First C-17 Transport Jet Assembled: Assembly of...

First C-17 Transport Jet Assembled: Assembly of the first U.S. Air Force C-17 transport jet has been completed at McDonnell Douglas’ new 1.1-million-square-foot building in Long Beach, a milestone on the road to the craft’s first flight in 1991. More than 8,000 employees at the Douglas Aircraft division of McDonnell Douglas are directly assigned to the C-17 program in Long Beach. About 5,000 others work on the program in parts fabrication and support roles. A two-year flight test program is scheduled to begin next June.