What Nancy Pelosi Has What Nancy Pelosi Should Get
Posted: 02/01/2007
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C-32Mission
The C-32 providessafe, comfortable and reliable transportation for our nation's leadersto locations around the world. The primary customers are the vicepresident, using the distinctive call sign "Air Force Two," the firstlady, and members of the Cabinet and Congress.
Features
TheC-32 is a specially configured version of the Boeing 757-200 commercialintercontinental airliner. The C-32 body is identical to that of theBoeing 757-200, but has different interior furnishings and 21st centuryavionics. 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 theprimary passenger. It includes a changing area, private lavatory,separate entertainment system, two first-class swivel seats and aconvertible 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.
Becausethe C-32 is a high-standing aircraft, it is easier to see under andaround it -- an important security factor for protecting the plane andits passengers.
The C-32 is more fuel efficient and has improvedcapabilities over its C-137 predecessor. It can travel twice thedistance on the same amount of fuel, and operate on shorter runwaysdown to 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) in length. Its 92,000-pound (41,731kilogram) fuel capacity allows the aircraft to travel 5,500 nauticalmiles unrefueled.
Heading the safety equipment list is theTraffic Collision Avoidance System and Enhanced Ground ProximityWarning System that gives advance warning of possible air and groundthreats. Weather systems are enhanced with a Predictive WindshearWarning System. Other items include the future air navigation systemwith Global Positioning System and Flight Management System/ElectronicFlight Instrument System.
Inside the C-32, communications areparamount. The vice president, heads of state and other decision-makerscan conduct business anywhere around the world using improvedtelephones, satellites, television monitors, facsimiles and copymachines. The C-32 has state-of-the-art avionics equipment.
Background
TheC-32 is a military version of the Boeing 757-200 extended rangeaircraft, selected along with the C-37A to replace the aging fleet ofC-137 aircraft. Active-duty aircrews from the 1st Airlift Squadron,89th Airlift Wing at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., fly the aircraft.
Thecontract was awarded for the C-32 in August 1996. By using commercialoff-the-shelf acquisition practices, a new record has been set fromcontract award to aircraft delivery -- less than two years. The C-32 isthe first military aircraft ever to be acquired in this manner. The89th Airlift Wing acquired the first of four aircraft in late June 1998.
General Characteristics
Primary Function: High-priority personnel transport
Builder: Boeing Company
Power Plant: Two Pratt and Whitney 2040 engines
Thrust: 41,700 pounds static thrust each engine
Length: 155 feet, 3 inches (47.32 meters)
Height: 44 feet, 6 inches (11.02 meters)
Wingspan: 124 feet, 8 inches (37.99 meters)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 255,000 pounds (115,668 kilograms)
Range: 5,500 nautical miles unrefueled range
Ceiling: 42,000 feet (12,727 meters)
Speed: 530 miles per hour (Mach 0.8)
Load: 45 passengers
Unit Cost: Unavailable
Crew: 16 (varies with mission)
Date Deployed: June 19, 1998
Inventory: Active force, 4; ANG: 0; Reserve: 0