Boeing CC-180 Commander

The Boeing CC-180 Commander is a heavily modified Boeing 747-200M airliner. Two Commander aircraft are used by the Royal Canadian Air Force as VIP Transport aircraft.

Overview
The two aircraft were originally Boeing 747-200M Combi aircraft operated by Air Canada until their retirement in the late 1990s. Following their retirement, the two aircraft were purchased by the Canadian Department of National Defence for conversion into VIP Transportation.

The two aircraft would be upgraded over several years, and would be inspired by the VC-25 VIP aircraft used by the United States Air Force as transportation of VIPS such as the President of the United States as Air Force One.

The original Pratt & Whitney JT8D-7J engines were replaced by brand new General Electric CF6-80C2 engines, similar to engines used on Boeing 747-400 airliners and the VC-25, with a retractable probe fuel refuelling system also installed. The interior would include quarters and office facilities, a well-equipped galley, as well as a comprehensive military communications suite, allowing the aircraft to act as mobile command centres.

The Commander may also be used for troop transportation and emergency medivac.

Operator

 * Royal Canadian Air Force
 * No. 400 VIP Squadron (2 CC-180 Commanders)