background
Based on the venerable Boeing C-135B air frame, the WC-135 Constant Phoenix is a four-engine jet airliner equipped with tools to collect and analyze particulate and gaseous evidence of radiation, typically resulting from a nuclear explosion. Recently, the Constant Phoenix has been deployed to Japan to monitor possible North Korean nuclear tests when they occur. Thus, this aircraft, which was introduced in 1965, remains on the frontline of American strategy to this day.
Ten aircraft were converted from C-135B transport aircraft, replacing the existing Boeing WB-50 (tasked for radiation sampling and weather reconnaissance). Originally assigned to the 55th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron based at McClellan Air Force Base in California and under the Military Airlift Command (MAC), the aircraft could be deployed globally during times of tension or conflict to monitor possible nuclear detonations.
WC-135 at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska give a “thumbs-down” signal, indicating the aircraft is above the limit for radiation (following a sampling mission near Fukishima Power Plant in 2011)
equipment on board
The aircraft utilizes external flow-through devices used to collect radioactive particulates on filter paper, along with a compressor system which takes samples of the air itself and stores it for analysis. It is crewed by up to 33 personnel; the cockpit crew, which currently is comprised of a crew from the 45th Reconnaissance Squadron out of Offutt Air Force Base (Omaha, Nebraska), a maintenance crew, and special equipment operators from the Air Force Technical Applications Center at Patrick Air Force Base (Florida).
specifications
- Manufacturer | Boeing
- Crew | Up to 33
- Length | 139 ft 11 in (42.6 m)
- Wingspan | 130 ft 10 in (39.9 m)
- Height | 42 ft (12.8 m)
- Maximum Takeoff Weight | 300,500 lb (136,300 kg)
- Powerplant | 4 x Pratt & Whitney TF33-P-5 (WC-135W); 4 x Pratt & Whitney TF33-P-9 (WC-135C)
- Maximum Speed | 350 KIAS (648 km/h)
- Range | 4,000 miles (6,437 km)
units in service
- WC-135C | 45th Reconnaissance Squadron, 55th Wing, Offutt Air Force Base (Nebraska)
- Tail Number 61-2667
- WC-135W | 45th Reconnaissance Squadron, 55th Wing, Offutt Air Force Base (Nebraska)
- Tail Number 62-3582
