Boeing C-18
In June 1981, American Airlines sold eight Boeing 707-323Cs to the U.S. Air Force under the C-18A designation; they were delivered within the same year. One aircraft was used for spare parts, while the remaining seven underwent modification. One aircraft was transferred to Grumman, designated C-18B, based in Melbourne, and used for testing.
Acquisition and Initial Versions
Four aircraft were converted into EC-18B ARIA (Advanced-Range Instrumented Aircraft) to replace older EC-135N models (manufactured in 1966). These machines had the same nose section as the EC-135N, in which a 2.12 m diameter rotating antenna was installed. The EC-18Bs were used as communication relays between satellites and the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.
The new aircraft could carry more mission payload and a crew of 16 to 24 people, depending on the task. Today, all four aircraft serve with the 412th Test Wing (Edwards Air Force Base).
Specialized Roles: ARIA and CMMSA
Two C-18As were converted into EC-18D CMMSA (Cruise Missile Mission Support Aircraft), equipped with the Hughes APG-63 radar. These aircraft operated at Edwards Air Force Base alongside the EC-18Bs as airborne command posts, supporting cruise missile tests in the Nevada range. The EC-18C designation was initially assigned to prototype aircraft created under the Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (J-STARS) program; subsequently, two aircraft received the E-8A designation.
Training Variants and Other Designations
Several aircraft were converted into training versions: the TC-18E for pilots and operators of the E-3 AWACS aircraft, and the TC-18F for E-6 pilots.
Technical Specifications
| Modification | С-18А |
| Wingspan, m | 44.42 |
| Aircraft length, m | 46.61 |
| Aircraft height, m | 12.93 |
| Wing area, m2 | 279.64 |
| Empty weight | 61236 |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 148325 |
| Internal fuel, l | 90300 |
| Engine type | 4 Turboprop engines Pratt Whitney TF33 (JT3D-3) |
| Thrust, kN | 4 x 80.07 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 1010 |
| Cruising speed, km/h | 966 |
| Practical range, km | 12248 |
| Operational range, km | 9914 |
| Service ceiling, m | 12800 |
| Crew | 3-4 |
| Payload | 215 passengers or 24709 kg of cargo |
Image and diagram gallery of the Boeing C-18
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ArchivoAéreo Editorial Team
A group of aviation researchers and enthusiasts dedicated to documenting and preserving global aeronautical history. All articles are reviewed to ensure historical accuracy.
Sources & Accuracy
The information presented in this technical sheet has been compiled from declassified flight manuals, historical archives, and specialized literature. While we strive for maximum accuracy, some performance data may vary depending on the specific variant or operational conditions.