E-3 Sentry AWACS vs RC-135 Rivet Joint

American airborne early warning and control (AWACS) aircraft, principally used in NATO, UK, France, and Saudi Arabia since the Cold War.
Picture of E-3 Sentry AWACS
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing
First flight 9 February 1972
Year introduced 1977
Number produced 68 units
Average unit price $270 million
American reconnaissance aircraft, routinely deployed since the Cold War era, esteemed for its crucial surveillance roles worldwide.
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 283.0 m²
Wingspan 44.4 m
Height 12.6 m
Length 46.6 m
Maximum speed 853 km/h
Operational range 7,400 km â—‰
Service ceiling 10,668 m
Max. takeoff weight 147,417 kg
Empty weight 83,915 kg
Total thrust 4 x 9,752 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Boeing E-3 Sentry AWACS
Wing area -- m²
Wingspan -- m
Height -- m
Length -- m
Maximum speed -- km/h
Operational range 5,552 km â—‰
Service ceiling -- m
Max. takeoff weight -- kg
Empty weight -- kg
Total thrust 0 â—‰
Profile drawing of Boeing RC-135 Rivet Joint

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is faster with a maximum speed of 853 km/h compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0 km/h, a difference of 853 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a longer range at 7,400 km compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 5,552 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a higher service ceiling at 10,668 meters (35,000 ft) compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0 meters (0 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 147,417 kg compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0.0 meters.
Which entered service first, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint entered service first in 1961, 16 years before the E-3 Sentry AWACS which entered service in 1977.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has been produced in greater numbers with 68 units compared to 32 units of the RC-135 Rivet Joint.