Although the RC-135A was the first designation in the RC-135 family, it was not the first RC-135 in service. That distinction belongs to the RC-135S, which began operational reconnaissance …

Dec 2, 2018 · Robert Hopkins flew the RC’ in the heat of the Cold War, braving intercepting MiG-31s and other threats to eavesdrop on the US’ potential enemies and hoover up vital …

Nov 20, 2023 · One aircrew member died out of the five who were on board. KC-135A-II, later known as the RC-135D Rivet Bras, was delivered to Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, in 1962 …

All RC-135s are assigned to Air Combat Command. The RC-135 is permanently based at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., and operated by the 55th Wing, using various forward deployment …

Oct 27, 2020 · RC-135 is a reconnaissance aircraft manufactured by Boeing. Boeing RC-135 is a four engine, medium weight reconnaissance aircraft designed and manufactured by Boeing …

Dec 6, 2020 · It was designed for Reconnaissance duties mainly ELINT. All the C variants are currently in service but as either RC-135V or RC-135U platforms. RC-135D – Never used as …

The RC - 135S Cobra Ball is a rapidly deployable aircraft, which flies Joint Chiefs of Staff-directed missions of national priority to collect optical and electronic data on ballistic targets. This data …

Sep 21, 2023 · Most RC-135 jets are approaching 60 years in service. Hard-working maintainers keep the aircraft flying, while engineers rebuild the aircraft every few years to make way for …

Jul 2, 2020 · RC-135 aircraft can reach speeds of 580 miles-per-hour out to a range of 3,450 miles and up to a ceiling of 50,000 feet. Rate-of-climb is 4,900 feet-per-minute.

My uncle Kay Heilig was a USAFSS 203 with the 6985th at Eielson from 1966-1970. I do aircraft illustration, and have a great personal interest in the RC-135D. If anyone has any candid …