Derivative Of 737-700 Boeing Business Jet
The Boeing Company has delivered the second of three C-40C
transport aircraft to the US Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC),
providing a critical airlift asset to government leaders on
official business.
Gen. Duncan McNabb, chief of the Air Force's Air Mobility
Command (AMC), accepted the aircraft July 5 at Boeing facilities in
Seattle and flew it to Scott Air Force Base in Illinois where it
will begin its service with the AFRC.
The 932nd and 375th Airlift Wings, units of the AFRC and AMC
respectively, will use the Next-Generation 737-700 Boeing Business
Jet derivative to provide congressional delegations and senior
government personnel transportation -- often to remote locations
around the world -- while supporting their need to conduct
in-flight business.
"With the kind of next-generation, multi-mission capability this
beautiful airplane gives us, we not only can take great care of our
distinguished visitors but also perform air evacuation, transport
cargo or provide team travel if we need to," said McNabb. "It
allows us the range and versatility we've always hoped for, and now
the Boeing team has delivered those requirements in the size of
platform we need."
"In working together with our Commercial Airplanes unit and
Mission Integration Center, we incorporated lessons learned on the
first aircraft to deliver this second one in three months' less
time. This will enable Gen. McNabb and our Air Mobility and Air
Force Reserve customers to assure availability of a critical asset
to our nation's leaders," said Maureen Carlson, C-40C program
manager.
The modifications made to the aircraft include military avionics
that augment the 737's commercial flight deck; satellite
communications equipment for passenger use; a reconfigurable
interior that comprises 40 business-class seats, two work areas
with conference table or divan and accommodations for 11 crew
members; and auxiliary fuel tanks that extend the aircraft's range
to approximately 4,400 nautical miles.
The airplane joins a family of 17 C-40s already in service with
the U.S. government: three C-40Cs with the Air National Guard at
Andrews AFB, MD as well as the one already delivered to AFRC at
Scott AFB; four Air Force C-40Bs supporting the US Combatant
Commands at Andrews, Ramstein AFB, Germany, and Hickam AFB, Hawaii;
and the US Navy Reserve's nine C-40As stationed at Naval Air
Stations North Island, Calif., Fort Worth, Texas, and Jacksonville,
FL.