THE LOOKING GLASS

The Looking Glass aircraft was an EC-135c. This 4-engine
jet aircraft was produced by the Boeing Aircraft Company, of Seattle,
Washington. It was based on the prototype airliner built in 1954. The
Air Force placed an initial order for 29 aircraft which would be used
as tanker aircraft. With minor variations from the prototype, the
first aircraft were delivered in 1957. There were many variations on
this original design. The 135 series probably has more variants than
any other aircraft. The EC designations are "Electronic Command Post"
variants. "Looking Glass" was the name given to SAC's airborne
command post. Beginning Feb 3, 1961, Looking Glass began continuous
airborne operations. From that day until 24 July 1990, nearly 30
years, one of these airplanes remained on continuous airborne alert
over the United States. The airborne command post was filled with a
full array of communications systems and computers. Manned by a
highly experienced battle staff, the Looking Glass was capable of
assuming direction of the U.S. bomber and missile force, and execute
emergency war orders at the direction of the President. Each mission
was directed by a SAC general officer. The battle staff was made up
of specialists in command, control, operations, plans, intelligence,
logistics and communications. The EC-135c aircraft normally flew
three eight-hour missions daily, from their home base at Offutt Air
Force Base, about eleven miles south of Omaha, Nebraska. Each
aircraft stayed airborne until its replacement was on station and
relieved the earlier mission. The continuous airborne presence of
these aircraft demonstrated American resolve to survive a nuclear
first stike and maintain unimpeded control of the U.S. nuclear
arsenal.





The Looking Glass Targeting Staff (circa
1986) 











The EC-135c



Dimensions: wingspan -130 ft Length - 134 ft Height - 38 ft Max
Speed - about 580 MPH The EC-135, while not a tanker, had the full
refueling capabilities of the KC-135 and was able to refuel other
aircraft as well as take on fuel. A boom operator was always part of
the crew.


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Last Update: 28 May 01