VC-96

The Boeing VC‑96 is a specially configured, long‑range business jet derived from the commercial 757‑200 airliner, commissioned in the mid‑1990s to serve as a high‑capacity, secure transport for senior government and military officials. Development began in 1994 when the U.S. Department of Defense requested a platform that could combine the 757’s proven reliability and range—exceeding 5,500 nautical miles—with enhanced communications, defensive systems, and an interior tailored for diplomatic missions. The first VC‑96 rolled out in late 1997 and entered service the following year, joining a small fleet that operates from both military bases and civilian airports worldwide.

Key features include a reinforced airframe capable of operating at high altitudes, an upgraded avionics suite with satellite‑link, encrypted voice and data channels, and a defensive aid system that can counter radar‑guided threats. The cabin is modular, permitting rapid reconfiguration between conference, medical, and passenger layouts while providing luxury accommodations for up to 70 occupants. Advanced aerodynamic improvements and more efficient CFM56‑3 engines deliver lower fuel burn compared with legacy VIP transports.

The VC‑96’s significance lies in its role as a bridge between commercial efficiency and military exigency, setting a benchmark for future government‑pressurised aircraft and reinforcing Boeing’s reputation for adaptable, mission‑critical platforms.

Boeing

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