Article Posted on : - Nov 22, 2010

A file photo of C-40A transport/cargo aircraft.

WICHITA (BNS): Boeing has delivered the 10th C-40A transport/cargo aircraft to the US Navy with superior range and performance.

The C-40A aircraft is equipped with a main-deck cargo door and can be configured for troop transport, cargo transport or both. The new feature increases the Navy's capability for rapid response to the fleet worldwide.

"These fuel-efficient, extremely flexible logistics-support aircraft are an integral part of every maritime mission, from humanitarian assistance to power projection. The bottom line is the ability of the C-40A to provide our nation important, Navy-unique airlift capability at a lower cost. We welcome this new aircraft into the fleet," Vice Adm. Dirk Debbink, Chief of Navy Reserve said.

US Navy will replace the existing C-9s with C-40As from there Naval Air Station (NAS) Joint Reserve Base (JRB) in Forth Worth, Texas, at NAS Jacksonville, Florida and at NAS North Island in San Diego, California.

Boeing will also deliver two additional C-40As, which are under production at its Wichita and Renton facility center.

"We're looking forward to enhance the Navy's fleet of C-40As with as many aircraft as are required to support this mission," Steve Wade, general manager of Boeing Global Transport & Executive Systems, said.

The Boeing 737-700 commercial derivative was modified at the company’s Wichita facility for its Navy mission.