C-21 Learjet
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The C-21 is a twin turbofan engine aircraft used for cargo and passenger airlift. The aircraft is the military version of the Learjet 35A business jet. In addition to carrying cargo and passengers, the aircraft is capable of transporting litters during medical evacuations.
Features
The turbofan engines are pod-mounted on the sides of the rear fuselage. The slightly swept-back wings have hydraulically actuated, single-slotted flaps. The aircraft has a retractable tricycle landing gear, single steerable nose gear and multiple-disc hydraulic brakes. The wingtip fuel tanks distinguish the design from other aircraft having similar functions.
The C-21 can carry eight passengers and 42 ft³ (1.26 m³) of cargo. The fuel capacity of the C-21 is 931 US gallons (3,538 L) with refueling accomplished at ground level through each wingtip tank. The safety and operational capabilities of the C-21 are increased by the autopilot, color weather radar and tactical air navigation system, as well as high frequency, very high frequency and ultra high frequency radios.
The aircraft has a crew of two and may be flown from either cockpit seat. It is equipped with an automatic navigation system to enhance crew efficiency. Four cathode ray tubes display essential information to the pilots.
Background
Delivery of the C-21 fleet began in April 1984 and was completed October 1985. L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace provides full contractor logistics support at 12 worldwide locations.
On April 1, 1997, all continental U.S.-based C-21s were realigned under Air Mobility Command, with the 375th Airlift Wing at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, as the lead command. C-21s stationed outside the continental United States are assigned to the theater commanders.
General characteristics
- Primary function: passenger and cargo airlift
- Prime contractor: Learjet, Inc.
- Power plant: 2 x Garrett TFE-731-2-2B turbofan engines
- Thrust: 3,500 lbf (16 kN) each engine
- Length: 48 ft 7 in (14.71 m)
- Height: 12 ft 3 in (3.71 m)
- Maximum takeoff Weight: 18,300 lb (8,235 kg)
- Wingspan: 39 ft 6 in (11.97 m)
- Maximum speed: 530 mph (853 km/h), Mach 0.81, 461 knots at 41,000 ft (12,500 m)
- Ceiling: 45,000 ft (13,700 m)
- Fuel capability: 931 US gallons (3,538 L) (1,120 US gallons (4,256 L) with ferry tanks)
- Maximum range: 2,306 miles (3,690 km)
- Maximum load:8 passengers and 3,153 lb (1,433 kg) of cargo
- Crew: two (pilot and co-pilot)
- Date deployed: April 1984
- Unit cost: $3.1 million (fiscal 1996 constant dollars)
- Inventory: active forces, 74; ANG, 2; Reserve, 0
| Modern USAF Series | Miscellaneous | |
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| VC-25 |
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