RC-135 Rivet Joint vs S-2 Tracker

The RC-135 Rivet Joint and the S-2 Tracker are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Grumman respectively. The RC-135 Rivet Joint reaches 933 km/h — 2.1x the S-2 Tracker's 450 km/h. The RC-135 Rivet Joint has an operational range of 5,552 km vs 2,172 km for the S-2 Tracker. The RC-135 Rivet Joint operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 6,706 m for the S-2 Tracker. The RC-135 Rivet Joint has been produced in 32 units vs 1,284 for the S-2 Tracker. The S-2 Tracker first flew 20 years before the RC-135 Rivet Joint (1952 vs 1972).

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
American carrier-based anti-submarine aircraft, deployed during the Cold War, notably used in the Vietnam and Korean Wars.
Grumman S-2 Tracker Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Grumman
First flight 4 November 1952
Year introduced 1954
Number produced 1284 units
Average unit price $-- million
Wing area -- m²
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 -- kg
Total thrust 0
Wing area 45.0 m²
Wingspan 22.2 m
Height 5.4 m
Length 13.3 m
Maximum speed 450 km/h
Operational range 2,172 km
Service ceiling 6,706 m
Max. takeoff weight 11,860 kg
Empty weight 8,308 kg
Total thrust 2 x 1,137 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the RC-135 Rivet Joint or S-2 Tracker?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the S-2 Tracker's 450 km/h, a difference of 483 km/h.
Which has longer range, the RC-135 Rivet Joint or S-2 Tracker?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint has a longer range at 5,552 km compared to the S-2 Tracker's 2,172 km.
Which can fly higher, the RC-135 Rivet Joint or S-2 Tracker?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the S-2 Tracker's 6,706 meters (22,001 ft).
Which is heavier, the RC-135 Rivet Joint or S-2 Tracker?
The S-2 Tracker has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 11,860 kg compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the RC-135 Rivet Joint or S-2 Tracker?
The S-2 Tracker is longer at 13.3 meters compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0.0 meters.
Which entered service first, the RC-135 Rivet Joint or S-2 Tracker?
The S-2 Tracker entered service first in 1954, 7 years before the RC-135 Rivet Joint which entered service in 1961.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the RC-135 Rivet Joint or S-2 Tracker?
The S-2 Tracker has been produced in greater numbers with 1,284 units compared to 32 units of the RC-135 Rivet Joint.