Everything about C-137 Stratoliner totally explained
The
Boeing C-137 Stratoliner was a VIP
transport aircraft derived from the
Boeing 707 jet airliner used by the
United States Air Force. Other nations also bought both new and used 707s for military service, primarily as VIP or tanker transports. In addition, the 707 served as the basis for several specialized versions, such as the
E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft. The designation
C-18 covers several later variants based on the 707-320C series.
Development
USAF procurement of the Boeing 707 was very limited, amounting to three Model 707-153s designated VC-137A. When delivered in 1959 these had four 6123-kg (13,500-Ib) dry thrust Pratt & Whitney JT3C6 turbojets; when subsequently re-engined with 8165-kg (18,000-Ib) dry thrust TF33-P-5 turbofans they were redesignated VC-137B. Only one other variant served with the USAF: this was the
VC-137C Air Force One Presidential transport, the two examples of which, apart from interior furnishings, are similar to the Model 707-320B Intercontinental. Two further non-presidential C-137C aircraft were later added.
To supplement its VC-137s, the USAF converted several C-135 airframes to VC-135 VIP standard, and these were used for staff transport mainly within the United States.
EC-18B: Four C-18As modified alongside examples of the C-135 for Advanced Range Instrumentation Aircraft (ARIA) missions in support of the Apollo space program.
707T/T : The 707 Tanker/Transport. Italy purchased and converted four 707s, two to tankers and two to a straight freighter. No 707 tankers remains operational as of 3 April 2008. Also, Omega Air operates K707 tankers for lease.
;Sentry AEW1 : The Royal Air Force designation for seven E-3D AWACS aircraft.
KE-3A : The Royal Saudi Air Force purchased eight E-3 airframes configured as aerial refueling tankers.
;Condor : Airborne Early Warning, Command and Control (AEWC&C) aircraft developed in conjunction with Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) using a former Lan Chile aircraft.
Operators
