EC-18
        Brief: A heavily modified Boeing 707 used to gather
 telemetry and other data in tests of aircraft, spacecraft,
 and missiles.
        Function:       Electronic surveillance.
        Operator:       AFMC.
        First Flight: February 1985.
        Delivered:      January 1988.
        IOC: January 1986.
        production: six.
        Inventory:      six.
        Ceiling:        42,000 ft.
        Unit Location: Edwards AFB, Calif.
        Contractor:     Boeing.
        Power Plant: four Pratt & Whitney TF33 turbofans;
 each 18,000 lb thrust.
        Accommodation: 16-24 in EC-18B.
        Dimensions: span 145 ft 9 in, length 152 fill in,
 height 42 ft 5 in.
 Weight: gross 327,000 lb.
        Performance: max level speed 627mph, range 7,610 miles.
        COMMENTARY
        EC-18B Advanced Range Instrumentation Aircraft (ARIA) are
 modified former commercial Boeing 707-320 transports. Replacing
 some of the EC-135 A/E ARIA aircraft, the EC-18B is similarly
 equipped, with the world's largest airborne steerable antenna
 housed in a bulbous nose. Range, cabin space, and fuel efficiency
 are all increased to provide greater support for the expanding
 ARIA mission, including DoD and NASA space and missile programs.
        EC-18D cruise missile mission control aircraft (CMMCA) are
 Boeing 707a, modified by Chrysler, to include an ANIAPG-63 sur-
 veillance radar, telemetry receiver, and weather radar. Operated
 by the 452d FTS, the two aircraft support USAF and USN missile
 testing and are also capable of monitoring and controlling UAVs.
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