This is an Original BATTLE TESTED ELITE WARRIOR VELCRO STRATEGIC AIR COMMAND 45th RECON SQN COBRA BALL RC-135S velkrö SSI: FINBACK BAIT. You will receive the item shown in the first photo. Note: the center design is very interesting, it is from the "Peoples Liberation Army Air Force Insignia, PLAAF", I have the photo included in the main body of this listing.![](https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MjYwWDE2MDA=/z/LJYAAOSwU1xhEsQe/$_57.JPG?set_id=8800005007) Mission
The RC-135S Cobra Ball is a rapidly deployable aircraft, which flies Joint Chiefs of Staff-directed missions of national priority to collect optical and electronic data on ballistic targets. This data is critical to arms treaty compliance verification, and development of U.S. strategic defense and theater missile defense concepts.
Features
The RC-135S, equipped with a sophisticated array of optical and electronic sensors, recording media, and communications equipment, is a national asset uniquely suited to provide America's leaders and defense community with vital information that cannot be obtained by any other source.
Crew composition includes a minimum of two pilots, one navigator, three electronic warfare officers, two airborne systems engineers, and two or more airborne mission specialists.
Background
The current RC-135S aircraft trace their lineage to C-135 aircraft originally modified in 1961 and operated in 24-hour alert status out of Shemya AFB, Alaska. In 1994, all RC-135S aircraft and operations were transferred to the 55th Wing at Offutt AFB in Omaha, Nebraska. This action, along with many others, helped peacefully close another chapter in the history of the Cold War. Initially employed by Strategic Air Command to satisfy nationally tasked intelligence collection requirements, the RC-135S has also participated in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
All Cobra Ball airframe and mission systems modifications are overseen by L-3 Communications, under the oversight of Air Force Materiel Command.
There are three RC-135S aircraft in the Air Force inventory all assigned to Air Combat Command and permanently based at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.. The Cobra Ball is operated by the 55th Wing, and manned with aircrews from the 45th Reconnaissance Squadron, and the 97th Intelligence Squadron, using various forward deployment locations worldwide.
General Characteristics
- Primary Function: Reconnaissance
- Contractor: L-3 Communications
- Power Plant: Four CFM International F108-CF-201 high bypass turbofan engines
- Thrust: 21,600 pounds each engine
Unrefueled Range: 3,900 miles (6,500 kilometers)
- Length: 135 feet (41.1 meters)
- Height: 42 feet (12.8 meters)
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 297,000 pounds (133,633 kilograms)
- Wingspan: 131 feet (39.9 meters)
- Speed: 500+ miles per hour (Mach.66)
- Flight Crew: (minimum) Two pilots, one navigator
- Mission flight crew: (minimum) - minimum consisting of three electronic warfare officers, two airborne systems engineers, and two airborne mission specialists
- Unit Cost: unavailable
- Date Deployed: March 1972 (CBII)
- Inventory: Active force, 3; Reserve, 0; Guard, 0
You will receive the item as shown in the first photo. I have different style T. Monkey design, you may receive one slightly differ from the picture. Other items in other pictures are for your reference only, available in my eBay Store. They will make a great addition to your SSI Shoulder Sleeve Insignia collection. Our all US-Made Insignia patches here are NIR compliant and 65/35 blend, with LIFETIME warranty. 2012 0304 **eBay REQUIRES ORDER BE SENT WITH TRACKING, PLEASE SELECT USPS 1ST CLASS SERVICE w/TRACKING** ![](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/xH4AAOSw~5Ramzam/s-l1600.jpg) ![](https://i.ebayimg.com/t/KANDAHAR-WHACKER-USAF-24TH-SRS-RC-135S-62-4128-COBRA-BALL-HIDDEN-HERO-OF-THE-SKY-/00/s/NTkyWDEyODk=/z/zMkAAOxyTjNSiJj-/$_57.JPG?rt=nc) ![](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/5lIAAOSwLNVato1f/s-l1600.jpg)
**eBay REQUIRES ORDER BE SENT WITH TRACKING, PLEASE SELECT USPS 1ST CLASS SERVICE w/TRACKING** | ![](https://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MjEyWDE2MDA=/z/DwYAAOSwnZxbop9h/$_57.PNG?set_id=8800005007) We'll cover your purchase price plus shipping. |
FREE 30-day No-Question return ALL US-MADE PATCHES HAVE LIFETIME WARRANTY We do not compete price with cheap import copies. Watch out for cheap import copies with cut-throat price; We beat cheap copies with Original design, US-Made Quality and customer services. Once a customer, a LIFETIME of services
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