Learjet C-21

Learjet C21 The C-21 is a twin turbofan engine aircraft used for cargo and passenger airlift. The aircraft is the military version of the Learjet 35A business jet. In addition to carrying cargo and passengers, the aircraft is capable of transporting litters during medical evacuations.

Features

The turbofan engines are pod-mounted on the sides of the rear fuselage. The slightly swept-back wings have hydraulically actuated, single-slotted flaps. The aircraft has a retractable tricycle landing gear, single steerable nose gear and multiple-disc hydraulic brakes. The wingtip fuel tanks distinguish the design from other aircraft having similar functions.

The C-21 can carry eight passengers and 42 ft³ (1.26 m³) of cargo. The fuel capacity of the C-21 is 931 US gallons (3,538 L) with refueling accomplished at ground level through each wingtip tank. The 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. Four cathode ray tubes display essential information to the pilots.

Background

Delivery of the C-21 fleet began in April 1984 and was completed October 1985. L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace provides full contractor logistics support at 12 worldwide locations.

On April 1, 1997, all continental U.S.-based C-21s were realigned under Air Mobility Command, with the 375th Airlift Wing at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, as the lead command. C-21s stationed outside the continental United States are assigned to the theater commanders.

General Characteristics

Primary Function: Passenger and cargo airlift
Prime Contractor: Learjet, Inc.
Power Plant: Two Garrett TFE-731-2-2B turbofan engines
Thrust: 3,500 pounds (16 kN) each engine
Length: 48 ft 7 in (14.71 m)
Height: 12 ft 3 in (3.71 m)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 18,300 lb (8,235 kg)
Wingspan: 39 ft 6 in (11.97 m)
Maximum Speed: 530 mph (853 km/h), Mach 0.81, 461 knots at 
   41,000 ft (12,500 m)
Ceiling: 45,000 ft (13,700 m)
Fuel Capability: 931 US gallons (3,538 L) 
                 1,120 US gallons (4,256 L) with ferry tanks
Maximum Range: 2,306 miles (3,690 km)
Maximum Load: Eight passengers and 3,153 pounds (1,433 kg) of cargo
Crew: Two (pilot and co-pilot)
Date Deployed: April 1984
Unit Cost: $3.1 million (fiscal 1996 constant dollars)
Inventory: Active forces, 74; ANG, 2; Reserve, 0

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