The Boeing RC-135 is a family of large reconnaissance aircraft built by Boeing and modified by a number of companies, including General Dynamics, Lockheed, LTV, E-Systems, L3Harris Technologies, and used by the United States Air Force and Royal Air Force to support theater and national level intelligence consumers with near real-time on-scene ...

A USAF RC-135V/W Rivet Joint disconnects from a USAF KC-10 Extender after receiving fuel near Iraq on Dec. 5, 2016. The RC-135 fleet has been present in every sizeable U.S. conflict since the Vietnam War.

Oct 27, 2020 · Boeing RC-135 is a four engine, medium weight reconnaissance aircraft designed and manufactured by Boeing Defence and Integrated Systems for the US Air Force (USAF). The aircraft is derived from its predecessor the C-135 Stratolifter and can execute intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.

U.S. Air Force’s (USAF) extensively modified RC-135 reconnaissance fleet. This enables a nose-to-tail overhaul every four years. The vast sensor suite upgrades enable detection, identification and geolocation throughout the electromagnetic spectrum. FEATURES > High-demand, low-density fleet includes 25 aircraft: 17 US Rivet

The RC - 135S Cobra Ball is a rapidly deployable aircraft, which flies Joint Chiefs of Staff-directed missions of national priority to collect optical and electronic data on ballistic targets. This data is critical to arms treaty compliance verification, and development of U.S. strategic defense and theater missile defense concepts.

Mar 26, 2024 · The RC-135 'Rivet Joint' aircraft provides on-scene intelligence collection for theater and national level consumers. With a crew of 27-30, the RC-135 has a range of 3,900 miles and is equipped with SIGINT and ELINT capabilities.

These newer aircraft sport additional antennae, radar platforms, bulges, stings, and other less-than-aerodynamic shapes to accommodate the exotic electronics. Today, the RC-135 flies in three distinct vari-ants—RC-135S Cobra Ball, RC-135U Combat Sent, and RC-135V/W Rivet Joint. The latter are the most numerous, with 17 in inventory.

Apr 15, 2025 · A U.S. Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint assigned to the 82nd Reconnaissance Squadron received aerial refueling by a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron on March 31, 2025. The RC-135 supports theater and national level consumers,

The RC-135U Combat Sent provides strategic electronic reconnaissance information to the president, secretary of defense, Department of Defense leaders, and theater commanders.

Nov 20, 2023 · The RC-135 platform saves lives and affects military actions worldwide by using unique software suites to assist in collecting intelligence data. The Cold War raged on in 1959 with a stalemate between the United States and the Soviet Union.