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E-8 Joint STARS vs RC-135 Rivet Joint

E-8 Joint STARS vs RC-135 Rivet Joint at a glance — top speed 853 vs 933 km/h, range 6,821 vs 5,552 km, built 17 vs 32 units.

Northrop Grumman E-8 Joint STARS military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 E-8 Joint STARS
Boeing RC-135 Rivet Joint military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 RC-135 Rivet Joint
Specifications
E-8 Joint STARS RC-135 Rivet Joint
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Northrop Grumman Boeing
First flight 1 January 1994 1 January 1972
Year introduced 1996 1961
Number produced 17 units 32 units
Average unit price $250 million --
Wing area 283.4 m² -- m²
Wingspan 44.4 m 39.9 m
Height 13.0 m -- m
Length 46.6 m -- m
Maximum speed 853 km/h 933 km/h
Operational range 6,821 km 5,552 km
Service ceiling 12,802 m 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 152,407 kg -- kg
Empty weight 77,564 kg 56,245 kg
Total thrust 4 x 8,709 kgf --
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the E-8 Joint STARS or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the E-8 Joint STARS's 853 km/h, a difference of 80 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-8 Joint STARS or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The E-8 Joint STARS has a longer range at 6,821 km compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 5,552 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-8 Joint STARS 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-8 Joint STARS's 12,802 meters (42,001 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-8 Joint STARS or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The E-8 Joint STARS has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 152,407 kg compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the E-8 Joint STARS or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The E-8 Joint STARS is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0.0 meters.
Which entered service first, the E-8 Joint STARS or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint entered service first in 1961, 35 years before the E-8 Joint STARS which entered service in 1996.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the E-8 Joint STARS or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint has been produced in greater numbers with 32 units compared to 17 units of the E-8 Joint STARS.