The C-21A provides cargo and passenger airlift and can transport litters during medical evacuations.
The C-21A's turbofan engines are pod-mounted on the sides of the rear fuselage. The 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 C-21A can carry eight passengers and 42 cubic feet (1.26 cubic meters) of cargo. The fuel capacity of the C-21A is 931 gallons (3,537.8 liters) carried in wingtip tanks. The safety and operational capabilities of the C-21A are increased by the autopilot, color weather radar and tactical air navigation (TACAN) system, as well as HF, VHF and UHF radios.
Delivery of the C-21A fleet began in April 1984 and was completed in October 1985. Glasco, a subsidiary of Learjet, Inc., provides full contractor logistics support at 16 worldwide locations.
Primary Function: Passenger and cargo airlift.
Builder: Learjet, Inc.
Power Plant: Two Garrett TFE-731-2-2B turbofan engines.
Thrust: 3,500 pounds (1,575 kilograms) each engine.
Length: 48 feet, 7 inches (14.71 meters).
Height: 12 feet, 3 inches (3.71 meters).
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 18,300 pounds (8,235 kilograms).
Wingspan: 39 feet, 6 inches (11.97 meters)
Range: 2,306 miles (2,005 nautical miles).
Speed: 530 mph (Mach 0.81, 461 knots, 848 kph)
Unit Cost: $2.8 million.
Crew: Two (pilot and co-pilot).
Date Deployed: April 1984.
Inventory: Active forces, 70; ANG, 4; Reserve, 0.