Boeing E-6

A rather unusual visitor to Prestwick today, this is the Boeing E-6 Mercury, a variant of the Boeing 707-320.  The aircraft is fitted out as an airborne command and control centre and is used to relay instructions to US nuclear forces in the event of ground based control systems becoming inoperable.
 
The aircraft first entered service in July 1989 and production lasted until 1991.  It was the last variant of the Boeing 707 to be produced.  16 of the aircraft are in use with the US Navy.
 
There were a lot of the usual spotters at the airport waiting on its departure.  One of the guys said it was only the second time he can remember one of these visiting Prestwick.  Unfortunately I had other plans to take care of so I didn’t see it take to the air.
 
Couple of extra shots today showing some of the aircraft using Prestwick as a base for the joint Warrior exercise.