Boeing RC-135
The Boeing RC-135 family is one of the world’s best-known signals-intelligence aircraft, based on the airliner-derived C-135 airframe but filled with specialised sensors and mission crews. The designation R135 in this catalogue covers the broader C-135-derived reconnaissance family rather than a normal passenger variant. RC-135 Rivet Joints routinely collect electronic intelligence from international airspace, making them frequent subjects of flight-tracking interest. Their many external antennas distinguish them from ordinary tanker and transport derivatives.
Did you know?
Built on an airliner-derived C-135 airframe, the RC-135 reconnaissance family bristles with external antennas for its signals-intelligence mission.
Specifications
| Length | 41.5 m (136 ft) |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 39.9 m (131 ft) |
| Height | 12.7 m (42 ft) |
| Persons on board | 19 |
| Crew | 3 |
| Maximum take-off weight | 136 t |
| Range | 3,400 NM (6,297 km) |
| Maximum speed | 580 kt (1,074 km/h) |
| Service ceiling | 50,000 ft (15,240 m) |
| Optimum ceiling | 35,000 ft (10,668 m) |
| Rate of climb | 3,000 ft/min (15.2 m/s) |
| Take-off distance | 2,700 m (8,858 ft) |
| Landing distance | 800 m (2,625 ft) |
| Fuel capacity | 86,000 l |
| Engines | 4x Pratt & Whitney TF33-P-9 |
Curated by CatchFlights from manufacturer documents, ICAO Doc 8643 and reference works; values are left out where no source could confirm them. Sources are listed on our credits page.
In CatchFlights
In CatchFlights the Boeing RC-135 starts as a Rare catch. The tier is an editorial judgement of how special a sighting of this type is. The more often you catch it, the closer it moves to Common for you.
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