Years In Service: 1951-1982
Initial Flight: June 9, 1949
The EC-121 provided early warning signs by detecting and tracking enemy aircraft with the electronic gear in the large radomes above and below its fuselage. It was employed by the United States Air Force and the United States Navy from the mid-1950s to the last aircraft retiring from the Air Force in 1976 and the U. S. Navy in 1982. EC-121s provided a crucial early warning air defense system to guard against Soviet surprise attacks during the early and middle years of the Cold War, notably during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.
Aircraft Specifications
Height: 27′ Wingspan: 126′ 2″ Length: 116′ 2″ Crew: Up to 17 Powerplant: Wright R-3350 Horsepower: 3,400 hp No. of Engines: 4 Cruise speed: 240 mph Max Speed: 290 mph Ceiling: 18,000 ft.