When Gulfstream announced the Gulfstream III, the United States Air Force saw a jet that could replace the outgoing Lockheed C-140 Jetstars, with this began a long standing relationship between Gulfstream and the USAF. The designation of C-20A was given to the first four airframes that joined the service, these were handed over for Presidential executive transport support, with deliveries beginning in 1983.
Two C-20Cs followed in 1985 with one more following in 1986, these were handed over to 89th Airlift Wing at Andrews Air Force base, little was known about the mission these were to be used for, but presidential evacuation duties was certainly one priority.
The last batch to be delivered to the USAF were seven Gulfstream C-20Bs handed over from 1986 these also being handed over to the 89th MAW but were for a more conservative VIP duty within the Air Force. One of these (86-0205) replaced the VC-11A with the USCG although it wasn't to last as long with the service as the G-1159 did.
The US Navy and US Marine Corps also noticed the usefulness of the Gulfstream III in the VIP role and designated their jets C-20Ds one for each service was delivered mid 1987, the US Navy however took on one other, a former USAF C-20A which was delivered in 2004 to replace a VP-3A Orion known as "CATBIRD" for European VIP duties. Not wanting to be left out of the Gulfstream III party the US Army had two C-20Es both delivered in 1988 and served until 2014. unfortunately only a handful of C-20s are still in service today with most ending up at AMARG.
The Gulfstream III also saw many orders from foreign military forces with, Denmark, Mexico, Venezuela, Ireland, Italy, Saudi Arabia and India all using them in various roles. Of those nations the Indian Air Force have two heavily modified examples, the very obvious lumps on each side are long range cameras for looking into their neighbours back yard, although both have been seen flying from Delhi International, it is thought that two newly delivered Global Express jets are to replace them.
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| Photo by Westleigh Bushell |
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