F-22 and F-35, was projected to make its appearance in five to six years, as noted in an analysis presented to a Congressional committee in 2006. Moreover, there is every expectation China will seek to dominate the Heavy and Outsized market in the same way they have  carved out an exceptionally, and perhaps uncomfortably, strong presence in the global air cargo operations through extensive acquisition of B-747 aircraft of all configurations", Stokes says.  "Add this to their all but absolute control of ocean borne shipping -a clear and continuing concern to national security strategists- and one can understand the urgency of the FAA moving on this certification which can be completed within 12 months.

New Architecture
In anticipation of certification and permissions from involved Federal agencies including the State Department, GHH is revising its internal architecture, and has also advised its legal representation to incorporate in Delaware.  "This new architecture will allow more flexibility in terms of anticipated global operations", Stokes added, "And minimize the complexities of interaction with the financial sectors of multiple countries expected to serve as bases for GHH Air Operations Epicenters. In line with this, GHH financial advisors are already reaching out to those financial entities both here and abroad who survived the global economic meltdown of 2008, particularly those who were instrumental in creating GHH's comprehensive 30-year business plan."

As noted in previous releases, GHH has identified and has access to, financial instruments with a value up to USD5Billion. "We will leverage these instruments to help accomplish the mission outlined 11 years ago, inclusive of non-traditional aircraft acquisition methodologies as alluded to in the 2007 SpeedNews Jonathan Club Aerospace-Defense conference presentation in Los Angeles," Stokes said.  He  noted that despite the vigorous and continuous assaults on C-17's continued production, the bulk of which were based on flawed data, the GHH team remained confident that this indispensable airlifter would retain the mantle as primary resident of the Long Beach plant. "The reasons for our contending with those who sought C-17's -and Boeing's- demise were quite simple: No C-17, no heavylift."

Over the past 5 years, GHH representation -drawn from some of the best and brightest in industry and government- have traveled the world to assess potential bases in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.   "Through the efforts of GHH Director of Middle East Operations, Benjamin Ballout, an agreement was secured with the Sultanate of Oman", says Stokes.  This long time friend of the United States dating back to the 19th century Barbary Pirate Wars, is not only a profoundly strategic location, but is populated by a people of great intellect, solid values and ruled by a leader with clear vision.  I've been impressed with Sultan Qaboos since first becoming aware of him nearly 3 decades ago. 

"Also, there are active discussions with an Asian nation possessed of similar qualities, and expect to have an agreement by second quarter 2012.  And, now that the Long Beach and St. Louis production facilities, along with the supplier base, are secure until at least 2014, all involved parties can concentrate on global implementation of the HeavyLift initiative, and the rather significant economic stimulus benefits to participant countries", he said.   -Endit-

Previous releases: http://www.slideshare.net/GHHLLC/global-heavylift-holdings-llc-asks-boeing-c17-detractors-to-produce-internal-dod-analyses-supporting-kill-efforts
http://www.pressrelease365.com/pr/industry/military-and-defense/boeing-c17-2010-congressional-budget-dod-usaf-airlift-3650.htm
http://asimov52.wordpress.com/tag/global-heavylift-holdings-pushes-for-120-boeing-c-17s-for-2012-2020-dod-budgets/

About Global HeavyLift Holdings

Founded in 2002, GHH is a strategic air transport solutions entity that was born of a multi-year public/private effort among forward thinkers in both the private sector and government to mitigate emerging and observable vulnerabilities in the U.S. industrial base global supply chain. Such vulnerabilities are represented by the fact that no ocean-borne shipping is in U.S. hands at present, thus potentially subjecting American corporations, especially automotive, and their global operations to the whims and perhaps economically hostile activities of and by foreign governments. Add to this the risk of terrorist activities, which have, according to the Department of Homeland Security, targeted maritime operations; i.e., ships, ports and ocean containers.

Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) listed, (ccr.gov/)  it is the goal of GHH and its strategic partners around the planet to work with key logistics personnel within these corporations and government agencies to conceptualize, craft and structure long-term global supply chain alternative transportation methodologies through continuous -- not stop gap or emergency -- air augmentation solutions. Its most important mission, however, has been in the co-development of global architecture for infrastructure of a new American controlled industry, Heavylift, utilizing the excellent airlift performance characteristics of the Boeing BC-17.    * * *

GE PRESENTS: A CELEBRATION OF FLIGHT



Boeing X-37 Orbital Spaceplane   Image: Boeing


Publisher's Note: Within its "Celebration of Flight" series, the GE people have crafted an intricate yet beautiful cinematic ballet of flying in all its glory by bringing together the multitude of take-offs and landings that occur over the course of a single day. And, among other items of note, a detailed look at a satellite-based air traffic management system that takes yet another step towards a paradigm shift in how the world's airways are utilized.

Many will agree with GE's sentiment expressed thusly: "Holiday air travel is notoriously stressful, filled with long lines and seeming-endless delays. But one technology may change the entire experience of flying, by helping keep planes on schedule, using crowded airspace more efficiently, and letting airlines cut fuel use and emissions.

"Known as RNP, for Required Navigation Performance, the technology replaces traditional, land-based beacons that have guided planes for decades. Instead, it uses satellites and sophisticated computers aboard the plane itself to create highly specific flight paths that are shorter and more exact than the ones provided by today’s outdated ground-based network."
http://www.gereports.com/fly-the-faster-skies-new-satellite-guided-flight-paths/


"To slip the surly bonds of earth on laughter silvered [supersonic] wings..." Image: Telegraph UK



As one who has had the privilege of flying British Airways Concorde four times before its retirement in 2003 -including an opportunity to sit in the FAA observer's seat from roll-out to 60,000ft at Mach 2.02 (1,340 mph) - flying backseat in former Group 44 Jaguar Racing executive Bob Tullius' P-51 Mustang,  and looping a Stearman with former Jaguar NA President Mike Dale, I never cease to be amazed by the wonder of flight...


Enjoy,
Myron D. Stokes

Image Courtesy of FighterAce, Ketsujin Studios

Related: Crisis on Asimov: A Vision of 2085 - Dr. Sheila R. Ronis
http://www.slideshare.net/GHHLLC/future-of-the-auto-industry-crisis-on-asimov-a-vision-of-2085-dr-sheila-ronis-e-motion-reportscom-myron-stokes-publisher-presentation
Archives: Boeing Air Traffic Management - Revolutionary Concewth While Cutting Delays
http://www.slideshare.net/GHHLLC2/e-moti

Recommendation by SECDEF Gates to Eliminate Joint Forces Command May be Viewed as Step to Dismantling of US Military

Co-crafter of Goldwater-Nichols Act
Senator Barry Goldwater
Image: Time Magazine

"Needless to say, it is deeply disturbing that that you would apparently act on a recommendation that reflects superficial research and a lack of analytical rigor." - Virginia Delegation

August 17, 2010 Washington, DC -- According to a colleague, the letter to follow lines out the Virginia delegation of congress' objection to the closure of JFCOM. It provides an excellent counterpoint to the task/purpose that the SECDEF laid out in his press conference last week. Although it is clearly objecting to the closure, it wraps that message neatly in "instructions" of how the closure should have been handled. It was signed by Senators Webb and Warner, and House members Nye, Scott, Forbes and Wittman.
_______________________________________________________

"Dear Secretary Gates,

"We write to express our deep disappointment and concern over your recommendation to President Obama to eliminate the U.S. Joint Forces Command. Should he approve your proposal, a number of substantial negative consequences will result, including the future erosion of our military's joint warfighting capabilities, the dismissal of thousands of highly skilled civilian federal employees and defense contractors, and a significant adverse economic impact in the Hampton Roads region.


"Furthermore, we are deeply troubled by your lack of prior consultation with Congress on this matter and your apparent strategy to eliminate the command without complying with the provisions of Title 10 U.S. Code, Section 2687 or, alternatively, to propose the command's elimination be considered as part of a Base Closure and Realignment (BRAC) process.

"Congress has played a leading oversight role to improve our military's joint warfare capabilities dating to passage of the Goldwater-Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1986. Congress was moved to act due to significant shortcomings in joint operations, training, doctrine, and communications revealed during U.S. military operations in the 1980s.


"Guided by the recommendations of the Packard Commission and a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Goldwater-Nichols bill resulted in the most significant reorganization of DoD since the National Security Act of 1947.

"JFCOM's mission embodies all that Senator Goldwater, Congressman Nichols, and their colleagues envisioned nearly 25 years ago when they led the way to ensure that all branches of our armed forces would be able to fight as an integrated joint team when they go to war. Alone among the U.S. combatant commands, JFCOM is uniquely organized and tasked to develop the joint training, doctrine, and capabilities needed to adjust to the demands of 21st-century combat operations. The command also plays a key role in balancing joint warfighting programmatic requirements with the individual service programs advocated by each military department.


"We are also troubled that your recommendation appears to rely upon the findings of a recent Defense Business Board report. Although that report was wide-reaching in its scope, we question the thoroughness of its analysis of JFCOM, its functions, or its operations. According to JFCOM, the Board did not visit the command, request a briefing or any other information, or provide an opportunity to review and comment on the board's findings and recommendations. As yet, we have received no detailed information on the basis for the board's recommendation.


"All 24 official and ex-officio members of the board have had long, distinguished careers in the corporate world, including defense industries. Several are also members of defense advisory panels or have served as senior civilian officials in DoD or other federal agencies.

"Only a handful has actually served in uniform and, with the exception of one member, their military service occurred early in their lives. No board member has commanded forces in combat operations in Iraq or Afghanistan-where the imperative for seamless joint operations has been demonstrated repeatedly.


"Needless to say, it is deeply disturbing that that you would apparently act on a recommendation that reflects superficial research and a lack of analytical rigor.

JFCOM Emblem

"It is worth noting that the 2005 BRAC process reviewed and validated JFCOM's mission and contributions to joint warfighting. The DoD panel reviewing the command also recommended that JFCOM purchase its leased spaces to support its permanent presence. As recently as October 2009, JFCOM opened a new 49,000-square-foot Joint Deployment Center and Maritime Operations Center that it shares with the Navy's Fleet Forces Command. This state-of-the-art technological facility enables the two commands to direct maritime operations and collaborate with joint, interagency, and multinational partners as part of their respective missions.


"Unlike the Defense Business Board's cursory review, several in-depth studies each assessed joint force effectiveness and requirements to improve combat capability, and all reached a different conclusion than the DBB. None of these comprehensive reviews recommended the elimination or realignment of JFCOM. On the contrary, they recommended placing increased emphasis on joint warfighting. One of the 2009 Quadrennial Roles and Missions Review's primary objectives was to 'improve the effectiveness of joint and interagency operations.' The 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review stated: "Perhaps more than ever before, the United States requires joint military forces able to function and across a wide geographic and operational spectrum. Moreover, military forces must be capable of working effectively with a range of civilian and international partners."

"Finally, we object to your plan to ignore the legislative intent associated with base closure and realignment limitations associated with Title 10 U.S. Code, Section 2687. This provision was established to ensure that Congress has sufficient time and opportunity to review DoD proposals that would result in the closure or realignment of significant facilities. It also includes requirements intended to ensure that such decisions are made only after a comprehensive review of costs, impacts, and alternatives.

"Although compliance with 10 USC 2687 would result in only a few months' delay in implementation of your recommendation to eliminate JFCOM, your closure strategy appears to have been crafted to avoid the need to comply with its statutory requirements. A clause in the section allows for workload reductions that do not count against the realignment limitation, but we are informed by legal counsel that the department's reliance on it in this instance is clearly in violation of the legislative intent of this law.


"It would set the unacceptable precedent that DoD could close or realign any installation without compliance with the section. Furthermore, JFCOM occupies a major leased facility in Suffolk, Virginia, that should not be considered part of Naval Station Norfolk or any other military installation.

"Your JFCOM recommendation also would result in the closure of this facility, thus requiring compliance with 10 USC 2687.


"We recognize that the department has not, in recent history, applied 10 USC 2687 for base closures and realignments. Instead, the Congress and the department have reached major decisions on military installations through the Base Closure and Realignment (BRAC) process. BRAC was crafted to avoid political interference and to ensure that decisions are made only after complete and impartial reviews of impacts, costs, savings, and alternatives.

"As you know, the last BRAC round was conducted in 2005, and its actions are nearing completion next year. Eliminating the Joint Forces Command poses significant implications for the future conduct of joint operations, entails financial and personnel costs, and will result in a substantial adverse economic impact on the local community. We believe that your recommendation to close JFCOM would more appropriately be considered within the context of a BRAC process. We understand that you have "authorized each of the military departments to consider consolidation or closure of excess bases and other facilities where appropriate." This guidance, coupled with the failure to adhere to the legislative intent of 10 USC 2687 and your intent to conduct base closures or realignments outside of the BRAC process, is cause for concern.


"We continue to support your efforts to reduce costs and eliminate waste and duplication within the Department of Defense. However, it is of the utmost importance that decisions relating to base realignments and closures are considered within an established and authorized process.

"As such, we urge you to conduct a more complete review of JFCOM's mission and activities without a predisposed intent to close the command. Any recommendation to close JFCOM should only be made as part of a BRAC or 10 USC 2687 process."

  _______________________________________________________________________________
Publisher's note: We continue mystified, amid all of the "cost containment" concerns, that despite the existence of a truly elegant and effective means of forever changing Congressional defense acquisition processes, as fastidiously outlined by Walsh College Director MBA/Management Programs and national security strategist Dr. Sheila R. Ronis in the November 2004 Defense AT&L analysis "Transformational Recapitalization: Rethinking USAF Aircraft Procurement Philosophies" http://www.dau.mil/pubscats/PubsCats/atl/2004_11_12/rons-nd04.pdf     the DoD and Congress  remain captive to outdated and ineffective acquisition strategies.

Related links: http://www.ndu.edu/inss/Symposia/2010_Economic_Security_Symposium/Web_Pages/index.htm
http://pnsr.org/data/files/project_on_national_security_reform_vwg.pdf

Sukhoi SU-35         Image: Russian Air Force

Boeing Calls WTO Ruling a Landmark Decision and Sweeping Legal Victory

 787 Dreamliner Headed for Farnborough Image: Boeing

- Launch aid for every Airbus program deemed illegal and damaging

- 'Prohibited' A380 launch aid must be withdrawn 'without delay'

- Legal principle set: airplane programs must be funded on commercial terms

- Government funding of Airbus infrastructure and R&D programs also ruled illegal

- More information, including excerpts from the decision, is available at www.boeing.com/wto

CHICAGO, June 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) today praised the World Trade Organization's final ruling that billions of dollars in European launch aid subsidies used by Airbus to develop its commercial airplanes are illegal and must end. The decision, which the WTO made public earlier today, also declares that a broad array of government funding for Airbus research and infrastructure development violated international trade agreements.

More information, including excerpts from the decision, is available at www.boeing.com/wto

    Boeing 767 Based KC-45 Refuels a Northrop-Grumman B-2 Spirit          Image: Boeing

Publisher's note: As of today, both Boeing and Airbus have now submitted their Tanker bids to the US Department of Defense and non-conventional wisdom suggests that the WTO ruling will have an adverse effect on Airbus' chances for securing this contract -- as it must.  One can also logically conclude that if the acquisition party circumstances were reversed; i.e., Boeing attempting to gain ascendancy over Airbus in its own backyard and therefore placing the manufacturing bases -- and thousands of jobs -- of EU countries with Airbus operations at risk, there would be little chance of success. 7/9/10

Indian Air Force (IAF) Pending Order For 10 Boeing C-17s Not at Risk as Suggested; Timing of Long Beach Strike Suspect

"The drumbeat of anti-C-17 commentary in US, EU, Indian, Pakistani and other global news mediums; a strike at Boeing Long Beach by Union workers and the observably large leap in logic suggesting Globemaster III will be terminated as a result, appear to be part of a well coordinated effort -- again -- to render as self-fulfilling prophecy SECDEF Gates' unfounded insistence on ending production of the world's most successful strategic/tactical airlifter."

Image: USAF

Bloomfield Hills, Michigan May 13, 2010 (PressReleasePoint) -- Global HeavyLift Holdings, LLC, a Defense Logistics Agency (DLA http://www.ccr.gov/) entity based in Michigan, believes it is appropriate to address, yet again, the continuing attacks, misstatements and outright analytical/factual errors carried by multiple media outlets globally against Boeing C-17. These are largely based on comments by Secretary of Defense Dr. Robert Gates, elements of the USAF, and others demanding an end to its production.

The drumbeat of anti-C-17 commentary in US, EU, Indian, Pakistani and other global news mediums; a strike at Boeing Long Beach by union workers and the observably large leap in logic suggesting the Globemaster III will be terminated as a result, appear to be part of a well coordinated effort -- again -- to render as self-fulfilling prophecy SECDEF Gates' unfounded insistence on ending production of the world's most successful strategic/tactical airlifter.

While GHH feels the bulk of reportage in certain media outlets commendably takes on a aura of objectivity regarding IAF plans to acquire C-17, that aura, they contend, collapses with pointed and all-caps references in some to the US President and SECDEF's stated desire to kill it; i.e., "Everyone agrees, except Obama and Gates. Maybe they know something others are not telling us... Why is India buying the C-17 when Barack Obama and Robert Gates want to junk it, asks Shantanu Guha Ray?"

Since it is somewhat inarguable by virtue of unparalleled mission completion rates (verifiable through the US DoD) that Boeing C-17 is the best airlifter in the history of aviation, and possessed, as articulated by Boeing spokesman Jerry Drelling, of true strategic/tactical duality of mission capability, we'll address with specificity the concern mentioned in several versions of a report "Maybe they (the President and SECDEF) know something others are not telling us."

"The direct answer is, and with all due respect to the President and Dr. Gates, no, they do not 'know something others are not telling us', says Myron D. Stokes. GHH Managing Member.

"Since so many editorials are containing C-17 catch phrases like 'unnecessary', 'not requested', 'The Air Force says 180 (or 205, now 223) is enough', one assumes that such assertions concerning this superlative airlifter which has no true near, mid or long term replacement, are fact checked to ascertain the worthiness of these comments", he said.

As stated in several press releases by GHH over the past year, the data to which the President, SECDEF, the SECAF and others have referred to as reasons for termination of C-17 production, have been debunked as based on flawed analytics and inapplicable, outdated, conflict assumptions by the GAO and Congress, or do not exist. GHH believes they can only be referring to the 2005/2006 Mobility Capabilities Study (MCS) produced by the Pentagon Office of Program Analysis and Evaluation (PA&E) and the Strategic airlift section of the 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) which echoes MCS conclusions that "180 C-17s augmented by 112 REAMP/RERP C-5s was enough".

These same flawed conclusions have been repeated in the 2010 version of MCS, despite DoD claims of "enhanced fidelity" regarding strategic/tactical airlift analytical matrices.

In defense of what seems to be a dichotomy of that which is publicly stated and actual airlift requirements, GHH contends, the AF was pretty much hamstrung and stuck with the Lockheed-Martin C-5s, which the service desperately wanted to get rid of, thanks to behind the scenes maneuvering resulting in a 2004 Congressional mandate authored by Sens. Kennedy and Biden that prevented retirement of any models save for those 14 AC that were absolutely beyond repair.

The comments of a very upset AF General were conveyed to GHH by government associates the day the mandate was implemented: "We keep trying to push these aircraft [C-5s] out the back door, and they [Congress and LMCO] keep pushing them in the front door. From this point on, it's going to be darned difficult to get C-17s at the levels we need them (at least 222, with 300+ quite usable)." (note: as of August 2009, this mandate was allowed to expire, paving the way for the USAF to retire C-5A and B models known for their notorious unreliability; currently, a 56% mission completion rate)

"The General mentioned above was of course, quite correct," says Stokes. "It has been a yearly struggle to keep the C-17 Long Beach line open. And because the existence and continuance of C-17 is so vital to our implementation of a US/NATO-controlled Heavy and Outsized industry utilizing modestly, very modestly, modified Globemasters designated BC-17, we have worked diligently to maintain its production as the linked releases from last year, following the April 2009 announcement by Dr. Gates of DoD intent to end production, demonstrate:

http://www.slideshare.net/GHHLLC/global-heavylift-holdings-llc-internal-dod-analyses-referenced-in-bid-to-kill-boeing-c17-nonexistent

http://www.slideshare.net/GHHLLC2/global-heavylift-states-c17-production-must-be-maintained-to-seek-faa-bc17-exemption-separate-from-boeingcontinues-pursuit-of-usd184b-capital-raise-to-implement-usnatocontrolled-heavy-and-outsized-air-cargo-industry-based-on-wellproven-airlifter

Puzzling Behavior

Stokes further says the arguments presented by C-17 antagonists have at best been puzzling, and most certainly to Boeing, since there is no basis whatsoever for their assertions of "We have enough C-17s and buying more is a waste of money, epitomizes 'pork barrel' spending and is a poster child for the extremes of earmarks."

"Nothing is further from the truth, and we openly challenge our colleagues both within government and those who represent the private sector cheering section calling for the demise of this indispensable airlifter, currently flying at over 159% of mission utilization projections, to produce the data to support their arguments. It is not enough to say 'planes the AF did not request or need', 'unwanted C-17s', or, 'The SECAF says they have more than enough to handle even worst case scenarios'. No, one must be able to support such contentions, and we must not forget the DoD spends 10s of millions to contract Russian/Ukrainian owned An-124s to make up for in-theater strategic airlift shortfalls. So much for 'we have enough'", he said.

Short story? The data do not exist to support C-17 termination.

GHH personnel and associates within industry and government marvel at the lengths certain colleagues in the private sector constituting elements of what they believe to be an "intellectual" assault on C-17, are willing to go in demanding the end of this aircraft. This, in the form of specious, if not fallacious, claims relative to C-17 cost which one think-tank claimed was USD376 million (included per plane development costs; an atypical publicly stated cost representation that goes beyond the disingenuous), another organization, 276 milliion. The AF gets them according to Boeing and the service itself, for 200-230 million or soon, even less, as Boeing Long Beach administrative and production personnel become more efficient everyday through the process of continuous improvement. Economies of scale will reduce costs even further, thereby reinforcing the wisdom of a multi-year buy (2011-2020) for 120+ C-17s.

And then, there are those who make an "apples to oranges" comparison of retrofitted C-5s versus new C-17, citing "USD81 million for the larger capacity (120 ton) Galaxy as opposed to 200 million for the smaller (87 ton) Globemaster III."

"As noted in a 2009 Aviation Week piece by Amy Butler, the comparative numbers presented in response to a clearly planted question, taken at face value, would cause any reasonable person to conclude that support of C-17 would justify an immediate psychiatric examination", Stokes said. "That is, up until the moment they are gobsmacked by the operational realities of Iraq and especially Afghanistan: C-5s require significant infrastructure, and as in-theater personnel have said 'There ain't a lot of that in Afghanistan."

Operation of C-5's, large targets they are and not likely to be missed by even the most incompetent of attacking enemy fighter pilots, also requires control of the air in the battlespace (ask any driver what ship they'd like to be in, C-5 vs C-17, in a chance encounter with a Mig-35. Some may also remember Tom Clancy's treatment in his book World War III of troop-laden C-5s encountering armed Russian bombers) .

Indeed, C-17, owing to its extraordinary ability to operate on underprepared, even unprepared, runways as long as it's flat or near flat, earth (the proposed C-17B is designed to land in mud or beach sand) in austere in-theater locales makes it the indispensable, life-saving, battle winning, strategic/tactical airlifter it has proven to be. In Air Force tests, it has landed and taken off with 22 tons aboard in distances less than 1350'.

Unprecedented Capability

C-17's amazing performances, whether humanitarian/disaster relief or conflict support missions, are virtually the stuff of legend... seriously.

Most importantly, C-17 has proven on a continuing basis it is the ideal, if not perfect, airlift platform for addressing the potential of conventional and asymmetric warfare existing concomitantly, along with an observable increase in the frequency of disaster/humanitarian relief scenarios (think Haiti, Chile and Katrina). This reality, according to military strategists, dictates need for an ability to rapidly project significant force in a way that acknowledges the comfortable bi-polarity of the Cold War has been replaced by the dangers and unpredictability of a militarily/economically emergent China, a nuclear armed Iran, the traditional uncertainties associated with North Korea's beligerence and terrorist organizations possessed of global reach.

A World Being Made Safe For Retrofitted C-5s, C130Js and Airbus A400Ms?

Stokes further says Global HeavyLift will continue in its firm belief that the non-stop and intense efforts to kill Boeing C-17 are directly the result of a desire by involved parties to ensure retrofit of all remaining C-5s, advance the cause of C-5M, and introduce the yet-to-be-operational Airbus/EADS A400M 37 tonne capacity (now 25 tonnes due to its currently being 12 tonnes overweight) turboprop tactical airlifter into USAF inventories, an assertion confirmed by Airbus Military's publicly stated desire this year to sell 200 A400Ms to the USAF.

"As regards the clamoring for new purchases of the C-130J, the current iteration of a 50 year-old design, let's not forget that Airbus has offered to the airforces of the world since 2006 a buyback of new variant Hercules aircraft ordered, to be exchanged for A400M when available. I suspect a similar offer has been made to the USAF, thus explaining the current push to acquire tactical transport aircraft of a type flown and serviced by the grandfather's, even great-grandfathers, of current pilots and crew", Stokes said.

"It is not a stretch to say all three aspirations require the demise of C-17, and perhaps, Boeing itself. Moreover, it is quite telling that Secretary Gates, despite his constant statements of the need to reduce costs and that sufficient airlift capacity existed for 'any contingency', did not swiftly and utterly dismiss the Airbus objectives as moot. To be sure, South Africa's cancellation of A400M due to per aircraft cost escalations, which according to their calculations, exceeded C-17, should give everyone pause, including the Pentagon," he said.

Gates Integrity Questioned

According to Stokes, a recent statement by Secretary Gates to the effect "They [USAF leadership] do not need and cannot afford more C-17s," and the US Congress is keeping the program alive "at an unnecessary potential cost to the taxpayers of billions of dollars over the next few years," is troubling. "Ominously, these completely unsubstantiated statements (except by questionable and largely publicly unavailable strategic airlift analytics) by the SECDEF concerning C-17 have led certain colleagues in industry and government to wonder whether Dr. Gates has been compromised", he said.

"It is profoundly disturbing," says one source close to the controversy who cannot be identified, 'that a public servant of Gates' stature and academic pedigree would go to such lengths to ignore solid, provable, incontrovertible, written and operational evidence of the extreme value of C-17, and instead pursue a course intended to end in its destruction. I am saddened to suggest that we must question his integrity in these matters as should the President of the United States."

Loss of Last Wide-body Production Line in US Would Cede Future Heavy Airlift to Chinese Copy of C-17

GHH believes it is inarguable that the loss of the country's last wide body airlifter production line and its product will have critical, long lasting and perhaps unrecoverable negative economic, national security and industrial base/defense industrial base cohesiveness and viability implications; contentions supported in the officially unavailable 2005 Department of Commerce Study "National Security Assessment of the C-17 Globemaster Cargo Aircraft's Economic and Industrial Base Impacts".
http://www.emotionreports.com/downloads/pdfs/GHHDOC_C17_2005.pdf

"We strongly recommend review of this very important document by our, with all due respect, underinformed colleagues who, by their public comments have yet to grasp that the defense industrial base and the industrial base are one and the same, symbiotic, inseparable and inextricably linked. They would also do well to take a refresher course in Keynesian economics," Stokes said. (http://www.slideshare.net/GHHLLC2/ronis-scenario1-2-06a-sans-pw)

GHH further believes there should be a great cause for concern, if not alarm, that China is well on its way to producing a larger version of Boeing C-17 based on stolen data.
http://www.uscc.gov/annual_report/2009/09_annual_report.php

Transformational Recapitalization Neutralizes DoD Budgetary Concerns. Forever.

Stokes also asserts that the ultimate conversation stopper when it comes to annual funding of new or existing DoD programs, which is "is there money in the budget?" has been addressed. The process is called 'Transformational Recapitalization" and is outlined in the November/December 2004 issue of Defense AT&L. It will forever change the DoD acquisition process by allowing the AF to resell in-fleet aircraft to commercial (airlifters, tankers) and military customers (fighters, bombers, tankers) when 50% of service life is reached.

"The funds derived from this actvity, says Stokes, " will flow back into the budget (requiring a change in scoring law) thus recapitalizing it, and then used to place new orders. Another core element of Trans-Recap calls for the slowing down of assembly lines rather than building the contracted AC as fast as possible. This allows upgrades in avionics and weapons systems to be incorporated while in production, thus precluding the necessity and costs of a complete retrofit 15 to 30 years later. This way, the service is always operating new or fully upgraded aircraft at all times, and when sold to NATO aillies at their half-life, will create new levels of operational readiness and interoperability," he said.
http://www.dau.mil/documents/publications/dam/11_12_2004/rons-nd04.pdf

IAF in Crisis

It is a matter of record, contends GHH, that the IAF, as a direct result of aging, improperly -through lack of components - maintained aircraft, has an appalling accident rate, and equally disturbing, a profound lack of reliable strategic and tactical airlift capabilities at time when China, by its own design and aspirations, is emerging as a threat to global security. And more ominously, an immediate threat to India and Pakistan -- whether or not the latter understands this reality.

China Concerned With India Force Modernization Efforts

According to Stokes, there are analyst colleagues who suspect China is profoundly concerned about India's being on track, through its acquisition of C-17, to effect a near-term reversal of its notable lack of capability and capacity to check China's expansionism via an exponential increase in force projection. "It goes without saying," he observes, " that clearly unsubstantiated concerns presented in a range of media outlets relative to the wisdom of India's purchase of C-17, may very well have their origins in the land of Sun Tzu". (recommended data source: United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission; http://www.uscc.gov/)

Possible Doubling of India Order?

In a statement certain to raise the controversial bar on matters related to Boeing C-17 continuance, Stokes offered that "As of this moment, in recognition of clear and observable threats to India's national and economic security, along with a need for enhanced ability to contribute to humanitarian/disaster relief efforts, colleagues are recommending through channels that India double its C-17 requirement to 20, thus addressing concomitantly the country's strategic/tactical airlift requirements for decades, and any true cost concerns through economies of scale."

Current Status of HeavyLift Initiative

Global HeavyLift's quest to implement a US/NATO-controlled Heavy and Outsized industry utilizing BC-17 remains in sharp focus despite the continuing efforts kill C-17.

"We continue to interact with all elements of government, industry, the financial sector and those countries in Europe, the Middle-East and Asia who are either shortlisted or designated as sites for one of five BC-17 Global Air Operations Epicenters. Indeed, our Director of Middle-East Operations Tarek Ballout, states that he is looking forward to establishing such an operation in Oman, with whom we have signed a conditional agreement.

"Ballout believes that 'Oman is poised for larger participation in the geo-economic and geo-political landscape thanks in part to recent changes in US Embassy personnel, inclusive of a new Ambassador whom we understand has the greatest respect for His Majesty Sultan Qaboos and the people of Oman; as do we'".-- 30 --

About Global HeavyLift Holdings, LLC:

GHH Managing Member Myron D. Stokes is a veteran automotive/aerospace industry analyst and spent several years as an industry correspondent for Newsweek, Newsweek Japan and Newsweek International. He is currently Publisher of eMOTION! REPORTS.com (http://www.emotionreports.com/) an automotive/aerospace industries research and analysis site targeting professionals within the academic, media, corporate and government sectors. The site also created a pathway through which white papers and other scholarly works such as "Crisis On Asimov: A Vision of 2085" by national security strategist Dr. Sheila Ronis; "Quantum Parallel: The Saint-Hilaire Quasiturbine as the Basis For Simultaneous Paradigm Shift in Vehicle Propulsion Systems" and "Super-Globalism: Strategies For Maintaining a Robust Industrial Base Through Technological, Policy and Process Improvement", could be presented to a broadened yet specific audience.

Stokes maintains strong interest in global affairs, and continues to be involved in a range of nation building and humanitarian/disaster relief efforts. Among these were the coordination of relief activities with US, European and Middle-East based colleagues subsequent to the Bam, Iran, earthquake of 2004, the Pakistan earthquake of 2005, and co-structuring of academic and industrio/economic base developmental programs with colleagues in Pakistan and India.

Founded in 2002, GHH is a strategic air transport solutions entity that was born of a multi-year public/private effort among forward thinkers in both the private sector and government to mitigate emerging and observable vulnerabilities in the U.S. industrial base global supply chain. Such vulnerabilities are represented by the fact that no ocean-borne shipping is in U.S. hands at present, thus potentially subjecting American corporations, especially automotive, and their global operations to the whims and perhaps economically hostile activities of and by foreign governments. Add to this the risk of terrorist activities, which have, according to the Department of Homeland Security, targeted maritime operations; i.e., ships, ports and ocean containers.

Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) listed, it is the goal of GHH and its strategic partners around the planet to work with key logistics personnel within these corporations and government agencies to conceptualize, craft and structure long-term global supply chain alternative transportation methodologies through continuous -- not stop gap or emergency -- air augmentation solutions. Its most important mission, however, has been in the co-development of global architecture for infrastructure of a new American controlled industry, Heavylift, utilizing the excellent airlift performance characteristics of the Boeing BC-17.

Link to original Press Release: http://www.pressreleasepoint.com/indian-air-force-iaf-pending-order-10-boeing-c17s-not-risk-suggested-timing-long-beach-strike-suspec