Boeing RC-135S Cobra Ball Ballistic Missile Tracking Reconnaissance Variant
The Boeing RC-135S Cobra Ball is a specialized KC-135/C-135-derived reconnaissance variant that collects optical and electronic data on ballistic targets for national-priority missions, arms-treaty verification, and strategic missile-defense analysis. Its sensor suite, forward deployment capability, and three-aircraft active inventory make it a distinct child of the KC-135 lineage.
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Identity
- Aliases
- RC-135S Cobra BallCobra BallRC-135SBoeing RC-135S
- Family Name
- Boeing RC-135S Cobra Ball
- Full Name
- Boeing RC-135S Cobra Ball Ballistic Missile Tracking Reconnaissance Variant
- Roles
- militaryreconnaissancecommunications
- Status
- active
- Type
- aircraft
Details
- Aircraft Specs
- Configuration
- fixed_wing
- Crew Capacity
- 10
- Cruise Speed
- …
- Max Takeoff Mass
- …
- Operating Modes
- land
- Range
- …
- Service Ceiling
- …
- Takeoff Landing Capabilities
- conventional
- Description
- The Boeing RC-135S Cobra Ball is a specialized KC-135/C-135-derived reconnaissance variant that collects optical and electronic data on ballistic targets for national-priority missions, arms-treaty verification, and strategic missile-defense analysis. Its sensor suite, forward deployment capability, and three-aircraft active inventory make it a distinct child of the KC-135 lineage.
- Dimensions
- Height
- …
- Length
- …
- Wingspan
- …
- Manufacturer
- Parent Vehicle Family
- Propulsion Configurations
- Entries
- Count
- 4
- Placement
- nacelle
- Propulsion System
- Role
- main
- Stage
- airframe
- Variant Notes
- Four exact CFM International F108-CF-201 high-bypass turbofans; Boeing RC-135S Cobra Ball.
- Name
- RC-135S F108-CF-201 installation
- Notes
- The U.S. Air Force specifies four CFM International F108-CF-201 high-bypass turbofan engines on RC-135S Cobra Ball.
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- Creation Time
- August 14, 2026 at 05:21:20 UTC
- Updated Time
- August 15, 2026 at 10:35:38 UTC