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Head-to-head

Boeing 747 vs RC-135 Rivet Joint

Boeing 747 military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 Boeing 747
Boeing RC-135 Rivet Joint military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 RC-135 Rivet Joint
Change comparison vs
Specifications
Boeing 747 RC-135 Rivet Joint
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing Boeing
First flight 9 February 1969 1 January 1972
Year introduced 1970 1961
Number produced 1574 units 32 units
Average unit price $285 million --
Wing area 511.0 m² -- m²
Wingspan 59.6 m 39.9 m
Height 19.3 m -- m
Length 70.6 m -- m
Maximum speed 1014 km/h 933 km/h
Operational range 12,150 km 5,552 km
Service ceiling 13,746 m 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 377,842 kg -- kg
Empty weight 173,726 kg 56,245 kg
Total thrust 4 x 25,719 kgf --
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The Boeing 747 and the RC-135 Rivet Joint are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Boeing respectively.

Top speed is 1,014 km/h for the Boeing 747 vs 933 km/h for the RC-135 Rivet Joint. The Boeing 747 has an operational range of 12,150 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 13,746 m for the Boeing 747.

The Boeing 747 has been produced in 1,574 units vs 32 for the RC-135 Rivet Joint. The Boeing 747 first flew 3 years before the RC-135 Rivet Joint (1969 vs 1972).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Boeing 747 or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The Boeing 747 is faster with a maximum speed of 1,014 km/h compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 933 km/h, a difference of 81 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Boeing 747 or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The Boeing 747 has a longer range at 12,150 km compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 5,552 km.
Which can fly higher, the Boeing 747 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 Boeing 747's 13,746 meters (45,098 ft).
Which is heavier, the Boeing 747 or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The Boeing 747 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 377,842 kg compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the Boeing 747 or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The Boeing 747 is longer at 70.6 meters compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0.0 meters.
Which entered service first, the Boeing 747 or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint entered service first in 1961, 9 years before the Boeing 747 which entered service in 1970.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Boeing 747 or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The Boeing 747 has been produced in greater numbers with 1,574 units compared to 32 units of the RC-135 Rivet Joint.