RC-135
        Brief: Specially configured variants of the Boeing C-135
 Stratolifter, having an elongated nose and cheeks containing highly
 advanced electronic signal collection systems. Used to acquire real-
 time electronic intelligence data for theater and tactical
 commanders.
        Function:       Electronic reconnaissance aircraft.
        Operator:       ACC.
        First Flight:   not available
        Delivered:      circa 1973.
        IOC: circa 1969.
        Production: 16, two in Fiscal 1999.
        Inventory:      19.
        Ceiling:        45,000 ft.
        Unit Location:  Offutt AFB, Neb.
        Contractor:      Raytheon.
        Power Plant: four Pratt & Whitney TF33-P-519 turbofans; each
 18,000 lb thrust.
        Accommodation: flight crew of four; 25-35 mission crew.
        Dimensions: span 130 ft 10 in, length 134 ft 6 in,
 height 38 ft 4 in.
        Weight: gross 299,000 lb.
        Performance: speed 500 mph plus, range, with air refueling,
 unlimited.
        COMMENTARY
        The 55th Wing at Offutt AFB, Neb., operates a highly special-
 ized fleet for worldwide reconnaissance missions.
        RC-135S Cobra Ball is used for missile tracking. Equipment
 includes wide-area IR sensors, long-range optical telescopes, and
 an advanced communications suite that can locate a missile more than
 250 miles away and calculate its trajectory and impact point. One
 aircraft, a revamped RC-135X, is receiving the latest sensor up-
 grades, featuring sensors on both sides of the aircraft.
        RC-135U Combat Sent. Two aircraft with larger tailcone and fin
 fairing, used for measuring and analyzing foreign electronic and IR
 equipment. IOC:1967.
        RC-135 V/W Rivet Joint. Fourteen aircraft used for electronic
 surveillance. RC-135 Rivet Joints loiter near battlefields providing
 near-real-time data updates via the Tactical Information Broadcast
 System (TIBS) and JTIDS on enemy air defense systems to crews of F-16
 HTS aircraft. Two additional Ws are being acquired.  The aircraft's
 recon systems are continuously upgraded to keep pace with new
 threats. Rivet Joints have operated in the Persian Gulf region
 since 1990. IOC: 1973.
 ===
--- DB 1.39/004487
---------------