5 VIP Transport Aircraft Operated By The USAF

While the United States Air Force (USAF) has several defense-related strategic objectives, one of the organization’s less combat-centered roles is providing security transportation for the highest echelons of the US government. From colonels to cabinet officials to the President of the United States himself, the Air Force operates various VIP-configured transports.

In total, the Air Force operates over 50 aircraft that can be configured as VIP transports. At the same time, certain other types, such as the E-4 Nightwatch, can be configured for VIP transport in the event of a catastrophic national security incident.

But what purpose do each Air Force’s different VIP transports serve? In this article, we will explore five notable aircraft operated by the US Air Force that are dedicated to transporting high-level government and military officials.

1 “Air Force One”

USAF designation: VC-25

To start this list, we have the modified Boeing 747s that typically serve as “Air Force One,” among the most iconic jets in the sky. These aircraft serve as the primary mode of transportation for the US President and project an image of strength and national identity all across the world.

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Fascinatingly, and as many readers may know, Air Force One is not the aircraft’s name but rather the callsign given to any plane carrying the US President that the USAF operates. In the event that the President was to travel onboard any other VIP aircraft on this list, that jet would also take the callsign of Air Force One.

Photo: 1000 Words | Shutterstock

As it happens, the current VC-25s have been in service since 1987 and are beginning to show signs of their age. The Air Force has ordered a pair of modified Boeing 747-8Is, which will serve as replacements for the current modified 747-200s and have been designated as the VC-25B. This has led many to theorize that the last passenger 747s in the sky could be the Air Force’s Presidential transports.

2 “Air Force Two”

USAF designation: C-32

The C-32 is the name given to a fleet of six different aircraft operated by the Air Force for VIP transport, which have been derived from the civilian Boeing 757. Much like Air Force One, “Air Force Two” is only this aircraft’s nickname and is a callsign used to designate any aircraft carrying the Vice President.

Not only is the Vice President transported onboard this jet, but also the First Lady and many other cabinet officials. Under certain circumstances, the President may choose to fly the modified 757 as it requires significantly less runway than the VC-25s and can access many smaller airports.

The C-32A is the designation given to aircraft in this family that strictly serve the purpose of executive transportation. However, there are C-32s which perform a slightly different role. The C-32B Gatekeeper operates as an airlift jet for Special Forces or during natural disasters and other emergency response efforts.

3 “The Clipper”

USAF designation: C-40C

The Boeing C-40C is part of Boeing’s military jet family and is a modified version of the renowned 737 Next Generation family. Notably, the C-40B is used to serve a variety of transport-related purposes because the C-40C is exclusively reserved for government activities.

Photo: United States Air Force

Typically, lower-level cabinet officials and members of Congress will fly onboard this aircraft, and the United States Air Force maintains a small fleet of 12 operational examples of the C-40. According to the Air Force, the C-40C is almost identical to a 737-700, with the unique exception that the military transport has winglets.

4 A jet for the brass

USAF designation: C-37A/B

Aside from its rather obvious Air Force-themed livery, there is little to set the C-37A/B apart from other Gulfstream V and 550 business aircraft. The C-37A, specifically based on the Gulfstream V, is operated out of Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii, and Ramstein Air Base in Germany.

Photo: United States Air Force

On the other hand, the C-37B, based on the Gulfstream 550, is only operated out of Andrews Air Force Base, where five examples of the type can be found. Across the board, this sleek jet is used primarily to transport the US military’s highest-ranking officials, according to the Air Force’s website.

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5 A transporter that doubles as an air ambulance

USAF designation: C-21A

The final entry on this list is among the smallest of all VIP-configured jets in operation with the Air Force. Developed from the civilian Learjet 35A, the USAF flies 19 examples of the C-21 aircraft. The type has spent decades flying personnel and supplies, and was deployed to support operations such as Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom.

On most occasions, these twin-engine aircraft are flown by higher-ranking officials in the armed forces, primarily flag officers. However, many C-21As have been configured to serve an emergency response role and provide airlift services at a moment’s notice, according to Military.com.