Boeing RC-135V/W Rivet Joint

CHARLIE ALFA 🇺🇸

12 Apr 2026 · © All photos taken by me, copyright protected.

A USAF Boeing RC-135V/W Rivet Joint signals intelligence aircraft on approach, a rare and historically significant reconnaissance platform. ———————————————————————— U.S. Air Force 🇺🇸 | Boeing RC-135 Rivet Joint | PHNL / HNL 🇺🇸

6 likes 5 comments

Comments (5)

🛩️

CHARLIE ALFA · 13 Apr 2026

👍🏼

🛩️

Domi · 12 Apr 2026

Love the way you captured this!

Kiwi Aviation · 12 Apr 2026

Perfect timing!

🛩️

CHARLIE ALFA · 12 Apr 2026

Thanks!

Katl_spotter13 · 12 Apr 2026

Incredible!

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

Aircraft

RC-135V/W Rivet Joint RC-135

United States Air Force (USAF) standard reconnaissance livery

OF 663

Registration

Airline

United States Air Force

Manufacturer

Boeing

Achievements

Rare Bird, Vintage Voyager, Boeing Beginner, Military Maverick

4 badges earned

Location

Hickam Air Force Base

PHIK

21.3353, -157.9480

Open map

Hickam Air Force Base PHIK

Airport

Insights

Aviation History

This is a key U.S. Air Force SIGINT/reconnaissance aircraft, in service since the early 1960s, and remains one of the most vital airborne intelligence platforms in the world.

Fleet Rarity

About 22 RC-135V/W units currently operate worldwide, all with the USAF.

Record Flights

Flown missions globally, including long-duration reconnaissance sorties over war zones and near contested airspace.

Safety & Events

Occasionally intercepted by foreign fighters, and has been involved in several high-profile international incidents.

Future Outlook

Active; ongoing modernization keeps the fleet operational.

Specifications

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

Engine

39.88 meters

Wingspan

41.53 meters

Length

6,500 kilometers

Range

870 kilometers per hour

Speed

27 crew (mission-dependent configuration)

Capacity

135,000 kilograms

MTOW

12.7 meters

Height

21,634 lbf (96.29 kN) per engine

Thrust

ICAO Chapter 3 (varies by modification); up to 100 dB on takeoff

Noise