C-40B/C Mission The C-40B/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 performs 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 GPS 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, a specialized 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 purchased 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 received its first C-40B aircraft in December 2002. Both units are based at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. The 15th Airlift Wing, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, acquired its C-40B for U.S. Pacific Command in February 2003. The 932d Airlift Wing, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, received three C-40C aircraft in 2007. 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) Cruise Speed: 322 mph Ceiling: 41,000 feet (12,727 meters) Fuel Capability: 60,000 pounds 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, 4; Air National Guard, 3; Air Force Reserve, 4 (Current as of January 2023)