An aircraft designed to detect nuclear activity was observed traversing several American states, prompting widespread concern among aviation watchers.The Boeing WC-135R Constant Phoenix, commonly referred to as a “nuclear sniffer” jet, departed from Nebraska before making circular flight patterns over South Dakota and passing close to Fargo in North Dakota on Thursday.Flight tracking data revealed the specialist reconnaissance plane was continuing its mission whilst circling above Rapid City, South Dakota.The aircraft’s movements were closely monitored by observers who shared the flight information across social media platforms, with many expressing unease about the timing of the operation given current geopolitical tensions.
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The Constant Phoenix serves a highly specialised function within the US military’s surveillance capabilities, gathering atmospheric samples to identify and analyse radioactive particles from nuclear detonations.Its onboard collection systems include external devices that trap particulates on filter paper, alongside compressors that store whole-air samples in spheres for subsequent laboratory examination.The aircraft plays a crucial role in verifying compliance with arms control agreements and monitoring for nuclear tests worldwide.American officials have not disclosed the specific purpose behind Thursday’s flight, though domestic operations of the WC-135R frequently involve crew training exercises, equipment calibration procedures, or routine background radiation assessments.Such flights over the Midwest region, which contains strategic nuclear installations, are not considered unusual by military analysts.The sighting coincides with growing anxiety over the impending expiration of the New START Treaty on February 5, the sixth nuclear arms agreement between Washington and Moscow.Russian President Vladimir Putin put forward a proposal in September suggesting both nations extend their adherence to the treaty’s limits for an additional twelve months, which currently restricts each country to 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads.President Donald Trump has not yet issued a formal response to the Russian offer, leaving Western security experts divided on whether accepting such terms would be prudent.LATEST DEVELOPMENTS’Up to 150′ Venezuelan militia killed in Donald Trump’s dawn blitz, Navy Seal says’That’s not free speech, that’s harm!’ GB News guest engulfed in row as she DEFENDS controversial X banVenezuelan dissident speaks out on GB News after Donald Trump’s crackdown on Maduro’s regimeSocial media users were quick to highlight the connection between the aircraft’s flight and the approaching treaty deadline, with many voicing fears about what the mission might signify.Adding to the unusual aviation activity, the Boeing E-4B Nightwatch touched down at Los Angeles International Airport on the same day, drawing significant attention online.The aircraft, widely known as the “Doomsday Plane”, is a heavily modified 747 that functions as an airborne command centre capable of withstanding nuclear blasts and maintaining government operations during catastrophic emergencies.Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth was reportedly aboard the flight whilst conducting his “Arsenal of Freedom” tour, which focuses on the American defence industrial base and military recruitment efforts.”This is essentially a nuclear-proof, airborne command unit,” wrote one X account with over a million followers. “Probably not a good sign.”The E-4B can remain aloft for twelve hours without refuelling and is designed to operate even if ground-based command facilities are destroyed.
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