OC-135B Open Skies

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The OC-135B Open Skies aircraft was modified from a WC-135 weather reconnaissance aircraft, to make flights over countries participating in the Open Skies Treaty.[1] Since it will have foreign country representatives aboard, the photographic, navigational, and other sensors aboard will be commercial, to avoid problems of disclosing classified technology. In addition to the flight crew, onboard personnel from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency are responsible for the U.S. side of the treaty operations.

Its primary sensors are four cameras, one vertical and two oblique for low-altitude photography,[2] and a high-altitude [3] panoramic camera, which scans from side to side to provide a wide-view image. Under the treaty, it can also carry infrared and video scanners.

References

  1. U.S. Air Force Link, OC-135B Open Skies
  2. approximately 3000ft/914 meters
  3. appproximately 35000 feet/10668 meters