AIRLIFT & TANKERS

KC-767 Advanced Tanker

This aircraft is responsible for aerial refueling, for "warfighters in real combat environments."



Air Force One

Yes, the one and only: Air Force One.

According to the Boeing website, US presidents were introduced to modern jet transportation in 1962, with Boeing model 707-320B. Seven presidents had been served by it. President Bush travels today on a specially configured 747-200B, with capabilities including:
-- Longer range for presidential travel
-- Aerial refueling
-- Self-sufficiency at airports around the world



C-17 Globemaster III

A four-engine aircraft with a rear-loading ramp, the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is designed to carry large combat equipment and troops or humanitarian aid across the world.

According to its website, Boeing is under contract with the US Air Force to design, build, and deliver 180 C-17s through 2008. Interestingly, the 146th C-17, which arrived at
Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii in February 2006, is the first US Air Force C-17 to be based outside the continental US. It is also the first of 16 C-17s to join the Pacific Air Forces.

Four additional C-17s are also on lease to the UK's Royal Air Force.

Where has this aircraft been deployed?

According to the Boeing website, the US Air Force declared the first C-17 squadron operational in January 1995. Since then, C-17s have been involved in flying troops and equipment to Operation Joint Endeavor to support peacekeeping in Bosnia, Allied
Force Operation in Kosovo, and are actively involved in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq.



C-32 Executive Transportï

According to its website, Boeing has built four 757-200 aircraft (designated C-32A) to replace the US Air Force's aging fleet of VC-137 executive transports.

These airplanes carry the US VP, members of the US Cabinet and Congress, and other government officials traveling on government business.

Some aircraft features:
-- Low noise levels
-- A Flight Management System with integrated, non-precision-approach-capable GPS
-- The most capable flight data and voice recorders available



C40-A Clipper Military Transport

According to Boeing's website, this aircraft flies the Navy Unique Fleet Essential
Airlift (NUFEA) mission, providing high-priority cargo and passenger airlift for the US Navy fleet worldwide.



C-40B Special-Mission Aircraft

According to the Boeing website, this monster is a "special-mission" aircraft that provides airlift with an "office-in-the-sky" environment for US combatant commanders and other senior government officials.

This plane is specifically built for the US Air Force. Boeing had been contracted by the Air Force to build four C-40B aircraft, and the first flight was in June 2002.



C-40C Operational Support and Team Travel Aircraft

This airplane is essentially the same as the C-40B aircraft mentioned above, except its function differs in that it is "an operational support and team travel aircraft that will significantly increase the Air Force Reserve's capability for rapid response to world-wide team travel and special air mission tasking."



KC-10 Extender

This aircraft is of the tanker/cargo variety. According to the Boeing website, it is designed to provide rapid, worldwide "force projection" for the US military, as well as for "humanitarian or peacekeeping" missions.

It can deploy fighter aircraft (including support equipment and personnel) nonstop to any point on the globe, and can refuel a wide variety of US Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps aircraft, "as well as aircraft from allied nations."

KC-135 Stratotanker

This aircraft is primarily used to re-fuel aircraft during flight. However, modified KC-135s, according to the website, can serve as flying command posts, transport vehicles, electronic reconnaissance, and photo mapping craft.

The US Air Force is the primary customer of these aircraft, and has often asked Boeing to refurbish the aircraft throughout the years, since the aircraft has been in service since the
1950s.

Some modifications include:
-- New compasses and radar systems
-- New GPS equipment