The OC-135B Open Skies aircraft, developed by Boeing, served as a United States Air Force observation platform supporting the international Treaty on Open Skies. This aircraft is a modified WC-135B, designed for unarmed reconnaissance flights over treaty-participating nations. It was introduced in June 1993, with two fully operational aircraft delivered in 1996 featuring a full complement of sensors, including cameras and synthetic aperture radar. The OC-135B is powered by four Pratt & Whitney TF33-P-5 turbofan engines, providing a powerful platform for its mission before being decommissioned.
Boeing, the manufacturer, is an American aerospace foundational company established in 1916 by William E. Boeing in Seattle, Washington. The company is a leading manufacturer globally, known for pioneering various aircraft designs. Its current corporate structure resulted from a merger with McDonnell Douglas in 1997.
Maintenance access for the OC-135B requires specialized height solutions. Platforms and stands, such as deck platforms, stepover platforms, and cantilever platforms, support detailed access across critical areas. These solutions address requirements for the Nose Section (Windshield & Cockpit, Avionics), Landing Gear (NLG and MLG), and the Wing & Engine Pylon area (Engine Inlet/Exhaust, Fan, Compressor, Turbine, Hydraulics). Specific platforms also enable access to the AFT Fuselage and Tail Section for servicing components like the Vertical Stabiliser, Horizontal Stabiliser, and APU compartments.
