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1 [1] (March 17, 2026)

handle is hein.crs/govetvc0001 and id is 1 raw text is: , Congressional Research Service I nforming the legislative debate since 1914 March 17, 2026 Airlift Aircraft: Background and Issues for Congress The U.S. Air Force operates airlift aircraft to transport personnel, equipment, and supplies in support of military operations worldwide. Airlift aircraft support a function known as rapid global mobility, enabling the United States to project and sustain forces across long distances. During a 17-day period in August 2021, more than 250 U.S. mobility aircraft (a category of military aircraft that includes both cargo/personnel transport aircraft and aerial refueling tankers) evacuated about 124,000 U.S. citizens, allied personnel, and Afghan evacuees from Afghanistan-the largest noncombatant evacuation operation in U.S. history. The Air Force conducts airlift missions through Air Mobility Command (AMC)-the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) component responsible for transporting personnel, equipment, and supplies for the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD, which is using a secondary Department of War designation, under Executive Order 14347). AMC operates three categories of airlifters- executive, tactical (or intra-theater), and strategic (or inter- theater). Airlift missions include combat, executive transport, humanitarian relief, and specialized training. The Air Force directs the executive airlift mission using a specialized fleet-VC-25A, C-32A, C-40, and C-37-to provide secure, reliable, and global transportation for the President, Vice President, and other high-ranking civilian and military leaders. The Air Force operates four principal airlift aircraft: the C-130H and C-130J, which primarily conduct tactical airlift missions, and the C-17A and C-5M, which primarily conduct strategic airlift missions. Through annual defense authorization and appropriations legislation, Congress influences the composition, size, modernity, and sustainment of airlift fleets. Related legislation may determine whether or not to fund upgrades, develop next-generation platforms, or replace aging ones. Congress has also begun to scrutinize the use of military airlifts for third-country deportations. PresidentiaAirft The Air Force operates two VC-25A Air Force One executive aircraft to provide air transport for the President. Modified Boeing 747-200Bs are also used to transport the president and guests and are equipped with specialized electronics and communications equipment, a conference and dining room, and accommodations. The Air Force plans to replace the aging VC-25As, first flown in 1990, with two VC-25B aircraft, which are modified Boeing 747-8s. The VC-25B program previously scheduled aircraft delivery to begin in 2022; however, the manufacturer encountered delays related to labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and engineering changes and now reportedly projects deliveries to begin in mid-2028. Upgrading efforts also include reportedly acquiring two additional 747-8s for crew training and spare parts. The Air Force is reportedly modifying a Boeing 747-8 aircraft-provided by the Qatari government as a contribution-as a bridge aircraft until delivery of the VC-25B aircraft. President Trump said in May 2025 the Qatari aircraft, expected to be operational by summer 2026, would be decommissioned for use by his presidential library after he leaves office. Air Force officials said in June 2025 that funding details for the retrofit of the Qatari aircraft are classified. In 2025, some Members introduced legislative measures in opposition to the transfer and acceptance of the Qatari aircraft (e.g., S.Amdt. 3109, not agreed to in Senate, 46-50; H.Res. 410; and S.Res. 244). C- I 3OH and C-30J Fifure I. C-130 Hercules Source: U.S. Air Force. The C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft, first produced in 1951, performs tactical airlift missions. The aircraft can operate from short, unpaved, or austere runways and is the Air Force's primary platform for airdropping personnel and cargo into contested environments (i.e., those featuring air- defense systems and other adversarial capabilities). The C- 130H variant is operated mainly by the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve and is undergoing upgrades through the Avionics Modernization Program Increment 2 (AMP Inc 2). The Air Force states the upgrade integrates a new flight management system, autopilot, and digital avionics to enhance aircraft capability, reliability, and crew efficiency. The C-130J Super Hercules, the newest variant of the Hercules, is replacing legacy C-130H aircraft. The C-130J incorporates updated propulsion, avionics, and flight control systems, allowing it to operate with fewer crew, climb faster and higher, fly farther, and take off and land in shorter distances compared with earlier variants. Lockheed Martin manufactures the aircraft in Marietta, GA. The Air Force modifies C-130Js to conduct specialized missions. For example, AC-130Js support special operations forces, whereas HC-130Js conduct personnel recovery missions. Although the Air Force is replacing C- 130H aircraft for the C-130J, the transition is not one-for- one. The service is inactivating some C-130H squadrons, potentially shifting associated missions to other platforms or domains. As of 2025, the Air Force operated 102 C- 130Js on active duty, the Air National Guard operated 40