Boeing C-22

The Boeing C‑22 is a military transport derivative of the commercial Boeing 720, itself a shortened version of the 707. Developed in the early 1960s, the United States Air Force acquired a small fleet to provide reliable, medium‑range passenger and cargo service for the Military Airlift Command. First delivered in 1965, the C‑22 entered service during the Vietnam era, where its ability to operate from relatively short runways and its jet‑engine performance proved valuable for moving personnel, light equipment, and high‑priority mail. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney JT3C turbo‑jets, the aircraft cruises at approximately 560 knots and can carry up to 80 passengers or a comparable cargo load. Structural upgrades such as reinforced floors, a rear cargo door, and military‑spec avionics distinguish it from its civilian counterpart. Although only a handful were built, the C‑22 helped bridge the gap between prop‑driven transports and later jet airlifters like the C‑141, demonstrating the tactical advantages of jet speed and reliability. Its legacy endures in modern air‑refuelable, rapid‑deployment platforms that continue to shape strategic air mobility. The aircraft’s simple maintenance requirements and long service life also contributed to its reputation as a dependable workhorse within the Air Force’s logistical network.

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