Gulfstream C-20D Gulfstream

The Gulfstream C‑20D is a military version of the Gulfstream IV business jet, produced by Gulfstream Aerospace in the early 1990s. Derived from the civilian G‑IV, the C‑20D entered service with the United States Air Force in 1992 as a distinguished transport for senior officials and high‑ranking personnel. Its airframe incorporates a swept‑wing design, twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PW305A turbofan engines delivering 4,500 pounds of thrust each, and a pressurised cabin capable of cruising at 45,000 feet with a top speed near Mach 0.86. The jet’s range exceeds 4,000 nautical miles, allowing nonstop transcontinental flights. Avionics are upgraded to MIL‑STD specifications, featuring dual redundant flight‑control computers, advanced navigation suites, and secure communications equipment. The C‑20D’s reliability and performance have made it a preferred platform for diplomatic and command missions, complementing larger transport aircraft while offering the speed and flexibility of a business jet. Its introduction marked a shift toward leveraging commercial jet technology for military transport, influencing subsequent designs such as the C‑20A/B and reinforcing Gulfstream’s reputation as a premier supplier of high‑performance aircraft for both civilian and defense markets.

Gulfstream Aerospace

Gulfstream C-20D Gulfstream

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Design & Classification