C-40A Clipper

737-700 convertible/combi: high-performance, flexible, and cost effective aircraft support.

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History

The U.S. Naval Reserve ? which operates and maintain the aircraft ? is the first customer for the newest member of the Boeing Next-Generation 737 family. The Clipper was ordered by the Navy to replace its fleet of aging C-9 Skytrains. The C-40A is the first new logistics aircraft in 17 years to join the Naval Reserve. Currently, the Naval Reserve provides 100 percent of the Navy's worldwide in-theater medium and heavy airlift.

The Clipper meets or exceeds international noise and environmental requirements that plague the current fleet of Naval Reserve C-9s. It is also more fuel-efficient and offers increased range and payload capabilities.

The 737-700C aircraft is certified to operate in an all-passenger (121 passengers), all-cargo or combination ("combi") configuration that will accommodate up to three cargo pallets and 70 passengers on the main deck.

The Navy purchased the airplanes using standard commercial practices, and ordered six of the 737-700C models. The first two of four aircraft were delivered in April 21, 2001, to Logistics Support Squadron Fifty Nine (VR-59) at the Naval Air Station/Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Tex. The remainder later in the year. The fifth and sixth aircraft were delivered in August 2002 to VR-58 at the Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, Fla.

Description

The C-40A Clipper provides critical logistics support to the Navy. Its flight deck features a flight management computer system with an integrated GPS. It is compatible with future GATM/FANS operating environment (RNP-1). It is RVSM capable. It has the Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidnace System II on board. It also has an enhanced ground proximity warning system, predictive wind shear, head-up display and TACAN/UHF/IFF functions.