WICHITA, Kan., Nov. 23, 1999 -- Boeing has installed the main-deck cargo door on the company's first 737-700C (Convertible) aircraft at its Wichita, Kan., facility. The newly designed 11-foot-wide by 7-foot-high door is the most prominent modification to the newest member of the Next-Generation 737 family. The U.S. Navy is the kick-off customer for the program and is purchasing the aircraft to replace its fleet of C-9 airlifters. The U.S. Naval Reserve version, designated C-40A, will be certified to operate in three configurations: an all passenger (121) configuration; an all cargo configuration of up to eight pallets; or a combination, or "combi" configuration with up to three cargo pallets and 70 passengers. The Naval Reserve's C-40A fleet will take full advantage of the 737-700 Convertible aircraft's commercial introduction and lifetime support services, providing high reliability and low total ownership cost. The Navy has ordered four C-40A aircraft to date, with the first aircraft scheduled to be delivered in early 2001.
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