C-141B - Special Operations Low Level II | SOLL II

1997 - A Special Operations Low Level II (SOLL II) C-141B Starlifter, operated by the 16th Airlift Squadron, Charleston AFB, pictured blacked-out on a runway under a moonlit sky.

The Air Force modified a number of C-141Bs to SOLL II standard - with enhanced communications, NVG-compatible HUD and other cockpit displays, NVG-compatible cockpit and exterior lighting, GPS navigation, AAQ-17 forward look infrared sensor in a chin turret and a suite of defensive countermeasures such as an ALR-69 radar warning receiver, AAR-44 infrared missile warning sensor and ALE-40 chaff/flare dispensers.

Operated by specially-trained aircrews, and reporting directly to the Joint Chiefs Of Staff (JCS), SOLL II Starlifters flew special operations, providing a long range inter-theater airlift and airdrop service for US SOF.

SOLL II ops include landing in blacked-out conditions on unlit, austere runways and the precision airdrop of men and supplies onto unlit drop zones.

In 1989, C-141B SOLL II aircraft were among those that airdropped Army Rangers into action in Panama.

The Starlifter was eventually replaced in the SOLL II role by the C-17 SOLL II aircraft and associated crews.