C-40

The C-40 Modification Program is a budget line item within the Air Force's Aircraft Procurement appropriation, specifically under the Modification of Inservice Aircraft activity. This program funds modifications for a fleet of four C-40B and seven C-40C aircraft, which are commercial-derivative Boeing 737 business jets. The C-40 aircraft are primarily used to provide worldwide airlift for Department of Defense officials and United States government personnel. They support both active and reserve components for a variety of missions including homeland defense, domestic emergency response, and military support to civil authorities.

The primary objective of the C-40 Modification Program is to ensure the continued operational viability, safety, and compliance of the C-40 fleet. This is achieved through a series of targeted upgrades and modifications. One of the central goals is the Crypto Modernization effort, which involves replacing the aging Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Military Satellite Communication (SATCOM) System with a modern system compatible with the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite constellation. This upgrade is critical for maintaining secure and reliable communications for senior leaders and mission-essential personnel.

Another key objective is the implementation of service bulletins and low-cost modifications required for ongoing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification. These efforts are necessary to maintain airworthiness, improve flight safety, and enhance the reliability and maintainability of the aircraft. The program also addresses emerging modification requirements, which may include program support costs, advisory and assistance services, systems integration laboratory work, trainers, support equipment, and other government costs.

The Senior Leader Communications System modernization is another significant aspect of this line item. This effort ensures that the communication capabilities aboard the C-40 fleet meet current and future requirements for secure, resilient, and interoperable communications. Additionally, the program is designed to address Diminishing Manufacturing Sources (DMS) issues, ensuring that replacement parts and systems remain available and that the aircraft can be sustained throughout their projected service life of 35,000 flying hours.

In accordance with Section 1815 of the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act (P.L. 110-181), the C-40 fleet is designated for use by both active and reserve components, further emphasizing its role in supporting a broad range of defense and civil missions. The program's funding supports not only hardware and software modifications but also the necessary support infrastructure to ensure these aircraft remain mission-ready.

For Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025, the program received funding to continue these critical modifications. For FY 2026, no new funding is requested under this specific line item, as efforts are being transferred to the OSA-EA Modifications budget line item (BLI OSAEA0). This consolidation is intended to increase funding flexibility and streamline management of similar modification activities across the Air Force's operational support aircraft fleet.