Boeing C 40 Clipper

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, and is compatible with future GATM/FANS operating environment (RNP-1). It is outfitted with the Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System II, and is RVSM-capable. 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 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. The Navy Reserve provides all of the Navy's medium and heavy airlift capabilities.

The Clipper meets or exceeds international noise and environmental requirements; which the fleet of Naval Reserve C-9s did not. It is also more fuel-efficient and offers increased range and payload capabilities. The Clipper is certified to operate in an all-passenger (121 passengers), all-cargo or combination ("combi") configuration that can accommodate up to three cargo pallets and 70 passengers on the main deck.

The Navy purchased the airplanes using standard commercial practices, ordering 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, with two more aircraft following before the end of the year. The fifth and sixth aircraft were delivered in August 2002 to VR-58 at the Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida. Further aircraft have been delivered to VR-57 at the Naval Air Station North Island, California. The C-40A provides superior fuel efficiency, range and payload.

C-40B

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. The aircraft features two-way broadband data communications, including secure voice and data communication; elements include internet and network access, telephones, satellites, facsimile and copy machines. The C-40B also has a computer-based passenger data system.

C-40C

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. The C-40C replaced three C-22s (a militarized Boeing 727) 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, District of Columbia Air National Guard acquired two C-40C aircraft in October 2002. The Air Force Reserve 932d Airlift Wing, Scott AFB, Illinois acquired three C-40C aircraft in 2007.

Variants

C-40A Clipper

United States Navy version of the Boeing 737-700 for high-priority cargo and passenger transport, fifteen 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, seven built.

Operators

 United States

United States Air Force

15th Wing - Hickam AFB, Hawaii

86th Airlift Wing - Ramstein AB, Germany

89th Airlift Wing - Andrews AFB, Maryland

113th Wing - Andrews AFB, Maryland

375th Air Mobility Wing - Scott AFB, Illinois

932d Airlift Wing - Scott AFB, Illinois

United States Navy

VR-56 - NAS Oceana, Virginia

VR-57 - NAS North Island, California

VR-58 - NAS Jacksonville, Florida

VR-59 - Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas

VR-61 - NAS Whidbey Island, Washington

Specifications (C-40A)

Data from

General characteristics

Crew: 6 (two pilots, one crew chief, one loadmaster and two second loadmasters))

Capacity:

Passenger configuration: 121 passengers

Cargo configuration: 8 pallets of cargo

Combination 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)

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: 2 × CFM International CFM56-7B 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