Offutt Air Force Base has recently received the second of three refurbished WC-135R surveillance aircraft, commonly known as “nuke-sniffers”. Tail number 64-14831 arrived at the base after being converted by defense contractor L3Harris under the supervision of the U.S.Air Force’s “Big Safari” program. The new aircraft is part of the 55th Wing’s mission to detect atmospheric radiation, particularly from events such as North Korean weapons tests or nuclear submarine bases in the Russian Arctic, in support of the 1963 Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.
The arrival of 64-14831 doubles the Wing’s ability to take air samples and detect atmospheric radiation. Prior to this, if an event happened in both the Pacific and Europe, the Wing had to choose which to respond to. With the new aircraft, they now have the option to respond to both. The mission, Constant Phoenix, is operated by the 45th Reconnaissance Squadron.
The WC-135R plays a critical role in detecting and monitoring atmospheric radiation. Equipped with sensing pods on each side of the fuselage over the wing, filters inside the pods can capture tiny particles from a nuclear blast, providing analysts with critical information about the composition of the bomb or other radiation source. The aircraft has also been fitted with compressors that channel air samples into tanks for further study.
The total cost of converting the three aircraft is $218 million, appropriated by Congress in 2018 and 2019 at the urging of Nebraska’s congressional delegation. The new aircraft replaces two 60-year-old WC-135s with outdated engines and avionics that had poor maintenance records. The aircraft’s prior service in the Air National Guard means they are in better shape than the 55th Wing workhorses, which typically rack up more flight hours and are maintained by active-duty Air Force mechanics.
The arrival of 64-14831 marks a significant upgrade for the 55th Wing’s mission to detect atmospheric radiation. With the new aircraft, the Wing is now better equipped to respond to events in multiple regions simultaneously, enhancing national security and safeguarding against potential threats.
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