Drifterdon Posted June 6, 2016 Share Posted June 6, 2016 (edited) So I'm have some luck fabricating the lumps and bumps on the various RC-135's I'm building but I'm having trouble figuring out what all the different antennas are that festoon the backs of the latest versions. More specifically the Rivet Joints and Cobra Balls that are flying out of Offutt AFB. Attached are some links to pics to show what I'm looking to find out. I need to scratch build all these and it would help to know what they are so I can figure out their shapes and dimensions. Rivet Joint antenna farm: http://fineartameric...roductions.html http://www.af.mil/Ab...ivet-joint.aspx https://upload.wikim...Rivet_Joint.jpg Cobra Ball antennas: https://upload.wikim...d_at_Offutt.jpg https://theaviationi...tag/cobra-ball/ http://www.fighterco...p?f=16&p=270713 Thanks in advance. Don Edited June 6, 2016 by Drifterdon Quote Link to post Share on other sites
82Whitey51 Posted June 6, 2016 Share Posted June 6, 2016 (edited) Hmm...the ones along the top with the round disc are SATCOM antennas (had those on the E-6B), you can see that not all aircraft are configured with the same number as well...the aircraft rotate in and out of mod at different intervals, etc. as new capabilities are acquired. I'm not an EC/RC-135 guy, but the antennas are directly linked to the gear they are part of (makes sense...), much of which is classified I'm sure...you might have to just eyeball them for size. I do know that the SATCOM antennas that come in the "Flightpath" E-6A conversion set are oversized. Maybe try to catch one at an airshow for some "walk around" pics. Edited June 6, 2016 by 82Whitey51 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cubs2jets Posted June 6, 2016 Share Posted June 6, 2016 I don't know that my "observation and opinion" is of much help. Like Whitey, I see a number of satcom "frisbee's", 2 3 or 4 tall VHF blade antennas and a long wire antenna from mid verticle stab to left of center, forward of emergency exit. The wire is possibly HF, maaaybe ADF. As for the other lumps and bumps, I have no idea. A personal thank you for not posting pictures of the belly antenna farm. I probably couldn't identify anything other than one or two VHF blade antennas. C2j Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Drifterdon Posted June 6, 2016 Author Share Posted June 6, 2016 A personal thank you for not posting pictures of the belly antenna farm. I probably couldn't identify anything other than one or two VHF blade antennas. I'm guessing that those are definitely of a classified nature and wouldn't even begin to speculate on what they are or do. Most are in the shadows and I guess it makes sense to just leave them there. :thumbsup:/> Thanks guys for the help. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
habu2 Posted June 7, 2016 Share Posted June 7, 2016 I'm guessing that those are definitely of a classified nature and wouldn't even begin to speculate on what they are or do. Most are in the shadows and I guess it makes sense to just leave them there. I can tell you exactly what they are. The round ones are - hold on, someone is knocking at my door... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Drifterdon Posted June 7, 2016 Author Share Posted June 7, 2016 The round ones are - hold on, someone is knocking at my door... You're killing me Smalls! :rofl:/> Quote Link to post Share on other sites
majortomski Posted June 7, 2016 Share Posted June 7, 2016 (edited) A LOOONG time ago, I spent a very snowy winter day on top of a command post -135 installing one of those Frisbees. My mind says it's made by Dorne-Margolin. But doing a web search I cannot find any references to it. It looks like FT Harris now carries these as "legacy" antennae. Edited June 7, 2016 by majortomski Quote Link to post Share on other sites
11bee Posted June 7, 2016 Share Posted June 7, 2016 I'm guessing that those are definitely of a classified nature and wouldn't even begin to speculate on what they are or do. Most are in the shadows and I guess it makes sense to just leave them there. :thumbsup:/>/> Thanks guys for the help. From a modeling standpoint, no one cares what these antennas do, just what shape / color / dimensions they are. These aircraft are present at open houses and are very well documented by aviation photographers, including some on ARC. There are zero OPSEC issues in sharing this info. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Drifterdon Posted June 8, 2016 Author Share Posted June 8, 2016 From a modeling standpoint, no one cares what these antennas do, just what shape / color / dimensions they are. Pretty much exactly what I was trying to find out. Shape, color and most of all dimensions since I'll have to scratch build these. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jay Chladek Posted June 8, 2016 Share Posted June 8, 2016 Check your PMs Don. I believe I have what you are looking for. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Drifterdon Posted June 8, 2016 Author Share Posted June 8, 2016 PM received! :woot.gif:/> :worship:/> :cheers:/> Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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