RAF SELECTS RIVET JOINT TO REPLACE NIMROD R.1S
Monday 18 January 2010
The Boeing RC-135 Rivet Joint electronic intelligence-gathering aircraft has been selected by the MOD to replace the RAF’s current fleet of 3 BAE Systems Nimrod R.1 aircraft.
MOD approval was given during December 2009 for the US solution to Project Helix, as the Nimrod R.1 replacement is called by the RAF. A formal announcement is expected in January.
In early 2008 the UK entered into talks with the US Air Force (USAF) to secure surplus Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker airframes for conversion into RC-135s. The RC-135 is the USAF’s primary electronic intelligence-gathering platform. L3 Communications is responsible for the current upgrade programme on the USAF’s RC-135s and it is envisaged that the UK aircraft would be modified with mission equipment at L3’s Greenville plant in Texas.
The RAF hopes to be able to secure logistic support and maintenance synergies with the UK’s Boeing E-3D Sentry airborne warning and control system (AWACS) fleet at RAF Waddington, where the Rivet Joints will be based.
It is expected that the UK RC-135s will be fitted with CFM International CFM-56 engines to achieve commonality with the E-3Ds. It appeared that the RAF might lose the R.1 capability altogether as a result of spending cuts but was considered essential to maintain this capability.
