View source for Boeing C-40 Clipper

{{short description|Military executive transport aircraft series}}
{{More citations needed|date=August 2021}}
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout. -->
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}

{{Infobox aircraft
 |name= C-40 Clipper
 |image= File:C-40A Clipper VR-59 041127-N-4518M-007 US Navy.jpg
 |caption= A C-40 of [[VR-59|squadron VR-59]]
 |type= [[Military transport aircraft]]
 |national_origin= United States
 |manufacturer= [[Boeing]]
 |designer=
 |first_flight= April 2000<ref>{{cite news |url =https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/clipper/ | title =C-40A Clipper | access-date =7 August 2021 | website = Naval Technology }}</ref>
 |introduction= 21 April 2001
 |retired=
 |status= Active service
 |primary_user= [[United States Navy]]
 |more_users= [[United States Air Force]] <br />[[United States Marine Corps]]
 |produced= 2001–2019
 |number_built= 28{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}
 |developed_from = [[Boeing 737 Next Generation]]
 |variants=
}}

The '''Boeing C-40 Clipper''' is a military version of the [[Boeing 737 Next Generation]] used to transport cargo and passengers. It is used by the [[United States Navy]], [[United States Air Force|Air Force]], and [[United States Marine Corps|Marine Corps]].<ref name="fg181205">{{Cite web | url = https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-marine-corps-looks-to-buy-two-c-40-executive-tran-454181/ | title = US Marine Corps looks to buy two C-40 executive transports | first = Garrett | last = Reim | date = 5 December 2018 | website = [[FlightGlobal]] | via = Flightglobal.com | access-date = 29 May 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190425091848/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-marine-corps-looks-to-buy-two-c-40-executive-tran-454181/ | archive-date = 25 April 2019 | url-status = live }}</ref> The Navy C-40A variant is named "Clipper", whereas the USAF C-40B/C variants are officially unnamed.

==Design and development==
The C-40 combines the Boeing 737-700 fuselage with the strengthened wings and landing gear of the larger and heavier [[Boeing 737 Next Generation#737-800|737-800]]. It also has auxiliary fuel tanks allowing an unrefueled range of up to {{Convert|5000|nmi|km|lk=in|abbr=out}} compared with {{Convert|3,010|nmi|km|abbr=on}} for the standard 737-700.<ref name="US Air Force"/>

===C-40A===
[[File:US Navy 100126-N-0705K-003 Naval Air Crewmen 2nd Class Nicole Garza and David Murray and Naval Air Crewman 1st Class David McDermott load cargo bound for Haiti at Naval Air Station Jacksonville.jpg|thumb|A USN C-40A is loaded with cargo at [[Naval Air Station Jacksonville]].]]

First flight took place in April 2000 and the first of the C-40A aircraft entered service in April 2001.<ref name="NT C-40A">{{cite web |title=C-40A Clipper |url=https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/clipper/ |website=Naval Technology |access-date=19 January 2020}}</ref>

The [[United States Navy Reserve|U.S. Navy Reserve]] was the first customer for a [[Boeing 737 Next Generation|737 Next Generation]] based [[combi aircraft|"combi" aircraft]] (capable of transporting cargo and passengers).<ref name=Boeing20060606>{{Cite web | url = https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2006-06-05-Boeing-Delivers-Ninth-C-40A-Aircraft-to-U.-S.-Navy | title = Boeing Delivers Ninth C-40A Aircraft to U. S. Navy | publisher = Boeing | via = boeing.mediaroom.com | date = 5 June 2006 | access-date = 29 May 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190529140225/https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2006-06-05-Boeing-Delivers-Ninth-C-40A-Aircraft-to-U.-S.-Navy | archive-date = 29 May 2019 | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.boeing.com/defense/c-40a/|title=Boeing: C-40 Clipper|website=www.boeing.com|access-date=2016-03-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315115245/http://www.boeing.com/defense/c-40a|archive-date=15 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The Clipper was ordered by the [[United States Navy|U.S. Navy]] to replace its fleet of aging [[McDonnell Douglas C-9|C-9B Skytrain II]]s. The C-40A is 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.<ref name="NT C-40A"/> The Clipper meets or exceeds international noise and environmental requirements, which the fleet of Naval Reserve C-9s did not. It is also more fuel-efficient and offers increased range and payload capabilities. The Clipper is certified to operate in an all-passenger (121 passengers), all-cargo or combination ("combi") configuration that can accommodate up to three cargo pallets and 70 passengers on the main deck.<ref>{{Cite web | url = http://www.boeing.com/resources/boeingdotcom/defense/c-40_series/pdf/c40a_product_card.pdf | title = C-40A Product Card | date = 11 March 2016 | website = www.boeing.com | publisher = Boeing | access-date = 29 May 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160401214111/http://www.boeing.com/resources/boeingdotcom/defense/c-40_series/pdf/c40a_product_card.pdf | archive-date = 1 April 2016 | url-status = live }}</ref>

The Navy purchased the airplanes using standard commercial practices, ordering six of the 737-700C models.{{when|date=February 2014}} The first two of four aircraft were delivered on 21 April 2001 to [[VR-59|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.<ref name=Boeing20060606 />

In the 2018 Marine Aviation Plan, the [[United States Marine Corps|U.S. Marine Corps]] indicated that it intended to acquire two C-40A aircraft for airlift missions, replacing its [[McDonnell Douglas C-9|Skytrain]] fleet.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2018 Marine Aviation Plan |url=https://www.aviation.marines.mil/Portals/11/2018%20AvPlan%20.pdf |access-date=29 May 2019 |website=U.S. Marine Corps |page=100}}</ref> On 4 December 2018 an online notice was posted by the Marines seeking a supplier of C-40s to be delivered in 2020.<ref name="fg181205"/> The USMC Skytrains were retired in 2017 and to prepare for the transition to new aircraft, personnel from Marine Transport Squadron One were assigned to operate Navy Clippers until the arrival of their own aircraft.<ref>{{Cite magazine| url = http://seapowermagazine.org/stories/20170526-C40.html | title = Marines to Fly Navy C-40 Transports While Awaiting their Own | date = 26 May 2017 | first = Richard R. | last = Burgess | magazine = Seapower Magazine | via = seapowermagazine.org | access-date = 29 May 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181216032050/https://seapowermagazine.org/stories/20170526-C40.html | archive-date = 16 December 2018 | url-status = dead}}</ref>

===C-40B===
[[File:Boeing C-40 Clipper 89aw.jpg|thumb|right|C-40B of the [[89th Airlift Wing]]]]

The [[United States Air Force]] selected the '''C-40B''', a military version of the [[Boeing 737#737-700|737-700]] [[Boeing Business Jet]], to replace the aging fleet of [[Boeing C-137 Stratoliner|C-137]] aircraft used to transport U.S. combatant commanders. The Air Force awarded the medium lift contract in August 2000. The [[89th Airlift Wing]] acquired its first C-40B aircraft in December 2002. Both units are based at [[Andrews Air Force Base]], [[Maryland]]. The [[15th Airlift Wing]], [[Hickam AFB]], [[Hawaii]], acquired its C-40B for [[U.S. Pacific Command]] in February 2003. The [[86th Airlift Wing]], [[Ramstein Air Base|Ramstein AB]], [[Germany]], acquired its C-40B for [[U.S. Air Forces in Europe]] in December 2004.<ref name="US Air Force">{{cite web |date=4 June 2003 |title=C-40B/C > U.S. Air Force > Fact Sheet Display |url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104521/c-40bc/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130917215548/http://www.af.mil/AboutUs/FactSheets/Display/tabid/224/Article/104521/c-40bc.aspx |archive-date=17 September 2013 |access-date=4 June 2003 |website=U.S. Air Force |publisher=}}</ref>

The cabin area is equipped with a crew rest area, distinguished visitor compartment with sleep accommodations, two galleys and business class seating with worktables.<ref name="US Air Force"/>

The C-40B is designed to be an "office in the sky" for senior military and government leaders. The aircraft features two-way [[broadband]] data communications, including secure voice and data communication; elements include internet and network access, telephones, satellites, facsimile and copy machines. The C-40B also has a computer-based passenger data system.<ref name="US Air Force"/>

===C-40C===
[[File:A U.S. Air Force C-40C prepares to taxi down the flightline at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Sept. 8, 2023.jpg|thumb|C-40C at [[Kadena Air Base]]]]
The C-40C is a VIP transport aircraft often used to carry members of the Cabinet and Congress, and is intending to replace the [[Boeing C-22]].<ref name="US Air Force" /> The aircraft is equipped similarly to the C-40B, but without the advanced communications capabilities. Unique to the C-40C is the capability to change its configuration to accommodate from 42 to 111 passengers.<ref name="US Air Force"/> The C-40C replaced three C-22s (a militarized Boeing 727) operated by the [[Air National Guard]] and [[National Guard Bureau]] to airlift personnel. The C-40C was the first military aircraft to be acquired in this as an off-the-shelf aircraft for the Department of Defense. The 201st Airlift Squadron, District of Columbia Air National Guard acquired two C-40C aircraft in October 2002.  The Air Force Reserve [[932d Airlift Wing]], Scott AFB, Illinois acquired three C-40C aircraft in 2007.<ref name="US Air Force"/>

==Variants==
[[File:USN C-40A Clipper.jpg|thumb|A [[United States Navy]] C-40A from Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VR) 57, at [[NAS North Island]]]]

;C-40A Clipper
:United States Navy version of the Boeing 737-700 for high-priority cargo and passenger transport, seventeen built.<ref name=C40AOverview>{{Cite web | title = Boeing: C-40 Clipper | url = http://www.boeing.com/defense/c-40a/ | website = Boeing.com | publisher = Boeing | access-date = 29 May 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190417234523/https://www.boeing.com/defense/c-40a/ | archive-date = 17 April 2019 | url-status = live }}</ref>
;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==
;{{US}}
* '''[[United States Air Force]]'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=1 Airlift Squadron (AMC) > Air Force Historical Research Agency > Display |url=https://www.dafhistory.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/432730/1-airlift-squadron-amc/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529140225/https://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/432730/1-airlift-squadron-amc/ |archive-date=29 May 2019 |access-date=29 May 2019 |website=U.S. Air Force |publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.932aw.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/187218/scott-squadron-flies-important-passengers-around-the-world/ | title = Scott squadron flies important passengers around the world | access-date = 29 May 2019| publisher = US Air Force | website = af.mil | first = Amber R. | last = Kelly-Herard | date = 24 August 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190529140229/https://www.932aw.afrc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/187218/scott-squadron-flies-important-passengers-around-the-world/ | archive-date = 29 May 2019 | url-status = live }}</ref>
** [[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]] 
** [[932d Airlift Wing]] – [[Scott AFB]], [[Illinois]] 
*** [[73d 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]] – [[Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth]], [[Texas]] 
*** [[VR-61]] – [[NAS Whidbey Island]], [[Washington (state)|Washington]] 
* '''[[United States Marine Corps]]'''
** [[Marine Aircraft Group 41]]
*** [[VMR-1]] – [[Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth]], [[Texas]]

==Specifications==
[[File:US Navy 050108-N-6954B-023 Crew members load supplies onto a C-40A Clipper aircraft assigned to the "Lone Star Express" of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron Five Nine (VR-59).jpg|thumb|right|C-40A transporting palletized humanitarian cargo, 2005.]]
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=<ref>{{Cite web |title=C-40 Clipper |url=https://www.boeing.com/defense/c-40a/#/tech-spec |access-date=2022-06-06 |website=[[Boeing Defense, Space & Security]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=April 2020 |title=C-40B/C Fact Sheet |url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104521/c-40bc/ |access-date=2022-06-06 |website=[[United States Air Force]] |language=en-US}}</ref>
|prime units?=kts
<!-- General characteristics -->
|crew=Four, five or six: Pilot, co-pilot, crew chief and loadmaster, plus one 'second loadmaster' when carrying passengers or two when carrying over 100 passengers
|capacity=<br />
**C-40A passenger configuration: 121 passengers
**C-40A cargo configuration: 8 pallets
**C-40A combination configuration: 3 pallets, 70 passengers
**C-40B: 26 to 32 passengers
** C-40C: 42 to 111 passengers
**Payload: {{cvt|40000|lb|0}}
|length ft=110
|length in=4
|length note=
|span ft=112
|span in=7
|span note=
|height ft=41
|height in=2
|height note=
|wing area sqft=
|wing area note=
|swept area sqft=<!-- swing-wings -->
|swept area note=
|volume ft3=<!-- lighter-than-air -->
|volume note=
|aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|airfoil='''root:''' BAC 449/450/451; '''tip:''' BAC 442 mod<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326174850/https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |archive-date=26 March 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|empty weight lb=126000
|empty weight note=
|max takeoff weight lb=171000
|max takeoff weight note=
<!-- invalid parameters |max landing weight lb=134000 |max landing weight note= -->
|fuel capacity={{Convert|6875|USgal|abbr=on}}
|more general=
<!-- Powerplant -->
|eng1 number=2
|eng1 name=[[CFM International CFM56-7B]]
|eng1 type=[[turbofan]] engines
|eng1 hp=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng1 shp=<!-- prop engines -->
|eng1 lbf=27300
|eng1 note=
<!-- Performance -->
|max speed kts=534
|max speed note=
|max speed mach=<!-- supersonic aircraft -->
|cruise speed mph=
|cruise speed note=
|stall speed mph=
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed mph=
|never exceed speed note=
|minimum control speed mph=
|minimum control speed note=
|range nmi=3200
|range note= (C-40A), {{Convert|4500-5000|nmi|mi km|abbr=on}} (C-40B/C)
|combat range miles=
|combat range note=
|ferry range miles=
|ferry range note=
|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling ft=41000
|ceiling note=
|g limits=<!-- aerobatic -->
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|glide ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|climb rate ftmin=
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|sink rate ftmin=<!-- sailplanes -->
|sink rate note=
|lift to drag=
|wing loading lb/sqft=
|wing loading note=
|disk loading lb/sqft=
|disk loading note=
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|thrust/weight=0.407
|avionics=
}}

==See also==
{{aircontent
|related=
* [[Boeing 737]]
* [[Boeing E-7 Wedgetail]]
* [[Boeing P-8 Poseidon]]
* [[Boeing T-43]]
* [[Boeing Business Jet]]
|lists=
* [[List of active United States military aircraft]]
* [[List of military aircraft of the United States]]
}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Boeing C-40 Clipper}}<!-- This is the title of the Commons category page - removing Clipper will break the link to Commons. Thanks. -->
* [https://www.boeing.com/defense/c-40a/ C-40A] and [https://web.archive.org/web/20140223012245/http://www.boeing.com/boeing/defense-space/military/c-40b/index.page C-40B pages on Boeing.com]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20050527203454/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=1100&tid=600&ct=1 The US Navy – Fact File: C-40A Clipper logistics aircraft], [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/research/histories/naval-aviation-history/naval-aircraft/current-aircraft-inventory/c-40a-clipper.html U.S. Naval History C-40A Clipper page]
* [https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104521/c-40bc/ USAF C-40B/C Factsheet]
* [http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/c40-clippers-hitting-their-stride-despite-past-controversy-01559/ "Clippers Hitting Their Stride Despite Past Controversy"]. DefenseIndustryDaily.com

{{Boeing support aircraft}}
{{Boeing 737 family}}
{{US transport aircraft}}
{{U.S. presidential call signs}}

[[Category:2000s United States military transport aircraft|C-40 Clipper]]
[[Category:Boeing 737|C-140]]
[[Category:Twinjets]]
[[Category:Low-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 2001]]
[[Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear]]