Looking Glass (or Operation Looking Glass) is the historic code name for an airborne command and control center operated by the United States. In more recent years it has been more officially referred to as the ABNCP (Airborne National Command Post). [1] .

While it primarily functions as a communications relay platform for submarines with its two trailing antenna wires, it also serves as an Airborne Launch Control System (ALCS). The ALCS is joint-manned by eight U.S. STRATCOM battle staff mission members.

The first and most famous example of SAC Airborne Command Posts (ABNCP) was a modified C-135 aircraft and crew, call sign “Looking Glass”, so named because its mission was to mirror the capabilities of the SAC underground command post.

On 3 February 1961, the KC-135A Airborne Command Post (ABNCP) began flying continuous airborne operations, with additional back-up aircraft on 15-minute ground alert. The KC-135A ABNCP sortie, dubbed "Looking Glass", was airborne safely and continuously from 3 February 1961 to 24 July 1990.

The ALCS Combat Operations Flight provides combat forces for the United States Strategic Command Airborne Command Post (ABNCP) on board the Navy’s E-6B Mercury aircraft. Flying as integral members of the battle staff, the ALCS crew, using on-board equipment, provides a survivable means to launch the Nation’s ICBM force.

From the initial deployment of Looking Glass, Strategic Air Command designated this program as the ABNCP, Airborne Command Post. Beginning on March 25, 1965 ABNCP was then redesignated as PACCS, Post Attack Command and Control System.

2016年3月1日 · An EC-135C (LOOKING GLASS or SAC ABNCP) maintained airborne alert status 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This WEB site is dedicated to those men and women that flew that mission. SAC flies last continuous “Looking Glass” airborne alert.

In Jan of 1960, President Kennedy directed that one of SAC’s new airborne command posts to be airborne at all times, and, on 3rd February 1961, the KC-135 Looking Glass Airborne Command Post (ABNCP) began continuous airborne operations, with additional back-up airplanes on 15-minute ground alert.

SAC ABNCP or Looking Glass was on continuous airborne alert and would transmit CINCSAC directions to SAC forces, manage the PACCS, and track all SAC forces, nuclear weapons, and delivery systems. The ABNCP also provided Airborne Launch Control System (ALCS) coverage for the Minuteman Wing located at Whiteman AFB, MO.

The primary mission of the 2nd ACCS was to fly the SAC ABNCP "Looking Glass" aircraft in continuous airborne operations. However, due to its proximity in orbiting over the central United States, the airborne Looking Glass provided ALCS coverage for the Minuteman ICBM Wing located at Whiteman AFB (Missouri).