RC-135

The RC-135 program, managed by the Air Force, focuses on modifying and enhancing in-service aircraft to maintain their operational effectiveness. This program includes several variants such as the RC-135V/W RIVET JOINT, RC-135S COBRA BALL, and RC-135U COMBAT SENT, which are integral to Air Combat Command missions. The primary goal is to ensure these aircraft remain viable through 2050 by addressing airframe, sensor, navigation, communications, and data link requirements. The program employs a baseline integration strategy that allows for incremental upgrades to keep pace with evolving threats and technological advancements.

For the RC-135V/W RIVET JOINT variant, the focus is on upgrading Baseline 13 aircraft while fielding Baseline 14 configurations. Key enhancements include continuous recording capabilities, High Probability of Intercept Receivers, and advanced avionics systems like CNS-ATM upgrades. The program also plans for Baseline 15 upgrades that will introduce scalable processor improvements and enhanced remote maintenance capabilities. These efforts are supported by research and development initiatives from previous fiscal years.

The RC-135S COBRA BALL variant's objectives include integrating Baseline 14 enhancements such as advanced signal intelligence antennas and digital data recording systems. This variant aims to maintain collection parity with adversarial systems through an incremental upgrade strategy managed by the 645th Aeronautical Systems Group. Procurement efforts in FY25 will focus on subsystem upgrades and acquiring long-lead items necessary for future enhancements.

For the RC-135U COMBAT SENT variant, FY25 efforts will support Baseline 6 upgrades with improvements in wideband collection and operator interfaces. The program will also initiate procurement for long-lead items required for future Baseline 7 enhancements. These modifications aim to enhance capabilities in dense signal environments and integrate advanced communication intelligence suites from other RC-135 variants. These efforts ensure that the RC-135 fleet remains a critical component of the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) arena.