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E-6 Mercury TACAMO vs RC-135 Rivet Joint

E-6 Mercury TACAMO vs RC-135 Rivet Joint at a glance — top speed 966 vs 933 km/h, range 12,000 vs 5,552 km, built 16 vs 32 units.

Boeing E-6 Mercury TACAMO military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 E-6 Mercury TACAMOFull specs
Boeing RC-135 Rivet Joint military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 RC-135 Rivet JointFull specs
Specifications
E-6 Mercury TACAMO RC-135 Rivet Joint
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing Boeing
First flight 19 February 1987 1 January 1972
Year introduced 1989 1961
Number produced 16 units 32 units
Average unit price $141 million --
Wingspan 45.2 m 39.9 m
Height 12.9 m -- m
Length 45.8 m 41.2 m
Maximum speed 966 km/h 933 km/h
Operational range 12,000 km 5,552 km
Service ceiling 12,192 m 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 155,128 kg -- kg
Empty weight 78,378 kg 56,245 kg
Total thrust 4 x 11,213 kgf --
Performance Radar Chart
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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 933 km/h, a difference of 33 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 RC-135 Rivet Joint has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the E-6 Mercury TACAMO's 12,192 meters (40,000 ft).
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 41.1 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.