Boeing C-33

The Boeing C-33 is the US military designation for Boeing 747-400 series intended to augment the C-17 Globemaster III fleet, but the plan was cancelled in favor of purchasing additional C-17s.

Description

The C-33 was to be operated by Air National Guard, but the plan was cancelled.

The Boeing C-33 has several advantages for a C-33 fleet over the existing C-17 fleet: [Tirpak 1996.]
* The cost of purchasing was lower than that of C-17.
* It has a much longer range, allowing it to fly halfway around the world with refueling, giving it a lower ground time.

However, the C-17 has several advantages:
* There was no need for cargo to be palleted, allowing for transport of tanks and Patriot missiles.
* Operation was possible from much shorter or rugged airstrips.
* While the capital cost of purchasing a larger fleet to handle the same amount of cargo is higher, the operating cost is significantly lower.

References

*cite web
last = Tirpak
first = John A.
title = Airlift Moves Up and Out
publisher = Air Force Magazine Online
date = February 1996 - Vol 79, No 2
url = http://www.afa.org/magazine/Feb1996/0296airlift.asp
accessdate = 2006-10-19

External links

* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/c-33.htm C-33 page on globalsecurity.org]