C-40 Clippers Hitting Their Stride, Despite Past Controversy
USN retires the Clipper’s C-9B predecessor – but it’s still in service within the US military.
July 29/19: Delivery AAR Government Services won a $118.6 million firm-fixed-price contract for two C-40 aircraft. The deal is for the procurement, modification as well as delivery and includes associated peculiar support equipment and common support equipment for the Marine Corps. The C-40 is the military version of the Boeing 737-700C transporter. The C-40A or Clipper provides critical logistics support to the United States Navy. The contract is for the acquisition, modification, acceptance and delivery of two Boeing 737-700 Increased Gross Weight series commercial aircraft that will meet USMC C-9B replacement medium lift requirements and will be designated C-40A. Under the contract, a passenger-cargo configuration shall be certified to meet 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 25 or military airworthiness standards that will consist of seating and cargo pallets that will provide the USMC with the added mission flexibility to configure the aircraft in a cargo-passenger configuration. AAR will perform work in Illinois, Indiana, Florida, and Oklahoma and estimated completion date is in September 2021.
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The 737 based C-40 Clipper represents a substantial upgrade over the 1970s-era, DC-9 based C-9 Skytrains and 727-based C-22Bs that have performed its transport roles to date. The C-9s are still in service with the US Naval Reserve and USAF, but they’re expected to be be phased out as the C-40s take up the load. Meanwhile, concern has been expressed about the funding levels for this replacement program, as well as the USAF and US Navy C-9 fleet’s continued durability. The USAF’s C-9A models are of particular concern.
The C-40 comes in 3 variants; the C-40A is a Navy aircraft, while its counterpart C-40C and executive/ VIP C-40Bs are USAF planes. The USAF’s C-40 leasing contracts have been a source of some controversy, but the program has continued, alongside Air Force and Navy buys.
The C-40 Programs
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To create a US Navy C-40, the 737-700C airframe is modified with a large cargo door, and the strengthened wings and landing gear of the 737-800. The resulting aircraft has a range of 3,400 nautical miles with 5,000 pounds of cargo, and can carry up to 40,000 pounds. A fully digital “glass” cockpit allows for future growth and is also fitted with a head-up display. Another major improvement is the GPS in its navigation system, which aids in airport approaches within Third World countries who possess older, less reliable ground systems.
The U.S. Naval Reserve Fleet Logistics Support Wing operated 29 of the old DC-9 based C-9B Skytrain Combi aircraft (90 passengers, 30,000 pound limit, shorter range than C-40A), providing high-priority cargo and passenger airlift for the U.S. Navy fleet worldwide. The C-9s were operated by 7 Naval Reserve units nationwide, and provided 85% of the worldwide airlift requirements for the entire Navy. C-40s are currently based at Naval Air Station (NAS) Joint Reserve Base Forth Worth, TX; NAS Jacksonville, FL; NAS North Island in San Diego, CA; and NAS Oceana, VA.
The Navy’s C-40A replacements were initially ordered and delivered with standard wings, but airline usage has shown significant fuel-savings benefits from adding turned-up “winglets” on the end. New-build C-40As from aircraft #9 onward will now have those winglets, and earlier C-40As have been retrofitted.
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The USAF is also buying C-40s. They aim to replace their DC-9 derived C-9As, and their 4 727-derived C-22Bs.
The USAF C-40Bs operate as an “office in the sky” for senior military and government leaders. C-40Bs are equipped with the Connexion system, providing secure in-flight broadband connectivity that includes data/video transmit and receive capability. Its visual profile matches the C-40C’s and new-build C-40As, with turned up winglets. Boeing delivered the last C-40B in 2005.
The C-40C is the USAF’s counterpart to the Navy’s C-40A. Both types are certified to operate in one of 3 configurations: an all-passenger (121) configuration; an all-cargo configuration of up to 8 pallets; or a combination (“combi”) configuration that will accommodate up to 3 cargo pallets and 70 passengers. Unlike its C-40A counterpart, the C-40C has always used the common 737-700 configuration with turned-up winglets.
To date, orders have been placed for 25 C-40 family aircraft: 14 Navy C-40As, 4 USAF C-40Bs, and 7 USAF C-40Cs. A June 2006 release from Boeing said that the US Navy might buy up to 32 aircraft, but a 2008 NAVAIR release placed the Navy’s planned total at just 18 C-40As.
Contracts and Key Events
FY 2019
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July 29/19: Delivery AAR Government Services won a $118.6 million firm-fixed-price contract for two C-40 aircraft. The deal is for the procurement, modification as well as delivery and includes associated peculiar support equipment and common support equipment for the Marine Corps. The C-40 is the military version of the Boeing 737-700C transporter. The C-40A or Clipper provides critical logistics support to the United States Navy. The contract is for the acquisition, modification, acceptance and delivery of two Boeing 737-700 Increased Gross Weight series commercial aircraft that will meet USMC C-9B replacement medium lift requirements and will be designated C-40A. Under the contract, a passenger-cargo configuration shall be certified to meet 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 25 or military airworthiness standards that will consist of seating and cargo pallets that will provide the USMC with the added mission flexibility to configure the aircraft in a cargo-passenger configuration. AAR will perform work in Illinois, Indiana, Florida, and Oklahoma and estimated completion date is in September 2021.
May 27/19: Sustainment Engineering Services The Navy awarded Boeing a $51.5 million contract in support of the C-40A Clipper aircraft. The contract provides sustainment engineering services in support of up to 17 Clippers and also includes engineering data, technical publication, access to and distribution of technical data and publications, and other technical support services. The C-40A is a variant of the Boeing next-generation 737-700C civil aircraft. The first of the C-40A aircraft entered service with the United States Naval Reserve Fleet Support Squadron in April 2001. The aircraft are certified to operate in three different configurations: all-passenger, all-cargo or in combination configuration. The aircraft has an aluminium alloy fail-safe fuselage and wing structure and incorporates the strengthened wing design like the one on the 737-800 and Boeing Business Jet. Work will take place in Seattle, Washington and is scheduled to be finished in May 2024.
FY 2018
December 7/18: USMC wants more Flight Global reports that the US Marine Corps intends to replace two of its ageing C-9B Skytrain executive transports with two Boeing C-40 aircraft. Supported by the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), the USMC is currently conducting a market survey to identify a potential business that could procure and deliver the aircraft. NAVAIR says it is open to considering a second-hand aircraft, however the it is more likely that the service will turn to Boeing, the aircraft’s sole manufacturer. The 737 based C-40 Clipper comes in 3 variants; the C-40A is a Navy aircraft, while its counterpart C-40C and executive/VIP C-40Bs are USAF planes. The C-40A is modified with a large cargo door, and the strengthened wings and landing gear of the 737-800. The aircraft is certified to operate in three configurations: an all-passenger configuration that can accommodate 121 passengers, an all-cargo configuration of eight cargo pallets, or a combination of three pallets and 70 passengers. The Clipper has a range of 3,400 nautical miles with 5,000 pounds of cargo, and can carry up to 40,000 pounds.
FY 2014
June 28/14: The US Navy retires its last C-9 Skytrain II (DC-9), after a service career for the type that began in 1973. At the type’s height in the mid-1980s, there were 29 planes in service.
It did transfer 2 planes to VMR-1 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, NC, “where they will continue service [with the Marines] until replacement aircraft are purchased.” Sources: US NAVAIR, “Navy says farewell to the C-9 Skytrain II aircraft”.
Navy retires C-9B
May 22/14: USN Support. Boeing in Seattle, WA receives a a $22 million indefinite-delivery requirements contract, for sustaining engineering services to the US Navy’s C-40A aircraft fleet. Funds will be committed as necessary.
Work will be performed in Seattle, Washington, and the overall contract runs to January 2019. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-2. US NAVAIR in Patuxent River, MD manages this contract (N00019-14-D-0002).
Dec 17/13: USAF Support. Boeing in Seattle, WA receives an $82 million delivery order for C-32A (757-200ER) and C-40B/C integrated fleet support (IFS) for calendar year 2014.
All funds are committed immediately, from FY 2014 O&M budgets. Work will be performed at Joint Base Andrews, MD; Scott Air Force Base, IL; Ramstein Air Base, Germany; Hickam AFB, Hawaii, and other locations as necessary, and is expected to be completed by Dec 3/14. The USAF Life Cycle Management Center/WLKLB at Tinker AFB, OK manages the contract (F33657-01-D-0013, DO 0378).
FY 2011 – 2013
#13 – 15 ordered; #10-12 delivered; Support contracts; C-40C communications upgrades.
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Sept 27/13: +1. Boeing in Seattle, WA receives a $69.8 million firm-fixed-price contract modification to buy 1 C-40A Clipper aircraft for the US Navy. All funds are committed immediately.
C-40A #15 bought
Work will be performed in Renton, WA (90%); Seattle, WA (6%); San Antonio, TX (2%); and Oklahoma City, OK (2%), and is expected to be complete in November 2016. US NAVAIR in Patuxent River, MD manages the contract (N00019-13-C-0026).
Sept 26/13: Comms. Boeing in Oklahoma City, OK receives a $6.8 million firm-fixed-price delivery order for AN/ARC-210 Gen-V radio upgrades to C-32A (Boeing 757) and C-40B (737) planes. It will upgrade the ARC-210 Gen-V radio to meet the Cryptographic Modernization program. All funds are committed immediately.
Work location will depend on aircraft availability, and is expected to be complete by March 31/15. USAF Force Life Cycle Management Center/WLKLB in Tinker AFB, OK manages the contract (F33657-01-D-0013, 0374).
June 6/13: Support. Boeing in Wichita, KS receives a $17.3 million firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract option to support the Navy’s C-40A aircraft fleet. Services to be provided include commercial depot support and site support at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, FL (25%); NAS Joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth, TX (25%); NAS North Island, CA (25%); and NAS Oceana, VA (25%).
Work will be complete in July 2015, and delivery orders will be issued as needed until then (N00019-10-D-0017).
Dec 20/12: +2. Boeing in Wichita, KS receives a $145 million firm-fixed-price contract for 2 US Navy C-40A Clippers. Aircraft #13 and 14 will be the revised design with winglets, which has been the default production choice since aircraft #9.
Work will be performed in Renton, WA (92.7%), Seattle, WA (4.9%), San Antonio, TX (1.7%), and Oklahoma City, OK (0.7%) and is expected to be complete in March 2015. All contract funds are committed immediately, and $72.5 million will expire at the end of the current fiscal year, on Sept 30/13. This contract was not competitively procured, pursuant to FAR 6.302-1. US Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, MD, is the contracting activity (N00019-13-C0026).
C-40As #13-14 bought
Dec 17/12: Support. Boeing in Seattle, WA receives an $80.5 million delivery order contract for USAF C-32A and C-40B/C integrated fleet support. The C-32A is a Boeing 757 derivative, which sometimes carries the Vice President.
Work will be performed at Joint Base Andrews, Scott Air Force Base, Ramstein Air Base, Hickam Air Force Base, and other locations as necessary. Work is expected to be complete by Dec 31/13. The AFLCMC/WLKLB at Tinker AFB, OK (F33657-01-D-0013, PO 0365)
Dec 14/12: Comms. Boeing in Seattle, WA receives a $12.8 million firm-fixed-price contract for High Speed Data Aircraft modifications to the USAF’s C-40C.
Work will be performed in Seattle, WA, and is expected to be complete by Aug 30/15. The AFLCMC/WLKLB at Tinker AFB, OK manages this contract (F33657-01-D-0013, PO 0369).
Oct 21/11: #12 delivered. Boeing delivers the 12th C-40A transport aircraft to the U.S. Navy from the company’s Wichita, KS facility. Boeing.
Jan 31/11: Boeing in Seattle, WA receives an $11.8 million contract modification, funding calendar year 2011 sustaining engineering for the C-32A (4 Boeing 757s, “Air Force Two” with VP on board) and C-40B/C fleets. At this time, the entire amount has been committed by the ASC/WLVK at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH (F33657-01-D-0013).
Jan 28/11: #11 delivered. Boeing delivers the 11th C-40A transport aircraft to the U.S. Navy from the company’s Wichita, KS facility. Boeing is under contract to deliver the 12th C-40A to the Navy later in 2011. Boeing.
Nov 19/10: #10 delivered. Boeing delivers the 10th C-40A transport/cargo aircraft to the US Navy Unique Fleet Essential Airlift (NUFEA) fleet, after modifications are made at the company’s Wichita, KS facility. Boeing’s release states that it’s on contract to deliver 2 additional C-40As; one 737 is currently being modified at the Wichita, KS facility, while the other is handled by the Boeing Commercial Airplanes production line in Renton, WA. Boeing.
FY 2009 – 2010
2 more C-40As; 1 C-40B lease-to-own buyout; 1 more C-40C; Existing leases; C-40B communication upgrades; Support contracts.
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Aug 25/10: Leased C-40C. Boeing’s Derivative Airplanes Program in Seattle, WA receives a $26 million contract modification to provide 1 Boeing 737 – C40C leased aircraft. All funds have been committed by the ASC/WLVK agt Wright-Patterson AFB, OH (FA8625-10-C-6599).
June 21/10: Support. Boeing in Seattle, WA wins a 5-year, $80.9 million contract to support the US Navy’s C-40A aircraft fleet. Services to be provided under the firm-fixed-price indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract include commercial depot support and site support at Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville, FL; the NAS Joint Reserve Base in Fort Worth, TX; NAS North Island, CA; and NAS Oceana, VA.
Work will be performed in Atlanta, GA (50%); Fort Worth, TX (30%); Seattle, WA (5%); Jacksonville, FL (5%); North Island, CA (5%); and Oceana, VA (5%), and will be complete in July 2015. This contract was competitively procured via an electronic request for proposals, and 3 offers were received by US Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, MD (N00019-10-D-0017).
Boeing’s release places the contract’s value at over $100 million, which is in addition to Boeing’s current C-40A support involving sustaining engineering, winglet modifications, and other emergent needs. The C-40 CLS supports the Navy’s current fleet of 9 C-40As. Boeing is on contract to deliver 3 more C-40As, which are scheduled to enter service in 2010 and 2011.
May 27/10: Support. L-3 Communications Corp. in Arlington, TX received $10.7 million for additional support services to the Navy’s C-40A aircraft fleet, under a firm-fixed-price modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-04-D-0110).
Services to be provided include inventory management and support, to include tracking and control of government and contractor-owned inventory; scheduled and unscheduled depot-level support; drop-in maintenance; component repair and overhaul of government- and contractor-owned inventory; replacement of government- and contractor-owned inventory; contractor field teams; engine condition monitoring; site activation; and site support at Naval Air Station (NAS) Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base in Fort Worth, TX, NAS Jacksonville, FL, and NAS North Island, CA.
Work will be performed in Fort Worth, TX (22%); NAS Jacksonville, FL (22%); NAS North Island, CA (22%); Oklahoma City, OK (20%); Arlington, TX (8%); and Tulsa, OK (6%). Work is expected to be complete in November 2010. The Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, MD manages this contract.
April 19/10: Support. A $12 million contract to pay for calendar year 2010 sustaining engineering support, for the C-32A and C-40B/C fleets. At this time, the entire amount has been committed by the 655th AESS/SYKA at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH (F33657-01-D-0013).
Feb 17/10: Comms. upgrade. Northrop Grumman in El Segundo, CA receives a $64.8 million contract which will provide mission communication system upgrades for 4 C-32A aircraft and 4 C-40B aircraft. The C-40Bs are offices in the sky and VIP jets. The C-32As are larger 757-based VIP jets, and they carry the Vice-president (“Air Force Two”), members of the U.S. cabinet and Congress, and other government officials.
At this time, the entire amount has been committed by the 655th AESS/SYKA, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH (FA8625-10-C-6500).
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Dec 18/09: C-40C. Boeing in Seattle, WA receives an $89.7 million contract which will purchase 1 C-40C aircraft. Boeing has confirmed that this is a contract for a new aircraft, minus government-furnished equipment (GFE). It is not the remaining cost of an existing lease, as was the case with the Dec 1/09 entry.
At this time, $13.6 million has been committed by the 655th AESS/SYKA at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH (FA8625-10-C-6505).
C-40C bought
Dec 18/09: Support. Boeing in Seattle, WA is awarded the annual C-32A and C-40B/C contractor fleet support (Jan 1/10 through Dec 31/10) contract. At this time, the entire amount of $75.2 million has been committed by the 655th AESS/SYKA at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH (F33657-01-D-0013).
Dec 7/09: Support. Boeing in Seattle, WA receives a $6 million contract which will provide for C-32A and C-40B on-board communications equipment. At this time, the entire amount has been committed by the 655 AESS/SYKA at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH (F33657-01-D-0013).
The USAF’s C-32 757 derivative, also known as “Air Force Two” when the Vice President is aboard, and its C-40B VIP aircraft, are equipped with a variety of specialized communications equipment, including in-flight IP-based broadband connectivity.
Dec 1/09: C-40B. Boeing in Seattle, WA receives a $28 million contract which provides for 1 Boeing 737 C-40B aircraft. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. AESS/SYKA, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH manages the contract (FA8625-10-C-6599).
Discussions with Boeing reveal that this covers the purchase of the remaining cost of a leased C-40B that is currently based at Ramstein AB in Germany. One of the 4 USAF aircraft was leased with an option to buy, and this contract exercises that option.
C-40B lease buyout
Aug 24/09: Winglet retrofit. Boeing receives a $6.5 million firm-fixed-price order against a previously issued Basic Ordering Agreement for 4 winglets. US NAVAIR has confirmed that they will be used to retrofit 2 of the first 4 C-40As, bringing them to the same aerodynamic configuration as new-build C-40As.
Work will be performed in Wichita, KS (50%) and Seattle, WA (50%), and is expected to be complete in December 2011. The Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, MD issued the contract (N00019-05-G-0026).
Jan 26/09: A firm fixed price contract to Boeing for $11.7 million. This contract will provide the C-40 “communication equipment subscription service” for CY 2009. This is almost certainly related to the C-40B’s Connexion in-flight broadband service.
At this time, the entire amount has been committed by USAF ASC/655 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH (F33657-01-C-0013).
Dec 15/08: Boeing receives a $136.1 million firm-fixed-price contract from the US Navy for 2 C-40A Clipper aircraft, which would bring the Navy’s C-40A fleet to 11 aircraft. These aircraft will use the Navy’s new configuration, with turned-up winglets on the ends of the wings.
Work will be performed in Renton, WA (88%); and Wichita, KS (12%) and is expected to be complete in February 2011. This contract was not competitively procured, pursuant to FAR 6.302-1. The Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, MD manages this contract (N00019-09-C-0080). NAVAIR release.
C-40As #10-11 bought
FY 2006 – 2008
9th C-40A delivered; LAIRCM added to C-40Bs for defense, logistics support.
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Nov 28/07: Support. L-3 Communications Corp. in Arlington, TX received $17 million modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-04-D-0110), exercising an option for logistics support of the Navy’s C-40A fleet. Services to be provided include site activation; site support; inventory management and support; depot level support (scheduled and unscheduled); drop-in maintenance; component repair and overhaul of government and contractor-owned inventory; contractor field teams; replacement of government and contractor-owned inventory; and engine condition monitoring.
Work will be performed in Fort Worth, TX (22%); Jacksonville, FL (22%); North Island, CA (22%); Oklahoma City, OK (20%); Arlington, TX (8%); and Tulsa, OK (6%), and is expected to be complete in November 2006. The Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, MD issued the contract.
Nov 1/07: LAIRCM on C-40Bs. Boeing begins fitting Northrop Grumman’s LAIRCM defensive systems onto the C-40B fleet. LAIRCM decoys shoulder-fired, infrared-guided anti-aircraft missiles by using laser pulses to confuse its seeker. Boeing.
Nov 2/06: Support. L-3 Communications Corp., Arlington, Texas, is being awarded an $18.2 million modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-04-D-0110) to exercise an option for logistics support of the Navy’s C-40A fleet. Services to be provided include site activation; site support; inventory management and support; depot level support (scheduled and unscheduled); drop-in maintenance; component repair and overhaul of government and contractor-owned inventory; contractor field teams; replacement of government and contractor-owned inventory; and engine condition monitoring.
Work will be performed in Fort Worth, TX (22%); Jacksonville, FL (22%); North Island, CA (22%); Oklahoma City, OK (20%); Arlington, TX (8%); and Tulsa, OK (6%), and is expected to be complete in November 2006. The Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, MD issued the contract.
May 25/06: #9 delivered. Boeing never announced the Navy’s order of a 9th C-40A Clipper transport aircraft, but the plane is delivered to Squadron VR-57 of the Naval Reserve’s Fleet Logistics Support Wing, 36 days ahead of schedule. The plane is the first C-40A to be built with turned-up winglets on the ends of its wings.
New-design C-40A #9 delivered
March 10/06: Support. Boeing in Seattle, WA received a $76.4 million firm-fixed-price contract modification to fund the annual C-40 and C-32 contractor integrated fleet support contract through calendar year 2006. At this time, $30.6 million has been committed. The Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH manages this contract (F33657-01-D-0013/ no modification # announced).
Nov 29/05: Support. L-3 Communications Corp. in Arlington, TX receives a $20 million modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-04-D-0110), exercising an option for logistics support services to the US Naval Reserve’s C-40A Clipper aircraft fleet. Services to be provided under L-3’s most recent C-40A support contract include site activation; site support; inventory management and support; depot level support (scheduled and unscheduled); drop-in maintenance; component repair and overhaul of government and contractor-owned inventory; contractor field teams; replacement of government and contractor-owned inventory; and engine condition monitoring.
Work will be performed in Fort Worth, TX (22%); Jacksonville, FL (22%); North Island, CA (22%); Oklahoma City, OK (20%); Arlington, TX (8%); and Tulsa, OK (6%), and is expected to be complete in November 2006. The Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, MD issued the contract.
FY 2003 – 2005
C-40A #7 delivered, #8 bought; 4-plane lease; Support contracts.
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Feb 14/05: Investigation. GovExec reports that the USAF’s C-40 lease contracts have been referred to the Investigator General as part of the Darlene Druyun influence-peddling scandal.
Dec 4/04: Support. L-3 Communications Corp. in Arlington, TX receives a $20.4 million indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-04-D-0110), exercising an option for logistics support services to the US Naval Reserve’s C-40A Clipper aircraft fleet. Services to be provided include site activation; site support; inventory management and support; depot level support (scheduled and unscheduled); drop-in maintenance; component repair and overhaul of government and contractor-owned inventory; contractor field teams; replacement of government and contractor-owned inventory; and engine condition monitoring.
Work will be performed in Fort Worth, TX (33%); Jacksonville, FL (33%); Oklahoma City, OK (20%); Arlington, TX (8%); and Tulsa, OK (6%), and is expected to be complete in November 2006. The Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, MD issued the contract.
Nov 22/04: #7 delivered. The 7th C-40A Clipper aircraft is delivered to the US Navy.
July 23/04: A 2004 release by Sen. Richard Durbin [D-IL] and Congressmen Jerry Costello [D-IL] and John Shimkus [R-IL] touts their success in securing money for C-40s at a local air base, in order to keep it open.
The letter illustrates some of the ongoing issues around C-40 fleet size, funding, local interest, etc. with hard dollar figures.
Nov 24/03: Boeing announces that the U.S. Navy has ordered an 8th C-40A Clipper for its Unique Fleet Essential Airlift Replacement Aircraft program.
Boeing’s release adds that the US Naval Reserve provides line maintenance on the C-40A aircraft, while Boeing and its industry partner Delta Air Lines are on contract for 3 years of initial logistics support providing site support, spares management and heavy maintenance.
C-40A #8
Sept 17/02: Boeing received a $217.7 million firm-fixed-price contract from the Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH to lease up to 4 C-40 aircraft (F33657-02-C-0017).
It also received a $52.6 million firm-fixed-price contract modification that added ordering provisions for Contractor Logistics Support for up to 4 C-40 series leased aircraft (F33657-01-D-0013, P00014). Total: $270.3 million.
4-plane lease
FY 1998 – 2002
C-40 rollout; C-40As: #3 bought; Contract for 7 more; CBO analysis of USAF leases.
July 23/02: CBO on leasing. Rep. Curt Weldon, Chairman of the House Committee on Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Procurement, is presented with an interesting July 2002 Congressional Budget Office analysis covering the USAF’s decision to lease its C-40 aircraft. The CBO concludes that the difference between the leasing deals and outright purchase of the aircraft was quite small, and questions the choice.
Aug 06/01: C-40A. Boeing announces a C-40 aircraft order from the USAF to begin replacing 4 US Air National Guard 727-derivative C-22B aircraft that were manufactured in the mid-1960s, and acquired in the mid-1980s. This is the 2nd C-40 aircraft ordered by the USAF under the contract established with Boeing in February 2001.
With an interior configuration identical to the C-40B platform, the aircraft will be used to improve the Air National Guard’s capability for rapid response to team travel and special air mission tasking.
C-40A #7
Jan 03/01: C-40A. Boeing announces that the U.S. Navy has ordered a 6th C-40A for its Navy Unique Fleet Essential Airlift Replacement Aircraft (NUFEA-RA) program.
At this point in the Navy’s program, 2 C-40As are at Boeing in Wichita, KS for modifications that allow the aircraft to be operated in the combi mode. A 3rd aircraft has completed flight testing and will be flown to Wichita for modifications. A 4th is expected to join it in February 2002, and Flight Safety Boeing is training Naval Reserve flight crews and maintenance technicians.
C-40A #6
Feb 9/01: Boeing wins an $800 million firm-fixed-price contract to provide for up to 7 C-40 aircraft, and up to 10 years of associated contractor logistics support.
The contract has provisions that can allow for incorporation of the contractor logistics support effort for the USAF’s 757-derivative C-32 aircraft into this contract. The Aeronautical Systems Center at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH manages the deal (F33657-01-D-0013).
Base contract: up to 7 C-40As
Sept 09/ 2000: Boeing rolls out the 1st C-40A Clipper for the U.S. Naval Reserve, at a festive celebration held at Boeing Field in Seattle. Boeing release.
Rollout
June 10/1998: Boeing announces that the U.S. Navy has exercised its option for a 3rd C-40A, under its Navy Unique Fleet Essential Airlift Replacement Aircraft (NUFEA-RA) program. The Navy had ordered 2 of the 737-700C derivatives in September 1997, with an option to purchase a 3rd.
The contract, valued at $163 million, calls for deliveries to the Commander Naval Air Reserve Forces to begin in December 2000. Boeing
C-40A #3 bought
Additional Readings
- Boeing – C-40A Clipper Military Transport. Operated by the US Navy.
- Boeing – C-40B Special-Mission Aircraft, USAF: Provides airlift with an office-in-the-sky environment for U.S. combatant commanders and other senior government officials. C-40Bs are equipped with the Connexion by Boeing system, providing secure in-flight broadband connectivity.
- Boeing – C-40C Operational Support and Team Travel Aircraft. USAF Reserve.
