E-3 Sentry AWACS vs RC-135 Rivet Joint
Overview
The E-3 Sentry AWACS and the RC-135 Rivet Joint are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Boeing respectively.
Top speed is 853 km/h for the E-3 Sentry AWACS vs 933 km/h for the RC-135 Rivet Joint. The E-3 Sentry AWACS has an operational range of 7,400 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 10,668 m for the E-3 Sentry AWACS.
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has been produced in 68 units vs 32 for the 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. | |
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| 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. | |
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| 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 | -- |
| 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 ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 10,668 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 147,417 kg |
| Empty weight | 83,915 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 2,438 kgf ◉ |
| 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 ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | -- kg |
| Empty weight | 56,245 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 0 ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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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 10,668 meters (35,000 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.