Editing Boeing RC-135 (section)

===RC-135T Rivet Dandy===

In 1971, KC-135T 55-3121 was modified to a RC-135T Rivet Dandy configuration. It was used to supplement the RC-135C/D/M fleet, then in short supply due to ongoing upgrades requiring airframes to be out of service. It operated under the Burning Candy operational order. In 1973, the aircraft's SIGINT gear was removed and transferred to KC-135R 58–0126, resulting in 55-3121 assuming the role of trainer, a role which it fulfilled for the remainder of its operational existence. Externally the aircraft retained the 'hog nose' radome and some other external modifications. The aerial refueling boom and trapeze below the tail were removed, and it had no operational reconnaissance role.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>

In this configuration, it operated variously with the 376th Strategic Wing at [[Kadena AB]], Okinawa, the 305th AREFW at [[Grissom AFB]], Indiana, and the 6th Strategic Wing at Eielson AFB, Alaska. In 1982, the aircraft was modified with Pratt & Whitney [[TF33]]-PW102 engines and other modifications common to the KC-135E tanker program, and returned to Eielson AFB. It crashed while on approach to [[Valdez Airport]], Alaska on 25 February 1985 with the loss of three crew members. The wreckage was found in August 1985, six months after the accident.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19850225-3|title=ASN Aircraft accident Boeing RC-135T Rivet Dandy 55-3121 Valdez Municipal Airport, AK (VDZ)|first=Harro|last=Ranter|website=aviation-safety.net|access-date=2 February 2019|archive-date=3 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203030403/https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19850225-3|url-status=live}}</ref>