Description:
The
C-32A provides safe, comfortable and reliable transportation for our
nation's leaders to locations around the world. The primary customers
are the vice president, using the distinctive call sign "Air Force
Two," the first lady, and members of the Cabinet and Congress. The C-32
replaces the C-137 aircraft. Active-duty aircrews from the 1st Airlift
Squadron, 89th Airlift Wing at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., fly the
aircraft.
Features:
The C-32A is a specially configured version of the Boeing 757-200
commercial intercontinental airliner. The C-32A body is identical to
that of the Boeing 757-200, but has different interior furnishings and
21st century avionics. The passenger cabin is divided into four
sections:
- The
forward area has a communications center, galley, lavatory and 10
business class seats.
- The
second section is a fully enclosed stateroom for the use of the primary
passenger. It includes a changing area, private lavatory, separate
entertainment system, two first-class swivel seats and a convertible
divan that seats three and folds out to a bed.
- The
third section contains the conference and staff facility with eight
business class seats.
- The
rear section of the cabin contains general seating with 32
business-class seats, galley, two lavatories and closets.
Because
the C-32A is a high-standing aircraft, it is easier to see under and
around it -- an important security factor for protecting the plane and
its passengers.
The C-32A is more fuel efficient and has improved capabilities over its
C-137 predecessor. It can travel twice the distance on the same amount
of fuel, and operate on shorter runways down to 5,000 feet (1,524
meters) in length. Its 92,000-pound (41,731 kilogram) fuel capacity
allows the aircraft to travel 5,500 nautical miles unrefueled.
Heading the safety equipment list is the Traffic Collision Avoidance
System that gives advance warning of possible air crashes. Other items
include the future air navigation system with Global Positioning System
and Flight Management System/Electronic Flight Instrument System.
Inside the C-32A, 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. The C-32 has state-of-the-art
avionics equipment.
Background:
The C-32A is a military version of the Boeing 757-200 extended range
aircraft, selected along with the C-37A to replace the aging fleet of
C-137 aircraft. The contract was awarded for the C-32A in August 1996.
By using commercial off-the-shelf acquisition practices, a new record
has been set from contract award to aircraft delivery -- less than two
years. The C-32A is the first military aircraft ever to be acquired in
this manner. The 89th Airlift Wing acquired the first of four aircraft
in late June 1998. |
WEFT Description
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- WINGS
- ENGINE
- FUSELAGE
- TAIL
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