The C-38 Courier is a multipurpose military transport aircraft, jointly developed by the Israeli firms Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd. and Galaxy Aerospace Corporation. This robust aircraft was designed using the commercial Astra SPX as its foundation.
Development and Purpose
Specifically engineered to serve the diverse needs of the U.S. National Guard, the C-38 Courier is tasked with executing a wide array of missions. Its design leverages the proven capabilities of the Astra SPX commercial jet, adapting it for military roles.
Service and Deployment
Serial production of the C-38 Courier commenced in 1997, marking a significant step in its operational readiness. The first two aircraft officially entered service with the National Guard on April 17, 1998. This model was intended to replace the aging C-21 aircraft in the fleet.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | S-38A |
| Wingspan, m | 16.64 |
| Aircraft length, m | 16.96 |
| Aircraft height, m | 5.54 |
| Wing area, m2 | 29.41 |
| Empty weight | 6210 |
| Maximum takeoff weight, kg | 11179 |
| Internal fuel | 4247 |
| Engine type | 2 Turbofan AlliedSignal TFE 731-40R-200G |
| Thrust, kN | 2 x |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 867 |
| Practical range, km | 5465 |
| Practical ceiling, m | 13716 |
| Crew, crew | 2 |
| Payload | 11 passengers or 1496 kg of cargo (typical load) or 4247 kg of cargo (maximum load) |
Image and diagram gallery of the C-38 Courier
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