The Boeing C-40 Clipper is a military
version of the Boeing 737-700C airline transport. It is used by both the United
States Navy and the United States Air Force.
Design
and Variants
The C-40A Clipper provides critical
logistics support to the United States Navy. Its flight deck features a flight
management computer system with an integrated GPS. The C-40A is compatible with
future GATM/FANS operating environment (RNP-1). It is RVSM capable. It has the
Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System II on board. It also has an
enhanced ground proximity warning system, predictive wind shear, head-up
display and TACAN/UHF/IFF functions. The U.S. Navy Reserve, which operates and
maintains the aircraft, was the first customer for the newest member of the
Boeing 737-700C Next-Generation family. The Clipper was ordered by the U.S.
Navy to replace its fleet of aging C-9B Skytrain IIs. The C-40A is the first
new logistics aircraft in 17 years to join the U.S. Navy Reserve. Currently,
the Navy 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 that plague the current
fleet of Naval Reserve C-9s. It is also more fuel-efficient and offers
increased range and payload capabilities. The 737-700C 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 purchased the airplanes using
standard commercial practices, and ordered six of the 737-700C models. The
first two of four aircraft were delivered on 21 April 2001 to Fleet Logistics
Support Squadron Five Nine (VR-59) at the Naval Air Station/Joint Reserve Base
Fort Worth, Texas. The remainder were delivered later in the year. The fifth
and sixth aircraft were delivered to in August 2002 to VR-58 at the Naval Air
Station Jacksonville, Florida. A seventh one was acquired on 22 November 2004,
the eighth was in February 2005,[4] and the ninth was on 25 May 2006 that were
delivered to VR-57 at the Naval Air Station North Island, California. The Navy
plans to purchase up to 23 additional Clippers as it continues to replace its
aging fleet of C-9B aircraft. The C-40A provides superior fuel efficiency,
range and payload and meets or exceeds international environmental and noise
restrictions.
The United States Air Force selected the
C-40B, a military version of the 737-700 Boeing 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. The 89th Airlift Wing acquired
its first C-40B aircraft in December 2002. Both units are based at Andrews Air
Force Base, Maryland. The 15th Airlift Wing, Hickam AFB, Hawaii, acquired its
C-40B for U.S. Pacific Command in February 2003. The 86th Airlift Wing,
Ramstein AB, Germany, acquired its C-40B for U.S. Air Forces in Europe in
December 2004.
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.
C-40C
The C-40C is intended to replace the
three aging C-22s (militarized Boeing 727s) operated by the Air National Guard
and National Guard Bureau to airlift personnel. 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 acquired in this manner. The 201st Airlift
Squadron, Washington, D.C. Air National Guard, acquired two C-40C aircraft in
October 2002. The Air Force Reserve 932d Airlift Wing, Scott AFB, Illinois has
acquired three C-40C aircraft in 2007.
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