GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

AC-130 vs RC-135 Rivet Joint

Lockheed Martin AC-130 military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 AC-130
Boeing RC-135 Rivet Joint military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 RC-135 Rivet Joint
Change comparison vs
Specifications
AC-130 RC-135 Rivet Joint
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin Boeing
First flight 1 January 1967 1 January 1972
Year introduced 1968 1961
Number produced 21 units 32 units
Average unit price $150 million --
Wing area 162.2 m² -- m²
Wingspan 40.4 m 39.9 m
Height 11.7 m -- m
Length 29.8 m -- m
Maximum speed 669 km/h 933 km/h
Operational range 4,800 km 5,552 km
Service ceiling 9,144 m 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 70,307 kg -- kg
Empty weight 33,063 kg 56,245 kg
Total thrust 4 x 3,661 kW --
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The AC-130 and the RC-135 Rivet Joint are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed Martin and Boeing respectively.

Top speed is 669 km/h for the AC-130 vs 933 km/h for the RC-135 Rivet Joint. The AC-130 has an operational range of 4,800 km vs 5,552 km for the RC-135 Rivet Joint. The RC-135 Rivet Joint operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 9,144 m for the AC-130.

The AC-130 has been produced in 21 units vs 32 for the RC-135 Rivet Joint. The AC-130 first flew 5 years before the RC-135 Rivet Joint (1967 vs 1972).

Related Comparisons
AC-130 vs PA-32 Cherokee Six AC-130 vs King Air 90 AC-130 vs DHC-2 Beaver AC-130 vs Boeing 747 AC-130 vs S-2 Tracker AC-130 vs Boeing 707

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.