To Be Used For Government Transport

Last week, Boeing delivered the third 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.

Maj. Gen. Robert Duignan, commander, 4th Air Force, accepted the aircraft at Boeing facilities in Seattle last Friday, and flew it to Scott Air Force Base (AFB), IL, where it will begin service with the AFRC.

The 932nd and 375th Airlift Wings, units of the AFRC and Air Mobility Command respectively, will use the 737-700/Boeing Business Jet derivative to provide congressional delegations and senior government personnel reliable transportation -- often to remote locations around the world -- while supporting their need to conduct in-flight business.

"The leading-edge capabilities and 21st century capacities of the multi-mission C-40C provide us with an advanced platform for taking great care of our distinguished visitors and accomplishing a range of essential missions, including air evacuation and cargo transportation and, when necessary, maintaining team integrity for critical missions," said Duignan. "The C-40C has the mission legs and operational versatility we've always hoped for, and the Boeing team, as always, has delivered the right-sized platform and the right capabilities to do the job."

Maureen Carlson, Boeing C-40C program manager, added, "In working together with our Commercial Airplanes unit, Mission Integration Center and key supplier Greenpoint Technologies, we incorporated lessons learned on the first two aircraft to deliver this third one six weeks ahead of schedule. This will enable our Air Force Reserve and Air Mobility Command customers to assure availability of a critical asset to our nation's leaders."

Aircraft modifications 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 18 C-40s already in service with the US government.

FMI: www.boeing.com, www.afrc.af.mil/