AC-130 vs RC-135 Rivet Joint
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).
| American gunship, deployed in Vietnam and Iraq wars, known for long duration, low-level ground attack and close air support missions. | |
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| 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. | |
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| 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 | -- |
| Wing area | 162.2 m² |
| Wingspan | 40.4 m ◉ |
| Height | 11.7 m |
| Length | 29.8 m |
| Maximum speed | 669 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 4,800 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 9,144 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 70,307 kg |
| Empty weight | 33,063 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 915 kW ◉ |
| Wing area | -- m² |
| Wingspan | 39.9 m ◉ |
| Height | -- m |
| Length | -- m |
| Maximum speed | 933 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 5,552 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 15,240 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | -- kg |
| Empty weight | 56,245 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 0 ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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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.