Originally built as a C-135B. Later converted to an EC-135E, later EC-135N, RC-135X, and RC-135S. Slide taken by Mr. Ron McNeil.

Departing March AFB late in the afternoon was EC-135E "RICK 25"

On display at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. With its unmistakable "Droop Snoot" nose, "Bird of Prey" is one of eight modified C-135s that was a joint project between NASA and the DoD to provide mobile tracking and telemetry as an Apollo/Range Instrumentation Aircraft (A/RIA). It became operational in Jan. 1968 and went on to serve with the 4950th Test Wing and 412th Test Wing over a 32-year career. The bulbous nose contains a steerable seven-foot antenna.

EC-135E parked alongside another on the March tarmac back in June 1984

Coming down from Edwards, this EC-135E worked the pattern for a bit late on a January afternoon in 1996

This Advanced Range Instrument Aircraft (ARIA)'The Bird of Prey' arrived at the National Museum of the USAF in Nov. 2000 after a 32-year service life.

A row of tails with a difference...no tails! Fortunately the hulks can often be identified using the AMARG Inventory number.