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EF-111 Raven vs RC-135 Rivet Joint

Grumman EF-111 Raven military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 EF-111 Raven
Boeing RC-135 Rivet Joint military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 RC-135 Rivet Joint
Change comparison vs
Specifications
EF-111 Raven RC-135 Rivet Joint
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Grumman Boeing
First flight 1 January 1977 1 January 1972
Year introduced 1981 1961
Number produced 42 units 32 units
Average unit price $65 million --
Wing area 48.8 m² -- m²
Wingspan 19.2 m 39.9 m
Height 5.0 m -- m
Length 23.5 m -- m
Maximum speed 2350 km/h 933 km/h
Operational range 3,220 km 5,552 km
Service ceiling 17,000 m 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 39,680 kg -- kg
Empty weight 24,230 kg 56,245 kg
Total thrust 2 x 8,390 kgf --
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The EF-111 Raven and the RC-135 Rivet Joint are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Grumman and Boeing respectively.

The EF-111 Raven reaches 2,350 km/h — 2.5:1 the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 933 km/h. The EF-111 Raven has an operational range of 3,220 km vs 5,552 km for the RC-135 Rivet Joint. The EF-111 Raven operates at altitudes up to 17,000 m compared to 15,240 m for the RC-135 Rivet Joint.

The EF-111 Raven has been produced in 42 units vs 32 for the RC-135 Rivet Joint. The RC-135 Rivet Joint first flew 5 years before the EF-111 Raven (1972 vs 1977).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the EF-111 Raven or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The EF-111 Raven is faster with a maximum speed of 2,350 km/h compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 933 km/h, a difference of 1,417 km/h.
Which has longer range, the EF-111 Raven or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint has a longer range at 5,552 km compared to the EF-111 Raven's 3,220 km.
Which can fly higher, the EF-111 Raven or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The EF-111 Raven has a higher service ceiling at 17,000 meters (55,774 ft) compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 15,240 meters (50,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the EF-111 Raven or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The EF-111 Raven has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 39,680 kg compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the EF-111 Raven or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The EF-111 Raven is longer at 23.5 meters compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0.0 meters.
Which entered service first, the EF-111 Raven or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint entered service first in 1961, 20 years before the EF-111 Raven which entered service in 1981.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the EF-111 Raven or RC-135 Rivet Joint?
The EF-111 Raven has been produced in greater numbers with 42 units compared to 32 units of the RC-135 Rivet Joint.