Military Aircraft
Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress
ICAO: B17
Overview
The Boeing E-6 TACAMO is a communications relay aircraft developed for U.S. Navy strategic missions. Based on the 707 airframe, it supports nuclear command and control networks. The aircraft entered service in the late 1980s.
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Specifications
Units
- Engine
- 4 × CFMI CFM-56-2A-2
- Engine type
- Turbofan
- Thrust
- 4 × 22,000 lbf · 98 kN
- Avionics
- AN/ARC-182 VHF/UHF TxRx, AN/ARC-190 HF
- Wing tips
- No winglets
- Seats
- 22
- Crew
- —
- Cabin width
- 11 ft 6 in · 3.50 m
- Cabin height
- 7 ft 3 in · 2.20 m
- Cabin length
- 111 ft 3 in · 33.90 m
- Exterior length
- 150 ft 3 in · 45.80 m
- Tail height
- 42 ft 5 in · 12.93 m
- Fuselage diameter
- 12 ft 2 in · 3.70 m
- Wing span
- 148 ft 4 in · 45.20 m
- Baggage volume
- —
- Gross weight
- —
- Empty weight
- —
- Max takeoff weight
- 340,500 lb · 154,500 kg
- Max landing weight
- —
- Max payload
- 146,000 lb · 66,000 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 24,000 gal · 90,800 L · 72,600 kg (Jet A)
- Max cruise speed
- 522 kt · 601 mph · 967 km/h
- Maximum speed
- —
- Cruise speed
- —
- Approach speed
- —
- Range
- 6,600 nm · 7,600 mi · 12,220 km
- Fuel burn
- 0.27 nm/gal · 0.13 km/L
- Ceiling
- 40,000 ft · 12,200 m
- Rate of climb
- 3,500 ft/min · 18 m/s
- Takeoff distance
- 7,000 ft · 2,130 m
- Landing distance
- 6,000 ft · 1,830 m
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Operational Context
Boeing E-6 TACAMO — airborne strategic communications aircraft
The E-6 first flew in 1987 and entered service in 1989. It replaced earlier EC-130 aircraft in the TACAMO role, which stands for Take Charge and Move Out. The aircraft is equipped with extensive communications systems to link strategic forces.
Powered by four CFM56 turbofan engines producing approximately 22,000 pounds of thrust (98 kN) each, the E-6 cruises at around 450 knots (830 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 340,000 pounds (154,200 kg). Specialized antenna systems extend from the aircraft during operations.
The E-6 plays a vital role in maintaining continuous strategic communications. Upgraded variants perform additional command functions. The aircraft remains an integral part of U.S. strategic deterrence infrastructure.
Sources and references used for research and fact-checking.