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.
In the 2020s, the CC-180 would be replaced by the Bombardier CC-194V Galaxy Ambassador in Canadian service.
Overview[edit | edit source]
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 refurbishment and conversion into VIP Transportation. The two CC-180s would enter service on September 15th, 2000 with its first operational deployment occurring two weeks late flying former PM Pierre Trudeau's body from Montreal to Ottawa, and back again three days later.
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 refueling 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 centers.
The Commander may also be used for troop transportation and emergency medivac.
Operator[edit | edit source]
- Royal Canadian Air Force
- No. 400 VIP Squadron (2 CC-180 Commanders)
