OVERVIEW: The RC‑135V Rivet Joint is the U.S. Air Force’s strategic ELINT/SIGINT reconnaissance aircraft under Project Big Safari. Introduced in 1973-74, Upgraded in 2020, it is equipped to intercept, classify, and geolocate electronic emissions across the full spectrum, with ongoing baseline upgrades extending its operational effectiveness.

DETAILS: The first RC‑135V modified from an RC‑135C airframe entered service with the 55th Wing at Offutt AFB by 1974. It features four CFM F108‑CF‑201 turbofan engines, cruises at approximately 850 km/h (Mach ~0.66), and reaches service ceilings around 15,200 m with a range of ~6,500 km. Radar and SIGINT sensor arrays are mounted in chin fairings, wingtip pods, fuselage blade antennas, and conformal domes, integrated with digital receivers, automated direction-finding systems, and secure data links. Its aboard crew of up to 30 includes pilots, navigators, ELINT/EW operators, airborne maintenance technicians, and intelligence specialists.

TYPE: Strategic SIGINT Reconnaissance Aircraft

FUNCTION: Designed to intercept, identify, and geolocate signals including radar, voice, data links, and other electronic emissions to generate near-real-time intelligence for strategic and theater-level commanders. Its advanced baseline systems enhance situational awareness in contested electromagnetic environments.

NOTE:
IOC: 1973–74 (RC‑135V), 2020 (Baseline 13)
Manufacturer: Boeing (airframe); L3Harris (mission systems)
Operators: U.S. Air Force - 55th Wing, Offutt AFB
Fleet Size: Eight RC‑135V aircraft (plus nine RC‑135W)
Conflict used in: Vietnam War, Cold War, Balkans, Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, global missions

SOURCE: U.S. Air Force Fact Sheet – RC‑135V/W Rivet Joint: https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104608/rc-135vw-rivet-joint/ ; Air & Space Forces Magazine – Rivet Joint profile: https://www.airandspaceforces.com/weapons-platforms/rc-135v-w/ ; Boeing RC‑135 overview: https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/boeing-rc135/ ; GlobalSecurity.org – Rivet Joint overview: https://www.globalsecurity.org/intell/systems/rivet_joint.htm