New Delhi, Dec 20 (IANS): American aero-engine manufacturer Pratt and Whitney (P&W), a unit of the United Technologies, has won a deal for producing first four engines for the Boeing C-17 Globemaster heavylift plane for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

P&W will produce the four F117-PW-100 engines for delivery in the second quarter of 2012, according to a release from the aero-engine manufacturer Monday.

Earlier this year, India's defence ministry had signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance with the US government to acquire 10 C-17s. India will take delivery of its first C-17s in early 2013.

"We are delighted the Indian Air Force has selected the C-17 with Pratt & Whitney F117 engines to support its airlift mission," P&W's military programs and customer support vice president Bev Deachin said in the release.

"The F117 is suited for a wide range of operating environments and conditions and it has demonstrated superb performance and reliability from the Antarctic to the deserts of the Middle East. We look forward to helping strengthen India's aerospace capabilities and humanitarian efforts," he said.

Four F117s provide exclusive power for the C-17 Globemaster III heavy airlifter. The F117-PW-100 is the sister engine of Pratt and Whitney's PW2037 commercial engine powering the Boeing 757.

The F117/PW2037 engine has more than 50 million hours of proven military and commercial use to its credit.

Boeing has delivered 239 C-17s featuring F117 engines worldwide, including 25 with international customers. The US Air Force - including active National Guard and Reserve units - has taken delivery of 214 C-17s.

Other customers include Britain's Royal Air Force, the Qatar Emiri Air Force, the Royal Canadian Air Force, the Royal Australian Air Force, the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability initiative of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations, and the United Arab Emirates Air Force and Air Defence.