C-20

The C-20 was retired Aug. 30, 2017.

Mission

The C-20 is a twin-engine, turbofan aircraft acquired to fill the airlift mission for high-ranking government and Department of Defense officials. The 89th Airlift Wing, Joint Base Andrews, Md., operates five C-20Bs for worldwide special air missions. The 86th Airlift Wing, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, operates two C-20Hs for operational support airlift missions.

Features
Two Rolls Royce Spey Mark 511-8 engines power the C-20B models. The primary difference between the C-20B and H models is the electrical system, engines, and the avionics package. Two Rolls Royce Tay Mark 611-8 engines power the C-20H. These engines provide greater performance, greater range and have a reduced noise signature compared to the B model. The C-20H is also slightly longer than the B model, and has an upgraded avionics package and interior. Worldwide secure and non-secure passenger communication capability exists on both aircraft.

Background
The C-20A/B, military versions of the Gulfstream III, was chosen in June 1983 as the replacement aircraft for the C-140B Jetstar. Three A models were delivered to the 89th Airlift Wing under a cost-saving accelerated purchase plan. Upon delivery of the C-20Bs, Andrews transferred the three C-20As to Ramstein Air Base and all C-140Bs at both locations were phased out of the U.S. Air Force inventory. In 1992, Gulfstream delivered their latest model, the C-20H (Gulfstream IV) to Andrews AFB. In 2002, the C-20A was selected for decommissioning and two C-20Hs at Andrews were transferred to Ramstein.

General Characteristics
Primary Function:
C-20B/H, special air and operational support airlift missions
Builder: Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.
Power Plant: C-20B, two Rolls-Royce Spey Mark 511-8 turbofan engines;C-20H, two Rolls-Royce Tay Mark 611-8 turbofan engines
Thrust: C-20B, 11,400 pounds each engine; C-20H, 13,850 pounds each engine
Length: C-20B, 83 feet, 2 inches (25.4 meters); C-20H, 88 feet, 4 inches (26.9 meters)
Height: 24 feet, 6 inches (7.5 meters)
Wingspan: 77 feet, 10 inches (23.7 meters)
Speed: 576 mph (501 nautical miles per hour) maximum
Maximum Takeoff Weight: C-20B, 69,700 pounds (31,610 kilograms); C-20H, 74,600 pounds (33,832 kilograms)
Range: C-20B, 4,250 miles (3,698 nautical miles) long-range; C-20H, 4,850 miles (4,220 nautical miles) long range
Ceiling: 45,000 feet (13,716 meters)
Load: 12 passengers
Unit Cost: All models, $29.4 million (fiscal 1998 constant dollars)
Crew: Five (pilot, co-pilot, flight engineer, communication system operator, flight attendant)
Date Deployed: C-20B, 1988; C-20H, 1992
Inventory: C-20B, Active force, 5; Air National Guard, 0; Air Force Reserve, 0; C-20H, Active, 2; ANG, 0; AFR, 0

(Current as of Aug. 30, 2017)