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The Boeing C-40 is a military transport aircraft derived from the Boeing 737 Next Generation. It is used by the United States Navy, United States Air Force, and United States Marine Corps to transport high-priority cargo and passengers. The Navy's variant is designated the C-40A Clipper, while the Air Force's C-40B and C-40C variants do not have official names.

Design and development

The C-40 combines the Boeing 737-700 fuselage with the strengthened wings and landing gear of the larger and heavier 737-800. It also has auxiliary fuel tanks allowing an unrefueled range of up to compared with for the standard 737-700.

The U.S. Navy Reserve was the first customer for a 737 Next Generation based "combi" aircraft (capable of transporting cargo and passengers). The Clipper was ordered by the U.S. Navy to replace its fleet of aging C-9B Skytrain IIs. The C-40A was 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 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 compared to the C-9B aircraft it replaced.<!-- "intended to acquire..." Did the Marine Corps ever, in fact, acquire the C-40As? --> On 4 December 2018 an online notice was posted by the Marines seeking a supplier of C-40s to be delivered in 2020.

C-40B

thumb|right|US Air Force C-40B operated by 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 used to transport U.S. combatant commanders. The Air Force awarded the medium lift contract in August 2000.

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

;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 Air Force
  • 89th Airlift Wing – Andrews AFB, Maryland
  • 1st Airlift Squadron
  • 113th Wing – Andrews AFB, Maryland
  • 201st Airlift Squadron
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing – Scott AFB, Illinois
  • 54th Airlift Squadron
  • 932nd Airlift Wing – Scott AFB, Illinois
  • 73rd Airlift Squadron
  • United States Navy
  • Fleet Logistics Support Wing
  • VR-51 – MCAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii
  • VR-56 – NAS Oceana, Virginia
  • VR-57 – NAS North Island, California
  • VR-58 – NAS Jacksonville, Florida
  • VR-59 – NAS JRB Fort Worth, Texas
  • VR-61 – NAS Whidbey Island, Washington
  • United States Marine Corps
  • Marine Aircraft Group 41
  • VMR-1 – NAS JRB Fort Worth, Texas

Specifications

thumb|right|C-40A transporting palletized humanitarian cargo, 2005.

See also

References

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  • C-40 page on Boeing.com
  • The US Navy – Fact File: C-40A Clipper logistics aircraft
  • U.S. Naval History C-40A Clipper page
  • USAF C-40B/C Factsheet
  • "Clippers Hitting Their Stride Despite Past Controversy". DefenseIndustryDaily.com