KC-130 Hercules vs RC-135 Rivet Joint
Overview
The KC-130 Hercules and the RC-135 Rivet Joint are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed Martin and Boeing respectively.
Top speed is 670 km/h for the KC-130 Hercules vs 933 km/h for the RC-135 Rivet Joint. The KC-130 Hercules has an operational range of 5,250 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 8,534 m for the KC-130 Hercules.
The KC-130 Hercules has been produced in 124 units vs 32 for the RC-135 Rivet Joint. The KC-130 Hercules first flew 12 years before the RC-135 Rivet Joint (1960 vs 1972).
| American military transport aircraft, noted for tactical refueling and cargo application, extensively operational during Cold War era and beyond. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed Martin |
| First flight | 1 January 1960 |
| Year introduced | 1962 |
| Number produced | 124 units |
| Average unit price | $22 million |
| American reconnaissance aircraft, routinely deployed since the Cold War era, esteemed for its crucial surveillance roles worldwide. | |
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| 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 | -- |
| Wing area | 162.0 m² |
| Wingspan | 40.4 m ◉ |
| Height | 11.6 m |
| Length | 29.8 m |
| Maximum speed | 670 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 5,250 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 8,534 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 79,379 kg |
| Empty weight | 34,274 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 1,119 kW ◉ |
| Wing area | -- m² |
| Wingspan | 39.9 m ◉ |
| Height | -- m |
| Length | -- m |
| Maximum speed | 933 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 5,552 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 15,240 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | -- kg |
| Empty weight | 56,245 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 0 ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the KC-130 Hercules or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the KC-130 Hercules's 670 km/h, a difference of 263 km/h.
Which has longer range, the KC-130 Hercules or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint has a longer range at 5,552 km compared to the KC-130 Hercules's 5,250 km.
Which can fly higher, the KC-130 Hercules 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 KC-130 Hercules's 8,534 meters (27,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the KC-130 Hercules or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The KC-130 Hercules has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 79,379 kg compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the KC-130 Hercules or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The KC-130 Hercules is longer at 29.8 meters compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0.0 meters.
Which entered service first, the KC-130 Hercules or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint entered service first in 1961, 1 years before the KC-130 Hercules which entered service in 1962.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the KC-130 Hercules or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The KC-130 Hercules has been produced in greater numbers with 124 units compared to 32 units of the RC-135 Rivet Joint.