WOW! Rob, close enough-here are the answers.
1. Boeing, RC-135V/W; both are Rivet Joint versions; these pertain only to the nicknames above. (Also see Answer 6)
2. Boeing prototype 367-80 model was the prototype for the RC-135s. Boeing then gave the airframe the model 739 designator. The renown B-707 airliner is an earlier related model. First three RC-135s were converted from KC-135 Stratotankers; subsequent aircraft were modified C-135s. The late models differed substantially with different bulges, stings, radars, various antennae and "other less than aerodynamic shapes to accommodate the exotic electronics."
3. USAF Strategic Air Command deployed them first. USAF 55th Wing. The RAF operate the Rivet Joint model.
4. None
5. Official uses: Elint, Telint, Comint and Sigint intercept ops out to 150 miles, and daily broadcast of imminent threat warnings. Offered data links to ground forces, on-board sensor suite to ID and geolocate signals throughout the ENTIRE electromagnetic spectrum!
6. Other variants are the RC-135S Cobra Ball and the RC-135U Combat Sent. The RC-135S specializes in tracking and photographing missiles, so has black wings to not interfere with cameras. It can hunt for enemy mobile missile launchers. The RC-135U is known as the "Hoover" for its ability to 'suck up' every electronic signal.
7. The four loss of aircraft accidents were all lost in Alaska. Eielson AFB, Shemya AFB on Shemya Island and Valdez are all in Alaska. I'll wager Arkansas probably has no AFBs?
8. Total number built/conversions, all models: 32.
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RC-135V Rivet Joint specs
Wingspan: 131 ft 10 in
Length: 136 ft 3 in
Height: 41 ft 8 in
Four P&W TF-33-P-9 (JT3D-3B) turbojets. 18,016 lb thrust each; replaced by Four CFM International F-108-CF-201 turbofans
With P&W TF-33 power:
Max speed: 615 mph at 32,800 ft
Service ceiling: 40,600 ft
Max range: 5,344 miles or op radius 2,672 miles
Weight (loaded): 317,466 lb
Crew accommodation up to 35. 27 crew typical: 3 pilots, 2 navigators, 17-22 mission specialists, fluent in many languages. Missile jamming/warning self-protect gear is often carried. Comsat antennas are carried. During war, a USAF General may be carried to control war from above, and the aircraft are vital to the US's overseas interest.
America's super snoopers have been in service over 50 years, faster than the Russian Tu-95 "Bear" bomber or the UK Nimrod R.Mk 1 (which excels in Service Ceiling by 395 ft). The Tu-95 "Bear" unrefueled range is 8.078 miles, but the RC-135s are supported by inflight refueling.
Thanks to all who looked at this quiz, Now dang! I will have to dream up another one.
