AC-130 vs RC-135 Rivet Joint

American gunship, deployed in Vietnam and Iraq wars, known for long duration, low-level ground attack and close air support missions.
AC-130 Other photo
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin
First flight 1 January 1967
Year introduced 1968
Number produced 21 units
Average unit price $150 million
American reconnaissance aircraft, routinely deployed since the Cold War era, esteemed for its crucial surveillance roles worldwide.
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing
First flight 1 January 1972
Year introduced 1961
Number produced 32 units
Average unit price $-- million
Wing area 162.2 m²
Wingspan 40.4 m â—‰
Height 11.7 m
Length 29.8 m
Maximum speed 669 km/h â—‰
Operational range 4,800 km â—‰
Service ceiling 9,144 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 70,307 kg
Total thrust 4 x 3,661 kW â—‰
Lockheed Martin AC-130 Other profile drawing
Wing area -- m²
Wingspan 39.9 m â—‰
Height -- m
Length -- m
Maximum speed 933 km/h â—‰
Operational range 5,552 km â—‰
Service ceiling 15,240 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight -- kg
Total thrust 0 â—‰
Boeing RC-135 Rivet Joint Other profile drawing

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AC-130 or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the AC-130's 669 km/h, a difference of 264 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AC-130 or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint has a longer range at 5,552 km compared to the AC-130's 4,800 km.
Which can fly higher, the AC-130 or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the AC-130's 9,144 meters (30,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the AC-130 or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The AC-130 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 70,307 kg compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the AC-130 or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The AC-130 is longer at 29.8 meters compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0.0 meters.
Which entered service first, the AC-130 or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint entered service first in 1961, 7 years before the AC-130 which entered service in 1968.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AC-130 or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint has been produced in greater numbers with 32 units compared to 21 units of the AC-130.