Overview
Despite their 1950s heritage, boeing VC-137 Stratoliners remain in acitve service with the United States Air Force into 2014.
Despite their 1950s heritage, boeing VC-137 Stratoliners remain in acitve service with the United States Air Force into 2014.
History
Detailing the development and operational history of the Boeing VC-137 / C-137 Stratoliner Government VIP Transport. Entry last updated on 4/25/2016. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
Detailing the development and operational history of the Boeing VC-137 / C-137 Stratoliner Government VIP Transport. Entry last updated on 4/25/2016. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
VC-137 "Stratoliner" is the designation used by the United States Air Force (USAF) to mark its Boeing 707s configured to the VIP passenger transport role. The Boeing 707 was developed in the latter part of the 1950s, first flying in December of 1957 and, since then, the model series has been produced in over 1,000 examples into 1979. The VC-137 remains in active service as of this writing (March 2014) and has seen several designations emerge since its formal adoption. Outwardly, the VC-137 retains the same general form and function as the original 707. The first VC-137 was delivered in 1959 and procurement proved limited.
VC-137A were the original early acquired marks and numbered three examples. These were internally configured to seat twenty-two in comfort with extra equipment to serve occupants as an Airborne Command Post (ACP). Power was served through 4 x Pratt & Whitney J57 turbojet engines. These aircraft were then redesignated as VC-137B. The VC-137B was refitted with 4 x Pratt & Whitney JT3D-3 turbofan engines and they, themselves, would later be known under the C-137B designation.
Beginning in 1961, the USAF procured an additional Boeing 707 aircraft (707-353B) and assigned it the VC-137C designation to serve the President of the United States and staff members. A second example followed in 1972 and, as with the earlier VC-137Bs, the VC-137C became known as C-137C.
The EC-137D designation was reserved for related Early Warning and Control System (EWAC) aircraft prototypes and numbered two. These then evolved under the E-3A "Sentry" designation to become their own notable Boeing 707 offshoot, serving with several world powers including NATO.
VC-137A were the original early acquired marks and numbered three examples. These were internally configured to seat twenty-two in comfort with extra equipment to serve occupants as an Airborne Command Post (ACP). Power was served through 4 x Pratt & Whitney J57 turbojet engines. These aircraft were then redesignated as VC-137B. The VC-137B was refitted with 4 x Pratt & Whitney JT3D-3 turbofan engines and they, themselves, would later be known under the C-137B designation.
Beginning in 1961, the USAF procured an additional Boeing 707 aircraft (707-353B) and assigned it the VC-137C designation to serve the President of the United States and staff members. A second example followed in 1972 and, as with the earlier VC-137Bs, the VC-137C became known as C-137C.
The EC-137D designation was reserved for related Early Warning and Control System (EWAC) aircraft prototypes and numbered two. These then evolved under the E-3A "Sentry" designation to become their own notable Boeing 707 offshoot, serving with several world powers including NATO.
Specifications
YEAR: 1959
MANUFACTURER(S): Boeing Aircraft Company - USA
PRODUCTION: 7
CREW: 3
POWER: 4 x Pratt & Whitney JT3D-3 Turbofan engines developing 18.000lb of thrust each.
SPEED: 628 mph (1,010 kph; 545 kts)
CEILING: 49,869 feet (15,200 m; 9.44 miles)
RANGE: 5,757 miles (9,265 km; 5,003 nm)
RATE-OF-CLIMB: 4,000 ft/min (1,219 m/min)
OPERATORS: United States
Armament
None.
None.
Variants / Models
• VC-137A - Original three examples modified for VIP service; seating for 22; Pratt & Whitney J57 turbojet engines; redesignated to VC-137B.
• VC-137B - Redesignated VC-137A models with Pratt & Whitney JT3D-3 turbofan engines; redesignated as C-137B.
• VC-137C - Two Boeing 707s for USAF converted for Presidential transport role; becoming C-137C.
• C-137B - Original three VC-137A/B aircraft post-VIP service role.
• C-137C - Pair of ex-VC-137C models for post-VIP/Presidential transport role.
• EC-137D - Pair of prototype airframes to serve in EWCS role; evolving to become E-3 Sentry series.
• VC-137A - Original three examples modified for VIP service; seating for 22; Pratt & Whitney J57 turbojet engines; redesignated to VC-137B.
• VC-137B - Redesignated VC-137A models with Pratt & Whitney JT3D-3 turbofan engines; redesignated as C-137B.
• VC-137C - Two Boeing 707s for USAF converted for Presidential transport role; becoming C-137C.
• C-137B - Original three VC-137A/B aircraft post-VIP service role.
• C-137C - Pair of ex-VC-137C models for post-VIP/Presidential transport role.
• EC-137D - Pair of prototype airframes to serve in EWCS role; evolving to become E-3 Sentry series.
Our Data Modules allow for quick visual reference when comparing a single entry against contemporary designs. Areas covered include general ratings, speed assessments, and relative ranges based on distances between major cities.
Relative Maximum Speed
Hi: 750mph
Lo: 375mph
This entry's maximum listed speed (628mph).
Graph average of 562.5 miles-per-hour.
City-to-City Ranges
NYC
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PAR
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BER
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MSK
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SYD
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LAX
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NYC
Graph showcases the Boeing VC-137B Stratoliner's operational range (on internal fuel) when compared to distances between major cities.
Aviation Era
Useful in showcasing the era cross-over of particular aircraft/aerospace designs.
Unit Production (7)
Comm. Market HI*: 44,000 units
Military Market HI**: 36,183 units
7
7
Altitude Visualization
