![]() “The exact number depends on the nature of the task, but a typical mission sortie would have around 25 crew members on board, with approximately 35 for full training missions.” The MoD has also provided details of the crew level required to operate the aircraft. British Rivet Joints will operate as part of a joint pool with the USAF and as a result, will be upgraded and maintained to the same standard as the American aircraft. It also marks the significant achievement of the Defence Equipment and Support team in delivering this outstanding aircraft to the RAF.”Ī programme of continual upgrades will keep the British aircraft up to date. “This milestone for the Airseeker programme, coming ahead of schedule, gives the UK another world-class real-time signals intelligence and surveillance capability supporting forces in the air and on the ground. With a Defence budget that will rise in real terms over the next five years and a £163 billion equipment plan, we are able to give our Armed Forces the best equipment to meet the growing and complex threats we face today.”Ĭhief of Materiel (Air) at the MOD’s Defence Equipment and Support Organisation, Air Marshal Simon Bollom, said: “The delivery of the second Airseeker provides our Armed Forces with another vital intelligence aircraft that will give valuable support to our fight against enemies such as ISIL. Then Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said at the time of delivery for the second aircraft: The information can then be distributed in a variety of formats to a wide range of platforms through Rivet Joint’s extensive communications suite.īritish crews achieved more than 32,000 flying hours and 1,800 sorties as part of the USAF’s 55th Reconnaissance Wing, in preparation for the RAF operating the type. ![]() ![]() The RC-135 signals intelligence aircraft is fitted with an on-board sensor suite that allows the aircraft to detect, identify and geolocate signals throughout the electromagnetic spectrum. The first RC-135W was delivered ahead of schedule to the RAF in November 2013 and the type has been used extensively to support British and allied operations in the Middle East and around the world. Helix became Project Airseeker, under which three KC-135 aircraft were converted to RC-135W standard. It wasn’t until 2008 that Rivet Joint was seriously considered. The roots of the deal lie in Project Helix, launched in 2003, the aim was to study options for extending the service life of the Nimrod R1’s out into the next two decades. “The RC-135W Rivet Joint is equipped with a variety of sensors, allowing its multi-disciplined crew to intercept and exploit emissions across the electromagnetic spectrum, providing both strategic and tactical level intelligence.” The Royal Air Force describe the platform as follows: ![]() They are expected to remain in service until 2045. 51 Squadron RAF, based at RAF Waddington along with the RAF’s other ISTAR assets. ![]() The United Kingdom purchased three KC-135R aircraft for conversion to RC-135W Rivet Joint standard under the Airseeker project, let’s take a closer look.Īcquisition of the three aircraft is budgeted at £634m. ![]()
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