NAVY * AIRCRAFT

Sea Power,  Jan 2004  

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In 2001, C-40A aircraft began to replace the older DC-9 aircraft in the Navy inventory. As of june 30, 2003, 17 C-9Bs and eight DC-9s remained in Navy inventory. Meanwhile, existing aircraft are undergoing an avionics-upgrade modification that is consistent with commercial aviation standards and meets all FAA requirements.

CONTRACTOR: ...............McDonnell Douglas

C-12 HURON

BRIEFING: The C-12 is a military utility transport version of the Beech Super King Air commercial light transport. Between 1979 and 1982, 66 UC-12Bs were procured to replace C-131 and US-2 aircraft in support of Navy and Marine Corps air stations and reserve centers. Upgraded versions include 12 UC-12Fs and 10 UC-12Ms. Two RC-12Fs (converted from UC- 12Fs) are used for range control, and 21 TC-12Bs (converted from UC-12Bs) augment the T-44As as multi-engine trainers in the Naval Air Training Command. Two RC-12M range-control aircraft were removed from service at NS Roosevelt Roads, P.R., in 2003. One UC-12B has been converted to an NC-12B and performs sonobuoy testing missions. Four C-12Cs on loan from the Army serve as training aircraft at the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School.

CONTRACTOR: ................Raytheon Aircraft

C-20D/G GULFSTREAM III/IV

BRIEFING: The C-20D is an FAA-certified Gulfstream III aircraft capable of all-weather, long-range, high-speed, nonstop transoceanic flights. The aircraft features an executive compartment with accommodations for five passengers, a staff compartment with accommodations for eight passengers, and a walk-in fully pressurized baggage area of 157 cubic feet. The two C-20Ds are operated by VR-I at NAF Washington, Md.

The C-20G-an FAA-certified Gulfstream TV aircraft, also capable of all-weather, long-range, high-speed nonstop transoceanic flights-may be configured for cargo operations, passenger operations, or a combination of the two. With passenger seats removed the aircraft may be modified to the following configurations: three pallets/no passengers, two pallets/eight passengers, or one pallet/14 passengers. With a full complement of seats installed, the aircraft is capable of accommodating up to 26 passengers and a crew of four. A hydraulically operated cargo door is installed on the starboard side of the aircraft to facilitate loading and unloading of cargo. A ball-roller cargo floor is capable of accommodating palletized cargo. The fully pressurized walk-in baggage area is accessible from the cabin. The four C-20G aircraft are operated by VR-48 at NAF Washington, Md., and VR-51 at MCAF Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

CONTRACTOR: ...............Gulfstream Aerospace

C-26D

BRIEFING: The C-26D, a military version of the Fairchild Metro 23, is a high-performance, fixed-wing, pressurized, twin-engine turboprop. It has accommodations for a pilot, copilot, and 19 passengers and/or cargo or a combination of the two. It serves as an oncall, rapid-response transport for high-priority resupply and movement of key personnel to remote, unserviced, or feeder sites. Four C-26Ds are based in Italy. Three others have been modified to conduct range clearance and control missions at the Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands, Hawaii.