S.G. Belov – Ph.D. (Eng.), Head of Department,

JSC «Concern «VEGA»

А.D. Krylyuk – Ph.D. (Eng.), Deputy General Director of Defense Order,

JSC «Concern «VEGA»

V.I. Merkulov – Dr.Sc. (Eng.), Professor, Honored Scientist of RF, Deputy General Designer,  JSC «Concern «VEGA»

E-mail: from_fn@mail.ru

V.S. Chernov – Ph.D. (Eng.), Associate Professor, Leading Research Scientist, JSC «Concern «VEGA»

Currently, the combat aviation command of the United States employs strategic recon-naissance aircraft U-2S and various modifications of the RC-135: RC-135V/ W Rivet Joint, RC-135U Combat Saint and RC-135S Cobra Ball-2. The composition of the intelligence systems of these aircraft may include radio and radio intelligence, radar intelligence, optoelectronic and infrared intelligence.

Reconnaissance aircraft RC-135V/W River Joint introduced in the combat air force of the United States in the late 70 of the last  century, is the fundamental plane of radio and electronic intelligence radiation sources of terrestrial, marine and airborne in the centimeter, decimeter and meter wave bands. Its equipment is designed to intercept, record and analyze radio messages, unmasking dislocation, composition, operating modes and characteristics of the control of troops, air defense and enemy aircraft. At the same time, radio intelligence is considered a priority.

Strategic reconnaissance aircraft RC-135U Combat Saint is a means of conducting «instrumental electronic intelligence». This aircraft allows you to conduct a «more detailed» radio reconnaissance, in particular, to measure the exact values of the parameters with which you can further analyze the capabilities of the enemy radar, as well as provide operators with unique strategic research data that help to get an idea of the combat composition and deployment of enemy troops. In addition, the results of electronic intelligence can be used to improve and create new electronic systems.

Strategic reconnaissance aircraft RC-135S Cobra Ball-2 is designed to detect ballistic missile launches, determine the parameters of their trajectories and scan signatures of ballistic targets. The main task of intelligence in the process of control of flight tests of strategic and tactical ballistic missiles is to obtain objective video information about new missiles, as well as the interception of telemetry data at various phases of test flights for subsequent evaluation of their tactical and technical characteristics.

In addition to the reviewed modifications of the RC-135 another variant known as the Constant Phoenix performs nuclear monitoring. The latest modification of the U-2 aircraft is U-2S Dragon Lady, which currently continue to be actively used for strategic reconnaissance along the borders of foreign countries and in neutral waters. U-2S aircraft can carry different types of loads: interchangeable nose piece with radar or electro-optical equipment, and two removable streamlined container for equipment, installed in the root of the wing. As a result, some aircraft may be equipped with radar, electronic reconnaissance containers and satellite communications, while others may be equipped with a nose with optoelectronic equipment or other cameras.

The article also discusses the features of strategic air reconnaissance, associated with the emergence of the concept of «Warfare in a unified information-communication space». The impact of the new concept of warfare in relation to strategic reconnaissance aircraft most affected aircraft RC-135V and RC-135W. Along with conducting strategic reconnaissance aircraft RC-135V and RC-135W can be involved in the execution of tasks of operational and tactical intelligence in interaction with the aircraft E-3C AWACS, E-8C Jesters and the EU-130Н Compass Call.

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