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C-20

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1980's -- The C-20A/B, military versions of the Gulfstream III, were chosen in June 1983 as the replacement aircraft for the C-140B Jetstar. In 1992, Gulfstream delivered their latest model, the C-20H (Gulfstream IV) to Andrews AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo)
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The C-20 is a twin-engine, turbofan aircraft acquired to fill the airlift mission for high-ranking government and Department of Defense officials.

The 89th Airlift Wing, Andrews Air Force Base, Md., operates five B-model and two H-model C-20s for worldwide special air missions. The 86th Airlift Wing, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, operates three A-models for operational support airlift.

The C-20A and B modes are powered by two Rolls Royce Spey Mark 511-8 engines. The primary difference between the C-20A and B model is the electrical system and the avionics package. Two Rolls Royce Tay Mark 611-8 engines power the C-20H. The Tay Mark 611-8 engines provide greater performance, greater range and are quieter than A and B models. The C-20H is also slightly longer than A and B models, and has an upgraded avionics package and interior.

The C-20A/B, military versions of the Gulfstream III, was chosen in June 1983 as the replacement aircraft for the C-140B Jetstar. Three A models were delivered to the 89th Airlift Wing at Andrews AFB under a cost-saving accelerated purchase plan. Upon delivery of the C-20B's, Andrews transferred the three C-20A's to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and all C-140B's at both locations were phased out of the U.S. Air Force inventory. In 1992, Gulfstream delivered their latest model, the C-20H (Gulfstream IV) to Andrews AFB.

General Characteristics:

Primary function: C-20A, operational support, C-20B/H, special air missions

Builder: Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.

Engines: C-20A/B, two Rolls-Royce Spey Mark 511-8 turbofan engines

Thrust: C-20A/B, 11,400 pounds each engine;

Length: C-20A/B, 83 feet, 2 inches (25.4 meters)

Height: 24 feet, 6 inches (7.5 meters)

Wingspan: 77 feet, 10 inches (23.7 meters)

Speed: 576 mph (501 nautical miles per hour) maximum

Maximum Takeoff Weight: C-20A/B, 69,700 pounds

Range: C-20A/B, 4,250 miles (3,698 nautical miles) long-range

Ceiling: 45,000 feet (13,716 meters)

Load: 12 passengers

Crew: Five (pilot, copilot, flight mechanic, communication system operator, flight attendant)

Date Deployed: C-20A, 1983; C-20B, 1988

Sources compiled from Air Force News Agency.




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