91-01

C-137 Stratoliner

The C-137 Stratoliner is a modified version of the Boeing 707 commercial intercontinental airliner.  Its primary Air Force function is to furnish transportation for the vice president, cabinet members, members of Congress and other high-ranking United States and foreign officials, and to function as backup to the VC-25A presidential aircraft.

Characteristics

The C-137 body is identical to the Boeing 707 commercial aircraft's, but has different interior furnishings and electronic equipment.  The passenger cabin is divided into three sections.  The forward area has a communications center, galley, lavatory and eight-seat compartment.  The center portion is designed as an airborne headquarters with conference tables, swivel chairs, projection screen for films and two convertible sofa-bunks.  The rear of the cabin contains double reclining passenger seats, tables, galley, two lavatories and closets.  Partitions may be placed throughout the cabin for added privacy.

The C-137 crew includes two pilots, one navigator, two flight engineers, one communication system operator, in-flight passenger service specialists and security police.  The number of flight passenger service specialists and security police varies according to mission length, destination and primary passengers.

Models

There are three C-137B and four C-137C aircraft in the Air Force inventory.  All seven are flown by Military Airlift Command's 89th Military Airlift Wing at Andrews Air Force Base, Md.

An earlier version, the C-137A, flew for the first time   April 7, 1959.  Three were delivered to the Air Force later that year.  The A model carried up to 40 passengers.  

The C-137B, equipped with turbofan engines, is an upgraded version of the A model.  

The C-137C has internal furnishings similar to that of the B model, but can carry up to 50 passengers.  The first C-137C was delivered to the Air Force Oct. 10, 1962; single deliveries followed in 1972, 1988 and 1990.  Two of the C models served as primary presidential aircraft from 1962 until September 1990, when the first of two replacement aircraft -- a VC-25A -- was delivered. 

Specifications

Primary Function:  High priority personnel, presidential airlift.
Prime Contractor:  The Boeing Co.
Power Plant/Manufacturer:  Four Pratt and Whitney JT3D-3B turbofan engines.
Thrust:  18,000 lb. (ea. engine).
Wingspan:  C-137B, 130 ft. 10 in.; C-137C, 145 ft. 9 in.
Length:  C-137B, 144 ft. 6 in.; C-137C, 152 ft. 11 in.
Height:  C-137B, 41 ft. 4 in.; C-137C, 42 ft. 5 in.
Speed:  530 mph.
Ceiling:  About 42,000 ft.
Range:  C-137B, 5,000 miles; C-137C, 6,000 miles.
Load:  C-137B, 40 passengers;	 C-137C, 50 passengers.
Crew:  About 18 (varies according to mission).
Maximum Takeoff Weight:/  C-137B, 258,000 lb.; C-137C, 336,000 lb.
Status:  Operational.


Supersedes USAF Fact Sheet 87-25
Supersedes USAF Fact Sheet 87-25
January 1991

Note:  (87-25.90  This is text sent to SAF/PAS and Design on 3Jan91. SAF/PAS(Capt ?) called and said it arrived o.k. and he had cleared it for publication.  Said the photo would be o.k. too.
This is text on copy that went to print.  Last minute changes and corrections have been made to this text.