| About the Model
The GeminiMacs Boeing C-40A 1/400th scale model is based on the US Navy version of their BBJ. The model has the tail number RY-5831 actually flown by VR-59 squadron based at Fort Worth Texas. The model features detailed landing gear and a sharp, true to life livery. As an added bonus, the model comes with a real squadron patch.
About the US Navy C-40A
The C-40A Clipper provides organic airlift support for the U.S. Navy. The U.S. Naval Reserve, which operates and maintains the aircraft, is the first customer for the newest member of the Boeing Next-Generation 737 family. The Clipper was ordered by the Navy to replace its fleet of aging C-9B Skytrain IIs. The C-40A is the first new logistics aircraft in 17 years to join the Naval Reserve. Currently, the Naval Reserve provides 100 percent of the Navy's worldwide in-theater medium and heavy airlift.
The Clipper meets or exceeds international noise and environmental requirements that plague the current fleet of Naval Reserve C-9s. It is also more fuel-efficient and offers increased range and payload capabilities. The 737-700C aircraft is certified to operate in an all-passenger (121 passengers), all-cargo or combination ("combi") configuration that will accommodate up to three cargo pallets and 70 passengers on the main deck.
The Navy purchased the airplanes using standard commercial practices, and ordered six of the 737-700C models. The first two of four aircraft were delivered on April 21, 2001 to Logistics Support Squadron Fifty Nine (VR-59) at the Naval Air Station/Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas. The remainder were delivered later in the year. The fifth and sixth aircraft were delivered in August 2002 to VR-58 at the Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida. A seventh one was acquired on November 22, 2004, the eighth was in February 2005, and the ninth was on May 25, 2006.
About the VR-59
VR-59 known as the Lone Star Express is based at Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, formerly known as Carswell AFB. The squadron originally flew the C-9 but transitioned to the C-40 in April 2001. The squadron currently maintains 3 C-40A aircraft. |
