RC-135 Rivet Joint vs SR-20

The RC-135 Rivet Joint and the SR-20 are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Cirrus respectively. The RC-135 Rivet Joint reaches 933 km/h — 3.3x the SR-20's 287 km/h. The RC-135 Rivet Joint has an operational range of 5,552 km vs 1,450 km for the SR-20. The RC-135 Rivet Joint operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 5,334 m for the SR-20. The RC-135 Rivet Joint has been produced in 32 units vs 1,459 for the SR-20. The RC-135 Rivet Joint first flew 23 years before the SR-20 (1972 vs 1995).

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 civil utility aircraft, renowned from the late 20th century, extensively deployed in private aviation and flight training.
Cirrus SR-20 Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Cirrus
First flight 21 March 1995
Year introduced 1999
Number produced 1459 units
Average unit price $0.6 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 13.5 m²
Wingspan 11.7 m
Height 2.5 m
Length 8.0 m
Maximum speed 287 km/h
Operational range 1,450 km
Service ceiling 5,334 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,383 kg
Empty weight 943 kg
Total thrust 1 x 149 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the RC-135 Rivet Joint or SR-20?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the SR-20's 287 km/h, a difference of 646 km/h.
Which has longer range, the RC-135 Rivet Joint or SR-20?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint has a longer range at 5,552 km compared to the SR-20's 1,450 km.
Which can fly higher, the RC-135 Rivet Joint or SR-20?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the SR-20's 5,334 meters (17,500 ft).
Which is heavier, the RC-135 Rivet Joint or SR-20?
The SR-20 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 1,383 kg compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the RC-135 Rivet Joint or SR-20?
The SR-20 is longer at 8.0 meters compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0.0 meters.
Which entered service first, the RC-135 Rivet Joint or SR-20?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint entered service first in 1961, 38 years before the SR-20 which entered service in 1999.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the RC-135 Rivet Joint or SR-20?
The SR-20 has been produced in greater numbers with 1,459 units compared to 32 units of the RC-135 Rivet Joint.