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

EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA vs RC-135 Rivet Joint at a glance — top speed 927 vs 933 km/h, range 8,300 vs 5,552 km, built 45 vs 32 units.

Specifications
EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA RC-135 Rivet Joint
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing Boeing
First flight 1 January 1961 1 January 1972
Year introduced 1968 1961
Number produced 45 units 32 units
Average unit price $150 million --
Wing area 223.0 m² -- m²
Wingspan 31.6 m 39.9 m
Height 12.7 m -- m
Length 43.1 m -- m
Maximum speed 927 km/h 933 km/h
Operational range 8,300 km 5,552 km
Service ceiling 10,058 m 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 136,304 kg -- kg
Empty weight 44,663 kg 56,245 kg
Total thrust 4 x 8,165 kgf --
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs

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.