Alerts Sign-up
The Boeing TC-135W, a specialized training aircraft derived from the C-135/RC-135 reconnaissance family, continues to serve the United States Air Force (USAF) and its allies decades after many similar jets have been retired. This rare aircraft is notable for its role in preparing reconnaissance crews for intelligence missions without exposing classified equipment or tying up operational assets.
The TC-135W originated as part of the larger C-135 Stratolifter family, which has provided various military services since the early 1960s. While other variants like the RC-135V/W Rivet Joint and KC-135 Stratotanker were developed for signals intelligence and aerial refueling respectively, the TC-135W was created specifically as a trainer. The need for a dedicated training platform became clear after an RC-135T accident in Alaska in 1985, which resulted in the loss of six crew members.
In response, the Air Force quickly introduced training versions such as the TC-135S and later converted several airframes into TC-135Ws during the early 1990s. Raytheon E-Systems modified these aircraft by removing operational sensors and installing modular suites that simulate intelligence-gathering missions. This allowed new crews to train on realistic systems while preserving valuable operational aircraft.
