Back East Graphics

EC-135E Advanced Range Instrumentation Aircraft print

Product # 374

Product Article by Steve Bamford on Dec 14 2004

 

 

 

Bob Guere (formerly one of the Two Bobs) now runs Back East Graphics.  Bob Guere is well known for his talent at creating aviation artwork for various squadrons and jets.  This review is for his EC-135E Advanced Range Limited Edition Lithograph print.  This Lithograph comes signed and numbered by the artist himself  Bob Guere.  I've seen artwork similar to this before, but never as big as this print.  This print measures 16" x 20" which is quite a nice size indeed.  Once properly framed this Limited Edition Lithograph will provide quite the wall decoration.  Bob also has other prints available and has more works of art in-progress.

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Here is the Print Text:
EC-135E Advanced Range Instrumentation Aircraft 

During the early 1960's, NASA and the Department of Defense (DoD) needed a very mobile tracking and telemetry platform to support the Apollo space program and other unmanned space flight operations. In a joint project, NASA and the DoD contracted with the McDonnell Douglas and the Bendix Corporations to modify eight Boeing C-135 Stratolifter cargo aircraft into Apollo/Range Instrumentation Aircraft (A/RIA). Equipped with a steerable seven-foot antenna dish in its distinctive "Droop Snoot" nose, the EC-135N A/RIA became operational in January 1968. The Air Force Eastern Test Range (AFETR) at Patrick AFB, Florida, maintained and operated the A/RIA until the end of the Apollo program in 1972, when the USAF renamed it the Advanced Range Instrumentation Aircraft (ARIA). 
Transferred to the 4950th Test Wing at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, in December 1975 as part of an overall consolidation of large test and evaluation (T&E) aircraft, the ARIA fleet underwent numerous conversions - including a re-engining that changed the EC-135N to the EC-135E. In 1994, the ARIA fleet relocated to Edwards AFB, California, as part of the 412th Test Wing. The program was de-activated in 2001 after more than 30 years of dedicated service.
On 3 November 2000, a flight crew from the Air Force Flight Test Center delivered this EC-135E (60-374) to the USAF Museum. Over its thirty-three year career, the ARIA supported the United States space program, gathered telemetry, verified international treaties, and supported cruise missile and ballistic missile defense tests. 

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The price for this print is US$35.00

Here is some info about this print and and shipping costs.

  • The lithographs on this website are all printed on 100 lb., acid-free, archival-quality matte cover stock.  The paper is very pure and white and is perfect for the crispness and high detail contained in these works.  
  • The Lithographs are classically printed like any other lithograph; on a good 'ole offset printer.  The artwork is 100% digitally created and allows for a very high level of detail that is required (in my opinion) in this type of work.  You will be hard-pressed to find a higher level of detail in similar products available at higher prices.
  • Included in the price of Bob's artwork is UPS Ground Shipping.  If you would like a different shipping method, or want to add insurance, contact him at bobbyg @ backeastgraphics.com.
  • They will ship in regular shipping tubes.  Bob suggests you only remove the litho from the tube for inspection, then again for framing.  Repeated removal and inserting of the litho into and out of the tube can take it's toll on the paper, especially the edges as they are handled. 

This product is highly recommended.

Bob also does commission work.  Here's the details.  

Commissioning a lithograph of your aircraft is quite simple, provided you are willing to invest in the project.  To commission a print, you agree to purchase 250 lithographs at $12.50 each.  While this is a substantial investment, these items can be sold for whatever price you choose, and I will never undercut your price on my website.  Basically, if you commission the print and choose to sell them in your organization for $25.00, they will be $25.00 here as well.  The usual print run is limited to 500 prints.  If you sell out of you first 250, additional prints will always be available to you for the same price of $12.50 until I run out of the product.  

These prints make the perfect going-away or retirement gift.  Framed pictures of aircraft have become a staple in military units around the world, and I believe mine are of the highest quality you can find.  If you are interested in commissioning a print, or simply want more information, go to the contact page and drop me a line.  I'll be happy to contact you directly and supply as much information as you require.

Steve

Photos and text © by Steve Bamford