Boeing WC-135R
The Boeing WC-135 Constant Phoenix is nicknamed the ‘nuke sniffer’ because it collects air samples to detect radioactive debris from nuclear tests or accidents. It is derived from the C-135 family but carries specialised filtration and analysis equipment in place of a normal transport cabin. Its missions have included monitoring Chinese nuclear tests and collecting samples after the Fukushima accident. Only a handful have existed, so any sighting is notable even among military four-engine jets.
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Did you know?
Nicknamed the 'nuke sniffer', the WC-135 Constant Phoenix collects airborne samples to detect radioactive debris from nuclear tests or accidents.
Specifications
| Length | 41.5 m (136 ft) |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 39.9 m (131 ft) |
| Height | 12.7 m (42 ft) |
| Crew | 4 |
| Range | 3,400 NM (6,297 km) |
| Maximum speed | 580 kt (1,074 km/h) |
| Service ceiling | 50,000 ft (15,240 m) |
| Engines | 4x Pratt & Whitney TF33-P-9 |
Curated by CatchFlights from manufacturer documents, ICAO Doc 8643 and reference works; values are left out where no source could confirm them. Sources are listed on our credits page.
In CatchFlights
In CatchFlights the Boeing WC-135R starts as a Very rare catch. The tier is an editorial judgement of how special a sighting of this type is. The more often you catch it, the closer it moves to Common for you.
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