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King Air 90 vs RC-135 Rivet Joint

Beechcraft King Air 90 military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 King Air 90
Change comparison vs
Specifications
King Air 90 RC-135 Rivet Joint
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Beechcraft Boeing
First flight 1 January 1964 1 January 1972
Year introduced 1964 1961
Number produced 3100 units 32 units
Average unit price -- --
Wing area 26.0 m² -- m²
Wingspan 13.8 m 39.9 m
Height 4.7 m -- m
Length 11.9 m -- m
Maximum speed 494 km/h 933 km/h
Operational range 2,446 km 5,552 km
Service ceiling 7,574 m 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 5,352 kg -- kg
Empty weight 3,217 kg 56,245 kg
Total thrust 2 x 626 kW --
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

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).

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.