First British Rivet Joint Aircraft Delivered To The UK
by Lindsey Askin.
Date: 25 November 2013
Picture above shows the first RIVET JOINT Landing at RAF Waddington.
The first of 3 RIVET JOINT (RJ) signals intelligence aircraft has been delivered to RAF Waddington to begin a period of squadron work-up activity before entering service with the RAF in late 2014.
Once in service RAF Waddington based 51 Squadron will operate the aircraft having undergone intense training as well as operating alongside their United States Air Force (USAF) colleagues in a co-manning arrangement since the beginning of 2011.
As at October 2013, UK crews had achieved in excess of 32,000 flying hours and over 1800 sorties with the USAF. Co-manning with the US 55th Reconnaissance Wing has provided a core cadre of crews ready to hit the ground running when the first aircraft is handed to the RAF by Defence Equipment and Support later in 2014.
Officer Commanding 51 Squadron, Wing Commander Tom Talbot said: “Following 3 years of training and preparation with our USAF brethren the RIVET JOINT brings with it a step change in airborne Signals Intelligence capability for the UK. This is a fantastic day for 51 Squadron and marks the start of a new era in our long and illustrious history”
Project AIRSEEKER
Known as project AIRSEEKER, the United Kingdom’s procurement of the Boeing RC-135V/W RJ system will provide the UK with world class airborne Signals Intelligence capability. Once in service the RJ system will provide real time on-scene intelligence, collection, surveillance and analysis to coalition forces in the air and on the ground.
Air Vice-Marshal Peter Ewen, Director Air Support at Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), who are responsible for the procurement of the RJ, said: “I am delighted that the first RJ aircraft has been delivered to the UK, an important milestone in the procurement pathway for the future AIRSEEKER signals intelligence capability for UK Defence. A testament to the ongoing and highly effective UK/US co-operation in the procurement programme, support and RAF aircrew training, this first of 3 aircraft, will form a vital component of the Nation’s future ISTAR capabilities.”
By working with our US allies and buying a military capability from off the shelf, the UK taxpayer has saved significant research and development costs. The first aircraft has been delivered ahead of its original planned arrival date of early 2014 as the contractor has completed the conversion ahead of schedule.
Picture above shows a US Air Force RC-135 Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft moves into position behind a KC-135T/R Stratotanker for an aerial refueling at a speed greater than 250 knots over Southwest Asia.
New ISTAR Capability
The Rivet Joint (RJ) provides real time on-scene intelligence, collection, surveillance and analysis to coalition forces in the air and on the ground. The information gathered is forwarded in a variety of formats to a wide range of consumers via the RJ’s extensive communications suite.
Whilst the integration of this new ISTAR capability into our wider Defence structures moves forward, the UK will continue to benefit from the signals intelligence capability being delivered by RAF/USAF co-manning.
Rivet Joint will routinely be crewed by 24 people; 2 pilots, a navigator, 4 airborne systems engineers and 17 specialist operators, who will manage the sensor systems and ensure that intelligence is disseminated correctly.
The first of three UK aircraft will be allocated the tail number ZZ664; also known as RJ18. This aircraft has undergone its conversion from the baseline KC-135 tanker, and has recently successfully completed its US flight trials programme ahead of schedule in Greenville, Texas, where all RJ aircraft are converted and maintained.
Work is now underway to ensure that the necessary evidence is in place by spring 2014 to support the aircraft receiving its approval to fly to work up to Initial Operating Capability later in the year.
