<article><hdr>Aerial shot of an RC-121 Warning Star</hdr><body>
<hi style=afpcap>The US Air Force ordered the RC-121D 'College Eye' for airborne early warning duties with 72 aircraft operated by the 551st and the 552nd Airborne Early Warning — Control Wings located at Otis AFB, Massachusette, and McClellan AFB, California respectively under Air Defence Command. The aircraft were fitted with a large radmoes above and below the fuselage containing massive radar systems. Operational patrols were performed from their home bases as well as detachments at strategically important sites in the USA. The 'Connies' performed faithfully for more than 20 years until replaced by the purpose built and more capable E-3 Sentry. </hi>
