RC-135 RIVET JOINT: Difference between revisions
imported>Howard C. Berkowitz (Contrasted with ELINT RC-135U COMBAT SENT) |
imported>Howard C. Berkowitz (cross-platform complementing) |
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'''RC-135V/W RIVET JOINT''' aircraft are extensively modified C-135 transports | '''RC-135V/W RIVET JOINT''' aircraft are extensively modified C-135 transports, flown by the [[United States Air Force]], wjhich provide near-real-time [[communications intelligence]] (COMINT) and probably [[measurement and signature intelligence]] (MASINT) to theater and national consumers.<ref name=AFlinkRC135RJ>{{citation | ||
| url = http://www.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?fsID=121 | | url = http://www.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?fsID=121 | ||
| title = RC-135V/W RIVET JOINT}}</ref> They are operated by [[United States Strategic Command]] (USSOCOM), as part of the Joint Force Component for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, a joint operation with the [[Defense Intelligence Agency]]. The COMINT emphasis of the RIVET JOINT contrasts with the [[electronic intelligence]] (ELINT) focus of the [[RC-135 COMBAT SENT|RC-135U COMBAT SENT]]. | | title = RC-135V/W RIVET JOINT}}</ref> They are operated by [[United States Strategic Command]] (USSOCOM), as part of the Joint Force Component for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, a joint operation with the [[Defense Intelligence Agency]]. The COMINT emphasis of the RIVET JOINT contrasts with the [[electronic intelligence]] (ELINT) focus of the [[RC-135 COMBAT SENT|RC-135U COMBAT SENT]]. | ||
With recent architectural changes, there is an increased commonality of parts with the [[RC-135 COBRA BALL|RC-135S COBRA BALL aircraft]] aircraft, which have a more [[MASINT]] emphasis, focused on test and operational [[ballistic missile]] launch. This will allow a RIVET JOINT aircraft to be reconfigured as a COBRA BALL, and vice versa. In addition, the functions of the RIVET JOINT, COBRA BALL, and [[RC-135 COMBAT SENT]] could be complementary during actual fighting, and these three intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft further complement the [[E-3 Sentry]] airborne warning and control system (AWACS) and the [[E-8 Joint STARS]] ground surveillance radar aicraft. | |||
==General Characteristics== | ==General Characteristics== | ||
Revision as of 08:34, 22 June 2008
RC-135V/W RIVET JOINT aircraft are extensively modified C-135 transports, flown by the United States Air Force, wjhich provide near-real-time communications intelligence (COMINT) and probably measurement and signature intelligence (MASINT) to theater and national consumers.[1] They are operated by United States Strategic Command (USSOCOM), as part of the Joint Force Component for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, a joint operation with the Defense Intelligence Agency. The COMINT emphasis of the RIVET JOINT contrasts with the electronic intelligence (ELINT) focus of the RC-135U COMBAT SENT.
With recent architectural changes, there is an increased commonality of parts with the RC-135S COBRA BALL aircraft aircraft, which have a more MASINT emphasis, focused on test and operational ballistic missile launch. This will allow a RIVET JOINT aircraft to be reconfigured as a COBRA BALL, and vice versa. In addition, the functions of the RIVET JOINT, COBRA BALL, and RC-135 COMBAT SENT could be complementary during actual fighting, and these three intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft further complement the E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control system (AWACS) and the E-8 Joint STARS ground surveillance radar aicraft.
General Characteristics
- Primary Function: Reconnaissance
- Contractor: L-3 Communications
- Power Plant: Four CFM International F108-CF-201 high bypass turbofan engines
- Thrust: 21,600 pounds each engine
- Wingspan: 131 feet (39.9 meters)
- Length: 135 feet (41.1 meters)
- Height: 42 feet (12.8 meters)
- Weight: 173,000 pounds (78,743 kilograms)
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 297,000 pounds (133,633 kilograms)
- Fuel Capacity: 130,000 pounds (58,967 kilograms)
- Speed: 500+ miles per hour (Mach.66)
- Range: 3,900 miles (6,500 kilometers)
- Ceiling: 50,000 feet (15,240 meters)
- Crew: (flight crew) five (augmented) - three pilots, two navigators; (mission flight crew) 21-27, depending on mission requirements, minimum consisting of three electronic warfare officers, 14 intelligence operators and four inflight/airborne maintenance technicians
- Unit Cost: unavailable
- Initial operating capability: January 1964
- Inventory: Active force, 13; Reserve, 0; Guard, 0