FILE PHOTO -- The C-40 B/C provides safe, comfortable and reliable transportation for U.S. leaders to locations around the world. The C-40B's primary customers are the combatant commanders and C-40C customers include members of the Cabinet and Congress. The aircraft also perform other operational support missions. (Courtesy photo)
Vice commanders and members of Air Force Reserve Command's 932nd Airlift Wing welcomed a new "baby" to Illinois recently. They are proud parents of a brand new C-40C aircraft which arrived straight from the factory. Photo/Capt. Stan Paregien
Mission The C-40 B/C provides safe, comfortable and reliable transportation for U.S. leaders to locations around the world. The C-40B's primary customers are the combatant commanders and C-40C customers include members of the Cabinet and Congress. The aircraft also performs other operational support missions.
Features
The C-40 B/C is based upon the commercial Boeing 737-700 Business Jet. The body of the C-40 is identical to that of the Boeing 737-700, but has winglets. Both models have state of the art avionics equipment, integrated GPS and flight management system/electronic flight instrument system and a heads up display. Heading the safety equipment list is the traffic collision avoidance system and enhanced weather radar. The aircraft is a variant of the Boeing next generation 737-700, and combines the 737-700 fuselage with the wings and landing gear from the larger and heavier 737-800. The basic aircraft has auxiliary fuel tanks, a specialized interior with self-sustainment features and managed passenger communications.
The cabin area is equipped with a crew rest area, distinguished visitor compartment with sleep accommodations, two galleys and business class seating with worktables.
The C-40B is designed to be an "office in the sky" for senior military and government leaders. Communications are paramount aboard the C-40B which provides broadband data/video transmit and receive capability as well as clear and secure voice and data communication. It gives combatant commanders the ability to conduct business anywhere around the world using on-board Internet and local area network connections, improved telephones, satellites, television monitors, and facsimile and copy machines. The C-40B also has a computer-based passenger data system.
The C-40C is not equipped with the advanced communications capability of the C-40B. Unique to the C-40C is the capability to change its configuration to accommodate from 42 to 111 passengers.
Background The Air Force selected the C-40B, a military version of the Boeing 737-700 business jet, to replace the aging fleet of C-137 aircraft for U.S. combatant commanders. The Air Force awarded the medium lift contract in August 2000.
By using commercial, off-the-shelf acquisition practices and a new lease program for the C-40C model, the Air Force reached a benchmark for aircraft procurement. The C-40C was the first military aircraft to be purchased in this manner. The 201st Airlift Squadron, Washington, D.C., National Guard, acquired two C-40C aircraft in October 2002.
The C-40C is intended to replace the aging C-22. The 89th Airlift Wing received its first C-40B aircraft in December 2002. Both units are based at Joint Base Andrews, Md.
The 15th Airlift Wing, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, acquired its C-40B for U.S. Pacific Command in February 2003. The 932d Airlift Wing, Scott AFB, Ill., received three C-40C aircraft in 2007.
General Characteristics
Primary Function: High-priority personnel transport Prime Contractor: Boeing (airframe) and CFM International (engines) Power Plant: Two GE CFM 56-7B27 turbofan engines Thrust: 27,000 pounds static thrust each engine Length: 110 feet, 4 inches (33.6 meters) Height: 41 feet, 2 inches (12.5 meters) Maximum Takeoff Weight: 171,000 pounds Wingspan: 117 feet, 5 inches (35.8 meters) Speed: 530 mph (Mach 0.8) Ceiling: 41,000 feet (12,727 meters) Fuel Capability: 60,000 lbs Maximum Range: 4,500 to 5,000 nautical miles (based on payload) unrefueled range Maximum Load: C-40B: 26 to 32 passengers; C-40C: 42 to 111 passengers Crew:10 (varies with model and mission) Date Deployed: Feb. 28, 2003 Unit Cost: $70 million Inventory: Active force, 4; Air National Guard, 3; Air Force Reserve, 4
Point of Contact Air Mobility Command, Public Affairs Office; 402 Scott Drive, Unit 1-M-8;
Scott AFB, IL 62225-5335; DSN 779-7843 or 618-229-7843. email: amc-pao@us.af.mil
