EC-121T Warning Star
by Arthur Eggers
Title
EC-121T Warning Star
Artist
Arthur Eggers
Medium
Digital Art - Color Print
Description
The EC-121T was an electronics upgrade of fifteen EC-121Ds and seven EC-121Hs. They were used by the 552nd Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) Wing and the 79th AEW&C Squadron until 1978. Some of the T models had the upper radome removed and the height finder radar was replaced with special IFF gear. The 552nd AEW&C Wing distinguished itself overseas during the VietNam conflict, earning several Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards (AFOUA). The overseas unit was first known as Big Eye, then College Eye. There was a Reserve unit at Homestead AFB, FL that flew both the EC-121D and T models (79th AEW&C Sqd). Both had unit deployments to Iceland (Keflavik) from about mid 1960s until the end, October 1978. The last unit being the 79th AEW&C Squadron and Detachment 1, 20th ADS. The U.S. Air Force Lockheed EC-121T Warning Star (S/N 53-0548) of the 552nd AEW&C Wing at McClellan AFB was the last U.S. Air Force EC-121 to be retired. EC-121s were used extensively in Southeast Asia between 16 April 1965, and 1 June 1974, particularly in support of Operation Rolling Thunder and Operation Linebacker I/Linebacker II to provide radar early warning and limited airborne control of USAF fighter forces engaging MiG interceptors flying orbits over the Gulf of Tonkin and later over Laos. From April 1965 to early 1966 and beginning again in late 1967, the EC-121Ds also controlled a flight of MiGCAP fighters for unarmed support aircraft operating over the Gulf. The EC-121Ds also served as an airborne communications relay center for strike aircraft to transmit mission results and position reports to the control center at Da Nang; directed operations of fighter escorts, MiGCAPs; provided radar and navigational assistance for Combat Search and Rescue missions; and assisted fighters in finding tankers for emergency refueling.
Uploaded
January 20th, 2012
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