PIK3141 wrote
but beyond my comprehension taking KC135s and converting them.
As already point out the conversion of 135 airframes into RC frames is nothing new for the US.
The US has been converting their tanker 135s into intel collection airframes since the early 1960s.
The USAF during the late 1990s increased their Rivet Joint fleet by several airframes (C-135B conversions).
In 2006 the latest Rivet Joint conversion from a 135 airframe was delivered to the USAF.
TJ