Roden Boeing RC-135V/W Rivet Joint 1/144 Model Kit
The Roden Boeing RC-135V/W Rivet Joint (349) is a 1/144 scale plastic model kit representing the US Air Force’s specialised airborne signals intelligence aircraft. Developed from the Boeing C-135 transport during the 1960s, the Rivet Joint has served as an important platform for gathering electronic intelligence and monitoring military communications.
This release includes markings for USAF Boeing RC-135V construction number 18785, identified as aircraft 64-845. The subject represents a reconnaissance aircraft whose primary purpose is intelligence gathering rather than conventional transport or combat operations.
Boeing RC-135V/W Rivet Joint
The Boeing RC-135V and RC-135W Rivet Joint aircraft are designed to collect signals intelligence during military operations. Their principal tasks include identifying sources of radio transmissions, gathering information about land, sea and air targets, and intercepting communications between military command posts and operational units.
Another important role is monitoring enemy air defence systems. Information gathered during these missions helps provide an understanding of military activity within an operational area.
Depending on the mission, a Rivet Joint crew can include between 12 and 16 surveillance operators and intelligence analysts responsible for collecting and interpreting information.
Airborne Intelligence Operations
The RC-135V/W operates as part of a wider airborne reconnaissance capability. Missions can involve cooperation with other specialist aircraft, including the E-3 AWACS.
Intelligence collected during flight can be transmitted through encrypted communications channels, allowing information to be shared with other aircraft and military units.
The RC-135V and RC-135W have served with the United States Air Force for more than four decades, remaining central to its airborne signals intelligence operations.
The type has also been adopted by the Royal Air Force. Three RC-135W Airseeker aircraft entered RAF service following conversion from KC-135R Stratotankers between 2013 and 2017.
US Air Force Aircraft Markings
Roden provides markings for a specific American RC-135V Rivet Joint aircraft.
- Aircraft: Boeing RC-135V Rivet Joint
- Operator: United States Air Force
- Construction number: 18785
- Aircraft identification: 64-845
The marking option identifies an individual aircraft associated with the USAF’s long-running airborne reconnaissance and electronic intelligence operations.
1/144 Scale Plastic Model Kit
Produced by Roden, this 1/144 scale plastic kit depicts the Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft for assembly and painting.
The subject is particularly relevant to collections of American military aviation, Cold War aircraft and modern intelligence-gathering platforms. Its scale also allows it to be displayed alongside other 1/144 scale aircraft models.
The box artwork has additional significance as the final illustration created for Roden by aviation artist Valery Grigorenko (1963-2022).
Kit Details
- Manufacturer: Roden
- Aircraft: Boeing RC-135V/W Rivet Joint
- Markings: USAF RC-135V, aircraft 64-845
- Aircraft type: Signals intelligence and reconnaissance
- Country: United States
- Scale: 1/144
- Product type: Plastic model kit
- Manufacturer reference: 349
- EAN: 4823017702509
Paint and modelling glue are required for assembly and finishing. The completed model represents the USAF Boeing RC-135V Rivet Joint, an aircraft developed specifically for airborne signals intelligence and military reconnaissance.
