Boeing C-137 Stratoliner facts for kids

This is a Boeing VC-137C, often used by important government officials.

The Boeing C-137 Stratoliner is a special airplane. It's a military version of the well-known Boeing 707 passenger jet. The U.S. Air Force uses these planes for different important jobs. They provide air support and transport very important people. This includes the President of the United States and other high-ranking members of the U.S. Federal Government. When used for these special tasks, the plane is called the Boeing VC-137.

What is the Boeing C-137 Stratoliner?

The Boeing C-137 Stratoliner is a modified version of the Boeing 707. The 707 was a very popular passenger plane. It changed air travel forever. The C-137 was built to serve military needs. It is not used for regular passenger flights. Instead, it helps the U.S. government.

How is it used by the Air Force?

The U.S. Air Force uses the C-137 for several key roles. One main use is for air support. This means it can help with various missions from the sky. It might carry special equipment or personnel. Another very important job is transporting leaders.

Transporting the President and Government Officials

When the C-137 carries the President, it gets a special name. It is known as the VC-137. This plane is often called "Air Force One" when the President is on board. It's a flying office and home for the President. It allows them to travel safely and securely. It also helps them work while flying. Other important government officials also use these planes. They travel for official business. This ensures they can do their jobs even when far from Washington D.C.

History of the C-137

The Boeing 707 first flew in 1957. The military versions, the C-137s, began service soon after. They were a big step up from older transport planes. Their speed and range were very impressive. These planes have served the U.S. for many decades. They have flown countless missions around the world.

Key Features of the Stratoliner

The C-137 is a large, four-engine jet. It is designed for long flights. It can carry many people or a lot of cargo. Some versions were also used for special communication tasks. They helped connect different parts of the military. Others were used for testing new technologies.

Different Versions of the C-137

Over the years, there have been different models of the C-137. Each model was designed for specific tasks. Some were purely for transport. Others had special equipment added. This allowed them to perform unique missions. The VC-137 is the most famous version. This is because it carries the President.

Images for kids

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  An EC-18B Advanced Range Instrumentation Aircraft (ARIA) takes off on its first flight at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, following its conversion from a Boeing 707-320.

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  Spectators watch one of two C-137B Stratoliner aircraft returning freed hostages after their release from Iran in 1981

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  VC-137C SAM 27000 (Air Force One) at Venice Marco Polo Airport, Italy in 1987

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  An Italian Air Force Boeing 707T/T refuels two MB-339 in a demonstration

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  Hooking up for simulated refuelling with a NATO Boeing707-TCA from a HI ANG KC-135R during a refuelling training mission from Geilenkirchen AB in September 1996

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  58-6971 on display

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  SAM 27000 on display at the Reagan Library

See also

In Spanish: Boeing C-137 Stratoliner para niños