Boeing RC-135

25 May 2026 · © JA

A USAF Boeing RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft sits on the ramp at sunset, exemplifying the enduring legacy of military strategic intelligence aviation.

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General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin) F-16 Fighting Falcon

Aircraft

RC-135 RC35

USAF reconnaissance

Airline

United States Air Force

USAF

Manufacturer

Boeing

Gear

Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max back triple camera 9mm f/2.8

Achievements

Rare Bird, Vintage Voyager, Golden Hour Glory, Boeing Beginner, Military Maverick

5 badges earned

Photo grade

Bronze

Score: 79.0

Lovely sunset gradient and side profile, but the aircraft is a bit muted in shadow and soft in detail.

Location

Columbus Air Force Base

CBM/KCBM

33.6438, -88.4438

Open map

Columbus Air Force Base CBM

Airport

Insights

Aviation History

One of the longest-serving reconnaissance platforms of the United States Air Force, evolving since the 1960s and still actively deployed on sensitive missions worldwide.

Fleet Rarity

Only a few dozen RC-135s of all variants remain operational worldwide.

Record Flights

Has conducted high-profile reconnaissance missions globally including during Cold War and crisis response.

Safety & Events

The RC-135 has been involved in several notable intercept and political incidents during international operations.

Future Outlook

Continues to be modernized; planned service into the late 2020s.

Specifications

CFM International F108-CF-201 (military CFM56 variant)

Engine

39.88 m

Wingspan

41.53 m

Length

6,500 km

Range

870 km/h

Speed

up to 32 crew (varies by variant)

Capacity

146,285 kg

MTOW

12.70 m

Height

97 kN (21,600 lbf) per engine

Thrust

Not rated civilian, varies by configuration; based on 707 airframe

Noise