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E-3 Sentry AWACS vs RC-135 Rivet Joint

E-3 Sentry AWACS vs RC-135 Rivet Joint at a glance — top speed 853 vs 933 km/h, range 7,400 vs 5,552 km, built 68 vs 32 units.

Boeing E-3 Sentry AWACS military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 E-3 Sentry AWACSFull specs
Boeing RC-135 Rivet Joint military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 RC-135 Rivet JointFull specs
Specifications
E-3 Sentry AWACS 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 1972 1 January 1972
Year introduced 1977 1961
Number produced 68 units 32 units
Average unit price $270 million --
Wing area 283.0 m² -- m²
Wingspan 44.4 m 39.9 m
Height 12.6 m -- m
Length 46.6 m 41.2 m
Maximum speed 853 km/h 933 km/h
Operational range 7,400 km 5,552 km
Service ceiling 8,839 m 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 147,417 kg -- kg
Empty weight 83,915 kg 56,245 kg
Total thrust 4 x 9,752 kgf --
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 853 km/h, a difference of 80 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 RC-135 Rivet Joint has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 8,839 meters (28,999 ft).
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 41.1 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.