The CONSTANT PHOENIX WC-135W serves as an aerial collection platform for the Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC), supporting the detection and identification of debris from nuclear weapons detonations. A single WC-135W [61-2667] is currently assigned to the 45th RS, 55th Wg at Offutt AFB. This mission was previously conducted by WC-135W
61-2665, which was retired in September 1996. Previously, as many as ten WC-135B weather reconnaissance airplanes flew in support of weather analysis, nuclear detection, and other scientific research.