In the late 1950s, due to a significant breakthrough in the field of compact electronics, it became possible to install various types of equipment to conduct electronic reconnaissance in the air. One of the most famous aircraft for this purpose, which has been in active service for more than 60 years, is the Boeing RC-135, developed from the C-135 Stratolifter transport aircraft. During this long period, there have been a number of changes in the reconnaissance equipment installed on the aircraft, and therefore it is probably the main basis for new modifications, now consisting of 15 different types from the RC-135A to the RC-135W.

In 1973, six RC-135C aircraft were rebuilt to the new RC-135V standard. The new aircraft was distinguished from its predecessors by an unusually elongated nose, in which AN/AMQ-15 reconnaissance equipment was installed. The aircraft also had a large number of external antennas under the fuselage, above it, and at the rear.

Similarly, in the early 1980s, all RC-135M aircraft were redesigned to the RC-135W standard. The RC-135V and RC-135W were generally very similar in appearance to the earlier variants, and only a few slight differences in their external antennas distinguished them. Both versions were given the common proper name Rivet Joint and have been a major type of electronic reconnaissance aircraft in the United States Air Force for more than 40 years. Their main task is to identify the enemy's air defenses, to locate and track sources of radio emission in all possible ranges, and to intercept communication between command posts and enemy aircraft.