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AC-130 vs RC-135 Rivet Joint

AC-130 vs RC-135 Rivet Joint at a glance — top speed 669 vs 933 km/h, range 4,800 vs 5,552 km, built 21 vs 32 units.

Lockheed Martin AC-130 military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 AC-130
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
Change comparison vs

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.