| The basic airframe of the RC-135 resembles that of a slightly larger
Boeing 707 from which it is derived. Having a long service career, RC-135s originally flew
from remote bases in Alaska and elsewhere to collect data on Soviet ballistic missile
testing during the Cold War. With the use of passive sensors, the RC-135 gathers
imagery intelligence (IMINT), telemetry intelligence (TELINT), and signals intelligence
(SIGINT).
The present RC-135 fleet of 21 aircraft currently consists of four varieties: two
RC-135S Cobra Ball, one RC-135X Cobra Eye, two RC-135U Combat Sent, fourteen RC-135V/W
Rivet Joint, and 2 RC-135 trainers.
The types are assigned to USAF's 55th Wing at Offutt AFB, Nebraska. RC-135s saw action
during the Gulf War, supplying intelligence through datalink to AWACS and navy command
ships.
Prime contractor: Boeing
Nation of origin: USA
Function: Reconnaissance
Crew: 4 on flight deck, up to 32 total
In-service year: 1956
Engine: Four Pratt & Whitney TF33-PW-9 non-afterburning turbofans, 18,000 lb thrust
each
Dimensions Wing span: 39.88 m / 130 ft 10 in Length: 42.82 m / 140 ft 6 in Height: 12.7
m / 41 ft 8 in Weight: 150,000-160,000 lb empty / 298,997 lb max. take off Ceiling: 41,750
ft Speed: 966 km/h / 600 mph Range: 9,100 km / 5,650 miles
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