What is Boeing RC-135 Rivet Joint aircraft?
ROLE. RC-135W Rivet Joint is a dedicated electronic surveillance aircraft that can be employed in all theatres on strategic and tactical missions. Its sensors ‘soak up’ electronic emissions from communications, radar and other systems.
How many rc135s are there?
There are three RC-135S aircraft in the Air Force inventory all assigned to Air Combat Command and permanently based at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.
How many RC 135S does the RAF have?
32
Based on the C-135 Stratolifter airframe, various types of RC-135s have been in service since 1961….Boeing RC-135.
| RC-135 | |
|---|---|
| Introduction | 1961 |
| Status | Active |
| Primary users | United States Air Force Royal Air Force |
| Number built | 32 total airframes in all iterations |
How many Rivet Joint aircraft does RAF have?
20 aircraft
The Rivet Joint global fleet includes 20 aircraft, three of which belong to the Royal Air Force. ZZ664 is the first aircraft from the combined UK/US fleet to undergo these major enhancements.
How much does a RC-135 cost?
$330 million
The Airseeker is a SIGINT aircraft for the Royal Air Force (RAF) based on the Boeing RC-135 Rivet Joint aircraft. Three KC-135R aircraft are to be purchased and converted to RC-135W Rivet Joint standard. The cost per airframe is believed to be $330 million.
Can a rivet joint air to air refuel?
While the USAF claims it to be the aircraft’s first aerial refuelling sortie, the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) has confirmed to IHS Jane’s that the RAF RC-135W Rivet Joint crews are now fully qualified to conduct ‘boom-and-receptacle’ air-to-air refuelling (AAR) missions.
How far can Rivet Joint see?
The RIVET JOINT aircraft are capable of conducting ELINT and COMINT intercept operations against targets at ranges of up to 240 kilometers [in contrast to the 280 kilometer intercept range of the higher-flying U-2].
Who makes the RC-135?
BoeingBoeing RC-135 / Manufacturer
What is a r135 aircraft?
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.
What can Rivet Joint detect?
Rivet Joint not only detects, geolocates, and classifies enemy air defense emitters, but it also provides communications and other forms of signals intelligence.
What is the UK’s Airseeker?
The UK’s Airseeker system, built around a fleet of three RC-135V/W aircraft, sends intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance data to UK and allied forces on operations. The three aircraft, operated by 51 Squadron RAF, are based at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire.
What does Airseeker do for the RAF?
Airseeker joins the RAF ’s ISTAR Force, which includes Sentry, Shadow, Sentinel and Reaper as well as the reconnaissance capabilities of our fighter aircraft. First published.
When will Airseeker be fully operational?
The Airseeker capability, comprising all 3 UK Rivet Joint RC-135W aircraft and ground exploitation systems, operated by their highly skilled aircrews, ground crews and analysts, is due to be fully operational by mid-2017.
Who are DE&S Airseeker?
The DE&S Airseeker team oversaw the delivery of the three aircraft into service ahead of schedule and is now overseeing the support of the fleet.