The Air Force took delivery on the third and final WC-135R "Nuke Sniffer" aircraft, completing its transition from its two-aircraft WC-135C/W fleet. The aircraft sample the air for particles and gases indicating nuclear activities. There are few missions like it anywhere else in the U.S. ...
The Air Force has ordered safety inspections for its entire fleets of KC-135 tankers, RC-135 reconnaissance planes, and WC-135 “nuke sniffers” over poorly-made tail pins, preventing aircraft from flying until they are cleared. The Time Compliance Technical Order (TCTO), issued Feb. 14, affects hundreds of aircraft. ...