Current as of December 1, 2025
Mission
The RC-135U Combat Sent provides precision scientific and technical electronic reconnaissance information to the president, secretary of defense, Department of Defense leaders, and theater commanders. Locating and identifying foreign military land, naval and airborne radar signals, the Combat Sent collects and minutely examines each system, providing strategic analysis for warfighters. Collected data is also stored for further analysis by the joint warfighting and intelligence communities. The Combat Sent deploys worldwide and is employed in peacetime and contingency operations.The RC-135U Combat Sent provides precision scientific and technical electronic reconnaissance information to the president, secretary of defense, Department of Defense leaders, and theater commanders. Locating and identifying foreign military land, naval and airborne radar signals, the Combat Sent collects and minutely examines each system, providing strategic analysis for warfighters. Collected data is also stored for further analysis by the joint warfighting and intelligence communities. The Combat Sent deploys worldwide and is employed in peacetime and contingency operations.
Features
All RC-135U aircraft are equipped with an aerial refueling system, giving it unlimited flying range when operating with an augmented crew. Communication equipment includes high frequency, very high frequency, and ultra-high frequency radios.