GENERAL:
The C-21A is a slightly modified Learjet 35A twin-turbofan business jet used for Operational Support Airlift (OSA). In 1984, the US Air Force leased 75 aircraft from Learjet to serve as a replacement for the North American CT-39 Sabreliner. Later, the USAF made the decision to purchase all of the previously leased Learjets. The C-21s originally served with Military Airlift Command (MAC), flying high-priority cargo and up to 8 passengers throughout the United States, Japan and Europe.
After a realignment, MAC was dissolved and Air Mobility Command (AMC) took its place. The C-21 aircraft were then parceled out to the various commands for distinguished visitor (DV) airlift. Each individual command operated their C-21s as they saw fit. In the mid- to late 1990s, the Department of Defense decided to consolidate all DoD OSA aircraft under a common tasking agency, the Joint Operational Support Airlift Center (JOSAC). JOSAC is responsible for coordinating and scheduling all OSA missions DoD-wide. Due to this new structure, and a need for better command and control over the C-21 fleet, the USAF decided to consolidate all C-21s under one roof. AMC's 375th Airlift Wing, based at Scott AFB, operates all C-21s within the continental United States (CONUS). However, most C-21s are still located throughout the US as Geographically Seperated Units (GSUs).
C-21s belonging to the 457th Airlift Squadron operate from Andrews AFB MD (457 AS), Wright-Patterson AFB OH (47th Airlift Flight), Langley AFB VA (12th Airlift Flight) and Maxwell AFB AL (54th Airlift Flight). The 458th Airlift Squadron operates from Scott AFB IL (458th AS), Offutt AFB NE (311th Airlift Flight), Randolph AFB TX (332nd Airlift Flight) and Peterson AFB CO (84th Airlift Flight). The 457th is often referred to as the "East Coast" squadron and the 458th the "West Coast" squadron.
AIRPLANE STATS
Length: 48 feet, 7 inches
Wingspan: 39 feet, 6 inches
Height: 12 feet, 3 inches
Engines: Two Garrett TFE731-2-2B turbofans, each delivering 3,500 lbs of thrust at sea level
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 18,300 lbs
Maximum Airspeed/Mach: 350 Knots Indicated Airspeed; 0.81 Mach
Normal Cruise Speed: 430 Knots True Airspeed
Service Ceiling: 45,000 feet
Maximum Range: 2,300 miles
Fuel Load: 931 gallons (@ 6,300 lbs)
Passenger Load: Maximum of 8 passengers
PHOTOS
