Boeing C-40C Clipper Airlift

Full Specifications

Boeing C-40C Clipper: U.S. Executive Airlift

The Boeing C-40C Clipper is a military executive transport aircraft operated by the U.S. Air Force for high-priority personnel movement, including congressional delegations, Cabinet officials, senior military leaders, special envoys, and other government passengers. Based on the Boeing 737-700 business jet, the C-40C combines a commercial airliner-derived airframe with military avionics, auxiliary fuel capacity, and a flexible passenger cabin. The aircraft entered U.S. military service in the early 2000s and was selected to replace older C-22 aircraft in its executive airlift role.

A major feature of the C-40C is its reconfigurable interior. Unlike the C-40B, which is optimized for combatant commanders and advanced airborne communications, the C-40C can be configured to carry approximately 42 to 111 passengers. This flexibility allows the aircraft to support distinguished visitor missions as well as larger personnel movements.

Manufacturer

Boeing is the prime airframe contractor, while the aircraft uses two GE CFM56-7B27 turbofan engines. The C-40C incorporates the Boeing 737-700 fuselage with winglets and military-specific equipment, including integrated GPS, flight management systems, electronic flight instrumentation, a heads-up display, traffic collision avoidance technology, and enhanced weather radar.

Speed and Range

The C-40C has a maximum speed of about 530 mph, or approximately Mach 0.8, and can operate at altitudes up to 41,000 feet. Its published unrefueled range is approximately 4,500 to 5,000 nautical miles, depending on payload. Each CFM56-7B27 engine produces about 27,000 pounds of static thrust.

Cost/Price

The U.S. Air Force lists a historical unit cost of approximately $70 million for the C-40 family. This figure should be treated as a historical reference rather than a current procurement price, because configuration, support, modernization, inflation, and acquisition arrangements can significantly affect actual costs.