Two C-38As - the military version of the Israel Aircraft Industries Astra SPX business jet - have entered service with the US Air National Guard's 201st Airlift Squadron. The Washington DC-based unit is seeking two more C-38As and three C-32As, which are modified Boeing 757-200s. The transcontinental Astra SPX was selected over the Learjet 60 to replace ageing C-21A Learjet special mission aircraft. Maj Gen Paul Weaver, the Air National Guard director, says he will exercise the contract option when funding is made available by Congress. Weaver says the unit also needs to replace three C-22Bs - militarised Boeing 727-100s - which do not comply with Stage 3 noise limits.
Source: Flight International