View source for Boeing RC-135

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{{Short description|Reconnaissance aircraft series by Boeing}}
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{{Infobox aircraft
|name = RC-135
|image = File:RC-135 Rivet Joint in flight.jpg
|image_caption = An RC-135 Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft in flight.
|aircraft_type = [[Reconnaissance aircraft]]
|manufacturer = [[Boeing]] (airframe)<br />[[L3Harris Technologies]]
|designer =
|first_flight =
|introduction = 1961
|retired =
|status = Active
|primary_user = [[United States Air Force]]
|more_users = [[Royal Air Force]]<ref name="fg201003" >{{cite web |first=Craig |last=Hoyle |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/03/22/339763/uk-approves-rivet-joint-purchase.html |title=UK approves Rivet Joint purchase |publisher=Flight International |date=22 March 2010 |access-date=21 January 2011 |archive-date=25 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100325192753/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/03/22/339763/uk-approves-rivet-joint-purchase.html |url-status=live }}</ref><!--up to three more. please separate with <br />.--><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/first-rivet-joint-aircraft-delivered-to-the-uk|title=First Rivet Joint aircraft delivered to the UK|website=GOV.UK|access-date=2 February 2019|archive-date=12 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112153053/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/first-rivet-joint-aircraft-delivered-to-the-uk|url-status=live}}</ref>
|produced =
|number_built = 32 total airframes in all iterations<!--at least 32, with 22 active at present, am still surveying literature. Total will be sourced when completed-->
|developed_from = [[Boeing C-135 Stratolifter]]
|variants =
}}
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 Corporation|Lockheed]], [[Ling-Temco-Vought|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 collection, analysis and dissemination capabilities.
Based on the [[C-135 Stratolifter]] airframe, various types of RC-135s have been in service since 1961. Unlike the C-135 and KC-135 which are recognized by Boeing as the [[Boeing C-135 Stratolifter|Model 717]],<ref>[http://www.boeing.com/news/frontiers/archive/2006/july/i_history.pdf "Historical Perspective, Start of a PROUD MISSION"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140612010633/http://www.boeing.com/news/frontiers/archive/2006/july/i_history.pdf |date=12 June 2014 }}, ''Boeing Frontiers'', July 2006.</ref><ref name="USW">{{cite web|url=http://www.uswarplanes.net/kc135.html|title=KC-135|publisher=US Warplanes.net|access-date=17 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130205183620/http://uswarplanes.net/kc135.html|archive-date=5 February 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> most of the current RC-135 fleet, with the exception of the RAF's RC-135Ws, is internally designated as the '''Model 739''' by the company. Many variants have been modified numerous times, resulting in a large variety of designations, configurations, and program names.
==Design and development==
In 1962, the first RC-135 variant, the RC-135A, was ordered by the United States Air Force to replace the [[Boeing RB-50 Superfortress]]. Originally nine were ordered but this was later reduced to four. Boeing allocated the variant the designation ''Boeing 739-700'' but they were a modified variant of the KC-135A then in production. They used the same Pratt & Whitney J57 turbojet engines as the tanker and carried cameras in a bay just aft of the nose wheel well where the forward fuel tank was normally located. They had no in-flight refueling system and they were used for photographic and surveying tasks. Although the RC-135A was the first designation in the RC-135 family, it was not the first RC-135 in service. That distinction belongs to the RC-135S, which began operational reconnaissance missions in 1961, followed by the RC-135D in 1962.
The next variant ordered was the RC-135B, to be used as an electronic intelligence aircraft to replace the [[Boeing B-47 Stratojet|Boeing RB-47H Stratojet]], a [[SIGINT]] platform. Unlike the earlier variants, the RC-135Bs had [[Pratt & Whitney JT3D|Pratt & Whitney TF33]] turbofans rather than the older J57s. These ten aircraft were delivered directly to Martin Aircraft beginning in 1965 for installation of their operational electronics suite. By 1967, they emerged as RC-135Cs and all entered service that year. The refueling boom was not fitted and the boom operator station was used as a camera bay for a KA-59 camera. Externally, the aircraft were distinguished by the large cheek antenna fairings on the forward fuselage.
The RC-135Bs were the last of the new aircraft built. All further reconnaissance variants that followed were modified aircraft, either from earlier RC-135 variants or from tankers and transports.
In 2005, the RC-135 fleet completed a series of significant airframe, navigation and powerplant upgrades, which include re-engining from the TF33 to the [[CFM56|CFM International CFM-56]] (F108) engines used on the [[Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker|KC-135R and T Stratotanker]], and an upgrade of the flight deck instrumentation and navigation systems to the Avionics Modernization Program (AMP) standard. The AMP standard includes conversion from analog readouts to a digital [[glass cockpit]] configuration.
==Operational history==
The current RC-135 fleet is the latest iteration of modifications to this pool of aircraft dating back to the early 1960s. Initially employed by [[Strategic Air Command]] for reconnaissance, the RC-135 fleet has participated in every armed conflict involving U.S. forces during its tenure. RC-135s supported operations in [[Vietnam War]], the [[Mediterranean]] for [[Operation El Dorado Canyon]], [[Grenada]] for [[Operation Urgent Fury]], [[Panama]] for [[Operation Just Cause]], the [[Balkans]] for Operations [[Operation Deliberate Force|Deliberate Force]] and [[Operation Allied Force|Allied Force]], and [[Southwest Asia]] for Operations [[Desert Shield]], [[Operation Desert Storm|Desert Storm]], [[Operation Enduring Freedom|Enduring Freedom]] and [[Operation Iraqi Freedom|Iraqi Freedom]]. RC-135s have maintained a constant presence in Southwest Asia since the early 1990s. They were stalwarts of Cold War operations, with missions flown around the periphery of the USSR and its client states in Europe and around the world.
Originally, all RC-135s were operated by [[Strategic Air Command]]. Since 1992, they have been assigned to [[Air Combat Command]]. The RC-135 fleet is permanently based at [[Offutt Air Force Base]], [[Nebraska]] and operated by the [[55th Wing]], using forward operating locations worldwide.<ref name="alm08">{{cite journal| last = Young| first = Susan H.H.| year = 2008| title = 2008 USAF Almanac: Gallery of USAF Weapons| journal = AIR FORCE Magazine| volume = 91| issue = 5| pages = 145–146| url = http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Magazine%20Documents/2008/May%202008/0508weapons.pdf| access-date = 15 February 2009| archive-date = 26 February 2009| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090226192129/http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Magazine%20Documents/2008/May%202008/0508weapons.pdf| url-status = live}}</ref>
On 9 August 2010, the Rivet Joint program recognized its 20th anniversary of continuous service in [[United States Central Command|Central Command]], dating back to the beginning of [[Gulf War|Desert Shield]]. This represents the longest unbroken presence of any aircraft in the Air Force inventory. During this time it has flown over 8,000 combat missions<ref name="usaf10">{{cite web | url = http://www.offutt.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123212135 | year = 2010 | title = RJs hit 8,000 missions in AOR | publisher = Offutt Air Force Base | access-date = 25 September 2010 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110402092133/http://www.offutt.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123212135 | archive-date = 2 April 2011 }}</ref> supporting air and ground forces of Operations [[Gulf War|Desert Storm]], [[Gulf War|Desert Shield]], [[Operation Northern Watch|Northern Watch]], [[Operation Southern Watch|Southern Watch]], [[Iraq War|Iraqi Freedom]] and [[Operation Enduring Freedom|Enduring Freedom]].
In March 2010 the British [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]] announced that it reached an agreement with the US Government to purchase three RC-135W Rivet Joint aircraft to replace the [[Nimrod R1#R1|Nimrod R1]], which was retired in June 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200910/cmhansrd/cm100322/wmstext/100322m0001.htm#10032212000003|title=House of Commons Hansard Ministerial Statements for 22 Mar 2010 (pt 0001)|website=publications.parliament.uk|access-date=2 February 2019|archive-date=30 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130121828/https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200910/cmhansrd/cm100322/wmstext/100322m0001.htm#10032212000003|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="uk08">{{cite web| year =2008| url =http://www.dsca.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2008/UK_08-89.pdf| title =United Kingdom RC-135V/W Rivet Joint Aircraft| publisher =Defense Security Cooperation Agency| access-date =15 March 2009| url-status =dead| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20090319113012/http://www.dsca.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2008/UK_08-89.pdf| archive-date =19 March 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Nimrod R1 aircraft in final flight for RAF |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13942014 |publisher=BBC |date=28 June 2011 |access-date=13 July 2011 |archive-date=1 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110701115743/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13942014 |url-status=live }}</ref> The aircraft, to be styled as 'Airseeker', were scheduled to be delivered by 2017 at a total cost of around £650 million, including provision of ground infrastructure, training of personnel and ground supporting systems.<ref>{{cite web |title=British RC-135W Air Seeker Crews in Training |last=Dorr |first=Robert F. |url=http://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/british-rc-135w-air-seeker-crews-in-training/ |publisher=Defense Media Network |date=22 April 2011 |access-date=13 July 2011 |archive-date=26 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126172044/http://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/british-rc-135w-air-seeker-crews-in-training/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Defense Aerospace">{{cite web |date=4 September 2015 |title=New RAF Intelligence Aircraft Arrives In UK Seven Months Early |url=http://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/166557/second-raf-rivet-joint-aircraft-delivered-to-uk.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126192550/http://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/166557/second-raf-rivet-joint-aircraft-delivered-to-uk.html |archive-date=26 November 2015 |access-date=26 November 2015 |publisher=Defense Aerospace}}</ref> In 2013, the UK government confirmed that crews from the RAF's 51 Squadron had been training and operating alongside their USAF colleagues since 2011, having achieved in excess of 32,000 flying hours and 1,800 sorties as part of the 55th Wing at [[Offutt AFB]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/first-rivet-joint-aircraft-delivered-to-the-uk |title=First Rivet Joint aircraft delivered to the UK |date=12 November 2013 |publisher=UK Ministry of Defence |access-date=14 November 2013 |archive-date=12 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112153053/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/first-rivet-joint-aircraft-delivered-to-the-uk |url-status=live }}</ref>
The RAF received the first RC-135W in September 2013, which was deployed from July 2014 to support coalition action against the [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]] militants in Iraq.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stevenson |first=Beth |date=21 August 2014 |title=RAF Rivet Joint on first operational deployment over Iraq |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/raf-rivet-joint-on-first-operational-deployment-over-iraq/114263.article |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926083046/https://www.flightglobal.com/raf-rivet-joint-on-first-operational-deployment-over-iraq/114263.article |archive-date=26 September 2020 |website=FlightGlobal}}</ref> The second aircraft was delivered seven months ahead of schedule in September 2015, with over sixty improvements incorporated ranging from upgrades to the aircraft's mission systems to engine improvements providing increased fuel efficiency and durability. In due course, the first Airseeker will receive the same upgrades.<ref name="Defense Aerospace"/> The aircraft will be air-to-air refuelled in service by USAF tankers based in Europe, as the UK does not operate boom-equipped refueling aircraft, and has no plans to adapt drogue-equipped aircraft.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Osborne |first=Tony |date=5 July 2013 |title=RAF, USAF Work On Rivet Joint Refueling Deal |url=http://aviationweek.com/defense/raf-usaf-work-rivet-joint-refueling-deal |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126181109/http://aviationweek.com/defense/raf-usaf-work-rivet-joint-refueling-deal |archive-date=26 November 2015 |access-date=26 November 2015 |website=Aviation Week}}</ref>
U.S. Air Force and Royal Air Force RC-135W Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft were deployed numerous times to conduct reconnaissance missions around Poland and the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad during the [[2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine]]. Stated objectives include broadcasting a clear signal that the US, and thus NATO, is aware of Russian movements in the area of operations.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 October 2022 |title=U.S. military aircraft circling Kaliningrad |url=https://www.miragenews.com/us-military-aircraft-circling-kaliningrad-874017/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240107235752/https://www.miragenews.com/us-military-aircraft-circling-kaliningrad-874017/ |archive-date=7 January 2024 |access-date=22 October 2022 |website=Mirage News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=9 September 2022 |title=US Aircraft Circle Kaliningrad for the Second Day in a Row |url=https://www.lrytas.lt/it/ismanyk/2022/09/29/news/virs-lietuvos-jau-antra-diena-ratus-suka-ypatingas-karinis-jav-lektuvas-karybos-ekspertas-paaiskino-ka-tai-reiskia-24725689 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221022222911/https://www.lrytas.lt/it/ismanyk/2022/09/29/news/virs-lietuvos-jau-antra-diena-ratus-suka-ypatingas-karinis-jav-lektuvas-karybos-ekspertas-paaiskino-ka-tai-reiskia-24725689 |archive-date=22 October 2022 |access-date=22 October 2022 |publisher=Lietuvos Rytas |language=Lithuanian}}</ref>
==Variants==
===KC-135A Reconnaissance Platforms===
At least four KC-135A tankers were converted into makeshift reconnaissance platforms with no change of Mission Design Series (MDS) designation. KC-135As 55–3121, 55–3127, 59–1465, and 59-1514 were modified beginning in 1961. That year the Soviet Union announced its intention to detonate a 100 megaton [[Thermonuclear weapon|thermonuclear device]] on [[Novaya Zemlya]], the so-called [[Tsar Bomba]]. A testbed KC-135A (55–3127) was modified under the [[Big Safari]] program to the SPEED LIGHT BRAVO configuration in order to obtain intelligence information on the test. The success of the mission prompted conversion of additional aircraft for intelligence gathering duties.
===KC-135R Rivet Stand / Rivet Quick===
Not to be confused with the CFM F108-powered KC-135R tanker, the KC-135R MDS was applied in 1963 to the three KC-135A reconnaissance aircraft under the '''Rivet Stand''' program. The three aircraft were 55–3121, 59–1465, and 59–1514. A fourth, serial no. 58–0126, was converted in 1969 to replace 1465, which crashed in 1967. Externally the aircraft had varied configurations throughout their careers, but generally they were distinguished by five "towel bar" antennas along the spine of the upper fuselage and a radome below the forward fuselage.
The first three aircraft retained the standard tanker nose radome, while 58-0126 was fitted with the 'hog nose' radome commonly associated with an RC-135. A trapeze-like structure in place of the refueling boom which was used to trail an aerodynamic shape housing a specialized receiver array, colloquially known as a "blivet", on a wire was installed. This was reported to be used for "Briar Patch" and "Combat Lion" missions. There were four small optically flat windows on each side of the forward fuselage.
On some missions, a small wing-like structure housing sensors was fitted to each side of the forward fuselage, with a diagonal brace below it. With the loss of 59–1465, KC-135A 58-0126 was modified to this standard under the '''Rivet Quick''' operational name. All four aircraft were lost in accidents or converted to KC-135R tanker configurations. They are among the few KC-135 tankers equipped with an aerial refueling receptacle above the cockpit, a remnant of their service as intelligence gathering platforms.
===KC-135T Cobra Jaw===
In 1969, KC-135R 55-3121 was modified by Lockheed Air Services to the unique KC-135T configuration, under the Cobra Jaw program name. Externally distinguished by the 'hog nose' radome, the aircraft featured spinning "fang" receiver antennas below the nose radome, a large blade antenna above the forward fuselage, a single 'towel bar' antenna on the spine, teardrop antennas forward of the horizontal stabilizers on each side, and the trapeze-like structure in place of the refueling boom. The aircraft briefly carried nose art consisting of the Ford Cobra Jet cartoon cobra. It was later modified into an RC-135T Rivet Dandy.
===RC-135A===
Four RC-135As (63-8058 to 8061) were photo mapping platforms used briefly by the Air Photographic & Charting Service, based at [[Turner Air Force Base]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] and later at [[Forbes Air Force Base]], [[Kansas]] as part of the 1370th Photographic Mapping Wing. The mission was soon assumed by satellites, and the RC-135As were de-modified and used in various other roles, such as staff transport and crew training.<ref name="USW" />
In the early 1980s they were converted to tankers, with the designation KC-135D, of the same basic configuration as the KC-135A and later E, plus some remaining special mission equipment. Due to delays in reinstalling their original equipment, the RC-135As were the last of the entire C-135 series delivered to the USAF. The Boeing model number for the RC-135A is 739-700.<ref name="USW" />
===RC-135B===
The as-delivered version of the RC-135. The RC-135B was never used operationally, as it had no mission equipment installed by Boeing. The entire RC-135B production run of ten aircraft was delivered directly to [[Martin Aircraft]] in Baltimore, Maryland for modification and installation of mission equipment under the [[Big Safari]] program. Upon completion, the RC-135Bs were re-designated RC-135C. The Boeing model number for the RC-135B is 739-445B.<ref name="USW" />
===RC-135C Big Team===
Modified and re-designated RC-135B aircraft used for strategic reconnaissance duties, equipped with the AN/ASD-1 electronic intelligence ([[ELINT]]) system. This system was characterized by the large 'cheek' pods on the forward fuselage containing the Automated ELINT Emitter Locating System (AEELS&nbsp;– not Side Looking Airborne Radar&nbsp;– SLAR, as often quoted), as well as numerous other antennae and a camera position in the refuelling pod area of the aft fuselage. The aircraft was crewed by two pilots, two navigators, numerous intelligence gathering specialists, inflight maintenance technicians and airborne linguists. When the RC-135C was fully deployed, SAC was able to retire its fleet of RB-47H Stratojets from active reconnaissance duties. All ten continue in active service as either RC-135V Rivet Joint or RC-135U Combat Sent platforms.
===RC-135D Office Boy / Rivet Brass===
The RC-135Ds, originally designated KC-135A-II, were the first reconnaissance configured C-135s given the "R" MDS prefix designation, although they were not the first reconnaissance-tasked members of the C-135 family. In 1962, they were delivered to [[Eielson Air Force Base]], Alaska as part of the Office Boy Project. Serial numbers were 60–0356, 60–0357, and 60–0362. In 1963, the aircraft began operational missions. These three aircraft were ordered as KC-135A tankers, but delivered without refueling booms, and known as "falsie C-135As" pending the delivery of the first actual C-135A cargo aircraft in 1961.<ref name="clubhyper.com">{{Cite web |last=Heilig |first=Jennings |title=C-135 Variants - Part Two |url=http://www.clubhyper.com/reference/c135jh_2.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528092107/http://www.clubhyper.com/reference/c135jh_2.htm |archive-date=28 May 2023 |access-date=2 February 2019 |website=clubhyper.com}}</ref>
The primary Rivet Brass mission flew along the northern border of the Soviet Union, often as a shuttle mission between Eielson and [[RAF Upper Heyford]], Oxfordshire, and later [[RAF Mildenhall]], Suffolk, UK. The RC-135D was also used in Southeast Asia during periods when the RC-135M (see below) was unavailable. In the late 1970s, with the expansion of the RC-135 fleet powered by TF33 turbofan engines, the RC-135Ds were converted into tankers, and remain in service as receiver-capable KC-135Rs.<ref name="clubhyper.com" />
===RC-135E Lisa Ann / Rivet Amber===
Originally designated C-135B-II, project name Lisa Ann, the RC-135E Rivet Amber was a one-of-a-kind aircraft, equipped with a large 7 MW [[Hughes Aircraft]] phased-array radar system.<ref name="rc135dotcom">{{cite web|url=http://www.rc135.com/0000/INDEX.HTM|title=Raven-1|website=www.rc135.com|access-date=2 February 2019|archive-date=5 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190205174859/http://www.rc135.com/0000/INDEX.HTM|url-status=live}}</ref> Originally delivered as a C-135B, 62-4137 operated from [[Shemya Air Force Station]], [[Alaska]] from 1966 to 1969. Its operations were performed in concert with the RC-135S Rivet Ball aircraft (see below). The radar system alone weighed over 35,000 pounds and cost over US$35 million (1960 dollars), making Rivet Amber both the heaviest C-135 derivative aircraft flying and the most expensive Air Force aircraft for its time. This prevented the forward and aft crew areas from having direct contact after boarding the aircraft.<ref name=DrBob/>
The system could track an object the size of a soccer ball from a distance of {{convert|300|mi|km}}. Its mission was to monitor Soviet [[ballistic missile]] testing in the reentry phase. The power requirement for the phased array radar was enormous, necessitating an additional power supply. This took the form of a podded [[Honeywell T55|Lycoming T55-L5]] turboshaft engine in a pod under the left inboard wing section, driving a 350&nbsp;kVA generator, dedicated to powering mission equipment.<ref name=DrBob>{{cite book|title=The KC-135 Stratotanker; More Than Just a Tanker |last=Hopkins III |first=Robert S. |year=1997 |publisher=Midland Publishing Limited |isbn=978-1-85780-069-2}}</ref>
On the opposite wing, in the same location, was a podded heat exchanger to permit cooling of the massive electronic components on board the aircraft. This configuration has led to the mistaken impression that the aircraft had six engines. On 5 June 1969, Rivet Amber was lost at sea on a [[ferry flying|ferry flight]] from Shemya to Eielson AFB for maintenance. No trace of the aircraft or its crew was ever found.<ref name="aviation-safety.net">{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19690605-0|title=ASN Aircraft accident Boeing RC-135E Rivet Amber 62-4137 Shemya, AK, USA [Bering Sea]|first=Harro|last=Ranter|website=aviation-safety.net|access-date=2 February 2019|archive-date=5 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105143859/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19690605-0|url-status=live}}</ref>
===RC-135M Rivet Card===
The RC-135M was an interim type, with more limited ELINT capability than the RC-135C, but with extensive additional COMINT capability. They were converted from [[Military Airlift Command]] C-135B transports, and operated by the [[82d Reconnaissance Squadron]] during the [[Vietnam War]] from [[Kadena AB]], gathering [[signals intelligence]] over the [[Gulf of Tonkin]] and Laos with the program name Combat Apple, originally Burning Candy.<ref name="82d">{{Cite web|url=http://www.55srwa.org/gallery/55_glr_pic36.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051023141128/http://www.55srwa.org/gallery/55_glr_pic36.html|url-status=dead|title=82d Recon Page|archivedate=23 October 2005}}</ref> There were six RC-135M aircraft, 62–4131, 62–4132, 62–4134, 62–4135, 62–4138 and 62–4139. All were later modified to and continue in active service as RC-135W Rivet Joints by the early 1980s.<ref>Don Logan, ''C-135 Series'', Schiffer Publishing</ref>
===RC-135S Nancy Rae / Wanda Belle / Rivet Ball===
Rivet Ball was the predecessor program to Cobra Ball and was initiated with a single RC-135S (serial 59–1491, formerly a JKC-135A) on 31 December 1961. The aircraft first operated under the Nancy Rae project as an asset of [[Air Force Systems Command]], and later as an RC-135S reconnaissance platform with Strategic Air Command under project Wanda Belle. The name Rivet Ball was assigned in January 1967. The aircraft operated from Shemya AFB, Alaska. Along with most other RC-135 variants, the RC-135S had an elongated nose radome, housing an [[S band]] receiving antenna.<ref name="rc135dotcom"/><ref name="C-135 Variants by Jennings Heilig ">{{cite web|url=http://www.clubhyper.com/reference/c135jh_1.htm|title=C-135 Variants by Jennings Heilig (Artwork, No Scale)|website=www.clubhyper.com|access-date=2 February 2019|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303234406/http://www.clubhyper.com/reference/c135jh_1.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
The aircraft had ten large optically flat quartz windows for tracking cameras on the right side of the fuselage. Unlike any other RC-135S, Rivet Ball had a plexiglass dome mounted top-center on its fuselage for the Manual Tracker position. It obtained the first photographic documentation of Soviet [[Multiple Reentry vehicle]] (MRV) testing on 4 October 1968. On 13 January 1969, Rivet Ball was destroyed when it overran the runway when landing at Shemya, with no fatalities.<ref name="rc135dotcom"/><ref name="C-135 Variants by Jennings Heilig "/>
===RC-135S Cobra Ball===
[[File:RC-135 Cobra Ball aircraft parked at Offutt.jpg|thumb|Two Cobra Ball aircraft on the flightline at [[Offutt Air Force Base]], Nebraska, 2001.]]
The '''RC-135S Cobra Ball''' is a [[measurement and signature intelligence]] (MASINT) collector equipped with special electro-optical instruments such an All Weather Tracking Radar and Medium Wave Infrared Array (MIRA) designed to observe [[ballistic missile]] flights at long range.<ref>{{Cite web |title=RC-135S Cobra Ball – Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance |url=https://missiledefenseadvocacy.org/defense-systems/rc-135s-cobra-ball/ |access-date=2023-07-21 |language=en-US}}</ref> The Cobra Ball monitors missile-associated signals and tracks missiles during boost and re-entry phases to provide reconnaissance for treaty verification and [[theater ballistic missile]] proliferation. The aircraft are extensively modified C-135Bs.<ref name="alm08"/> The right wing and engines are traditionally painted black to reduce sun glare for tracking cameras.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.airforcemag.com/MagazineArchive/Magazine%20Documents/2008/October%202008/1008warriors.pdf |title= Air Force Magazine, October 2008 |access-date= 4 June 2014 |archive-date= 4 March 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160304043046/http://www.airforcemag.com/MagazineArchive/Magazine%20Documents/2008/October%202008/1008warriors.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref>
There are three aircraft in service, assigned to the [[55th Wing]], [[45th Reconnaissance Squadron]] based at [[Offutt Air Force Base]], Nebraska. Cobra Ball aircraft were originally assigned to Shemya and used to observe ballistic missile tests on the [[Kamchatka peninsula]] in conjunction with [[Cobra Dane]] and [[Cobra Judy]]. In 1969, two aircraft were converted for Cobra Ball. Following the loss of an aircraft in 1981, another aircraft was converted in 1983. In 1995, the sole RC-135X was converted into an RC-135S to supplement the other aircraft.
===RC-135T Rivet Dandy===
In 1971, KC-135T 55-3121 was modified to a RC-135T Rivet Dandy configuration. It was used to supplement the RC-135C/D/M fleet, then in short supply due to ongoing upgrades requiring airframes to be out of service. It operated under the Burning Candy operational order. In 1973, the aircraft's SIGINT gear was removed and transferred to KC-135R 58–0126, resulting in 55-3121 assuming the role of trainer, a role which it fulfilled for the remainder of its operational existence. Externally the aircraft retained the 'hog nose' radome and some other external modifications. The aerial refueling boom and trapeze below the tail were removed, and it had no operational reconnaissance role.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
In this configuration, it operated variously with the 376th Strategic Wing at [[Kadena AB]], Okinawa, the 305th AREFW at [[Grissom AFB]], Indiana, and the 6th Strategic Wing at Eielson AFB, Alaska. In 1982, the aircraft was modified with Pratt & Whitney [[TF33]]-PW102 engines and other modifications common to the KC-135E tanker program, and returned to Eielson AFB. It crashed while on approach to [[Valdez Airport]], Alaska on 25 February 1985 with the loss of three crew members. The wreckage was found in August 1985, six months after the accident.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19850225-3|title=ASN Aircraft accident Boeing RC-135T Rivet Dandy 55-3121 Valdez Municipal Airport, AK (VDZ)|first=Harro|last=Ranter|website=aviation-safety.net|access-date=2 February 2019|archive-date=3 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203030403/https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19850225-3|url-status=live}}</ref>
===RC-135U Combat Sent===
[[File:USAF Combat Sent.jpg|thumb|A Combat Sent aircraft in flight with its unique nose cone, wingtips, and tail]]
The RC-135U Combat Sent is designed to collect technical intelligence on adversary radar emitter systems. Combat Sent data is collected to develop new or upgraded [[radar warning receiver]]s, [[radar jammer]]s, decoys, [[anti-radiation missile]]s, and training simulators.<ref name="alm08"/>
Distinctly identified by the antenna arrays on the fuselage chin, tailcone, and wing tips, three RC-135C aircraft were converted to RC-135U (63-9792, 64–14847, & 64–14849) in the early 1970s. In 1978, 63-9792 was converted into a Rivet Joint. All aircraft remain in service based at [[Offutt Air Force Base]], Nebraska. Minimum crew requirements are 2 pilots, 2 navigators, 3 systems engineers, 10 [[electronic warfare]] officers, and 6 area specialists.<ref name="cs-factsheet">{{cite web |title=RC-135U Combat Sent factsheet |url=http://www.af.mil/AboutUs/FactSheets/Display/tabid/224/Article/104495/rc-135u-combat-sent.aspx |publisher=United States Air Force |date=28 September 2007 |access-date=10 July 2011 |archive-date=16 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160216060055/http://www.af.mil/AboutUs/FactSheets/Display/tabid/224/Article/104495/rc-135u-combat-sent.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>
===RC-135V/W Rivet Joint===
[[File:20200311 RC-135 Rivet Joint Tail 62-4139 Kadena AB-75.jpg|thumb|An RC-135V Rivet Joint on final approach at [[Kadena AB]]]]
The RC-135V/W is the USAF's standard airborne [[Signals intelligence|SIGINT]] platform. Missions flown by the RC-135s are designated either '''Burning Wind''' or '''Misty Wind'''.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IiedBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA235|title=The U.S. Intelligence Community|last=Richelson|first=Jeffrey T.|date=14 July 2015|publisher=Avalon Publishing|isbn=978-0-8133-4919-0|page=235|access-date=30 August 2017|archive-date=13 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313152430/https://books.google.com/books?id=IiedBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA235|url-status=live}}</ref> Its sensor suite allows the mission crew to detect, identify and [[Geopositioning|geolocate]] signals throughout the [[electromagnetic spectrum]].<ref name="rj-factsheet" /> The mission crew can then forward gathered information in a variety of formats to a wide range of consumers via Rivet Joint's extensive communications suite. The crew consists of the cockpit crew, [[electronic warfare]] officers, intelligence operators, and airborne systems maintenance personnel. All Rivet Joint [[airframe]] and mission systems modifications are performed by [[L-3 Communications]] in [[Greenville, Texas]], under the oversight of the [[Air Force Materiel Command]].<ref name="alm08"/><ref name="rj-factsheet" />
All RC-135s are assigned to the 55th Wing, Air Combat Command at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. The wing uses various forward deployment locations worldwide.<ref name="rj-factsheet">{{cite web |title=RC-135V/W Rivet Joint factsheet |url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104608/rc-135vw-rivet-joint/ |publisher=United States Air Force |access-date=5 March 2024}}</ref> They have flown from [[Eielson AFB]], [[Alaska]]; [[Howard AB]], [[Panama]]; [[Hellenikon Air Base]], [[Greece]]; [[Kadena Air Base]], [[Okinawa Island|Okinawa]], [[Japan]]; and [[RAF Mildenhall]], Suffolk, and [[RAF Upper Heyford]], Oxfordshire, in the [[United Kingdom]].
For many years, the RC-135V/W could be identified by the four large disc-capped Multiple Communications Emitter Location System (MUCELS) antennas forward, four somewhat smaller blade antennae aft and myriad of smaller underside antennas. Baseline 8 Rivet Joints, in the 2000s, introduced the first major change to the external RC-135V/W configuration, replacing the MUCELS antennas with plain blade antennas. The configuration of smaller underside antennas was also changed significantly.
====RC-135W Rivet Joint (Project Airseeker)====
[[File:RAF100 Flypast -13 ‘GOOSE’ formation. 10-7-2018 (43920147152).jpg|thumb|A British RC-135W, 2018]]
<!-- Although Air Seeker is often seen in third-party sources, the MoD use Airseeker to refer to the RIVET JOINT project (and originally used it as the UK name for the aircraft themselves) -->
The United Kingdom bought three KC-135R aircraft for conversion to RC-135W Rivet Joint standard<ref name="fg201003" /> under the Airseeker project.<ref name=FG20131112>{{cite web | url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-first-raf-rivet-joint-aircraft-arrives-in-uk-392875/ | title=PICTURES: First RAF Rivet Joint aircraft arrives in UK | first=Dominic | last=Perry | date=12 November 2013 | work=FlightGlobal | access-date=18 December 2013 | archive-date=22 January 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122031208/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-first-raf-rivet-joint-aircraft-arrives-in-uk-392875/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Acquisition of the three aircraft was budgeted at £634m, with entry into service in October 2014.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/hc1213/hc06/0684/0684_i.pdf | title=Ministry of Defence – The Major Projects Report 2012 Appendix 3 | page=32 | publisher=National Audit Office | date=8 January 2013 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219073623/http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/hc1213/hc06/0684/0684_i.pdf | archive-date=19 December 2013 }}</ref> The aircraft formed [[No. 51 Squadron RAF]], based at [[RAF Waddington]] along with the RAF's other ISTAR assets. They are expected to remain in service until 2045.
Previously, the Royal Air Force had gathered signals intelligence with three [[Hawker Siddeley Nimrod R1|Nimrod R1]] aircraft.<ref name="uk08" /> When the time came to upgrade the maritime Nimrods to [[Nimrod MRA4|MRA4 standard]], Project Helix was launched in August 2003 to study options for extending the life of the R1 out to 2025.<ref name=MPR2010>{{cite web | url=http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/hc1011/hc04/0489/0489_i.pdf | title=Ministry of Defence – The Major Projects Report 2010 Appendix 2 | page=24 | publisher=National Audit Office | date=15 October 2010 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105223335/http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/hc1011/hc04/0489/0489_i.pdf | archive-date=5 November 2013 }}</ref> In 2008, the option of switching to Rivet Joint was added to Helix,<ref name=MPR2010 /> and the retirement of the R1 became inevitable when the MRA4 was cancelled under the UK's [[Strategic Defence and Security Review 2010|2010 defence review]]. The R1's involvement over Libya in [[Operation Ellamy]] delayed its retirement until June 2011.
Helix became Project Airseeker, under which three KC-135R airframes were converted to the RC-135W standard by [[L-3 Communications]]. L-3 provides ongoing maintenance and upgrades under a long-term agreement. The three airframes are former [[United States Air Force]] [[Boeing KC-135|KC-135R]]s, all of which first flew in 1964 and were modified to the latest RC-135W standard before delivery. The three airframes on offer to the UK are the youngest KC-135s in the USAF fleet.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 August 2009 |title=UK Yet To Confirm Nimrod SIGINT Replacement |url=https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2009-08-20/uk-yet-confirm-nimrod-sigint-replacement |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011032125/https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2009-08-20/uk-yet-confirm-nimrod-sigint-replacement |archive-date=11 October 2023 |website=Aviation International News}}</ref> As of September 2010 the aircraft had approximately 23,200 flying hours, 22,200 hours and 23,200 hours.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm110118/text/110118w0004.htm|title=House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 18 Jan 2011 (pt 0004)|website=publications.parliament.uk|access-date=2 February 2019|archive-date=30 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130121932/https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm110118/text/110118w0004.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
In January 2011, 51 Sqn personnel began training at Offutt for conversion to the RC-135.<ref name="fg201101">{{cite web |last=Hoyle |first=Craig |date=14 January 2011 |title=RAF personnel start Rivet Joint training |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/01/14/351887/raf-personnel-start-rivet-joint-training.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110119141337/http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/01/14/351887/raf-personnel-start-rivet-joint-training.html |archive-date=19 January 2011 |access-date=21 January 2011 |publisher=Flight International}}</ref> The first RC-135W (ZZ664) was delivered ahead of schedule to the Royal Air Force on 12 November 2013, for final approval and testing by the Defence Equipment and Support team prior to its release to service from the [[UK MAA]]. The second (ZZ665) was delivered in September 2015 and the third (ZZ666) in June 2017. The latter entered operational service in December 2017.<ref>{{cite web |last=Chuter |first=Andrew |date=22 April 2016 |title=Type 26 Frigate Production Approval Date Revealed in Letters Release |url=http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/international/europe/2016/04/22/letter-release-reveals-type-26-production-approval-date/83381446/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240108000452/https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2016/04/22/type-26-frigate-production-approval-date-revealed-in-letters-release/ |archive-date=8 January 2024 |access-date=23 April 2016 |website=Defense News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Allison|first1=George|title=UK takes delivery of third and final RC-135 Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft|url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-takes-delivery-third-final-rc-135-rivet-joint/|website=UK Defence Journal|access-date=12 June 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170612150832/https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-takes-delivery-third-final-rc-135-rivet-joint/|archive-date=12 June 2017|date=8 June 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
===RC-135X Cobra Eye===
The sole '''RC-135X''' Cobra Eye was converted during the mid-to-late-1980s from a C-135B Telemetry/Range Instrumented Aircraft, serial number 62–4128, with the mission of tracking ICBM [[Multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle|reentry vehicles]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fas.org/spp/military/program/lexicon.htm|title=Lexicon<!-- Bot generated title -->|website=fas.org|access-date=2 February 2019|archive-date=14 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914060502/http://fas.org/spp/military/program/lexicon.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>Rendall, David. ''Jane's Aircraft Recognition Guide'', 2000.</ref> In 1993, it was converted into an additional RC-135S Cobra Ball.<ref name="82d"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.clubhyper.com/reference/c135jh_3.htm|title=C-135 Variants Part Three by Jennings Heilig (Artwork, No Scale)|website=www.clubhyper.com|access-date=2 February 2019|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304064650/http://www.clubhyper.com/reference/c135jh_3.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
===TC-135===
Three aircraft are in service for crew training, and lack fully functional mission equipment. One TC-135S (62–4133) provides training capability for the Cobra Ball mission, and is distinguishable from combat-ready aircraft by the lack of cheeks on the forward fuselage. It was converted from an EC-135B in 1985 following the crash of the former RC-135T 55–3121, which had been used as a trainer up to that point. Two TC-135Ws (62-4127 and 4129) serve as training aircraft, primarily for the Rivet Joint mission, but can provide some training capability for RC-135U Combat Sent crews. They carry considerably fewer antennas than the fully equipped aircraft, but are otherwise similar in appearance to other Rivet Joint aircraft.
==Operators==
;{{USA}}
'''[[United States Air Force]]''' – [[Air Combat Command]]
*[[55th Wing]] – [[Offutt AFB]], [[Nebraska]]
::[[38th Reconnaissance Squadron]]
::[[45th Reconnaissance Squadron]]
::[[82d Reconnaissance Squadron]] ([[Kadena Air Base]], [[Japan]])
::[[95th Reconnaissance Squadron]] ([[RAF Mildenhall]], [[England]])
::[[338th Combat Training Squadron]]
::[[343d Reconnaissance Squadron]]
;{{UK}}
'''[[Royal Air Force]]'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/aircraft/airseeker-rc-135w-rivet-joint/|title=Airseeker (RC-135W Rivet Joint)|website=Official RAF Website|access-date=10 May 2018|archive-date=11 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511012906/https://www.raf.mod.uk/aircraft/airseeker-rc-135w-rivet-joint/|url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[No. 1 Group RAF|No. 1 Group]] – [[RAF Waddington]], [[Lincolnshire]], England
::[[No. 51 Squadron RAF|No. 51 Squadron]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/organisation/51squadron.cfm |title=51 Squadron |publisher=Royal Air Force |access-date=21 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323223316/https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/squadrons/51-squadron/ |archive-date=23 March 2019}}</ref>
::[[No. 54 Squadron RAF|No. 54 Squadron]] (Operational Conversion Unit)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/squadrons/54-squadron/ |title=54 Squadron |publisher=Royal Air Force |access-date=23 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713164646/https://www.raf.mod.uk/our-organisation/squadrons/54-squadron/ |archive-date=13 July 2018}}</ref>
::[[No. 56 Squadron RAF|No. 56 Squadron]] (Test and Evaluation)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/organisation/56squadron.cfm |title=56(R) Squadron |publisher=Royal Air Force |access-date=23 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910031126/http://www.raf.mod.uk/organisation/56squadron.cfm |archive-date=10 September 2015}}</ref>
==Accidents and incidents==
*On 17 July 1967, a KC-135R Rivet Stand, ''59-1465'', crashed on takeoff from [[Offutt Air Force Base]], [[Nebraska]]. The aircraft commander over-rotated the aircraft, causing it to stall and crash just under a mile from the end of the runway on the edge of [[Papillion Creek]]. One of the five crew members aboard was killed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19670717-0|title=ASN Aircraft accident Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker 59-1465 Bellevue-Offutt AFB, NE (OFF)|first=Harro|last=Ranter|website=aviation-safety.net|access-date=2 February 2019|archive-date=3 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203030635/https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19670717-0|url-status=live}}</ref>
*On 13 January 1969, USAF RC-135S, ''59-1491'', called "Rivet Ball", was returning from an operational reconnaissance mission, when it landed at Shemya Air Force Base, Alaska in a snowstorm. The aircraft slid off the ice-covered runway and plunged into a 40-foot ravine. Later "Ball" aircraft were equipped with thrust-reversers on their TF-33 turbofan engines, but this aircraft had J-57 turbojet engines without reverse thrust capability. All eighteen crew members successfully evacuated the aircraft. The aircraft was written off as damaged beyond repair, but many components specific to the reconnaissance mission were salvaged for later use.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19690113-1|title=ASN Aircraft accident Boeing RC-135S Rivet Ball 59-1491 Shemya AFB, AK (SYA)|first=Harro|last=Ranter|website=aviation-safety.net|access-date=2 February 2019|archive-date=18 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160518000041/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19690113-1|url-status=live}}</ref>
*On 5 June 1969, USAF RC-135E, ''62-4137'', called "Rivet Amber", departed Shemya Air Force Base, Alaska for a ferry flight to Eielson Air Force Base. Although the purpose of this ferry flight is sometimes described as routine maintenance, the aircraft had encountered severe turbulence on its previous operational mission and had been cleared for a one-time flight to be checked for possible structural damage at the main operating base. "Rivet Amber" was the heaviest 135 series aircraft ever built. It was a highly sophisticated aircraft with a radar that weighed over 35,000 pounds. Under each wing were specialized pods housing a heat-exchanger (right wing) and an additional electrical generator (left wing). During the flight, all contact with 62-4137 was lost and the wreckage of the aircraft was never found.<ref name="aviation-safety.net"/>
*On 15 March 1981, USAF RC-135S, ''61-2664'', called "Cobra Ball", crashed on final approach in bad weather to Shemya Air Force Base, Alaska on a flight from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. The aircraft commander never established a proper glide path or descent rate on final and impacted the ground short of the runway. Of the twenty-four occupants of the aircraft, six were killed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19810315-1|title=ASN Aircraft accident Boeing RC-135S Cobra Ball II 61-2664 Shemya AFB, AK (SYA)|first=Harro|last=Ranter|website=aviation-safety.net|access-date=2 February 2019|archive-date=18 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160518000107/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19810315-1|url-status=live}}</ref>
*On 25 February 1985, USAF RC-135T, ''55-3121'', operating out of Eielson AFB, Alaska, was flying practice approaches in very poor weather at the [[Valdez Airport|Valdez Municipal Airport]], Alaska. This one-time "Speed Light" aircraft had been re-engined with P&W TF-33 engines, but was at this time only used for proficiency training in landings and air refueling, not for operational reconnaissance missions, but was sometimes called "Rivet Dandy". The first two approaches were uneventful, but the crew apparently became disoriented and the third [[Microwave Landing System]] (MLS) approach was commenced some {{convert|4|mi|km|spell=in}} north of the prescribed MLS inbound course. The crew of three, two pilots and a navigator, were killed when the aircraft flew into the side of a mountain. The approach procedure being attempted was certified for a de Havilland Canada [[DHC-7]], [[STOL]] airplane. Both the glide slope and missed approach flight path were too steep for an RC-135 aircraft. The wreckage was located on 2 August 1985.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
*On 3 March 2003, two [[Mikoyan MiG-29|MiG-29]] and [[Mikoyan MiG-23|MiG-23]] of the [[North Korea|North Korean]] [[Korean People's Army Air Force|KPAAF]] intercepted a RC-135S in the [[Sea of Japan]]. A MiG-29 came within 50 feet of the aircraft. Another locked onto it with fire control radar in preparation to conduct a shoot down. The RC-135S changed course towards Japan and landed at Kadena airbase.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Schmitt |first=Eric |date=4 March 2003 |title=NORTH KOREA MIG'S INTERCEPT U.S. JET ON SPYING MISSION |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/04/world/north-korea-mig-s-intercept-us-jet-on-spying-mission.html |access-date=22 February 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=29 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129063025/http://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/04/world/north-korea-mig-s-intercept-us-jet-on-spying-mission.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
*On 30 April 2015, USAF RC-135V, ''64-14848'', operating out of [[Offutt AFB]], NE aborted takeoff on a routine training mission, when crewmembers observed smoke and flames coming from the aft galley. The aircraft commander aborted the takeoff at about 50 KIAS and the cockpit crew, electronic warfare officers, intelligence operators and in-flight maintenance technicians—27 individuals in all—evacuated the aircraft. Although there were no injuries, except for minor smoke inhalation, the ensuing fire damaged aircraft control and mission related systems. Total repair cost was estimated at $62.4 million US. The cause of the mishap was failure by L3 Communications depot maintenance personnel to tighten a retaining nut connecting a metal oxygen tube to a junction fitting above the galley. The resulting fire melted the retaining nut and caused the tubing to become detached, feeding even more oxygen to the fire, which increased in size and caused severe damage to the airframe, galley and mission equipment aboard the aircraft. The oxygen line system work, which was listed as the cause of this 2015 mishap, was carried out in August 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20150430-0|title=ASN Aircraft accident Boeing RC-135V Rivet Joint 64-14848 Bellevue-Offutt AFB, NE (OFF)|first=Harro|last=Ranter|website=aviation-safety.net|access-date=2 February 2019|archive-date=30 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130121808/https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20150430-0|url-status=live}}</ref>
*On 29 September 2022, an RAF RC-135 Rivet Joint plane interacted with two Russian SU-27s, one of which released a missile in the vicinity of the RAF Rivet Joint beyond visual range. Russia claimed this was due to a technical malfunction, and acknowledged the incident took place over the Black Sea in international waters. The UK defence secretary, Ben Wallace, declared "we are incredibly lucky that the episode did not become worse".<ref>{{cite web |last=Wintour |first=Patrick |date=20 October 2022 |title=Russian fighter jet 'released missile' near RAF plane due to malfunction, MPS hear |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/oct/20/russian-fighter-jet-released-missile-near-raf-plane-over-black-sea |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221020132211/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/oct/20/russian-fighter-jet-released-missile-near-raf-plane-over-black-sea |archive-date=20 October 2022 |access-date=20 October 2022 |website=[[TheGuardian.com]]}}</ref> Later due to a set of [[2022–2023 Pentagon document leaks|classified data leaks]], more information was released regarding the incident. According to two U.S. defense officials, the Russian pilot had misinterpreted what a radar operator on the ground was saying to him and thought he had permission to fire. The pilot, who had locked on the British aircraft, fired, but the missile did not launch properly.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gibbons-Neff |first=Thomas |last2=Schmitt |first2=Eric |date=2023-04-12 |title=Miscommunication Nearly Led to Russian Jet Shooting Down British Spy Plane, U.S. Officials Say |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/12/world/europe/russian-jet-british-spy-plane.html |access-date=2023-05-11 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
==Specifications (RC-135)==
{{Aircraft specs
|ref= USAF RC-135 Data Sheet <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/boeing-rc135/ |title=Boeing RC-135 Reconnaissance Aircraft |publisher=Airforce Technology |date=27 October 2020 |accessdate=23 February 2022 |archive-date=13 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113015609/http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/boeing-rc135 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|reason=domain on WP:BLACKLIST|date=June 2016}}
|prime units?=kts
<!--
General characteristics
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|genhide=
|crew= 2 pilots, 2 navigator (flight crew)
|capacity=21–27 depending on mission requirements, minimum consisting of 4 Electronic Warfare Officers (Ravens), 14 Intelligence Operators and 4 Airborne Systems Engineers (mission crew)
|length ft=136
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|span in=10
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|height in=8
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|wing area sqft=2433
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|airfoil='''root:''' BAC 310/311/312; '''tip:''' BAC 313<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019 |archive-date=26 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326174850/https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
|empty weight lb=124000
|empty weight note=
|gross weight lb=297000
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight lb=322500
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity=
|more general=
<!--
Powerplant
-->
|eng1 number=4
|eng1 name=[[CFM International F-108-CF-201]]
|eng1 type=turbofan engines
|eng1 lbf=22000
<!--
Performance
-->
|max speed kts=504
|max speed note=
|max speed mach=<!-- supersonic aircraft -->
|cruise speed kts=
|cruise speed note=
|stall speed kts=
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed kts=
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|minimum control speed note=
|range nmi=2998
|range note=
|combat range nmi=
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|ferry range nmi=
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|endurance=<!-- if range unknown -->
|ceiling ft=50000
|ceiling note=
|g limits=<!-- aerobatic -->
|roll rate=<!-- aerobatic -->
|glide ratio=<!-- sailplanes -->
|climb rate ftmin=4900
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|wing loading lb/sqft=
|wing loading note=
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|power/mass=
|thrust/weight=
|more performance=
|avionics=
}}
==See also==
{{Portal|United Kingdom|Aviation}}
{{aircontent
|related=
* [[C-135 Stratolifter]]
* [[KC-135 Stratotanker]]
* [[Boeing EC-135]]
* [[WC-135 Constant Phoenix]]
|similar aircraft=
|lists=
* [[List of active United States military aircraft]]
* [[List of United States Air Force reconnaissance aircraft]]
|see also=
* [[Strategic Air Command]]
}}
==References==
;Citations
{{Reflist}}
;Bibliography
* [https://fas.org/irp/program/collect/cobra_ball.htm Cobra Ball]&nbsp;– Federation of American Scientists
* [https://fas.org/irp/agency/aia/cyberspokesman/97aug/cobra_ball.htm RC-135S Cobra Ball Air Force's optical intelligence collection platform] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306205012/http://fas.org/irp/agency/aia/cyberspokesman/97aug/cobra_ball.htm |date=6 March 2016 }}&nbsp;– Federation of American Scientists
==External links==
{{Commons category|Boeing RC-135}}
* [https://fas.org/irp/program/collect/rivet_joint.htm Rivet Joint page on FAS.org]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070608064109/http://www.55srwa.org/55_vietnam.html ''The RB-47 & RC-135 in Vietnam'' By Bruce Bailey]
* [http://www.RC135.com "A Tale of Two Airplanes"] by Kingdon R. "King" Hawes, Lt Col, USAF (Ret.)
* [https://www.offutt.af.mil/Portals/97/Combat%20Sent%20Industry%20Visit%20Unclass%20Brief%20(CAO%20Jul%2017).pdf?ver=2017-08-24-110339-703 RC-135U Combat Sent Presentation, Capt Logan Schrank, September 2017]
* {{YouTube| W3Z3Nboioy8 | "RC-135 Rivet Joint" }}
{{707 military variants}}
{{Boeing model numbers}}
{{Cobra}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Boeing RC-135}}
[[Category:Boeing military aircraft|C-135R, Boeing]]
[[Category:Cobra radars]]
[[Category:Signals intelligence]]
[[Category:1960s United States military reconnaissance aircraft|C-135, Boeing]]
[[Category:Quadjets]]
[[Category:Low-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear]]