#c-140

Lockheed C-140A JetStar / Edwards AFB / May 1970

USAF - C-140 Jet Star - Scott AFB - Jan 1980

USAF Lockheed C-140A Jet Star parked at Scott AFB, Illinois - April 1980

The final Lockheed C-140B JetStar executive transport built for the U.S. Air Force sits on the ramp in Marietta, Georgia, prior to delivery on 3 July 1963. The aircraft (Air Force serial number 62-4201) was sent to the 1254th Air Transport Wing at Andrews AFB, Maryland, where it remained until January 1966, when it was moved across the ramp to the 89th Military Airlift (Special Air Mission) Wing. This aircraft was assigned to President Lyndon Johnson and was used extensively by the First Family. In June 1972, this aircraft was redesignated as a VC-140B, and in 1977 was shipped to Ramstein AB, Germany, to serve with the 435th Tactical Airlift Wing. After second stints at both Andrews and Ramstein, this JetStar returned to the U.S. in October 1987 and was assigned to the 375th Aeromedical Airlift Wing and the 1467th Facilities Checking Squadron at Scott AFB, Illinois. After a crack developed in the left wing spar, the JetStar was retired in January 1989 and stored at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona. In January 1992, the Hill Aerospace Museum at Hill AFB, Utah, acquired this JetStar for static display.

Air Force Communications Service C-140A JetStar on display at the 1963 Paris Airshow. (Photo)

NASA Dryden’s C-140 JetStar during a test for advanced propfans in 1981. (NASA)

A VC-140B JetStar at President Lydon B. Johnson’s family ranch near Stonewall, Texas, in June, 1967. (US Air Force)

Six total VC-140s were used by the US Air Force as a VIP transport. President Johnson referred to the plane as “Air Force One Half” because of its small size. (USAF/Ken LaRock)