McDONNELL Douglas (MDC) and Boeing have declared their intention to compete to replace as many as 29 MDC C-9B support aircraft operated by the US Department of Defense for special missions.
The US Navy Reserve operates the ageing C-9Bs for the Navy Unique Fleet Essential Airlift mission. The US Congress earmarked an unrequested $120 million in fiscal year 1997 for the first three C-9B replacements.
Industry sources believe that the USN will ultimately replace all 29 of the intra-theatre airlifters bought between 1973 and the mid-1980s, with the new aircraft.
The final request for proposals for the three aircraft will be released at the end of this month, and contract award is planned for June or July. The aircraft must have a range of at least 6,290km (3,400nm) with 2,270kg of cargo. It is required to have an oversized-cargo door and be able to carry passengers and cargo pallets.
MDC, the incumbent, is proposing the MD-90-30ER, dubbed the C-9D Skytrain III, which would be powered by twin International Aero Engines V2528-D5 turbofans, each producing 125kN (28,000lb). An auxiliary-fuel tank is proposed for more range.
In an all-passenger configuration, the C-9D could accommodate up to 124 passengers. In a combi layout, there could be up to four pallets and seating for 69 personnel. The militarised MD-90 would hold up to 11 cargo pallets.
Boeing's offering is the 737-700 Fleet Logistics Support Aircraft, fitted with a freighter-style cargo door forward of modified wings which would have new slats and continuous-span double-slotted flaps. Its flightdeck would include modern avionics, including global-positioning-system capability. Power would be provided by twin CFM International CFM56-7 turbofans and a high-capacity auxiliary power unit.
MDC officials say that the US Air Force's C-9A Nightingale, which is used for medical evacuation and VIP travel, will stay in service for now.
Source: Flight International
