Was trying to finish my associates degree in Business Technology, but had to stop due to illness, currently trying for full disability with the VA.
Remembrance Profiles -
3 Airmen Remembered
Beard, Charles, TSgt
Grissett, Charles, TSgt
Ziegler, Barbara, TSgt
1984-1988, EC-18 ARIA
From Year 1984
To Year 1988
Personal Memories
Not Specified
Image
EC-18 ARIA Details
Aircraft/Missile Information
The two EC-18B Advanced Range Instrumentation Aircraft were retired 24 August 2001. Both EC-18Bs assigned to Edwards AFB were transferred to the Air Force's Joint STARS program by September 2001. The costs associated with maintaining the aircraft and its capability became a major factor in ending the ARIA program.
The 452nd Flight Test Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base operated a variety of unique, highly modified C-135 and C-18 aircraft to plan and execute DoD, NASA, and operational flight test programs. Missions supported include worldwide telemetry gathering, international treaty verification, spacecraft launches, ballistic missile defense, electronic combat and vulnerability analysis, aircraft icing tests, and aerial refueling certification.
The 452 FLTS accomplished its primary mission using the Advanced Range Instrumentation Aircraft (ARIA) and the Cruise Missile Mission Control Aircraft (CMMCA). The ARIA, which originally stood for Apollo Range Instrumentation Aircraft, traveled the globe and serve as airborne tracking and telemetry data-recording and relay stations. They flew over land where ground tracking stations are limited by geographical constraints and over broad ocean areas where tracking stations do not exist. The unit supported a variety of national and international customers, both military and commercial, including NASA and Department of Defense missions supporting unmanned space launches, cruise missile tests, Army, Navy and Air Force ballistic missile tests and space shuttle launches.
