Boeing C-32B Gatekeeper

The Boeing C‑32B Gatekeeper is a specially configured variant of the Boeing 757‑200, built for the United States Air Force’s Special Air Mission fleet. First delivered in 1998, the aircraft evolved from the earlier C‑32A, which serves as a presidential and executive transport, into a clandestine platform designed to support clandestine operations, high‑priority diplomatic missions, and rapid global response for senior military and intelligence officials. Its airframe retains the 757’s twin‑engine, low‑wing design, offering a long‑range, high‑speed capability of over 6,000 nautical miles at cruising speeds near Mach 0.80. The interior is heavily modified with secure communications, encrypted data links, and an extensive suite of defensive systems, including radar‑warning receivers and flare dispensers. The aircraft’s pressurised, climate‑controlled cabin can be reconfigured quickly for passenger, cargo, or medical evacuation roles, while its reinforced floor accommodates large equipment pallets. The C‑32B’s significance lies in its ability to discreetly move high‑value assets across continents without reliance on standard commercial schedules, enhancing U.S. strategic flexibility and interoperability with allied forces. As a bridge between conventional transport and covert air‑lift, the Gatekeeper remains a critical, albeit low‑profile, asset in modern aviation and national security operations.

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Boeing C-32B Gatekeeper

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