The C-20B is a military modification of the commercial Gulfstream III aircraft, manufactured by Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation. The C-20B was used to support long range-low passenger missions offering worldwide access and included a communications suite which provided worldwide secure voice and data communications. The Air Force chose the C-20B as a replacement for the C-140B Jetstar in 1983.
The Coast Guard obtained a C-20B (G-III serial number 477) from the Air Force in 1994 to replace the C-11 executive transport. It served as the Commandant’s and Secretary of Transportation’s executive jet transport. It was the only dedicated command and control support in the Coast Guard inventory. The aircraft, in Air Force configuration, was equipped with MILSATCOM which was later removed and updated to STU III capable INMARSAT SATCOM. The changes compared to the C-11, in addition to the command and control capability, included GPS , TCAS, an AC electrical system versus the DC system in the VC-11, a revised wing of greater span and area with drag reducing winglets, more fuel tank capacity and thus greater range, re-profiled nose and a three foot fuselage stretch. Contractor logistics support was utilized.
| Gulfstream C-20B | |
| Manufacturer | Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation |
| Designation | C-20B |
| Other Designations | USCG-01; Gulfstream III |
| Aircraft Type | Fixed-wing twin-engine long range command and control turbojet aircraft |
| Wing Span | 77′ 10″ |
| Height | 24′ 6″ |
| Length | 83′ 2″ |
| Fuel Capacity | 28,300 lbs usable |
| Top Speed | .82 Mach |
| Cruising Speed | .75Mach |
| Range | 3,700 nautical miles |
| Gross Weight | 69,700 pounds |
| Crew | 2 with up to 14 passengers |
| Service Ceiling | 45,000 feet |
| Engine(s) | 2 x Rolls-Royce Spey MK511-8 turbofan engines producing 11,400 pounds of thrust per engine; engines equipped with thrust reversers. |
| Unit cost | Approx. $22.2 million |
