Manned Reconnaissance Systems

The Manned Reconnaissance Systems program, as outlined in Program Element (PE) 0305207F, is an Air Force initiative focused on the research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) of enhancements and upgrades to the RC-135 family of manned reconnaissance aircraft and their associated ground systems. The primary goal of this program is to ensure that the RC-135 fleet comprised of RIVET JOINT, COMBAT SENT, and COBRA BALL variants remains technologically relevant and operationally effective in response to evolving threats and rapidly advancing commercial technologies. The program is managed by the 645th Aeronautical Systems Group (645 AESG), also known as BIG SAFARI, which oversees engineering, integration, flight testing, logistics, and training activities for these specialized platforms.

RC-135 Systems is the central project under this program element, with objectives to support design studies, engineering analysis, and non-recurring engineering (NRE) related to the integration and modification of primary mission equipment and specialized mission systems. This includes both airborne and ground-based systems such as Ground Data Processing Systems, Distributed Mission Shelters, Mission Crew Training Systems, Airborne Capabilities Extension System, and Operational Flight Trainers. The program emphasizes the use of Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) solutions to enable rapid capability upgrades and to address diminishing manufacturing sources and vanishing vendor items issues.

A key objective for FY 2025 and FY 2026 is the continued development and integration of baseline upgrades for each RC-135 variant. For RIVET JOINT, Baseline 14 upgrades include enhancements such as continuous recording capability, High Probability of Intercept receivers, digital receiver improvements, and avionics updates for Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance - Air Traffic Management. Baseline 15 will focus on scalable processor improvements, wideband agile receiver and pulse detector, expanded steered beam capability, and augmented remote maintenance. These upgrades are designed to improve the aircraft's ability to collect, process, and disseminate signals intelligence in contested environments.

For COMBAT SENT, Baseline 6 and initial Baseline 7 enhancements are planned to provide steerable beams for the communications intelligence subsystem, improved intercept capability, specific emitter identification for electronic intelligence, and integration of the Primary Sensor Measurement System with manual precision collections. Additional upgrades include digitizing antennas, direction finding for high-frequency signals, expanded streaming audio services, and a 360-degree aircraft tracking system. These improvements aim to increase the platform's ability to detect, identify, and track advanced electronic emitters.

COBRA BALL Baseline 14 upgrades will focus on software updates to the Measurement and Signature Intelligence collection system, high-gain steerable-beam K-band antenna arrays, enhanced direction-finding antennas, and improved intercept capabilities. Other objectives include enhanced signals of interest identification and classification, digitized collection antennas, and integration of Quick Reaction Capabilities to address emerging threats. These upgrades are intended to maintain the aircraft's effectiveness in monitoring and characterizing foreign missile launches and related activities.

Ground systems upgrades are synchronized with their respective aircraft baseline enhancements to ensure that aircrews and ground personnel receive training on the latest mission system configurations. This includes updates to the Mission Crew Training Systems and Operational Flight Trainers, which are typically delivered concurrently or prior to the first aircraft fielding of a new baseline. The program also supports studies, analyses, requirements definition, and rapid prototyping to accelerate technology transition and future acquisition planning.

The acquisition strategy for the Manned Reconnaissance Systems program is based on an incremental baseline approach, allowing for spiral development and fielding of new capabilities while addressing obsolescence and logistical challenges. The 645 AESG is authorized to redirect funding as needed to meet emerging Combatant Command and Intelligence Community requirements, ensuring a responsive and adaptive approach to system upgrades. The program's funding supports ongoing engineering analysis, integration, and specialized mission systems development, with a minor increase in FY 2026 to account for inflation.