US Coast Guard orders a new C-37

On 6 October 2020, the US Coast Guard (USCG) has ordered a new C-37B long range command and control aircraft with Gulfstream Aerospace of Savannah (GA).

The military variant of the well-known Gulfstream 550 will cost the American tax payer USD 66,6 million. That amount also includes the installation specific USCG communications and security suits. The new C-37B will replace an ageing C-37A, so the USCG retains a necessary two-aircraft fleet in order to provide this deployed command and control capacity.

The USCG currently operates two C-37s, C-37A (based on the Gulfstream V) with serial 01 (construction number 653) and C-37B serial 02 (c/n 5416). Both aircraft are used for command and control and required-use transport worldwide for USCG and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) leadership. The duo is based at Washington/Ronald Reagan Washington National (DC).

The USCG suits include an enhanced weather radar and a dito vision system (the later allows increased visibility in poor weather conditions), autopilot and an ultra-modern heads-up display for the pilot. The Gulfs are also equipped with both commercial and military communications equipment to provide secure and non-secure voice and data capability.

Photo: USCG (the retiring C-37A)