Since the bond created by a rivet is practically permanent, it is often used as an alternative to adhesive-bonded or welded joints. It is typically used to join two metal plates together. The data the RJ delivers provides joint warfighters the information needed to ensure force protection as well as conduct effective targeting operations. A rivet is a permanent mechanical fastener typically characterized by a cylindrical body with a head on one end. This RJ has deployed globally in support of theaters in Iraq and Afghanistan, to conduct ISR missions during combat operations. RIVET JOINT is a Program Name for the The RC-135V/W, the USAFs standard airborne Signal Intelligence SIGINT platform. The Rivet Joint's modifications are primarily related to its on-board sensor suite, which allows the mission. The aircraft is an extensively modified C-135. “The crew for this plane,” Cunningham said, “will be about 20 to 30 folks and as long as we can get gas, it can go up to 24 hours.” The RC-135V/W Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft supports theater and national level consumers with near real time on-scene intelligence collection, analysis and dissemination capabilities. “The plane can be best described as a vacuum,” said Maj Joseph Cunningham, chief of inspections standard evaluation, assigned to manage procedures for the RJ aircrew.īuilt with an on-board sensor suite, the RJ allows the mission crew to detect, identify and geolocate signals throughout the electromagnetic spectrum. The mission crew can then forward gathered information in a variety of formats to a wide range of consumers via the RJ's extensive communications suite.

Rivet joint