GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

EA-6B Prowler vs RC-135 Rivet Joint

Grumman EA-6B Prowler military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 EA-6B Prowler
Boeing RC-135 Rivet Joint military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 RC-135 Rivet Joint
Change comparison vs
Specifications
EA-6B Prowler RC-135 Rivet Joint
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Grumman Boeing
First flight 25 May 1968 1 January 1972
Year introduced 1971 1961
Number produced 170 units 32 units
Average unit price $52 million --
Wing area 49.2 m² -- m²
Wingspan 16.0 m 39.9 m
Height 5.1 m -- m
Length 18.0 m -- m
Maximum speed 1048 km/h 933 km/h
Operational range 3,745 km 5,552 km
Service ceiling 11,460 m 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 27,896 kg -- kg
Empty weight 14,134 kg 56,245 kg
Total thrust 2 x 4,717 kgf --
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The EA-6B Prowler and the RC-135 Rivet Joint are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Grumman and Boeing respectively.

Top speed is 1,048 km/h for the EA-6B Prowler vs 933 km/h for the RC-135 Rivet Joint. The EA-6B Prowler has an operational range of 3,745 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 11,460 m for the EA-6B Prowler.

The EA-6B Prowler has been produced in 170 units vs 32 for the RC-135 Rivet Joint. The EA-6B Prowler first flew 4 years before the RC-135 Rivet Joint (1968 vs 1972).

Related Comparisons
EA-6B Prowler vs EF-111 Raven EA-6B Prowler vs PA-32 Cherokee Six EA-6B Prowler vs King Air 90 EA-6B Prowler vs Boeing 747 EA-6B Prowler vs S-2 Tracker EA-6B Prowler vs Boeing 707

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the EA-6B Prowler or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The EA-6B Prowler is faster with a maximum speed of 1,048 km/h compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 933 km/h, a difference of 115 km/h.
Which has longer range, the EA-6B Prowler or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint has a longer range at 5,552 km compared to the EA-6B Prowler's 3,745 km.
Which can fly higher, the EA-6B Prowler 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 EA-6B Prowler's 11,460 meters (37,598 ft).
Which is heavier, the EA-6B Prowler or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The EA-6B Prowler has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 27,896 kg compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the EA-6B Prowler or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The EA-6B Prowler is longer at 18.0 meters compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0.0 meters.
Which entered service first, the EA-6B Prowler or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint entered service first in 1961, 10 years before the EA-6B Prowler which entered service in 1971.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the EA-6B Prowler or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The EA-6B Prowler has been produced in greater numbers with 170 units compared to 32 units of the RC-135 Rivet Joint.