Boeing C-40A Clipper
Boeing · United States · first flew 2001 · transport aircraft
The Boeing C-40A Clipper is the US Navy and Marine Corps' fleet logistics support transport, based on the Boeing 737-700C with a large cargo door and convertible interior for mixed passenger and freight missions.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbofan, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 33.6 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Military 737-700C convertible cargo/passenger variant for US Navy and Marines
- Swing-tail and large cargo door enable rapid passenger-to-freight conversion
- Operated by US Navy Reserve in the Fleet Logistics Support role
Modern twin-engine narrow-body jet transport indistinguishable from a commercial 737-700 externally, identified by US Navy tail markings and the large cargo door on the forward fuselage port side.
Specifications
- The Boeing C-40A Clipper has a length of 33.6 m (110 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 35.8 m (117 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 876 km/h (544 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Selected by the US Navy in the late 1990s to replace the ageing C-9B Skytrain II, the C-40A entered service in 2001. The 737-700C's convertible cabin allows rapid reconfiguration between passenger transport and freight modes, providing flexible logistics support.
Variants
The USAF operates the related C-40B and C-40C as VIP transports based on the 737-700 Business Jet; the C-40A is the Navy-specific convertible variant.
Where you'll see it
Operated by US Navy Fleet Logistics Support Squadrons (VR squadrons) and Marine Corps transport units worldwide, supporting carrier battle groups and expeditionary forces.
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- Gulfstream C-37B
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