C-20G Gulfstream IV Logistics Aircraft

A C-20G Gulfstream aircraft makes a final approach for a touch and go landing during a local training flight.

A C-20G Gulfstream IV assigned to the US Navy's Fleet Logistics Support Squadron Four Eight (VR-48) is parked at Naval Air Facility, Andrews Air Force Base.

A C-20G Gulfstream aircraft taxis to the runway for a local training flight while a P-3C Orion prepares to land.

An inside cockpit view of the C-20G Gulfstream IV assigned to Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VR) 51.

The C-20G Gulfstream IV is an all-weather, long-range, high speed aircraft developed by Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation (GAC) for the US Navy. C-20G is a military variant of the commercial Gulfstream IV aircraft. It provides medium airlift logistics support to Fleet Battle Groups.

In May 1991, the US Navy submitted the initial procurement request for the C-20G aircraft. GAC was awarded a contract in March 1992. Five C-20G aircraft were delivered in 1995. Two C-20G aircraft are assigned to Fleet Logistics Support Wing Squadron Four Eight (VR-48), NAF Washington, two aircraft are with Fleet Logistics Support Wing Squadron VR-51, and one aircraft is with Marine Corps Air Facility (MCAF) Kaneohe Bay.

The C-20G is a logistic support aircraft designed to carry passengers and cargo to complement the Navy Unique Fleet Essential Airlift missions. The aircraft can go on long range, non-stop flights between nominally equipped aerodromes.

Design and features

Derived from the off-the-shelf Federal Aviation Administration certified aircraft, C-20G is a large aircraft with low arrow wings and a T-shaped tail on a circular fuselage cross section. The vertically oriented wing tips optimise fuel consumption and the aircraft’s aerodynamics. The aircraft is specifically designed for all-weather flight at high altitudes.

The aircraft can be configured to carry cargo, passengers or combinations of two. The aircraft can carry three pallets / no passengers with all passenger seats removed. It may be modified to carry both the passengers and cargo in the following configurations: three pallets / no passengers, two pallets / eight passengers, and one pallet / fourteen passengers. C-20G can accommodate up to twenty-six passengers and a crew of four if full complement of seats is installed. The aircraft can carry a total of 2,158kg of cargo without any seats installed.

A hydraulically-operated cargo door installed on the starboard side of the aircraft allows loading and unloading of cargo. Palletised cargo is accommodated on ball roller cargo floor. The aircraft features a 157ft³ of walk-in baggage area. This fully pressurised area is accessible from the cabin. The aircraft is also equipped with galley and toilet facilities.

Cockpit

The partial glass cockpit of C-20G normally accommodates a pilot, a co-pilot and a crew chief. A flight attendant or a loadmaster is added if required. The cockpit incorporates SPZ-8000 digital automatic flight control system (DAFCS).

The electronic display unit includes primary flight display, navigation display, engine instrument display, crew alerting system display and compacted EICAS display.

Avionics

The C-20G avionics suite incorporates AN/APX-100(V) identification friend or foe (IFF) transponder set, TDR-94 air traffic control transponder, RT-1157 IFF receiver transmitter, DME-442 distance measuring equipment (DME), SPZ-8000 automatic flight control system, F1000 flight data recorder and an A-100A cockpit voice recorder.

Navigation and communication equipment includes AN/ARN-153(V) tactical air communication and navigation system, VIR-432 VHF navigation receiver, ADF-462 automatic direction finder (ADF), very high frequency (vhf) communication transceiver, Baker M1045 intercommunications system, AN/ARC-9000 high frequency (HF) radio set and AN/ARC-164(V) ultra HF radio.

By 2002, C-20G fleet was upgraded with new traffic alert and collision avoidance system (TCAS), enhanced ground proximity warning system (EGPWS), FMZ-2000 flight management system (FMS), dual 12-channel global positioning system, and improved automatic flight control system.

Engines

The C-20G is powered by two aft-mounted Rolls Royce Tay MK611-8 turbofan engines. Each engine rated at 61.6kN is equipped with thrust reversers. Two integral wing tanks are provided to carry 16,542l of fuel.

Landing gear

The aircraft is equipped with a fully retractable landing gear. The tri-cycle landing gear arrangement includes twin wheels on each unit. Flight controls, flaps, spoilers, landing gear and brakes are powered by two independent hydraulic systems.

Performance

The C-20G has maximum takeoff weight of 33,200kg. Its empty weight is 18,970kg. The aircraft has maximum speed of Mach 0.85 and a range of 9,382km. It can fly at an altitude of 45,000ft.