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Boeing 737 |
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The 737 BBJ (Boeing Business Jet) special purpose
aircraft joined the Air Force VIP fleet in July 2002. The new BBJs and
several smaller Bombardier Challenger 604 (CL- 604) aircraft replaced
the current Special Purpose (SP) fleet comprising five Falcon 900A and
two Boeing 707 jets.
The BBJ combines the fuselage of the 737- 700 aircraft with a
strengthened aft section, and the centre-section, wing and landing gear
of the 737-800 aircraft. Winglets are standard, affording 5 to 7 per
cent reduction in cruise drag, resulting in 4 to 5 per cent increase in
range. The BBJs are capable of being converted to a standard
configuration of 36 passengers, or a VIP configuration of 30 passengers.
The difference between the two configurations is the replacement of
eight passenger seats in the standard configuration with two conference
tables and accompanying seating.
Standard crew for either configuration is two pilots and up to four crew
attendants. Air Force’s No.34 Squadron, based at RAAF Fairbairn in
Canberra, will continue to operate and crew the SP fleet, with the
service and maintenance now contracted to Qantas. |
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Manufacturer |
Boeing |
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Role |
Special purpose passenger and VIP transport |
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Engines |
Two
CFM International CFM56-7 turbofans, each rated at 118.4kN
(27,300 lbs) |
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Airframe |
Length: 33.6m Height: 12.5m (top of tail) |
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Wingspan |
35.8m
(including winglets) |
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Weight |
77,565kg (max takeoff), 60,780kg (max landing) |
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Accommodation |
Standard seating for 36 passengers, or 30 VIP configuration |
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Range |
5,560km (Canberra direct to Honolulu, Hong Kong or Tokyo) |
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Ceiling |
41,000 feet |
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Speed |
740km/h normal operations |
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Crew |
Two
pilots and four crew attendants |
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Force Size |
Air
Force operates two leased 737 BBJ aircraft. |
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