E-6 Mercury TACAMO vs RC-135 Rivet Joint

American command-and-control aircraft, operative during the Cold War era, kept primarily for communications with U.S. nuclear forces.
Picture of E-6 Mercury TACAMO
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing
First flight 19 February 1987
Year introduced 1989
Number produced 16 units
Average unit price $141 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
Wingspan 45.2 m
Height 12.9 m
Length 45.8 m
Maximum speed 966 km/h
Operational range 12,000 km â—‰
Service ceiling 12,192 m
Max. takeoff weight 155,128 kg
Total thrust 4 x 11,213 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Boeing E-6 Mercury TACAMO
Wingspan -- m
Height -- m
Length -- m
Maximum speed -- km/h
Operational range 5,552 km â—‰
Service ceiling -- m
Max. takeoff 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-6 Mercury TACAMO or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO is faster with a maximum speed of 966 km/h compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0 km/h, a difference of 966 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has a longer range at 12,000 km compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 5,552 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has a higher service ceiling at 12,192 meters (40,000 ft) compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0 meters (0 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 155,128 kg compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO is longer at 45.8 meters compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0.0 meters.
Which entered service first, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint entered service first in 1961, 28 years before the E-6 Mercury TACAMO which entered service in 1989.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint has been produced in greater numbers with 32 units compared to 16 units of the E-6 Mercury TACAMO.