Image: RC-135W Rivet Joint MOD 45159809

Description: Image shows an RAF Rivet Joint RC-135W signals intelligence aircraft taking off from RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire. The RC-135W Rivet Joint is a large, all-weather electronic surveillance aircraft based on the C-135 airframe. The Royal Air Force has purchased three RC-135 Rivet Joint aircraft, currently being converted from KC-135R Stratotanker airframes to RC-135W standard at the L3 Communications facility in Greenville, Texas. The first aircraft is due for delivery in late 2013, with the final delivery expected in 2017. A programme of continual upgrades has kept the USAF RC-135 fleet at the cutting edge of technology and relevant capability. The three RAF aircraft will continue to benefit from the upgrade programme in turn with USAF aircraft. The RC-135W Rivet Joint is equipped with a variety of sensors, allowing its multi- disciplined crew to intercept and exploit emissions across the electromagnetic spectrum, providing both strategic and tactical level intelligence. Organization: RAF Object Name: WAD-OFF-140523-0304-0043 Keywords: RAF Waddington, Royal Air Force, RAF, Equipment, Aircraft, Intelligence and surveillance, RC-135W Rivet Joint, KC-135R, Airborne intelligence , ISTAR, 51 Squadron, Airseeker Country: UK
Title: RC-135W Rivet Joint MOD 45159809
Credit: Photo http://www.defenceimagery.mod.uk/fotoweb/fwbin/download.dll/45153802.jpg Metadata source: http://www.defenceimagery.mod.uk/fotoweb/fwbin/fotoweb_isapi.dll/ArchiveAgent/5042/Search?FileInfo=1&MetaData=1&Search=45159809.jpg
Author: Sgt Si Pugsley RAF
Permission: Images are downloadable at high resolution, made available at http://www.defenceimagery.mod.uk for reuse under the OGL (Open Government License).
Usage Terms: Open Government License
License: OGL
License Link: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/1/
Attribution Required?: Yes