Prime Contractor: Boeing (airframe) and CFM International (engines) Services: USAF, USN Power Plant: Two GE CFM 56-7B27 turbofan engines Speed: 530 mph (Mach 0.8) Ceiling: 41,000 feet (12,727 meters) Crew: 10 (varies with model and mission)
Designed to be an "office in the sky" for senior military and government leaders, the C-40 Clipper is a militarized version of the Boeing 737-300 commercial airliner. First deployed in 2003, the Clipper is equipped with a crew rest area, distinguished visitor compartment with sleep accommodations, two galleys and business class seating with worktables. Typical passengers include members of the presidential cabinet, legislators and combatant commanders.
The Air Force selected the C-40B, a military version of the Boeing 737-700 business jet, to replace the aging fleet of C-137 aircraft for U.S. combatant commanders. The C-40B is designed to be an "office in the sky" for senior military and government leaders. Communications are paramount aboard the C-40B which provides broadband data/video transmit and receive capability as well as clear and secure voice and data communication. It gives combatant commanders the ability to conduct business anywhere around the world using on-board Internet and local area network connections, improved telephones, satellites, television monitors, and facsimile and copy machines. The C-40B also has a computer-based passenger data system.
The C-40C is intended to replace the aging C-22. The 89th Airlift Wing received its first C-40B aircraft in December 2002. Both units are based at Joint Base Andrews, Md. 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.
The U.S. Naval Reserve operates a fleet of 15 C-40As for logistics and personnel transport. The first aircraft was delivered in April 2001, to Logistics Support Squadron Fifty Nine (VR-59) at the Naval Air Station/Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas. The U.S. Naval Reserve operates the aircraft at the following bases:
VR-56 NAS Oceana VA
VR-57 NAS North Island CA
VR-58 NAS Jacksonville FL
VR-59 NAS/JRB Fort Worth TX
VR-61 NAS Whidbey Island WA
