WC-135R Conducts Atmospheric Testing in the CENTCOM AOR

In a rare occurrence, the USAF has released photos of a WC-135R Constant Phoenix conducting sampling operations in an undisclosed location within the CENTCOM AOR.

WC-135 is the only aircraft in the U.S. Air Force inventory that conducts air sampling operations and collects particulate and gaseous effluents and debris in the atmosphere in support of the 1963 Limited Test Ban Treaty which ensures signatory nations adhere to prohibited above ground nuclear weapons testing.

Assigned to the 45th Reconnaissance Squadron, 55th Wing, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, Constant Phoenix is used worldwide to conduct radionuclide baseline flights. The aircraft’s onboard atmospheric collection suite allows mission crew assigned to the Air Force Technical Applications Center at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida, to detect radioactive “clouds” in real time through its internal compressor system.

Photo by Airman 1st Class Zeeshan Naeem