Overview
Boeing built four 757-200 aircraft, designated C-32A, to replace the Air Force's aging fleet of VC-137 executive transports. The C-32As carry the U.S. vice president, members of the U.S. cabinet and Congress, and other government officials traveling on government business. The first two C-32s entered operational service in 1998, the final two in early 1999. The fleet is based at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland and is operated by the 89th Airlift Wing.
Features/Capabilities
The 757-200 aircraft has an unmatched safety record. It is the most efficient jetliner in the world in terms of operating cost per mile. The aircraft features:
- advanced technology for exceptional fuel efficiency, low noise levels, increased passenger comfort and top operating performance;
- a Flight Management System with integrated, non-precision-approach-capable Global Positioning Service;
- wind-shear warning integrated with the Ground Proximity Warning System;
- Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance Systems;
- the most-capable flight-data and voice recorders available.
A Boeing-United Airlines team provides:
- contractor logistic support including maintenance, on-site logistics and technical support
- spares
- performance of aircraft and engine heavy maintenance
- various other engineering services
Benefits
The C-32A program is considered a model of acquisition reform, and was the first major acquisition program accomplished under the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act.
- The process used to purchase the aircraft enabled the Air Force to have airplanes in operational service in less than two years.
- The Air Force purchased the C-32A much as any commercial airline customer would buy a 757.
- This new way of doing business has delivered significant cost savings for the taxpayer and a number of benefits for both the Air Force and Boeing.
The combined government/Boeing team received the Vice President's Hammer Award for significantly reinventing the way the government buys and supports airplanes.
For more information, read the C-32A Executive Transport (PDF) overview.
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