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C-20

The various versions of the C-20 are military modifications of the commercial Gulfstream aircraft. The C-20 aircraft provide distinguished visitor (DV) airlift for military and government officials. They support the long range/low passenger load DV airlift niche, offering worldwide access while including a communications suite which supports worldwide secure voice and data communications for the DV and staff.

The C-20 was chosen in June 1983 as the replacement aircraft for the C-140B Jetstar, and three A models were delivered to the 89th Airlift Wing at Andrews Air Force Base MD under a cost-saving accelerated purchase plan. The three C-20As at Andrews were subsequenty transferred to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and all C-140Bs at both locations were phased out of the Air Force inventory. Seven B-model C-20s fly special air missions from Andrews. The primary difference between the C-20A and B model is the electrical system and the avionics package.

C-20B aircraft will reach their 20,000-hour service life in about 2014. Gulfstream's current production of G-IVs appears to secure the logistic support base for C-20s for the foreseeable future. Although the C-20B is not Stage 3 compliant, the C-20H (G-IV) does meet future FAA noise requirements. A Statement of Need and Operational Requirements Document has been validated for a small VC-X aircraft. The 89th Airlift Wing will receive two Gulfstream V aircraft in FY98 to be designated C-37As. AMC has conducted a SAM modernization study, approved by the CSAF, which recommends replacing C-20Bs with additional C-37As.

C-20D

The C-20D is a Gulfstream III aircraft capable of all-weather, long-range, high speed non-stop flights between nominally suited airports. It is manufactured by Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (GAC) Savannah, Georgia and is powered by two Rolls-Royce Limited Spey MK511-8 turbofan engines equipped with thrust reversers. The aircraft has an executive compartment with accommodations for five passengers and a staff compartment with accommodations for eight passengers. A walk-in baggage area of 157 cubic feet, fully pressurized, is accessible from the cabin. The C-20D aircraft are operated by Fleet Logistics Support Wing Detachment at Naval Air Facility, Andrews Air Force Base, Washington, DC.

The C-20D aircraft was procured as a commercial-derivative aircraft certified under an FAA Type Certificate. Throughout its life, the aircraft has been operated and organically and commercially supported by the Navy using Navy and FAA processes, procedures and certifications. It continues to be maintained organically and commercially at all levels of maintenance, and relies on COTS/NDI components and equipment to support airworthiness. Aircraft modification efforts are "turnkey" projects (procurement and installation) implemented as part of competitively awarded maintenance contracts. Where extensive integration efforts are required, the non-recurring engineering phase, including test and certification, is typically performed by Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation under a sole-source engineering contract with the Navy.

C-20G

The C-20G is a Gulfstream IV aircraft capable of all-weather, long-range, high speed non-stop flights between nominally suited airports. It is manufactured by Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Savannah, Georgia and is powered by two Rolls-Royce Limited Tay MK611-8 turbofan engines equipped with thrust reversers. The aircraft may be configured for cargo operations, passenger operations or combinations of the two. With passengers seats removed the aircraft may be modified to the following configurations: three pallets/no passengers, two pallets/eight passengers, and one pallet/fourteen passengers. With a full complement of seats installed, the aircraft is capable of accommodating up to twenty-six passengers and a crew of four. A hydraulically-operated cargo door is installed on the starboard side of the aircraft to facilitate loading and unloading of cargo. A ball roller cargo floor is capable of accommodating palletized cargo. A walk-in baggage area of 157 cubic feet, fully pressurized, is accessible from the cabin.

The C-20G aircraft are operated Fleet Logistics Support Squadron Four Eight (VR-48) and Marine Air Support Detachment (MASD) at Naval Air Facility, Andrews Air Force Base, Washington, DC and at Fleet Logistics Support Wing Detachment, Marine Corps Base, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. The C-20G aircraft was procured as a commercial-derivative aircraft certified under an FAA Type certificate. Throughout its life, the aircraft has been operated and organically and commercially supported by the Navy using a combination of Navy and FAA processes, procedures and certifications. It continues to be maintained organically and commercially at all levels of maintenance, and relies on COTS/NDI components to support airworthiness. Aircraft modification efforts are "turnkey" projects (procurement and installation) implemented as part of competitively awarded maintenance contracts. Where extensive integration efforts are required, the non-recurring engineering phase, including test and certification, is typically performed by Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation under a sole-source engineering contract with the Navy.

Specifications

Primary Function C-20A, operational support airlift; C-20B, special air missions
Builder Gulfstream Aerospace Corp
Power Plant Two Rolls-Royce Spey MK511-8 turbofan engines
Thrust 11,400 pounds each engine
Length 83 feet, 2 inches
Height 24 feet, 6 inches
Wing Span 77 feet, 10 inches
Speed 576 mph (501 nautical miles) maximum
Maximum Takeoff Weight 69,700 pounds.
Range 4,715 miles (4,100 nautical miles) long-range
Load 14 passengers
Crew Five
Unit Cost $22.2 million
Date Deployed 1983
Inventory Active force, 10

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http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/c-20.htm
Maintained by Robert Sherman
Originally created by John Pike
Updated Thursday, December 24, 1998 8:13:37 AM