Gulfstream C-37

Overview

The C-37 is a military version of the Gulfstream V business jet. It, along with the new C-32s, will replace the 89th Airlift Wing’s aging fleet of C-137s. The first C-37A (#70400) arrived at Andrews AFB in July 1998, joining the wing’s current fleet of five C-20Bs, two C-20Hs and three C-9Cs.

The C-37A resembles the C-20H (Gulfstream IV), but is eight feet longer, with a wider wing span, a more advanced avionics package and greater performance capabilities, allowing the aircraft to carry up to 12 passengers a distance 50 percent greater than the C-20B models. A typical C-37 mission will be able to fly 5,500 nautical miles without refueling, carrying Cabinet secretaries, congressional delegations or senior military leaders.

The key to the aircraft’s performance is its state-of-the-art wing design, improved aerodynamics and more powerful engines. The airframe is capable of low-speed, high-lift performance, high-altitude maneuverability, and turbulence tolerance. The BMW/Rolls-Royce BR710-48 engines moves the C-37 at a cruising speed of 600 mph. Civilian versions of the aircraft have set 15 world speed and distance records, including the first nonstop flight from New York to Tokyo. The Gulfstream V is the first aircraft of its kind, capable of cruising at altitudes up to 51,000 feet, high above most other air traffic, weather and adverse winds.

C-37As come equipped with a number of features not found on any other business jets. The avionics system is a state-of-the-art Honeywell SPZ-8500 Flight Management System (FMS) with an integrated full-function Heads-Up Display (HUD). They also come equipped with enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS), a Microwave Landing System, TACAN military navigation equipment, and a military Identification Friend/Foe (IFF) transponder.

Currently, there are three C-37s stationed at MacDill AFB, FL, two at Andrews AFB, MD, and one at Chievres, Belgium.

Specifications

Official DesignationC-37A Gulfstream V
Primary RoleStaff transport
National OriginUSA
Original ContractorGulfstream American
Wingspan93 feet, 6 inches (28.5m)
Length96 feet, 5 inches (29.38m)
Height at Tail24 feet, 6 inches (7.4m)
ArmamentNone
EnginesTwo BMW/Rolls Royce BR710-48 high-bypass ratio turbofans
Thrust14,464 pounds (64.34kN) per engine
Cruise Speed522 mph (840km/h; Mach 0.70)
Max Speed600 mph (966km/h; Mach 0.88)
Range5,500 nm (10,186km)
Service Ceiling51,000 feet (15,545m)
Operating Weight32,300 pounds (14,651kg)
Max Payload1,600 pounds (726kg) and 14 passengers
Max Takeoff Weight90,500 pounds (41,050kg)
Basic CrewFive
Date Deployed1998
Total in ServiceThree aircraft