This morning, an USAF Boeing RC-135V (registration 64-14842 – callsign OLIVE42) took off from Souda Bay Air Base headed east.
The aircraft first orbited the area where the USS Gerald Ford carrier strike group is located, and then moved off the coast of Israel, where it has been orbiting for about 2 hours.
The Rivet Joint arrived at Souda on Wednesday, October 11.
The RC-135V/W Rivet Joint is a high-altitude, long-range reconnaissance aircraft operated by the United States Air Force. It is used to collect electronic signals intelligence (ELINT) from a variety of sources, including radar, communications, and telemetry systems. The RC-135V/W is a modified version of the Boeing C-135 Stratolifter, and it is equipped with a variety of sensors to collect ELINT data. These sensors include:
- Side-looking airborne radar (SLAR): This sensor can be used to detect and identify ground-based objects, such as vehicles, buildings, and airfields.
- Electronic intelligence (ELINT) receivers: These receivers can be used to detect and identify electronic signals, such as radar, communications, and telemetry signals.
- Infrared (IR) sensors: These sensors can be used to detect and identify heat sources, such as aircraft engines and missile launches.
The RC-135V/W is a valuable asset for the United States intelligence community. It is used to support a variety of missions, including:
- Intelligence gathering: The RC-135V/W can be used to collect intelligence on the military capabilities of potential adversaries.
- Battlefield surveillance: The RC-135V/W can be used to monitor enemy activity during a conflict.
- Weapons development: The RC-135V/W can be used to test and evaluate new weapons systems.
The RC-135V/W is a highly capable aircraft that plays a vital role in the United States intelligence community. It is a versatile platform that can be used to collect a wide range of intelligence data.