The C-38A is an intercontinental passenger aircraft modified by Tracor Inc., the US prime contractor. The C-38A normally carries a crew of two and has accommodations for eight passengers. The C-38A is equipped for commercial flight operations under Federal Aviation Administration guidelines. Converting the civil aircraft for its military role involved modifications to its avionics suite. The Air Force transport was equipped with US military versions of the global positioning system; tactical air navigation; secure communications capability and an identification, friend or foe system. Because of its specialized electronics and global positioning system, the C-38A can assist in command control and communications in time of disaster or war.
The Air Force accepted the first of two C-38A aircraft 17 April 1998. The C-38A was procured by Aeronautical Systems Center’s commercial aircraft integrated product team, in partnership with the single program director at Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, Tinker AFB, Okla. The program’s logistics support includes a $5.2 million contract to provide depot support and Contractor Operated and Managed Base Support functions. The C-38A acquisition program used streamlined acquisition reform techniques focused on saving time and funds. C-38As will be sustained by the integrated product team at Tinker.The designation was previously applied to the Douglas C-38, a C-33 with a DC-3 tail, of which one was built built.
Specifications | |
| Powerplant | Two AlliedSignal TFE 731-40R-200G turbofans |
| Fuel capacity | 4,247 kg. |
| Speed | 867 km/h typical cruise speed |
| Maximum range | 5,465 km.(IFR) 6,034 km.(VFR) |
| Maximum service ceiling | 13,716 m. |
| Wingspan | 16.64 m. |
| Length | 16.96 m. |
| Height | 5.54 m. |
| Maximum take-off weight | 11,179 kg. |
| Payload | 1,496 kg. useful load 4,247 kg maximum payload |
| Price | $11,750,000 |
