Data Quality83%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the tactical transports category.
01 / Overview
WC-135 Constant Phoenix
Category
Country
Prime contractor
Production
1965–
Quantity
14
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
TACTICAL TRANSPORTS · COLD WAR
36
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
80
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the tactical transports category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General5MOD.5
- First Flight1965
- Service Entry Year1965
- Crew4
- Primary RoleAtmospheric sampling for nuclear event detection
- In ServiceYes
◈Powerplant3MOD.3
- Engine TypePratt & Whitney TF33-P-9 (WC-135C) / Pratt & Whitney TF33-P-5 (WC-135W)
- Number of Engines4
- Thrust (each)160.5
▣Performance6MOD.6
- Cruise Speed809 km/h
- Top Speed648 km/h
- Service Ceiling12,192 m
- Maximum Range6,437 km
- Range with Max Payload6,437 km
- Unpaved / Short FieldNo
◇Cargo & Capacity1MOD.1
◆Aerial Refueling2MOD.2
▤Dimensions & Weights4MOD.4
- Length42.367 m
- Wingspan39.6 m
- Height12.8 m
- Max Takeoff Weight136,306.8 kg
⬢Production3MOD.3
- Total Built14
- Operators3
- Variants135
▲Service History2MOD.2
- Production Start1965
- Operational StatusActive
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 1965Production started
61
years in service
14
units produced
1
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
05 / MASS Score
TACTICAL TRANSPORTS RANKING Tactical Transports · Cold War
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
186TACTICAL TRANSPORTS36COLD WAR · TACTICAL TRANSPORTS2022UNITED STATES · ALL WEAPONS122PERFORMANCE/PRICE · TACTICAL TRANSPORTS
ⓘ Rankings are within theTactical Transportscategory.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE1terms
Capable of receiving fuel from another aircraft while in flight, extending its operational range and endurance.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources