Summary
- C-21A has a max speed of 542 mph at 25,000 ft, a range of 3,288 miles
- The US military operates 37 C-21As, used for missions within Air Mobility Command
- The recent $38 million avionics upgrade introduced a glass cockpit & safety features
The United States Air Force (USAF) C-21A is a utility transport aircraft based on the Learjet Model 35A. Designed and manufactured by Learjet in the 1970s, the USAF acquired its first C-21A (modified Learjet 35) in 1984. The agency has been using its twin-engine jet fleet on various missions for four decades. This article notes some fast facts about the USAF C-21A aircraft.
Maximum speed: 542 mph at 25,000 ft
- Entered service in 1984-85
- Capacity: Eight passengers
- Cargo area: 42 cubic feet
- Range: 2,857 NM (3,288 miles)
The C-21A airframe and performance are based on Learjet 35A, the extended-range version of the iconic Learjet 35. It was one of the fastest midsized business jets of its era, cruising over 500 knots. The proven reliability and performance, combined with the extended range of the Learjet 35A, the USAF couldn’t have asked for a better utility aircraft.
The USAF used the C-21A for the transport of personnel, cargo, and specific medevac transport missions. Selected for its speed, range, and mission versatility, the C-21A was well aligned with the USAF missions. It can accommodate eight passengers and approximately 42 cubic feet of cargo. The aircraft has a fuel capacity of 931 gallons (3,538 liters).
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The C-21 inventory with the US military
Currently active aircraft: 37
- USAF C-21As: 19
- Air National Guard C-21As: 18
- Located within the US (continental states)
- Located outside the US (Germany)
GovernmentProcurement.com states that as of December 2023, there are 37 active C-21A aircraft in the US military. Nineteen are primarily operated by the 375th Airlift Wing at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois. The remaining 18 examples are serving the Air National Guard.
Most US military-operated C-21s are located within the continental states. Some aircraft are also based outside the US, primarily at Ramstein Air Base, Germany’s 76th Airlift Squadron (USAFE). The US Forces use C-21s for various strategic missions.
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A mission-centered aircraft
Used in a variety of military missions
- Air Mobility Command (AMC)
- VIP transport
- Medical evacuation
Known for its reliability and in-flight performance, the C-21A features multifaceted capabilities, allowing US forces to use it in various missions. The aircraft transports high-priority passengers, cargo, and critical equipment within the Air Mobility Command (AMC). The aircraft’s speed and range allow the AMC to execute time-sensitive missions more accurately.
The aircraft is also used for VIP transport duties, including delegations and high-priority military officials. The USAF-tailored cabin luxuries and amenities provide comfortable and secure transport for officials.
The C-21s are also adapted for medical evacuation missions, which can be done by swiftly converting the interior into an air ambulance. The aircraft is used to evacuate people from critical environments to medical facilities.
According to Scott Air Force Base,
“During aeromedical evacuations, it could transport one litter patient or five ambulatory patients. The small size of the aircraft allowed quick and cost effective travel. The turbofan engines are pod-mounted on the sides of the rear fuselage, and the wings have wingtip fuel tanks.”
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Recent upgrades to the flight deck
Estimated cost in 2020: $38 million
While the C-21A fleet was a manufacturer-modified version of the Learjet 35A and had been in use by the USAF since 1985, it hadn’t seen a major upgrade in 15 years. In 2020, the USAF spent an estimated $38 million to upgrade the aircraft’s avionics suite, which was necessary to adhere to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements.
The old analog systems and gauges were replaced with new digital systems. The upgrades included:
- A new glass cockpit layout
- Flight management systems
- New weather radars
- ADS-B Air Traffic Control system
Replacing the avionics suite heightened aircraft safety, mission accuracy, and compatibility with other military aircraft.
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Aircraft safety
Advanced tactical systems make the C-21 fleet safer
- Autopilot
- Tactical air navigation
- Color weather radar
- High-frequency radios
The Air Force’s avionics upgrade program significantly enhanced the safety of the C-21 fleet. The advanced tactical air navigation system and the color weather radar technology improved pilot situational awareness, particularly during critical and time-sensitive missions.
The autopilot feature allows more flexibility for single-pilot operations. According to the Air Force,
“Safety and operational capabilities of the C-21 are increased by the autopilot, color weather radar and tactical air navigation system as well as high-frequency, very high-frequency and ultra high-frequency radios.”
“The aircraft has a crew of two and may be flown from either cockpit seat. It is equipped with an automatic navigation system to enhance crew efficiency.”
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