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Boeing VC-32A

Type
Military VIP transport (VIP-Flugzeug für die US-Regierung)

Country (Land)
USA

Manufacturer (Hersteller)
Boeing Commercial Airplane Group
PO Box 3707
Seattle, WA 98124

Phone: 001-425/237-2121
Fax: 001-425/237-3544
Internet: www.boeing.com

General (Allgemeine Angaben)
Crew (Besatzung): 2 + 14
Passengers (Passagiere): Seating for 45
Cargo (Fracht): 47,3 cubic metres in lower cargo holds

Power plant (Antrieb): 2 x Pratt & Whitney PW2040 turbofans
Thrust (Schub): 2 x 185,5 kN (41700 lbs)

Noise
Takeoff (Start): 84,7 EPNdB
Approach (Anflug): 97,7 EPNdB
Sideline (Vorbeiflug): 94,6 EPNdB

Dimensions (Abmessungen)
Length (Länge): 47,32 m
Height (Höhe): 13,56 m
Span (Spannweite): 38,05 m
Wing area (Flügelfläche): 185,25 sq m

Cabin length (Kabinenlänge): 36,09 m
Cabin width (Kabinenbreite): 3,53 m max.
Cabin height (Kabinenhöhe): 2,13 m
Cabin floor area (Kabinenfläche): 116 sq m
Cabin volume (Kabinenvolumen): 230,5 cu m

Weights (Massen)
Typical operating weight empty (Einsatz-Leermasse): 58390 kg
Max. fuel (Max. Kraftstoff): 41730 kg
Max. take-off weight (Max. Startmasse): 115668 kg
Max. landing weight (Max. Landemasse): 95255 kg

Performance (Flugleistungen)
Max. speed (max. Fluggeschwindigkeit): Mach 0.86
Normal speed (Reisegeschwindigkeit): ca. 850 km/h, Mach 0.8
Initial cruise ceiling (anfängliche Reiseflughöhe): 11675 m
Service ceiling (Dienstgipfelhöhe): 12725 m (42000 ft)
Take-off field length (Startstrecke): 1637 m
Landing field length (Landestrecke): 1460 m at max. landing weight
Range (Reichweite): up to 10185 km

Costs (Kosten)
The value of the C-32A contract – for four aircraft plus contractor logistic support through the year 2005 – is approximately 540 million US-Dollars.

Customers (Kunden)
US Air Force has ordered four for use with the 1 st Airlift Squadron, 89 th Airlift Wing at Andrews AFB (Maryland).

Competitors (Konkurrenz)
Airbus A310-300
Airbus A321

Remarks (Bemerkungen)
The C-32A is a version of the Boeing 757-200 airliner specially configured for use by the US vice president (call sign “Air Force Two”, the first lady and members of the US cabinett and congress, as well as other government officials.
The VC-32A features the latest in communications equipment and is configured with

a forward galley and communications center
a ten-seat crew seating at the front end, with business class chairs
a stateroom with divan that converts to a bed at night and a desk. Private lavatory and closet.
a conference area with two fold-out tables and eight business class chairs
twelve and twenty seat compartments at the rear
an aft galley

The VC-32A is equipped with a Traffic Collision Avoidance System and Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System that gives advance warning of possible air and ground threats. Weather systems are enhanced with a Predictive Windshear Warning System. Other items include the future air navigation system with Global Positioning System and Flight Management System/Electronic Flight Instrument System.
Inside the C-32, communications are paramount. The vice president, heads of state and other decision-makers can conduct business anywhere around the world using improved telephones, satellites, television monitors, facsimiles and copy machines.

History (Geschichte)
The Boeing VC-32A has replaced the USAF´s aging fleet of four-engine Boeing VC-137s (Boeing 707s), which had been in service since the late 1950s. In the context of streamlined acquisition processes, the USAF has purchased the C-32A much as any commercial airline customer would buy a 757, to save cost and speed delivery. A contract was signed in August 1996 for the procurement of four aircraft. All were completed in 1998, as follows:

(98-001 / cn 29025) First flight on February 11, 1998 at Renton Municipal Airport. Official handover date quoted as 29 May 1998 by Boeing. Arrived at Andrews AFB on June 19. 1998.
(98-002 / cn 29026) Official handover date quoted as 1 June 1998 by Boeing. Arrived at Andrews AFB on June 22, 1998.
(98-003 / cn 29027) Service entry in early 1999, at least two months late.
(98-004 / cn 29028) First flight on November 5, 1998. Service entry early in 1999, at least a month late.

There are also four C-32Bs (used civil 757-200ERs), operated by the US Foreign Emergency Support Team in a white livery with small USAF markings. Their numbers are 98-6006, 99-6143, 00-9001 and 02-5001. They are apparently operated by the 486 th flight test wing on behalf of other US agencies, maybe including the CIA.

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Last updated 13 November 2004

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