King Air 90 vs RC-135 Rivet Joint

The King Air 90 and the RC-135 Rivet Joint are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Beechcraft and Boeing respectively. Top speed is 494 km/h for the King Air 90 vs 933 km/h for the RC-135 Rivet Joint. The King Air 90 has an operational range of 2,446 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 7,574 m for the King Air 90. The King Air 90 has been produced in 3,100 units vs 32 for the RC-135 Rivet Joint. The King Air 90 first flew 8 years before the RC-135 Rivet Joint (1964 vs 1972).

American twin-turboprop aircraft, prominently deployed for utility, corporate, and military purposes from the 1960s onward.
Beechcraft King Air 90 Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Beechcraft
First flight 1 January 1964
Year introduced 1964
Number produced 3100 units
Average unit price $-- 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 🇺🇸 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
Wing area 26.0 m²
Wingspan 13.8 m â—‰
Height 4.7 m
Length 11.9 m
Maximum speed 494 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,446 km â—‰
Service ceiling 7,574 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 5,352 kg
Empty weight 3,217 kg
Total thrust 2 x 626 kW â—‰
Wing area -- m²
Wingspan 39.9 m â—‰
Height -- m
Length -- m
Maximum speed 933 km/h â—‰
Operational range 5,552 km â—‰
Service ceiling 15,240 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight -- kg
Empty weight -- kg
Total thrust 0 â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the King Air 90 or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the King Air 90's 494 km/h, a difference of 439 km/h.
Which has longer range, the King Air 90 or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint has a longer range at 5,552 km compared to the King Air 90's 2,446 km.
Which can fly higher, the King Air 90 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 King Air 90's 7,574 meters (24,849 ft).
Which is heavier, the King Air 90 or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The King Air 90 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 5,352 kg compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the King Air 90 or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The King Air 90 is longer at 11.9 meters compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0.0 meters.
Which entered service first, the King Air 90 or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint entered service first in 1961, 3 years before the King Air 90 which entered service in 1964.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the King Air 90 or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The King Air 90 has been produced in greater numbers with 3,100 units compared to 32 units of the RC-135 Rivet Joint.