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C-40B ready for operational capability

February 5, 2003

By Senior Airman Aaron Skrivanek
89th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. (AMCNS) -- The newest addition to the Andrews fleet, the C-40B, was declared ready for operations Jan. 24 during a ceremony here.

"The C-40B is the newest airlifter in the U.S. Air Force," said Brig. Gen. Glenn F. Spears, 89th Airlift Wing commander.

Crews flying on the C-40B will be serving the senior leaders of the United States. Each C-40B will fly with up to 11 crewmembers and 26 passengers in support of global operations.

The plane arrived at Andrews Dec. 6 and began a 45-day initial operating capability assessment.

Flight crews flew the C-40B to all areas of responsibility during the IOC assessment, said Col. Mark R. Ramsay, 89th Operations Group commander.

Over 200 hours of accident-free flying and more than 20,000 miles of flight have already been logged on the C-40B.

After the assessment ended, the plane was determined to be ready for operations by members of the 1st Airlift Squadron.

"This plane provides a next-generation capability that will drastically improve the U.S. Air Force's ability to support global operations," said Howard Chambers, Boeing vice-president and general manager of airlift and tanker programs.

C-40Bs are designed to be flying offices for their passengers and has secure and non-secure voice and data capabilities.

The C-40B also has unique communications abilities, said Ramsay.

The C-40B can provide its passengers with secure and non-secure wireless local area network and Internet access.

The plane also features direct-broadcast satellite television in the continental United States.

Another unique aspect of the C-40B was its design process, said Tech. Sgt. Joe Resperss, 1st AS flight attendant. The crewmembers had the opportunity to offer input into the process . suggesting items to be included and giving suggestions on the interior layout.

All of the design inputs were considered.

"The C-40B is wonderful," said Lt. Col. Craig Edkins, 1st AS pilot. "It has all the technology anyone could ask for on a plane and handles like a plane much smaller than it is."

The C-40B at Andrews is one of two scheduled to be delivered to the U.S. Air Force as part of the support pool for unified combatant commanders. The other aircraft will be stationed at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.

"The C-40B has already visited five continents and crossed two oceans," said Spears. "During those flights, the flight attendants have ensured their passengers' safety and comfort, and the communications systems operators have ensured the passengers have been able to receive their e-mail six miles above the ground. This aircraft is ready to carry our unfiied combatant commanders anywhere in the world."