The C-20 is a twin-engine, turbofan aircraft acquired to fill the airlift mission for high-ranking government and Department of Defense officials. The 89th Airlift Wing, Andrews Air Force Base, Md., operates five B-model and two H-model C-20s for worldwide special air missions. The 86th Airlift Wing, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, operates three A-models for operational support airlift.

Features

The C-20A and B modes are powered by two Rolls Royce Spey Mark 511-8 engines. The primary difference between the C-20A and B model is the electrical system and the avionics package. Two Rolls Royce Tay Mark 611-8 engines power the C-20H. The Tay Mark 611-8 engines provide greater performance, greater range and are quieter than A and B models. The C-20H is also slightly longer than A and B models, and has an upgraded avionics package and interior.

Background

The C-20A/B, military versions of the Gulfstream III, was chosen in June 1983 as the replacement aircraft for the C-140B Jetstar. Three A models were delivered to the 89th Airlift Wing at Andrews AFB under a cost-saving accelerated purchase plan. Upon delivery of the C-20B's, Andrews transferred the three C-20A's to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and all C-140B's at both locations were phased out of the U.S. Air Force inventory. In 1992, Gulfstream delivered their latest model, the C-20H (Gulfstream IV) to Andrews AFB.

General Characteristics

Primary Function: C-20A, operational support airlift; C-20B/H, special air missions
Builder: Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.
Power Plant: C-20A/B, two Rolls-Royce Spey Mark 511-8 turbofan engines; C-20H, two Rolls-Royce Tay Mark 611-8 turbofan engines
Thrust: C-20A/B, 11,400 pounds each engine; C-20H, 13,850 pounds each engine
Length: C-20A/B, 83 feet, 2 inches (25.4 meters); C-20H, 88 feet, 4 inches (26.9 meters)
Height: 24 feet, 6 inches (7.5 meters)
Wingspan: 77 feet, 10 inches (23.7 meters)
Speed: 576 mph (501 nautical miles per hour) maximum
Maximum Takeoff Weight: C-20A/B, 69,700 pounds (31,610 kilograms); C-20H, 74,600 pounds (33, 832 kilograms)
Range: C-20A/B, 4,250 miles (3,698 nautical miles) long-range; C-20H, 4,850 miles (4,220 nautical miles) long range
Ceiling: 45,000 feet (13,716 meters)
Load: 12 passengers
Unit Cost: All models, $29.4 (FY 98 constant dollars)
Crew: Five (pilot, copilot, flight mechanic, communication system operator, flight attendant)
Date Deployed: C-20A, 1983; C-20B, 1988; C-20H, 1992
Inventory: C-20A, Active force, 3; ANG, 0; Reserve, 0
C-20B, Active force, 5; ANG, 0; Reserve, 0
C-20H, Active force, 2; ANG, 0; Reserve, 0

Point of Contact

89th Airlift Wing, Public Affairs Office; 1535 Command Dr, Ste A209A; Andrews AFB MD 20762-7002; DSN 858-4511 or (301) 981-4511.

Current as of November 2000