Features

  • The Contrails: Aircraft, Weapons Systems: E-3B/C/G Sentry (AWACS)

    The E-3B/C/G Sentry (AWACS)Manufacturer: Boeing, Northrup Grumman, Lockheed MartinFunction: AirborneBattle Management, Command And Control ervice Date: 1975Speed: 360 mphCrew: 17-23Production: 34Inventory: 32Commentary: Heavily modified Boeing 707-320B aircraft, fitted with an extensive complement

  • The Contrails: Aircraft, Weapons Systems: C-130 Hercules

    Manufacturer: LockheedFunction: TheaterTactical AirliftModified Functions:Tanker, Special Operations, Reconnaissance,Airborne Command Post, Special MissionService Date: 1956Speed: 366 mphCrew: FiveProduction: 2,200+ Inventory: 428Commentary: Basic and specialized versions of the C-130 Hercules

  • The Contrails: Aircraft, Weapons Systems: C-40B/C Clipper

    Manufacturer: BoeingFunction: High-Priority Personnel TransportService Date: 2003Speed: 530 mphCrew: TenProduction: 19 Inventory: 11Commentary: Most common users of the C-40B are combatant commanders and members of the Cabinet and Congress. Communication is paramount, so aircraft is equipped with

  • The Contrails: Aircraft, Weapons Systems: C-37A Gulfstream V

    Manufacturer: Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.Function: Special Air MissionsService Date: 1998Speed: 600 mphCrew: FiveProduction: 191 Inventory: 9Commentary: Capable of cruise operations from 41,000 to51,000 feet. Includes enhanced weather radar, autopilot andultra-modern heads up display. Equipped with

  • The Contrails: Aircraft, Weapons Systems: C-32

    Manufacturer: Boeing CompanyFunction: High-Priority Personnel TransportService Date: 1998Speed: 530 mphCrew: 16Production: 6 Inventory: 4Commentary: Primary user of this aircraft is the vice president, using the callsign “Air ForceTwo.” Aircraft includes a communications center, galley,

  • The Contrails: Aircraft, Weapons Systems: C-21A

    Manufacturer: Learjet Inc.Function: Passenger AirliftService Date: 1984Speed: 530 mphCrew: TwoProduction: 738 Inventory: 55Commentary: In January 2007, Program Budget Decision number 720 reduced C-21 operations to 40 aircraft. AMCdissolved C-21 operations at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. US Air Forces

  • The Contrails: Aircraft, Weapons Systems: C-20 Gulfstream III

    Manufacturer: Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.Function: Special Air & Operational Support AirliftService Date: 1992Speed: 576 mphCrew: FiveProduction: 10Inventory: C-20B; 5 C-20H; 2Primarily used to fill the airlift mission for high-ranking government and DOD officials. Worldwide secure and non-secure

  • ‘Tip of the iceberg’: 1,168 start Basic Cadet Training

    More than 1,100 young adults said goodbye to their parents and families June 30 and took their first military steps toward becoming commissioned officers.  In all, 1,168 appointees to the Air Force Academy were scheduled to begin Basic Cadet Training, a rigorous six-week mental and physical training

  • The Contrails: Aircraft, Weapons Systems: C-17A Globemaster III

    Manufacturer: BoeingFunction: Cargo and Troop TransportService Date: 1993Speed: 518 mphCrew: ThreeProduction: 223 (planned) Inventory: 213Commentary: The first C-17 operational strategic brigade airdrop occurred in March 2003, when a formation of 15 aircraft delivered a US Army brigade, complete

  • The Contrails: Aircraft, Weapons Systems: C-5A/B/C/M Galaxy

    Manufacturer: LockheedFunction: Outsize cargo transportService Date: 1970Crew: SevenSpeed: 518 mphProduction: 131Inventory: 94Commentary: The C-5 is the USAF’s largest transport aircraft. The C-5 is capable of carrying two M1 Abrams battle tanks, six Apache helicopters, or a quarter million pounds