E-3 Sentry AWACS vs RC-135 Rivet Joint

American airborne early warning and control (AWACS) aircraft, principally used in NATO, UK, France, and Saudi Arabia since the Cold War.
E-3 Sentry AWACS Other photo
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing
First flight 9 February 1972
Year introduced 1977
Number produced 68 units
Average unit price $270 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 283.0 m²
Wingspan 44.4 m â—‰
Height 12.6 m
Length 46.6 m
Maximum speed 853 km/h â—‰
Operational range 7,400 km â—‰
Service ceiling 10,668 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 147,417 kg
Empty weight 83,915 kg
Total thrust 4 x 9,752 kgf â—‰
Boeing E-3 Sentry AWACS 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
Empty weight -- kg
Total thrust 0 â—‰
Boeing RC-135 Rivet Joint Other profile drawing

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 853 km/h, a difference of 80 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a longer range at 7,400 km compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 5,552 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-3 Sentry AWACS 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 E-3 Sentry AWACS's 10,668 meters (35,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 147,417 kg compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0.0 meters.
Which entered service first, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint entered service first in 1961, 16 years before the E-3 Sentry AWACS which entered service in 1977.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has been produced in greater numbers with 68 units compared to 32 units of the RC-135 Rivet Joint.