E-6 Mercury TACAMO vs RC-135 Rivet Joint
Overview
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO and the RC-135 Rivet Joint are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Boeing respectively.
Top speed is 966 km/h for the E-6 Mercury TACAMO vs 933 km/h for the RC-135 Rivet Joint. The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has an operational range of 12,000 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 12,192 m for the E-6 Mercury TACAMO.
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has been produced in 16 units vs 32 for the RC-135 Rivet Joint. The RC-135 Rivet Joint first flew 15 years before the E-6 Mercury TACAMO (1972 vs 1987).
| American command-and-control aircraft, operative during the Cold War era, kept primarily for communications with U.S. nuclear forces. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| First flight | 19 February 1987 |
| Year introduced | 1989 |
| Number produced | 16 units |
| Average unit price | $141 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 | -- |
| Wingspan | 45.2 m ◉ |
| Height | 12.9 m |
| Length | 45.8 m |
| Maximum speed | 966 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 12,000 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 12,192 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 155,128 kg |
| Empty weight | 78,378 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 2,803 kgf ◉ |
| 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 E-6 Mercury TACAMO or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO is faster with a maximum speed of 966 km/h compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 933 km/h, a difference of 33 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has a longer range at 12,000 km compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 5,552 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO 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 E-6 Mercury TACAMO's 12,192 meters (40,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 155,128 kg compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO is longer at 45.8 meters compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0.0 meters.
Which entered service first, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint entered service first in 1961, 28 years before the E-6 Mercury TACAMO which entered service in 1989.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint has been produced in greater numbers with 32 units compared to 16 units of the E-6 Mercury TACAMO.