Overview
The C-21 Learjet is the military version of the a twin-engine Gates (a subsidiary of Bombardier in Canada) 35A business jet. It provides cargo and passenger airlift and can transport litters during medical evacuations. Eighty-four C-21As were acquired by the USAF in 1984 to be used as an Operational Support Aircraft.
Delivery of the C-21A fleet began in April 1984 and was completed in October 1985. On 1 April 1997, all continental U.S.-based C-21s were realigned under the Air Mobility Command, with the 375th Airlift Wing at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. as the home base. C-21s stationed outside the continental United States are assigned to the theater commanders.
Specifications
| Official Designation | C-21A Learjet |
| Primary Role | Staff transport |
| National Origin | USA |
| Original Contractor | Gates |
| Operator | United States Air Force |
| Wingspan | 39 feet, 6 inches (11.97m) |
| Length | 48 feet, 7 inches (14.71m) |
| Height at Tail | 12 feet, 3 inches (3.71m) |
| Armament | None |
| Engines | Two Garrett TFE731-2-2B turbofans |
| Thrust | 3,500 pounds (15.57kN) per engine |
| Cruise Speed | 481 mph (774km/h; Mach 0.65) |
| Max Speed | 530 mph (853km/h; Mach 0.81) |
| Range | 2,300 nm (4,262km) |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 feet (13,716m) |
| Operating Weight | 9,838 pounds (4,462kg) |
| Max Payload | 3,153 pounds (1,430kg) or 8 passengers |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 18,300 pounds (8,235kg) |
| Basic Crew | Two |
| Date Deployed | 1984 |
| Total in Service | Unknown |