NAVAIR

Mission

USN -- Provides critical logistics support to fleet forces.

Description

The U.S. Naval Reserve — which operates and maintains the aircraft — is the first customer for the newest member of the Boeing Next-Generation 737 family. The Clipper was ordered by the Navy to replace its fleet of aging C-9 Skytrains. The C-40A is the first new logistics aircraft in 17 years to join the Naval Reserve. Currently, the Naval Reserve provides 100 percent of the Navy's worldwide in-theater medium and heavy airlift.

The Clipper meets or exceeds international noise and environmental requirements. It is also more fuel-efficient and offers increased range and payload capabilities. The 737-700C based aircraft is certified to operate in an all-passenger (121 passengers), all-cargo or combination ("combi") configuration that will accommodate up to three cargo pallets and 70 passengers on the main deck.

The Navy has purchased eleven C-40A airplanes using a Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) strategy. The first aircraft was delivered in April 2001, to Logistics Support Squadron Fifty Nine (VR-59) at the Naval Air Station/Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas. Since the first delivery, the Navy has accepted eight additional aircraft (two to VR-59 at NAS/JRB Forth Worth, Texas, three to VR-58 at NAS Jacksonville, Florida and three to VR-57 at NAS North Island, California. Two aircraft are expected to be delivered to the Navy in November 2010 and February 2011, respectively.

The C-40A aircraft is organically supported at the Organizational level. L3 Communications, Link Simulation and Training Division provides the Contractor Logistics Support and Depot Level maintenance.  The L3 Team includes American Airlines and AAR.

Specifications

Primary Function: Fleet logistics support.
Date Deployed: 2000.
Propulsion: Two CFM56-7 SLST engines.
Length: (Nose to Tail) 110 feet 4 inches (33.63 meters).
Wingspan: 117 feet 5 inches (35.8 meters).
Height: (Tail Height) 41 feet 2 inches (12.55 meters).
Weight: Max. gross, take-off: 171,000 lbs (77,564 kg).
Airspeed: 0.78 to 0.82 Mach (585 to 615 mph, 940 to 990 kph).
Ceiling: 41,000 feet (12,497 meters).
Range: 3,142 nautical miles (3,452 statute miles) with 121 passengers or 40,000 lbs. (18,144 kg) of cargo.
Crew: Four.
Prime Contractors:  The Boeing Company & CFMI/GE Aircraft Engines.

Program Status

ACAT: ACAT IVM Program
Production Phase: In Production
Inventory: 11
Projected Inventory: 17
Initial Operational Capability Date: 2001
Projected Full Capability Date: 2001