Boeing RC-135V/W Rivet Joint · PlaneSpot

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Mystery Spotter 🇺🇸

17 Sep 2026 · © Old man

Landing

Spotting

2 likes 1 comments

Comments (1)

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Cash · 18 Sep 2026

Nice one!

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Aircraft

RC-135V/W Rivet Joint RC-135

USAF gray camouflage scheme

Airline

United States Air Force

Manufacturer

Achievements

Rare Bird, Vintage Voyager, Boeing Beginner, Military Maverick

4 badges earned

Photo grade

B

Bronze

Score: 73.0

Nice airborne catch; a bit soft and underexposed, and the black pillars on the sides are distracting.

Location

FSM Airport

Fort Smith Regional Airport · FSM/KFSM

35.3247, -94.3810

Open map

Fort Smith Regional Airport FSM

Insights

Aviation History

The RC-135 series is a key US and allied signals intelligence and reconnaissance platform. The RC-135V/W Rivet Joint is one of the latest iterations, used prominently since the Cold War.

Fleet Rarity

1 of only ~22 USAF Rivet Joints. Rare outside US/UK service.

Record Flights

RC-135s have been involved in many high-profile surveillance missions, sometimes operating on the edges of hostile airspace.

Safety & Events

Numerous intercepts by foreign air forces during reconnaissance operations. Several have been targeted by hostile radar or fighters.

Future Outlook

Expected to remain in service into the 2030s with ongoing upgrades.

Specifications

CFM International F108-CF-201 (military variant of CFM56-2)

Engine

39.88 m

Wingspan

41.53 m

Length

6,500 km

Range

870 km/h

Speed

33 crew

Capacity

135,000 kg

MTOW

12.7 m

Height

97.86 kN (22,000 lbf) per engine

Thrust

ICAO Chapter 3 (~104-108 dB at takeoff)

Noise