Boeing WC-135R Constant Phoenix Atmospheric Collection Variant
The Boeing WC-135R Constant Phoenix is the current U.S. Air Force atmospheric-collection variant of the KC-135 family. The Air Force completed the transition from the retired WC-135C/W fleet to three WC-135R aircraft in 2023; the mission supports national-level collection of atmospheric particulates and gases for nuclear-detection and treaty-monitoring operations.
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Identity
- Aliases
- WC-135R Constant PhoenixWC-135RConstant Phoenix
- Family Name
- Boeing WC-135R Constant Phoenix
- Full Name
- Boeing WC-135R Constant Phoenix Atmospheric Collection Variant
- Roles
- militaryreconnaissance
- Status
- active
- Type
- aircraft
Details
- Aircraft Specs
- Configuration
- fixed_wing
- Cruise Speed Kph
- 648
- Max Speed Kph
- 648
- Max Takeoff Mass Kg
- 136,304
- Operating Modes
- land
- Range Km
- 7,408
- Service Ceiling M
- 12,192
- Takeoff Landing Capabilities
- conventional
- Description
- The Boeing WC-135R Constant Phoenix is the current U.S. Air Force atmospheric-collection variant of the KC-135 family. The Air Force completed the transition from the retired WC-135C/W fleet to three WC-135R aircraft in 2023; the mission supports national-level collection of atmospheric particulates and gases for nuclear-detection and treaty-monitoring operations.
- Manufacturer
- Parent Vehicle Family
- Propulsion Configurations
- Entries
- Nested value
- Name
- WC-135R F108-CF-100 installation
- Notes
- The source establishes the CFM56/F108 installation but not a separate WC-135R engine suffix; no unrepresented propulsion node was created.
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- Creation Time
- August 14, 2026 at 05:28:40 UTC
- Updated Time
- August 14, 2026 at 05:28:40 UTC