How much does the RC-135 cost?
How much does the RC-135 cost?
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.
What is a Rivet Joint aircraft?
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..
What is a Cobra Ball?
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.
How many rivet Joint aircraft are there?
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.
What does Rivet Joint do?
RIVET JOINT (RC-135V/W) is an air refuelable theater asset with a nationally tasked priority. It collects, analyzes, reports, and exploits enemy BM/C4I. During most contingencies, it deploys to the theater of operations with the airborne elements of TACS (AWACS, ABCCC, Joint STARS, etc.)
Where are the RC-135U COMBAT SENT aircraft located?
Background There are only two Combat Sent aircraft in the Air Force inventory and both are assigned to the 55th Wing at Offutt AFB, Neb. The RC-135U aircraft are manned by Air Combat Command crews from the 45th Reconnaissance Squadron and the 97th Intelligence Squadron (of the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency).
What kind of aircraft is the Boeing RC-135?
Boeing RC-135 Rivet Joint taking off from Offutt Air Force base. Boeing C-135 Stratolifter is the base model for RC-135. 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).
What kind of communication system does a RC-135U have?
All RC-135U aircraft are equipped with an aerial refueling system, giving it an unlimited flying range. Communication equipment includes high frequency, very high frequency, and ultra high frequency radios.
When was the first US Air Force RC-135 built?
The first RC-135 variant, the RC-135A, was ordered in 1962 by the United States Air Force to replace the Boeing RB-50 Superfortress. Originally nine were ordered but this was later reduced to four.