Aerospace 101 Air Power and Cross-Domain Integration U.S. Air Force Mobility Aircraft 101 PublishedFebruary 27, 2019 Last UpdatedJune 14, 2022 Caroline Amenabar / CSIS The United States Air Force’s Mobility Air Forces (MAF) enterprise provides global reach for the U.S. military; setting the U.S. military apart from those of other nations and giving national leaders options to project hard and soft power at any location on the globe at any time. Mission areas underpinning these capabilities include airlift, aerial refueling, and aeromedical evacuation. Mobility aircraft performing these global missions include inter-theater airlifters, intra-theater airlifters, air refueling tankers, and an operational/executive support fleet of transport aircraft. Air mobility operations are executed through a system of fixed en-route and contingency response infrastructure and equipment located at numerous U.S. and allied operating locations around the world. Inter-theater Airlift Aircraft Airlift is the utilization of USAF aircraft to transport personnel and cargo between two locations. To complete their mission, airlift aircraft can either land and off-load cargo and personnel, or deliver them via in-flight airdrop to a desired location. Intertheater airlift is the ability to deliver assets over trans-continental distances, which can be further lengthened by in-flight air refueling. With most American military forces based in the continental U.S., intertheater airlift is vital to conduct rapid deployment operations over global distances. C-5 A/B/C Galaxy and C-5M Super Galaxy HISTORY: The C-5 was developed in the 1960s to carry oversized and outsized equipment across intercontinental ranges in support of U.S. ground forces. Since entering operational service in 1970, it has been used to transport U.S. and allied/coalition personnel and equipment in all major conflicts, from Vietnam to campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan. Today, the fleet consists of four variants that have evolved since initial aircraft design and the U.S. Air Force expects to fly its C-5 fleet for decades into the future. Greg L. Davis/U.S. Air Force CHARACTERISTICS: At over 247 feet long and 65 feet tall, with a maximum takeoff weight of over 840,000 pounds, the C-5 is the largest aircraft in the U.S. Air Force inventory. Capable of inflight refueling and operating from relatively short runways in all weather conditions, it can transport its maximum cargo load of 281,000 pounds to global destinations. For ground handling and cargo loading efficiency, both the nose and aft doors open, allowing for simultaneous cargo loading and unloading. The aircraft can also “kneel” itself to lower the cargo deck height, allowing for drive on/off capability when loading vehicles. Notably, the C-5M Super Galaxy variant includes a number of significant structural, propulsion, and avionics upgrades, providing 27% greater unrefueled range, 20% greater payload weight, 30% higher cruise capability, and 20% operational cost savings compared to the C-5 A/B/C. CONTRACTOR: Lockheed Martin THRUST: 51,250 pounds per engine PAYLOAD: 281,000 pounds (127,460 kg); 36 pallet positions (436L pallet) SPEED: 450 Knots RANGE: Unlimited with air refueling; C-5M unrefueled range 4,800 NM with 120,000 pounds of cargo; 7,000 NM for aircraft ferry CREW: Seven (aircraft commander, pilot, two flight engineers, and three loadmasters) INITIAL OPERATING CAPABILITY: June 1970 CURRENT INVENTORY: Active, 41; ANG, 0; AF Reserve, 11 (a/o Sept. 30, 2017) C-17A Globemaster III Staff Sgt. Mitch Fuqua/U.S. Air Force HISTORY: The C-17 was designed in the 1980s to replace the C-141 Starlifter, forming the backbone of the USAF’s airlift fleet to meet strategic lift and rapid deployment requirements of the U.S. military. Since entering operational service in 1993, the C-17 has provided rapid strategic delivery of personnel and cargo to main operating bases or directly to austere locations on all continents around the globe throughout the spectrum of conflict. The aircraft performs tactical airlift and airdrop missions and can transport litters and ambulatory patients in fulfillment of the USAF’s aeromedical evacuation mission. CHARACTERISTICS: Operated by a crew of three, the C-17 can transport most of the equipment and vehicles used by U.S. and allied ground forces and has a maximum payload capacity of 170,900 pounds. Due to in-flight refueling, its global range is only limited by crew endurance and it’s wing, engine, and landing gear design allow it to operate from unimproved airfields on runways as short as 3,500 feet. It can also use its thrust reversers to move the aircraft backwards while taxiing, increasing versatility during ground operations. CONTRACTOR: Boeing Company THRUST: 40,400 pounds per engine PAYLOAD: 170,900 pounds (77,519 kg); 18 pallet positions (436L pallet); 102 troops/paratroopers; 36 litter and 54 ambulatory patients and attendants SPEED: 450 knots RANGE: Unlimited with air refueling; unrefueled range 2,400 NM with maximum cargo payload CREW: Three (aircraft commander, pilot, loadmaster) INITIAL OPERATING CAPABILITY: June 1993 CURRENT INVENTORY: Active, 162; ANG, 42; AF Reserve, 18 (a/o Sept. 30, 2017) Intra-theater Airlift Aircraft Airlift is the utilization of USAF aircraft to transport personnel and cargo between two locations. To complete their mission, airlift aircraft can either land and off-load cargo and personnel, or deliver them via in-flight airdrop to a desired location. Intratheater airlift is the utilization of USAF aircraft to provide small to medium lift capabilities in direct support of tactical requirements at what can be considered regional distances. This capability enables the U.S. military to quickly move forces throughout an area-of-responsibility in support of U.S. objectives, and is often used for direct force delivery, sustainment, aeromedical evacuation, and humanitarian support missions. C-130J-30 Super Hercules HISTORY: Although it has evolved across a number of models, the basic C-130 aircraft was designed in the 1950s as a tactical airlifter for personnel/cargo transport and aeromedical evacuation missions. Leveraging advances in turboprop design, the C-130 provided increased tactical airlift range, the capability to service unprepared airfields. Proving to be one of the most versatile military aircraft in U.S. history, more than 40 variants of the C-130 have seen service with over 60 nations and it holds the distinction of being the longest continuously produced aircraft at over 60 years. The C-130J Super Hercules is still in production as of 2019. Paolo Bovo/U.S. Army CHARACTERISTICS: With a maximum payload of 44,000 pounds and the ability to operate from austere, unprepared airstrips, the C-130 is the prime transport for directly delivering or airdropping troops and equipment into hostile combat zones. The C-130 loads through an aft loading ramp and door, accommodating a wide variety of oversized cargo in meeting a wide range of operational missions throughout the spectrum on conflict, including airlift support, Antarctic ice resupply, aeromedical missions, weather reconnaissance, aerial spray missions, firefighting duties for the U.S. Forest Service and natural disaster relief missions. Compared to other variants, the C-130J adds 15 feet to the fuselage, increasing usable space in the cargo compartment and climbs faster and higher, flies farther at a higher cruise speed, and takes off and lands in a shorter distance. CONTRACTOR: Lockheed Martin THRUST: 4,700 Horsepower (turboprop) PAYLOAD: 44,000 pounds (19,958 kg); 8 pallet positions (436L pallet); 90 combat troops or 64 paratroopers; 97 patient litters SPEED: 356 knots RANGE: 1,700 NM with maximum cargo payload CREW: Three (aircraft commander, pilot, loadmaster) INITIAL OPERATING CAPABILITY: February 1999 CURRENT INVENTORY: Active, 84; ANG, 16; AF Reserve, 10 (a/o Sept. 30, 2017) Airlift Refueling Aircraft The U.S. Air Force’s ability to execute rapid global mobility provides national leaders the ability to project hard and soft power at any time, to any location on the globe, and sets the United States military apart from other national militaries. This capability is underpinned by USAF air refueling aircraft, which transport vast quantities of fuel that is off-loaded to other U.S. and coalition aircraft in-flight. Air refueling can be used to increase receiver aircraft payload and station duration for persistent operations in a specified area, or to extend the range of strike, Intelligence/Surveillance/Reconnaissance, and airlift aircraft, allowing them to deliver desired effects anywhere on earth in a matter of hours. KC-135R/T Stratotanker HISTORY: Giving the U.S. military global reach and serving as a force multiplier for combat aircraft, KC-135s and air refueling have revolutionized modern warfare. Designed based on the Boeing 707 airframe in the 1950s, the aircraft was initially procured to provide intercontinental range for the U.S. strategic bomber fleet. It was the USAF’s first jet-powered air refueling tanker and the service eventually purchased over 700 KC-135 aircraft. While many of the aircraft have been retired, over 400 have been modified with new engines and avionics, giving them the ability to offload 50% more fuel while increasing fuel efficiency by 25% compared to older models. The USAF expects the KC-135 fleet to operate well into the future. Tech. Sgt. Christopher Boitz/U.S. Air Force CHARACTERISTICS: With the ability to fly 1,500 miles and off-load 150,000 pounds of fuel in-flight, the KC-135s have been the mainstay of the USAF air refueling fleet for decades. To off-load fuel, the aircraft uses a flying boom system to accommodate USAF and some allied receiver aircraft or a probe/drogue system to service U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and most allied receiver aircraft. The boom or hose/drogue systems to be used on the mission must be determined prior to takeoff. A small number of KC-135s have been fitted with a receiver air refueling receptacle, allowing for in-flight fuel on-loads from other air refueling aircraft – vastly extending the range of these modified tankers. CONTRACTOR: Boeing Company THRUST: 21,634 pounds per engine PAYLOAD: 83,000 pounds (37,648 kg); 6 pallet positions (436L pallet); 37 passengers SPEED: 445 knots RANGE: 1,300 NM with 150,000 pound fuel offload; 10,000 NM for aircraft ferry CREW: Three (aircraft commander, pilot, boom operator) INITIAL OPERATING CAPABILITY: June 1957 CURRENT INVENTORY: Active, 155; ANG, 171; AF Reserve, 72 (a/o Sept. 30, 2017) KC-10A Extender HISTORY: U.S. Air Force The KC-10 Extender is a multi-role tanker designed in the 1970s through the U.S. military’s Advanced Tanker Cargo Aircraft Program. A modified version of the McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing Company) commercial DC-10 Convertible Freighter aircraft, the KC-10 was developed augment the KC-135 fleet and vastly increase the U.S. air refueling capacity, which faced significant demands simultaneously by the Vietnam conflict and Cold War global strategic bomber commitments. The KC-10 gave the USAF an aircraft that could carry a significant amount of fuel for in-flight offloads, as well as immense cargo capacity, on a single mission – allowing for the timely, global movement of strategic forces. CHARACTERISTICS: With an empty weight of 241,00 pounds, the KC-10 can carry a combined fuel/cargo weight of almost 350,000 pounds, giving U.S. forces and aircraft global reach. In-flight, the aircraft can offload fuel at over 6,000 pounds per minute and can perform flying boom or hose/drogue system refueling on the same mission. All KC-10s have a refueling receptacle and can on-load fuel in-flight which limits range only to crew endurance. When performing airlift missions, the KC-10 can carry 75 passengers and 170,000 pounds of cargo over 4,400 miles unrefueled. CONTRACTOR: Boeing Company THRUST: 52,500 pounds per engine PAYLOAD: 170,000 pounds (76,560 kg); 27 pallet positions (436L pallet); 75 passengers SPEED: 473 knots RANGE: Unlimited with air refueling; unrefueled range 4,400 NM with maximum cargo load; 10,000 NM for aircraft ferry CREW: Four (aircraft commander, pilot, flight engineer, boom operator) INITIAL OPERATING CAPABILITY: March 1981 CURRENT INVENTORY: Active, 59; ANG, 0; AF Reserve, 0 (a/o Sept. 30, 2017) KC-46A Pegasus HISTORY: The KC-46 Pegasus was designed in the 2000s through the USAF’s KC-X procurement program to replace a portion of the aging KC-135 tanker fleet. Based on a militarized version of the Boeing 767 commercial aircraft, the KC-46 is the first of a three-phase USAF tanker recapitalization plan. It was designed provide the USAF with increased air refueling capacity, improved operational efficiency, and enhanced cargo transport and aeromedical evacuation capability. The USAF plans to buy a total of 179 KC-46 aircraft through 2027. CHARACTERISTICS: The KC-46 is a multi-role tanker capable of carrying over 207,000 pounds of in-flight transferable fuel, or up to 65,000 pounds of cargo with a reduced fuel load. It is equipped with both a flying boom and hose/drogue system, allowing it to refuel any fixed-wing receiver aircraft on every mission. Concurrently, the KC-46 can transport a mixed load of passengers, cargo, and aeromedical evacuation patients on the same mission. It is also equipped with a refueling receptacle, allowing it to on-load fuel from other air refueling tankers in-flight, limiting its range to crew endurance. CONTRACTOR: Boeing Company THRUST: 62,000 pounds per engine PAYLOAD: 65,000 pounds (29,484 kg); 18 pallet positions (436L pallet); 58 passengers (standard configuration) or up to 114 passengers (contingency operations); 58 patients (24 litters / 34 ambulatory) SPEED: 458 knots RANGE: Unlimited with air refueling CREW: Three (aircraft commander, pilot, boom operator) Operational/Executive Support Aircraft The U.S. Air Force is also responsible for providing transportation for high-ranking officials from the government and Department of Defense, including the President and Vice President of the United States of America. VC-25A (Air Force One) HISTORY: Bill Ingalls/NASA Dedicated airlift for the President of the United States began with President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944, evolving into the current fleet of two heavily modified Boeing 747 aircraft. Designed with air refueling capability and a vast array of defensive countermeasures, VC-25 can deliver the President and his select staff to any point on the globe while serving as an airborne military command post during national emergencies or contingency operations. While the official U.S. Air Force aircraft designation is VC-25, when the President is on-board either aircraft, or any Air Force aircraft, the call sign “Air Force One” is used. These aircraft are maintained and operated by the Presidential Airlift Group at Joint Base Andrews, MD. CHARACTERISTICS: The VC-25 can transport over 70 passengers almost 8,000 miles unrefueled. It includes a Presidential executive suite with sleeping quarters, along with conference space, a medical annex, two galleys equipped to feed 100 people at a time, and separate areas for staff, security, and accompanying media. The aircraft is also highly modified with defensive systems, high-capacity secure and non-secure communications capabilities, and is protected from the effects of nuclear electromagnetic pulse. CONTRACTOR: Boeing Company THRUST: 56,700 pounds per engine MAXIMUM TAKEOFF WEIGHT: 833,000 pounds (374,850 kg) SPEED: 500 knots RANGE: Unlimited with air refueling; 6,800 NM unrefueled CREW: 30 INITIAL OPERATING CAPABILITY: December 1990 CURRENT INVENTORY: Active, 2; ANG, 0; AF Reserve, 0 (a/o Sept. 30, 2017) C-32A/B HISTORY: The C-32 is one of the larger U.S. Air Force aircraft used to safely and reliably transport senior national leaders around the world. The aircraft is used primarily to support the Vice President of the United State, the First Lady, and less frequently, senior U.S. cabinet members and congressional leaders. The C-32 is also used as “Air Force One” to transport the President to airports that cannot accommodate the larger VC-25A. CHARACTERISTICS: The C-32 is a Boeing 757-200 specially modified for its senior leader airlift mission and includes an altered passenger compartment and upgraded military avionics. The C-32B model also includes additional fuel capacity and an in-flight refueling receptacle for extended range operations. The C-32 can carry up to 45 passengers. CONTRACTOR: Boeing Company THRUST: 41,700 pounds per engine MAXIMUM TAKEOFF WEIGHT: 255,000 pounds (115,668 kg) SPEED: 458 knots RANGE: Unlimited with air refueling (C-32B); 6,000 NM unrefueled CREW: 16 typical, but variable with mission INITIAL OPERATING CAPABILITY: June 1998 CURRENT INVENTORY: Active, 4; ANG, 2; AF Reserve, 0 (a/o Sept. 30, 2017) C-40B/C HISTORY: The C-40 is used to safely and reliably transport senior U.S. national leaders and military combatant commanders and their staffs throughout the globe. Designed for long-range, special passenger transport, the aircraft are equipped with a distinguished visitor compartment with sleep accommodations, along with business-class seating and food preparation galleys. The C-40B also features secure voice and data communications systems, ensuring combatant commanders and senior civilian leaders can maintain constant, real-time communication with their personnel anywhere on the planet. D. Myles Cullen/U.S. Department of Defense CHARACTERISTICS: The C-40 is a military variant of the 737-700 Boeing Business Jet specially modified for its senior leader airlift mission. All C-40s have auxiliary fuel tanks and a specialized interior, while the C-40B is designed specifically to support reliable, secure communications requirements for the U.S. military’s combatant commanders and includes high-capacity advanced communications equipment. The C-40C is not equipped with this specialized communications equipment and instead has the unique capability to reconfigure seating accommodations to support from 42 to 111 passengers, making it ideal for transport of members of the U.S. cabinet and congressional leaders. CONTRACTOR: Boeing Company THRUST: 27,000 pounds per engine MAXIMUM TAKEOFF WEIGHT: 171,000 pounds (77,564 kg) SPEED: 458 knots RANGE: 5,000 NM CREW: 10 typical, but variable with mission INITIAL OPERATING CAPABILITY: February 2003 CURRENT INVENTORY: Active, 4; ANG, 3; AF Reserve, 4 (a/o Sept. 30, 2017) C-37A/B HISTORY: The C-37 is used by the U.S. Air Force to perform worldwide special passenger transport for the nation’s high-ranking civilian and military officials. In the mid-1990’s the USAF selected the C-37 to expand its special air mission capabilities in providing reliable, timely airlift for cabinet secretaries, congressional leaders, and senior military members. CHARACTERISTICS: The C-37 is a military variant of the Gulfstream V business jet capable of nonstop passenger transport to global locations previously requiring much larger aircraft. A high-altitude aircraft with intercontinental range, the C-37 can deliver 12 passengers over 6,300 miles. It includes advanced avionics, commercial and military communications equipment, and an Enhanced Vision System with heads-up display that allows departure, arrival, and terminal operations in all weather conditions. The C-37B is a military version of the Gulfstream G550, with improved engines and increased range compared to the C-37A. CONTRACTOR: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation THRUST: 14,750 pounds per engine MAXIMUM TAKEOFF WEIGHT: 90,500 pounds (41,050 kg) SPEED: 507 knots RANGE: 5,500 NM CREW: 5 INITIAL OPERATING CAPABILITY: July 1998 CURRENT INVENTORY: Active, 12; ANG, 0; AF Reserve, 0 (a/o Sept. 30, 2017) C-20B/H HISTORY: The C-20 is used by the U.S. Air Force to perform worldwide special passenger transport for the nation’s high-ranking civilian and military officials. In the mid-1980s, the USAF selected the C-20 to serve as the core of its special air mission fleet and execute the majority of the shorter-duration CONUS and regional transport of high-ranking U.S. government and military officials. CHARACTERISTICS: The C-20 is a military variant of the Gulfstream IV business jet, providing long-range transport capability for senior leaders and a small number of additional passengers. The aircraft have upgraded avionics and worldwide secure voice and data communications equipment. The C-20H is slightly longer than the C-20B and includes improved engines and an upgraded interior. CONTRACTOR: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation THRUST: 11,400 pounds per engine (C-20B); 13,850 pounds per engine (C-20H) MAXIMUM TAKEOFF WEIGHT: C-20B: 69,700 pounds (31,610 kg); C-20H: 74,600 pounds (33,832 kg) SPEED: 500 knots RANGE: 3,700 NM (C-20B); 4,220 NM (C-20H) CREW: 5 INITIAL OPERATING CAPABILITY: 1998 CURRENT INVENTORY: Active, 7; ANG, 0; AF Reserve, 0 (a/o May, 2014) C-21A HISTORY: Markus Eigenheer/Flickr The C-21 is a small business jet used by the U.S. Air Force on operational support missions to transport cargo and passengers. In its VIP airlift role, it primarily supports high ranking U.S. government officials and military officers. The C-21 can also serve short-notice, high-priority aeromedical evacuation missions at short to intermediate range locations. Its small logistical footprint allows it to operate to and from thousands of airports around the globe. CHARACTERISTICS: The C-21 is a military variant of the Learjet 35A. The aircraft can carry 8 passengers and 42 cubic feet of cargo almost 2,000 NM, and include autopilot, color weather radar, and GPS navigation systems for global operations. CONTRACTOR: Learjet THRUST: 3,500 pounds per engine PAYLOAD: 8 passengers and 3,153 pounds of cargo; one litter patient or five ambulatory patients; maximum takeoff weight 18,300 pounds (8,235 kg) MAXIMUM TAKEOFF WEIGHT: C-20B: 69,700 pounds (31,610 kg); C-20H: 74,600 pounds (33,832 kg) SPEED: 460 knots RANGE: 1,990 NM CREW: 2+ (additional crew required for aeromedical evacuation missions) INITIAL OPERATING CAPABILITY: April 1984 CURRENT INVENTORY: Active, 20; ANG, 2; AF Reserve, 0 (a/o Sept. 30, 2017) Return to the Aerospace 101 Archive