Boeing C-40 Clipper

C-40 Clipper

Picture - A C-40B VIP transport taking off. This kind of aircraft occasionally serves as Air Force Two.

Role: Military transport aircraft
Manufacturer: Boeing
Introduced: 21 April 2001
Status: Active service
Primary users: United States Navy United States Air Force
Produced: 2001-present
Number built: 19
Unit cost: US$70 million
Developed from: Boeing 737

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 development

C-40A

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.

Picture - A C-40A taxiing on an airstrip.

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 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, 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.

C-40B

Picture - A United States Navy C-40A from Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VR) 57, at NAS Coronado

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 it's 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.

Variants

Picture - C-40A

C-40A Clipper United States Navy version of the Boeing 737-700 for high-priority cargo and passenger transport, nine built. C-40B United States Air Force version of the Boeing 737-700 based Boeing Business Jet modified as a special mission aircraft for commanders and government officials, four built. C-40C United States Air Force version of the Boeing 737-700 based Boeing Business Jet, operational support and transport aircraft, six built.

Operators

United States

United States Air Force
United States Navy

Specifications (C-40A)

General characteristics

Crew: 5* (two pilots, one crew chief, one loadmaster and one transport safety specialist) *a transport safety specialist is not required in Cargo mode.
Capacity: Passenger configuration: 121 passengers, Cargo configuration: 8 pallets of cargo, Combi configuration: 3 pallets of cargo, 70 passengers.
Payload: 40,000 lb (18,000 kg)
Length: 110 ft 4 in (33.63 m)
Wingspan: 112 ft 7 in (34.32 m)
Height: 41 ft 2 in (12.55 m)
Wing area: ft² (m²)
Empty weight: 126,000 lb (57,150 kg)
Loaded weight: 134,000 lb (61,000 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 171,000 lb (78,000 kg)
Powerplant: 2x— CFM International CFM56-7 SLST turbofans, 27,300 lbf (121 kN) each

Performance

Maximum speed: 534 knots (615 mph, 990 km/h)
Range: 3,000 nm (3,500 mi, 5,600 km)
Service ceiling: 41,000 ft (12,500 m)
Thrust/weight: 0.407

Related development

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Boeing Business Jet

Boeing C-40 Clipper Pictures

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Source: WikiPedia