Guy E. Franklin Deatsville, AL | During 1975, the 89th MAW at Andrews AFB, Maryland received three VC-9C (McDonnel-Douglas DC-9-32) aircraft, tail numbers 73-1681, 73-1682 and 73-1683. The VC-9C was redesignated the C-9C in 1977. Originally, the C-9Cs were used to provide first-class transportation to US, Central and South American airports for cabinet members, members of Congress, high-ranking DOD personnel and the First Lady.
In early 1982, C-9C 73-1682 was modified by E-Systems with a secure communications package in order to serve as an Air Force Two platform. The secure communications package consisted of an Airborne Communications Systems Operator crew position located several feet behind the copilot’s seat and to the right of the forward lavatory, five high frequency (HF) receivers, four HF transmitters, two telephone lines, one KW-7 crypto device, one CMT-500 secure teletype terminal and a Secret Service FM transceiver. SAM 31682 normally carries one principal VIP plus staff and is divided into three sections: forward (crew area), center (stateroom) and aft (staff and passenger area). The forward section includes the cockpit, a 4-seat security police area, a secure communications center, a galley and a lavatory.
The stateroom (center section) is configured with a couch plus two first-class airline seats facing towards the rear and one forward-facing first-class airline swivel seat for the principal VIP. The aft section serves as a combination staff and passenger compartment and has an additional 39 first-class airline seats and a latrine. During 1995/1996, the other two C-9C aircraft were upgraded by E-Systems with UHF SATCOM, INMARSAT, Verizon Air Force One Service, telecommunications computers and secure fax. After 9/11, inflight TV and INMARSAT Swift 64 (64 Kbps ISDN) were added to 31681 and 31683 by L-3Com (formerly E-Systems). The C-9C has a range of 1,725 miles (2776 km) and currently, all three C-9C aircraft are operated worldwide by 89th Airlift Wing (AW) aircrew personnel.
11/30/2006 @ 10:05 [ref: 14878] |