Boeing CFM International C-40B/C

[Blackbird]

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[Blackbird]

Mission
The C-40 B/C provides safe, comfortable and reliable transportation for U.S. leaders to locations around the world. The C-40B's primary customers are the combatant commanders and C-40C customers include members of the Cabinet and Congress. The aircraft also perform other operational support missions.

Features
The C-40 B/C is based upon the commercial Boeing 737-700 Business Jet. The body of the C-40 is identical to that of the Boeing 737-700, but has winglets. Both models have state of the art avionics equipment, integrated Global Positioning System and Flight Management System/Electronic Flight Instrument System and a heads up display. Heading the safety equipment list is the Traffic Collision Avoidance System and enhanced weather radar. The aircraft is a variant of the Boeing next generation 737-700, and combines the 737-700 fuselage with the wings and landing gear from the larger and heavier 737-800. The basic aircraft has auxiliary fuel tanks, missionized interior with self-sustainment features and managed passenger communications.

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

Background
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 Air Force awarded the medium lift contract in August 2000. By using commercial off-the-shelf acquisition practices and a new lease program for the C-40C model, the Air Force reached a benchmark for aircraft procurement. The C-40C was the first military aircraft to be acquired in this manner. The 201st Airlift Squadron, Washington, D.C. National Guard, acquired two C-40C aircraft in October 2002. The C-40C is intended to replace the aging C-22. The 89th Airlift Wing acquired its first C-40B aircraft in December 2002. Both units are based at Andrews Air Force Base, Md. The 15th Airlift Wing, Hickam AFB, Hawaii, acquired its C-40B for U.S. Pacific Command in February 2003.

General Characteristics
Primary Function: High-priority personnel transport
Prime Contractor: Boeing (airframe) and CFM International (engines)
Power Plant: Two GE CFM 56-7B27 turbofan engines
Thrust: 27,000 pounds static thrust each engine
Length: 110 feet, 4 inches (33.6 meters)
Height: 41 feet, 2 inches (12.5 meters)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 171,000 pounds
Wingspan: 117 feet, 5 inches (35.8 meters)
Speed: 530 mph (Mach 0.8)
Ceiling: 41,000 feet (12,727 meters)
Fuel Capability: 60,000 lbs
Maximum Range: 4,500 to 5,000 nautical miles (based on payload) unrefueled range
Maximum Load: C-40B: 26 to 32 passengers; C-40C: 42 to 111 passengers
Crew:10 (varies with model and mission)
Date Deployed: Feb. 28, 2003
Unit Cost: $70 million
Inventory: Active force, 2 (4 planned); ANG, 2 (3 planned)