Il-80 vs RC-135 Rivet Joint

Soviet airborne command post, designed during the Cold War, most notably deployed in strategic air command scenarios.
Picture of Il-80
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Ilyushin
First flight 5 March 1987
Year introduced 1992
Number produced 4 units
Average unit price $-- 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 48.1 m
Length 59.5 m
Operational range -- km
Service ceiling 11,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 208,000 kg
Total thrust 4 x 13,000 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Ilyushin Il-80
Wingspan -- m
Length -- m
Operational range 5,552 km
Service ceiling -- m
Max. takeoff weight -- kg
Total thrust 0 â—‰
Profile drawing of Boeing RC-135 Rivet Joint

Performance Radar Chart

Photo of Il-80 by Dmitry Terekhov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has longer range, the Il-80 or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint has a longer range at 5,552 km compared to the Il-80's 0 km.
Which can fly higher, the Il-80 or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The Il-80 has a higher service ceiling at 11,000 meters (36,089 ft) compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0 meters (0 ft).
Which is heavier, the Il-80 or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The Il-80 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 208,000 kg compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the Il-80 or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The Il-80 is longer at 59.5 meters compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0.0 meters.
Which entered service first, the Il-80 or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint entered service first in 1961, 31 years before the Il-80 which entered service in 1992.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Il-80 or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint has been produced in greater numbers with 32 units compared to 4 units of the Il-80.