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KC-135 Stratotanker vs RC-135 Rivet Joint

KC-135 Stratotanker vs RC-135 Rivet Joint at a glance — top speed 933 vs 933 km/h, range 2,400 vs 5,552 km, built 803 vs 32 units.

Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 KC-135 Stratotanker
Boeing RC-135 Rivet Joint military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 RC-135 Rivet Joint
Specifications
KC-135 Stratotanker RC-135 Rivet Joint
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing Boeing
First flight 31 August 1956 1 January 1972
Year introduced 1957 1961
Number produced 803 units 32 units
Average unit price $39 million --
Wing area 226.0 m² -- m²
Wingspan 39.9 m 39.9 m
Height 12.7 m -- m
Length 41.5 m -- m
Maximum speed 933 km/h 933 km/h
Operational range 2,400 km 5,552 km
Service ceiling 15,240 m 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 146,283 kg -- kg
Empty weight 44,663 kg 56,245 kg
Total thrust 4 x 9,813 kgf --
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the KC-135 Stratotanker or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 933 km/h, a difference of 0 km/h.
Which has longer range, the KC-135 Stratotanker or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint has a longer range at 5,552 km compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 2,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the KC-135 Stratotanker 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-135 Stratotanker's 15,240 meters (50,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the KC-135 Stratotanker or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 146,283 kg compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the KC-135 Stratotanker or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is longer at 41.5 meters compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0.0 meters.
Which entered service first, the KC-135 Stratotanker or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The KC-135 Stratotanker entered service first in 1957, 4 years before the RC-135 Rivet Joint which entered service in 1961.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the KC-135 Stratotanker or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has been produced in greater numbers with 803 units compared to 32 units of the RC-135 Rivet Joint.