Boeing C-135C ARIA (Advanced Range Instrumentation Aircraft) · PlaneSpot

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24 Apr 2026 · © Unknown

U.S. Air Force Boeing C-135C ARIA, used for high-altitude telemetry and mission tracking, pictured amidst the desert.

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Aircraft

C-135C ARIA (Advanced Range Instrumentation Aircraft) C-135C

U.S. Air Force white w/ AFMC tail band

Airline

United States Air Force

Manufacturer

Achievements

Rare Bird, Vintage Voyager, Boeing Beginner, Military Maverick

4 badges earned

Insights

Aviation History

The C-135C ARIA was a specialized U.S. Air Force test and telemetry platform, based on the venerable KC-135 Stratotanker family. Only a few were built, and they served vital roles in missile, rocket and space launch tracking.

Fleet Rarity

One of less than a dozen built; extremely rare.

Record Flights

Many were involved in historic Apollo, Space Shuttle, and military missile test programs, trailing and tracking critical re-entry vehicles.

Safety & Events

ARIA #61-0328 was lost in a 1981 crash, but others performed support for Skylab, Apollo, and DoD missile launches.

Future Outlook

Retired from active Air Force service, with some preserved in museums.

Specifications

Pratt & Whitney TF33-PW-102 turbofans

Engine

39.88 meters

Wingspan

41.53 meters

Length

6,500 kilometers

Range

870 kilometers per hour

Speed

Mission crew of approximately 15-25 (mission dependent)

Capacity

146,284 kilograms

MTOW

12.70 meters

Height

75.6 kN (17,000 lbf) per engine

Thrust

ICAO Chapter 3 (older, noisier standard), estimated 95–100 dB on takeoff

Noise