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Boeing C-137 Stratoliner

The Boeing C-137 Stratoliner is a retired VIP transport aircraft derived from the Boeing 707 jet airliner used by the United States Air Force. Other nations also bought both new and used 707s for military service, primarily as VIP or tanker transports. In addition, the 707 served as the basis for several specialized versions, such as the E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft. The designation C-18 covers several later variants based on the 707-320B/C series. The C-137 should not be confused with the similar Boeing C-135 Stratolifter; although they share a common ancestor the two aircraft have different fuselages, among other structural differences.

Development
US Air Force procurement of the Boeing 707 was very limited, amounting to three Model 707-153s designated VC-137A. When delivered in 1959 these had four dry thrust Pratt & Whitney J57 (JT3C6) turbojets; when subsequently re-engined with dry thrust TF33-P-5 (JT3D) turbofans they were redesignated VC-137B. Only one other variant served with the Air Force: this was the 'VC-137C Air Force One''''' Presidential transport, the two examples of which were Model 707-320B Intercontinentals with specialized interior furnishings and advanced communications equipment. Two further C-137C aircraft lacking Presidential transport modifications were later added. To supplement its VC-137s, the USAF converted several C-135 airframes to VC-135 VIP standard, and these were used for staff transport mainly within the United States. ==Variants==
Variants
C-18 (ARIA) takes off on its first flight at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, following its conversion from a Boeing 707-320. The C-18 is the US military designation for the conversions of the 707-320B series. ;C-18A: Eight second-hand (former American Airlines) 707-323Cs bought as crew trainers for the EC-18Bs, four later converted to EC-18B, two converted to EC-18D, one to C-18B; one was not taken into service and was used for spares. ;C-18B: One C-18A modified with instrumentation and equipment to support the Military Strategic and Tactical Relay System (MILSTAR). ;EC-18B: Four C-18As modified alongside examples of the C-135 for Advanced Range Instrumentation Aircraft (ARIA) missions in support of the Apollo space program. ;EC-18C: Original designation for two prototype J-STAR aircraft, later redesignated E-8A. ;EC-18D: Two C-18As modified as a Cruise Missile Mission Control Aircraft (CMMCA). ;707: IRIAF operates 707 Tankers and Transports. ;707 Re’em: The Israeli Air Force operates an undisclosed number (sources suggest 7) of converted Boeing 707s with flying booms in 120 ("Desert Giants") Squadron. Israel's fleet are former civilian aircraft adapted for military uses such as aerial refueling of fighter jets and transport. Able to carry 20 extra fuel tanks while modified for aerial refueling, the Re’ems can be adapted to carry passengers as well as cargo such as military equipment and ammunition. Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the planes have also been used to carry medical equipment. ;707T/T: The 707 Tanker/Transport. Italy purchased and converted four 707s, two to tankers and two to a straight freighter. No 707 tankers remain operational as of 3 April 2008. Also, Omega Aerial Refueling Services operates K707 tankers for lease. ;KE-3A: The Royal Saudi Air Force purchased eight E-3 airframes configured as aerial refueling tankers. ;Condor: Airborne Early Warning, Command and Control (AEWC&C) aircraft developed in conjunction with Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) using a former Lan Chile aircraft. ;CT-49A/707TCA: Three ex-Sabena airliners converted to TCA (Trainer Cargo Aircraft) in 1989 to support the NATO NAEWF E-3A training and air transport/cargo based on Boeing 707-320B. The aircraft were capable of making dry hookups with the USAF Flying Boom air-to-air refuelling system for training of pilots that were new to NAEWF, but also served as cargo/passenger transport. The two oldest/highest time 707s were replaced by two former Luftwaffe 707s in 1999. NAEWF withdrew the TCAs in 2011. ==Operators==
Aircraft on display
on display at the Reagan Library The following aircraft are on public display: • 58-6970 Model 707-120 USAF VC-137B SAM 970 - "Queenie", a former Air Force One jet, first used by Eisenhower, is on display at the Museum of Flight, Seattle, WA. • 58-6971 Model 707-153 USAF VC-137B is on display at the Pima Air and Space Museum adjacent to Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson, AZ. This aircraft became known as "Freedom One" after serving in the return of the American hostages from Tehran, Iran in 1981. • 62-6000 Model 707-320B (VC-137C SAM 26000), a former Air Force One aircraft, is on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson AFB near Dayton, Ohio. • 72-7000 Model 707-353B (VC-137C SAM 27000), a former Air Force One aircraft, is on display at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. ==Specifications (VC-137C)==
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