T-43 Aircraft
The plane carrying Commerce Secretary Ronald H. Brown was a T-43, the Air Force version of the Boeing 737-200. The design of the aircraft dates to the mid-1960s but is considered to have a good long-term safety record.
* Brown’s plane was one of a dozen in active military use. Four are equipped for passengers; most of the others are used in training.
* Aircraft were purchased by the Air Force in 1973 and 1974. Brown’s jet was based at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.
* Has reinforced floor, small antennas and military navigation equipment not standard on civilian aircraft.
* Builder: The Boeing Co.
* Power plant: Two Pratt & Whitney JT8D-9A engines
* Length: 100 feet
* Height: 37 feet
* Wingspan: 93 feet
* Speed: 535 mph at 35,000 feet
* Ceiling: 37,000 feet
* Range: 2,995 miles
* Maximum takeoff weight: 15,000 pounds
Sources: Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft; Associated Press
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