U.S. Coast Guard Aviation History
Grumman VC-11A "Gulfstream II"
Manufacturer Grumman
Designation VC-11A
Other Designations, if
any: USCG-01
Aircraft Type Fixed-wing, twin jet engine executive transport
Wing Span 68' 10"
Height 71' 4"
Length 79' 11"
Fuel Capacity 3,450 gallons
Top Speed 585 mph
Cruising Speed 565 mph
Stall Speed 154 mph
Range 2,930 nautical miles
Gross Weight 59,500 pounds
Crew 4
Service Ceiling 43,000'
Engine(s) 2 x Rolls-Royce Spey MK 511.8 turbofan
Sea level climb 5,050 feet per minute
Coast Guard tail number USCG 01
Information:
The Coast Guard acquired a single Gulfstream II in February 1969 as a high speed executive transport for use by the Commandant and the Secretary of Transportation. It was based out of Washington National Airport. The Coast Guard accepted the aircraft without modifications.
According to a USCG Memo, dated 20 December 1973, the VC-4A's and the VC-11A's authorized use included:
"These aircraft are used to provide air transportation on a demand basis, to the Secretary [of Transportation] and members of his staff, the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard and members of his staff and such other personnel as may be authorized by the Commandant. The VC-4A is normally used for all flights east of the Mississippi and the VC-11A is normally used only for flights west of the Mississippi or outside CONUS."
The VC-4A, according to the same memo, flew for an average of 800 hours per year and carried an average of 7.8 passengers per flight. The VC-11A, on the other hand, flew an average of 600 hours per year and carried an average of 6.5 passengers per flight.
Sources:
Arthur Pearcy, U.S. Coast Guard Aircraft Since 1916 (Annapolis: Naval Institute Press, 1991), pp. 320-321.
Gordon Swanborough & Peter M. Bowers. United States Navy Aircraft Since 1911 (Annapolis: Naval Institute Press, 1990) (revised), pp. 432-435.