Boeing C-40A Clipper

The Boeing C-40A Clipper is a military adaptation of the commercial 737‑700, introduced to modernize United States Air Force and Navy transport fleets. First delivered in 2002 and entering service in 2003, it replaced aging aircraft such as the C‑135 and C‑130 variants. Built on a proven civilian airframe, the C‑40A incorporates reinforced flooring, secure communications, and a defensive aid suite, while retaining the comfort of a passenger jet. The airplane can be quickly reconfigured for passenger, cargo, or mixed missions, carrying up to 70 passengers or 30,000 pounds of freight, and it can operate from short, austere runways worldwide. Powered by twin CFM56‑7B engines, the aircraft cruises at Mach 0.78 with a range of about 3,300 nautical miles, allowing nonstop trans‑oceanic flights. Its reliability, low operating cost, and advanced avionics make it a workhorse for transporting senior officials, military personnel, and critical equipment. By bridging legacy transports and newer platforms, the C‑40A has become a pivotal asset in U.S. global mobility, demonstrating Boeing’s ability to convert a commercial design into a versatile, mission‑ready military airliner. Its adoption set a new standard for joint‑service airlift and influenced subsequent military conversions of commercial jets.