C-40 Clipper
| C-40 Clipper | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| A C-40 of the District of Columbia Air National Guard | |
| Role | Military transport aircraft |
| 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 |
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 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.
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Wikipedia