First C-40A transport aircraft arrive for US Marine Corps
The C-40A, a derivative of the Boeing 737-700C commercial airliner, has been used by the US Navy since 2001. (Photo: US Navair/US DoD)
The second US Marine Corps C-40A aircraft is scheduled for delivery in early autumn 2023.
The USN's Tactical Airlift Program Office (PMA-207) has delivered the first of two C-40A Clipper aircraft to Marine Transport Squadron (VMR) 1, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 41, in Fort Worth, Texas.
‘Delivery of this aircraft meets a critical marine corps requirement for organic long-range logistical airlift capability,’ said Col Steve Puckett, PMA-207 programme manager.
‘These aircraft have been specially equipped for agile tasking and can be reconfigured on the spot to carry marines, cargo, or a combination of both.’
Both C-40A aircraft are uniquely configured for the USMC but were both acquired from the secondary market.
This version of the C-40A features a palletised seating design and a Federal Aviation Administration-approved ‘Combi’ Soft Barrier allowing the aircraft to carry passengers and cargo together.
The aircraft also features new engines, winglets, added power systems for electronic flight bags and LED lighting.
Jim Thompson, PMA-207 Fixed Wing/Operational Support Aircraft deputy programme manager said: ‘As with most aircraft acquisition efforts, there were challenges, but I am proud of the accomplishment of our small team.
‘Their hard work, devotion, and patience have contributed to, and permitted the delivery of a critical asset to the Marines.’
The C-40A, a derivative of the Boeing 737-700C commercial airliner, has been used by the US Navy since 2001.
The USMC's C-40A aircraft replace the C-9B aircraft, which was retired in 2018 after 44 years of service.
The second Marine C-40A aircraft is scheduled for delivery in early autumn 2023.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![German Navy in “ramp-up” phase as it welcomes first NH90 Sea Tiger delivery]()
German Navy in “ramp-up” phase as it welcomes first NH90 Sea Tiger delivery
With all 31 aircraft set to be delivered by 2030, the helicopters will gradually replace the ageing Sea Lynx fleet which are due to be retired in 2026.
-
![Germany acquires additional 20 H145M helicopters]()
Germany acquires additional 20 H145M helicopters
The order for the extra helicopters comes from an agreement penned in December 2023, with the German Army receiving the bulk of the platforms.
-
![Anduril UK and GKN Aerospace collaborate on British Army ACP bid]()
Anduril UK and GKN Aerospace collaborate on British Army ACP bid
The pair will submit their demonstrator concept for Project Nyx, a development project for the British Army’s Land Autonomous Collaborative Platform.
-
![US Army command’s Picatinny CLIK common lethal drone interface makes progress]()
US Army command’s Picatinny CLIK common lethal drone interface makes progress
The Picatinny Common Lethality Integration Kit is designed to overcome the issue of unique integration methods between lethal payloads and drones as well as avoiding problematic acquisition conditions created by vendor lock.
