N859WP

This entry describes a specific Boeing 737-600 airframe, registered as N859WP, built in 2001 with manufacturer's serial number 28652 by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. The airframe is owned by the DEPARTMENT OF THE AIRFORCE (a government entity) and is based at Hill AFB, UT, US; it is operated in a government transport role under a US registration. The airframe carries a high-density passenger configuration for government transport; ownership by the Department of the Air Force represents a change from commercial to dedicated government service. Condition and valuation data are not published here, but the aircraft retains standard Boeing Next-Generation systems for operational commonality.

The subject airframe is configured in a high-density passenger layout with approximately 149 seats arranged for government transport duties rather than typical commercial spacing. The cockpit is equipped with the Honeywell-based Boeing 737 Next-Generation flight deck in the standard NG fit, maintaining common avionics and flight-deck procedures with civilian 737-600 fleet members. Typical mission profiles for this configuration emphasize short- to medium-range transport tasks within the aircraft’s 3,235 nm ferry/mission capability and cruising at approximately 450 kts to optimize transit speed for personnel movement. Maintenance considerations align with the 737 Next-Generation maintenance program and support for the CFM56-7B22 engines; airframe and systems support are coordinated from the operator’s base at Hill AFB, UT.

The Boeing 737-600 (NG series) occupies the lower-capacity end of the 737 Next-Generation family, serving operators that require jet performance with a smaller passenger count and lower operating cost relative to larger variants. Its mission niche includes short- to medium-range routes where a 149-seat, high-density layout can be applied to government transport or charter roles. Competing models in the same capacity band historically include smaller narrowbodies from both Boeing and Airbus families, and resale or transfer considerations for this airframe are influenced by its government ownership, NG avionics fit, and the widespread service history of the CFM56-7B22 engine type.