RC-135V Rivet Joint
Boeing (mod by L3 Technologies) · USA · first flew 1964 · reconnaissance aircraft
The RC-135V Rivet Joint is the USAF's primary signals intelligence (SIGINT) platform, continuously modernised since the 1960s to intercept electronic emissions across the full spectrum.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 4 × turbofan, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Distinctive cheek fairings and blade antennae arrays along fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Distinctive cheek fairings and blade antennae arrays along fuselage
- Four underwing turbofan pods on low-set swept wing
- Long unpainted nose radome with SIGINT blisters
Instantly identifiable by the large cheek fairings either side of the forward fuselage housing SIGINT antenna arrays, plus a forest of blade antennae along the spine and belly. The unpainted radome nose and lack of cabin windows distinguish it from tanker/transport C-135 variants.
Specifications
- The RC-135V Rivet Joint has a length of 41.5 m (136 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 39.9 m (131 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 933 km/h (580 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 pilots + up to 35 mission crew.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Derived from the Boeing C-135 Stratolifter family, the RC-135 was converted for reconnaissance duties from the mid-1960s. The Rivet Joint variant emerged through multiple upgrade programmes administered by L3 (formerly Raytheon), consolidating earlier RC-135C/D/M configurations. A shared fleet exists with the RAF as the RC-135W Rivet Joint.
Variants
RC-135V (USAF primary variant); RC-135W (shared USAF/RAF variant with incremental sensor upgrades); RC-135U Combat Sent (specialised emitter targeting).
Where you'll see it
Operated exclusively by the 55th Wing at Offutt AFB, Nebraska, with forward deployments worldwide. The RAF operates three RC-135Ws from RAF Waddington. Fleet remains in active front-line service.
Related aircraft
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