Boeing EC-135 "Stratotanker"
Strategic Air Command (SAC) needed an Airborne Command Post, a specially equipped aircraft to be airborne at all times, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, in the event that SAC's underground command center was destroyed or became disabled. For 29 years beginning in 1961, EC-135s carried out that mission. They conducted continuous airborne command and control operations, accumulating more than 281,000 accident-free flying hours - an aviation phenomenon. The mission was dubbed "Looking Glass" because it mirrored ground-based operations. In 1990, "Looking Glass" aircraft ceased continuous airborne alert, but remained on ground alert 24 hours a day. On September 25, 1998, the Air Force handed over its "Looking Glass" mission to the Navy's E-6B aircraft. The EC-135 performed the flying command post mission for a total of 37 years. Max Speed: 580 mph. Max Range: 3,450 miles. Ceiling: 50,000 ft.
Boeing EC-135 "Stratotanker"
Strategic Air Command (SAC) needed an Airborne Command Post, a specially equipped aircraft to be airborne at all times, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, in the event that SAC's underground command center was destroyed or became disabled. For 29 years beginning in 1961, EC-135s carried out that mission. They conducted continuous airborne command and control operations, accumulating more than 281,000 accident-free flying hours - an aviation phenomenon. The mission was dubbed "Looking Glass" because it mirrored ground-based operations. In 1990, "Looking Glass" aircraft ceased continuous airborne alert, but remained on ground alert 24 hours a day. On September 25, 1998, the Air Force handed over its "Looking Glass" mission to the Navy's E-6B aircraft. The EC-135 performed the flying command post mission for a total of 37 years. Max Speed: 580 mph. Max Range: 3,450 miles. Ceiling: 50,000 ft.