EC-135C "Looking Glass" Aircraft: 63-8049

The Boeing EC-135 was a command and control version of the Boeing C-135 Stratolifter. During the Cold War, the EC-135 was best known for being modified to perform the Looking Glass mission where one EC-135 was always airborne 24 hours a day to serve as flying command post for the Strategic Air Command in the event of nuclear war. Various other EC-135 aircraft sat on airborne and ground alert throughout the Cold War, with the last EC-135C being retired in 1998.

The Boeing EC-135 Looking Glass aircraft is a conversion of the basic C-135/KC-135 family of aircraft for the strategic command and control mission. This airborne command post function provides a survivable means of command and control in the event that SAC underground command center, alternate command posts, or ground-based communications are lost. It also provides an alternate method to launch the Minuteman/Peacekeeper missiles if ground launch control centers are destroyed.

Each airborne command post aircraft carries a battle staff and variety of communications equipment. The SAC Airborne Command Post was on airborne alert around the clock from February 3, 1961 until July 24, 1990.

When airborne, the battle staff, headed by a SAC general officer, monitors several communications systems and maintains contact with the SAC underground and alternate command posts, the national Military Command Centers, and the SAC alert forces.

About Our C-135(EC), S/N 63-8049 : The Air Force accepted aircraft S/N 63-8049 on October 24, 1964. Below are the unit assignments of this aircraft:

October 24, 1964- To 499 Air Refueling Wing (SAC), Westover AFB, Massachusetts

September 18, 1966- To Offutt AFB, Nebraska

May 23, 1967- To 2nd Bomb Wing (SAC), Barksdale, Louisiana

October 1, 1967- To 499 Air Refueling Wing (SAC), Westover AFB, Massachusetts

January 29, 1970- To 55 Strategic Reconnaissance Wing (SAC), Offutt AFB, Nebraska

June 8, 1973- To 28th Bomb Wing (SAC), Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota

January 4, 1974- To 55 Strategic Reconnaissance Wing (SAC), Offutt AFB, Nebraska

July 1, 1981- To 28th Bomb Wing (SAC), Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota

November 25, 1981- To 55 Strategic Reconnaissance Wing (SAC), Offutt AFB, Nebraska

March 2, 1993- Dropped from inventory by transfer to the Strategic Air & Space Museum.