Boeing C-40 Clipper

C-40 Clipper
A C-40 of squadron VR-59
Role Military transport aircraft
National origin United States
Manufacturer Boeing
Introduction 21 April 2001
Status Active service
Primary users United States Navy
United States Air Force
Produced 2001-present
Number built 21
Unit cost
US$70 million
Developed from Boeing 737 Next Generation

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. The Navy C-40A variant is named "Clipper", whereas the USAF C-40B/C variants are officially unnamed.

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, 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.

A USN C-40A is loaded with cargo at Naval Air Station Jacksonville

The U.S. Navy Reserve was the first customer for the newest member of the Boeing 737-700C Next-Generation family.[1][2] 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.[3]

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.[4]

C-40B

C-40 B/C of the 89th Airlift Wing.

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.[5]

The cabin area is equipped with a crew rest area, distinguished visitor compartment with sleep accommodations, two galleys and business class seating with worktables.[5]

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.[5]

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.[5] The C-40C replaced three C-22s (a militarized Boeing 727) operated by the Air National Guard and National Guard Bureau to airlift personnel. 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.[5]

Variants

A United States Navy C-40A from Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VR) 57, at NAS North Island
C-40A Clipper
United States Navy version of the Boeing 737-700 for high-priority cargo and passenger transport, fifteen built.[6]
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

Specifications (C-40A)

C-40A transporting palletized humanitarian cargo, 2005.

Data from

General characteristics

  • Crew: 6 (two pilots, one crew chief, one loadmaster and two second loadmasters)[note 1])
  • 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

  1. ↑ only one second loadmaster required when carrying under 100 passengers. no second loadmasters are required when carrying only cargo.

See also

Related development

Related lists

References

  1. ↑ "Boeing Delivers Ninth C-40A Aircraft to U. S. Navy". Boeing. 5 June 2006. Archived from the original on 23 October 2007. Retrieved 26 September 2007.
  2. ↑ "Boeing: C-40 Clipper". www.boeing.com. Retrieved 2016-03-21.
  3. ↑ "C-40A Product Card" (PDF). Boeing.
  4. ↑ " Boeing Delivers Ninth C-40A Aircraft to U. S. Navy" boeing.com Archived 25 August 2006 at the Wayback Machine.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 US Air Force. "C-40B/C Fact Sheet". Retrieved 4 June 2003.
  6. ↑ "C-40A Overview". Boeing.com. Archived from the original on 18 February 2015. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
  7. ↑ "Factsheets : 65 Airlift Squadron (PACAF)". Archived from the original on 17 December 2014.
  8. ↑ "Factsheets : 76 Airlift Squadron (USAFE)". Archived from the original on 8 May 2016.
  9. ↑ "Factsheets: 1 Airlift Squadron (AMC)". Archived from the original on 8 May 2016.
  10. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 7 May 2016. Retrieved 2016-04-19.
  • C-40A and C-40B pages on Boeing.com
  • U.S. Navy C-40 Factsheet, U.S. Naval History C-40A Clipper page
  • USAF C-40B/C Factsheet
  • "Clippers Hitting Their Stride Despite Past Controversy". DefenseIndustryDaily.com
  • C-40 page on GlobalSecurity.com
  • Seaman Apprentice Joshua Valcarcel (25 July 2006). "Conquistadors Team Up With Make-A-Wish Foundation". U.S. Navy. Retrieved 2007-09-26.

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