Boeing C-32
| C-32 | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| A C-32A on final approach | |
| Role | VIP transport |
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| Introduction | June 1998 |
| Status | Operational |
| Primary user | United States Air Force |
| Number built | 8 |
| Developed from | Boeing 757 |
The Boeing C-32 is a military passenger transportation version of the Boeing 757 for the United States Air Force. The C-32 provides transportation for United States leaders to locations around the world. The primary users are the Vice President of the United States, using the distinctive call sign "Air Force Two", the First Lady and the Secretary of State. On rare occasions, other members of the U.S. Cabinet and Congressional leaders have been authorized to fly aboard the C-32 for various missions. The C-32, since its debut, has also served as Air Force One in place of the larger VC-25A to airports that cannot support the Boeing 747-based jumbo jet.
The C-32 is a military version of the Boeing 757-200 extended range aircraft, selected along with the C-37A to replace the aging fleet of VC-137 aircraft. Active-duty aircrews from the 1st Airlift Squadron, 89th Airlift Wing at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, fly the aircraft.
The contract was awarded for the C-32 in August 1996. By using commercial off-the-shelf acquisition practices, a new record was set from contract award to aircraft delivery: less than two years. The C-32 was the first military aircraft ever acquired in this manner. The 89th Airlift Wing acquired the first of four aircraft in late June 1998. A further two were acquired in 2010, with both having been used previously as commercial aircraft.
The 227th Special Operations Flight at McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., has two modified C-32B aircraft supporting specialist worldwide airlift operations (c/n 25493 & 25494). They are known to be operated by the 486th Flight Test Squadron located at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. These are the only U.S Air Force C-32B in existence although both aircraft have been associated with a multiplicity of registrations. These 757s are fitted with a generic (non-VIP) interior and 48 comfortable seats, and unlike the C-32A, are equipped with aerial refueling equipment and Rolls-Royce RB211 engines. All luggage and cargo must be fitted into the rear of the main cabin (except for a small lower cargo hold that contains spare tires/wheels along with oil and hydraulic servicing units), the forward and aft lower cargo areas housing extended range fuel cells giving them a 6,000 nmi (6,900 mi; 11,000 km) range (the longest range of any 757 in operation). They have frequently been associated with the Foreign Emergency Support Team of the U.S. State Department.
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