Air Enthusiast 2007-07
D.Willis - Extended Family /Post-war combat/ (5)
Many of the systems destined for the WC-135Bs were test flown on the Boeing 367-80.
The larger engines were an important component of the Baseline 7 upgrade to the rivet joints. View from the rear of a KC-10A tanker.
OC-135B 61-2670 remains as one of the two primary Open Skies aircraft.
OC-135Bs carry a Sandia AN/APD-14 SAROS in a blister under the forward fuselage.
Budget cuts forced the first OC-135B to be put into storage at Davis-Monthan AFB.
The WC-135W is used to undertake the constant wind mission, retrieving atmospheric samples in support of nuclear test treaties.
COBRA BALL III 61-2662: the port-hand side of the RC-135S is reminiscent of the RC-135M.
The RC-135S fleet was the last to be re-engined with F 108s. The distinctive black starboard wing of the burning star tasked aircraft is noteworthy.
In 1993, 64-14849 still had the original 'cheeks' and MD-7 fairing on the tail.
The two RC-135Us were re-engined with F108-CF-100s in 2002.
RC-135V 64-14844 in 2004 after being refitted with the longer E-Systems 'cheeks'. The long 'hog' nose has been a standard RC-135 feature for many years
Rivet Joints continue to support operations over Afghanistan (this example taken on January 7, 2007) and Iraq.
The cargo door has been retained on the rivet joints, although a second internal door has been fitted.
A rivet joint over Saudi Arabia in 1990 during support for Operation desert shield.
Of all of the many variants of the KC-135 'family', the 'RCs' have long held the greatest fascination
The set of three small antennas under the nose of RC-135W 62-4139 help identify it as a Block III aircraft. Under the centre section are the MUCELS.
The rivet joint fleet was deployed to Souda Bay in support of Operation Iraqi freedom
An RC-135S and a RC-135U at Mildenhall in March 2000. The base has been an important forward operating location for RC-13Ss since the 1960s.
The RC-135U has a uniquely-shaped rear fuselage. The circular radome under the forward fuselage is also visible on 64-14847.
RC-135V 63-9792 was the only example created from a RC-135U. Note the have siren cylinders on the engine pylon.
Most of the reconnaissance Stratotanker variants have been equipped with an in-flight refuelling receptacle - open in this view - to increase mission endurance.
COBRA BALL I 61-2663 on approach to Mildenhall in December 2001 with the five busters and square antenna on the forward fuselage and teardrop antenna in front of the tailplanes.
The addition of various satellite communication devices added a row of T-shaped antennas to the upper fuselage. Three are apparent on this RC-135V.
One of the four original RC-135As, now converted to KC-135D tankers
The RC-135As were the only photographic reconnaissance versions of the Stratotanker, but were not a success.
60-0357 was the first of three RC-135Ds, 60-0357, which remained in this configuration for a decade from 1966. Note the long cylinder-like fairings in front of the ledge/fuselage join.
The large 'rabbit ears'of the RC-135U are seen to advantage in this shot of 64-14847 on approach to Mildenhall in August 1980.
Операторы самолета RC-135 Rivet Joint, направленного для выполнения задания в Юго-Восточную Азию, проводят тестовую проверку бортовой аппаратуры радиотехнической разведки.
The Baseline 7 configuration saw an extensive redesign of the workstations, most receiving dual MFDS.
Top to bottom: RC-135C; RC-135D, RC-135E, RC-135M, KC-135R, RC-135S, RC-135U, RC-135V.