RC-135S/U/V/W (ELINT)

The RC-135S/U/V/W are a series of large reconnaissance aircraft derived from the C-135 Stratolifter, primarily used by the United States Air Force for signals intelligence (SIGINT) and electronic intelligence (ELINT) missions. These aircraft are equipped with a sophisticated array of sensors, antennas, and on-board processing capabilities to detect, identify, and geolocate enemy electronic emissions across the electromagnetic spectrum.

Developed by Boeing in the United States, these aircraft entered service in 1971 and have been continuously upgraded and used for strategic reconnaissance missions worldwide during the Cold War and subsequent conflicts.