DHC-2 Beaver vs RC-135 Rivet Joint

The DHC-2 Beaver and the RC-135 Rivet Joint are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by De Havilland Canada and Boeing respectively. The RC-135 Rivet Joint reaches 933 km/h — 3.7x the DHC-2 Beaver's 254 km/h. The DHC-2 Beaver has an operational range of 732 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 5,486 m for the DHC-2 Beaver. The DHC-2 Beaver has been produced in 1,657 units vs 32 for the RC-135 Rivet Joint. The DHC-2 Beaver first flew 25 years before the RC-135 Rivet Joint (1947 vs 1972).

Canadian utility aircraft, renowned for bush flying since the mid-20th century, widely deployed for civilian and military operations.
De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇦 Canada
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer De Havilland Canada
First flight 16 August 1947
Year introduced 1948
Number produced 1657 units
Average unit price $0.4 million
American reconnaissance aircraft, routinely deployed since the Cold War era, esteemed for its crucial surveillance roles worldwide.
Boeing RC-135 Rivet Joint Other profile drawing
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 23.0 m²
Wingspan 15.0 m
Height 2.7 m
Length 9.2 m
Maximum speed 254 km/h
Operational range 732 km
Service ceiling 5,486 m
Empty weight 1,361 kg
Total thrust 1 x 336 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
Empty weight -- kg
Total thrust 0

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the DHC-2 Beaver or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 254 km/h, a difference of 679 km/h.
Which has longer range, the DHC-2 Beaver or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint has a longer range at 5,552 km compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 732 km.
Which can fly higher, the DHC-2 Beaver 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 DHC-2 Beaver's 5,486 meters (17,998 ft).
Which is larger, the DHC-2 Beaver or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The DHC-2 Beaver is longer at 9.2 meters compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0.0 meters.
Which entered service first, the DHC-2 Beaver or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The DHC-2 Beaver entered service first in 1948, 13 years before the RC-135 Rivet Joint which entered service in 1961.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the DHC-2 Beaver or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The DHC-2 Beaver has been produced in greater numbers with 1,657 units compared to 32 units of the RC-135 Rivet Joint.