EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA vs RC-135 Rivet Joint

Overview

The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA and the RC-135 Rivet Joint are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Boeing respectively.

Top speed is 927 km/h for the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA vs 933 km/h for the RC-135 Rivet Joint. The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA has an operational range of 8,300 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 10,058 m for the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA.

The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA has been produced in 45 units vs 32 for the RC-135 Rivet Joint. The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA first flew 11 years before the RC-135 Rivet Joint (1961 vs 1972).

American electronic surveillance and relay aircraft, involved largely in Cold War and Space Race-era operations.
Boeing EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA Other profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing
First flight 1 January 1961
Year introduced 1968
Number produced 45 units
Average unit price $150 million
American reconnaissance aircraft, routinely deployed since the Cold War era, esteemed for its crucial surveillance roles worldwide.
Boeing RC-135 Rivet Joint Other profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ 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 223.0 mΒ²
Wingspan 31.6 m β—‰
Height 12.7 m
Length 43.1 m
Maximum speed 927 km/h β—‰
Operational range 8,300 km β—‰
Service ceiling 10,058 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 136,304 kg
Empty weight 44,663 kg β—‰
Total thrust 4 x 2,041 kgf β—‰
Wing area -- mΒ²
Wingspan 39.9 m β—‰
Height -- m
Length -- m
Maximum speed 933 km/h β—‰
Operational range 5,552 km β—‰
Service ceiling 15,240 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight -- kg
Empty weight 56,245 kg β—‰
Total thrust 0 β—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA's 927 km/h, a difference of 6 km/h.
Which has longer range, the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA has a longer range at 8,300 km compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 5,552 km.
Which can fly higher, the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA 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 EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA's 10,058 meters (32,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 136,304 kg compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA is longer at 43.1 meters compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0.0 meters.
Which entered service first, the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint entered service first in 1961, 7 years before the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA which entered service in 1968.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA has been produced in greater numbers with 45 units compared to 32 units of the RC-135 Rivet Joint.