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C-21A

The C-21A aircraft is the military version of the Learjet 35A business jet.  It is a twin-turbofan-engine aircraft used for cargo and passenger airlift.  It also can be used to transport litters during medical evacuations.

Employment

C-21A aircraft are operated by Military Airlift Command units from 12 U.S. bases and three overseas locations.  The Air National Guard also operates C-21As from Andrews Air Force Base, Md.  C-21As provide operational support airlift for movement of people and cargo throughout the United States and the Pacific and European theaters, including aeromedical missions.

Description

The C-21A's engines are pod-mounted on the sides of the rear fuselage.  Its wings have hydraulically actuated, single-slotted flaps.  It has a retractable tricycle landing gear, single nose gear and multiple-disc hydraulic brakes.  The aircraft can carry eight passengers and 42 cubic feet of cargo.  Its fuel capacity is 931 gallons, with refueling accomplished at ground level through each wingtip tank.

The safety and operational capability of the C-21A is increased by the auto-pilot, color weather radar and tactical air nav~igation system (TACAN), as well as HF, VHF and UHF radios.

The aircraft has a crew of two. 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-21A fleet to the Military Airlift Command began in April 1984 and was completed by October 1985.  

In 1987, the Air National Guard obtained four C-21As to replace its T-39s based at Andrews Air Force Base.  

GLASCO, a subsidiary of Learjet Inc., provides full contractor logistics support at 16 worldwide locations.




Specifications

Primary Function:  Passenger and cargo airlift.
Primary Contractor:  Learjet Inc.
Power Plant/Manufacturer:  Two Garrett TFE-731-2-2B turbofan engines.
Thrust:  3,500 lb. each engine.
Dimensions:  Wingspan 39 ft. 6 in.; length 48 ft. 7 in.; height 12 ft. 3 in.
Maximum Speed:  530 mph at 41,000 ft.
Ceiling:  45,000 ft.
Maximum Range:  2,306 mi.
Maximum Load:  Eight passengers or 3,153 lb. of cargo.
Crew:  Two (pilot and co-pilot).
Maximum Takeoff Weight:  18,300 lb.
Status:  Operational.


Supersedes USAF Fact Sheet 86-50
Local Reproduction Authorized 
June 1991