RC-135 Rivet Joint vs SR-71 Blackbird
Overview
The RC-135 Rivet Joint and the SR-71 Blackbird are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Lockheed respectively.
The SR-71 Blackbird reaches 3,541 km/h — 3.8x the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 933 km/h. The RC-135 Rivet Joint has an operational range of 5,552 km vs 5,230 km for the SR-71 Blackbird. The SR-71 Blackbird operates at altitudes up to 25,908 m compared to 15,240 m for the RC-135 Rivet Joint.
The RC-135 Rivet Joint has been produced in 32 units vs 32 for the SR-71 Blackbird. The SR-71 Blackbird first flew 8 years before the RC-135 Rivet Joint (1964 vs 1972).
| American reconnaissance aircraft, routinely deployed since the Cold War era, esteemed for its crucial surveillance roles worldwide. | |
|
|
| 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 | -- |
| American strategic reconnaissance aircraft, operational from 1966-1998, unmatched speed and altitude records, infamous for Cold War and NASA missions. | |
|
|
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed |
| First flight | 22 December 1964 |
| Year introduced | 1966 |
| Number produced | 32 units |
| Average unit price | $185 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 | 56,245 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 0 ◉ |
| Wing area | 167.0 m² |
| Wingspan | 17.0 m ◉ |
| Height | 5.7 m |
| Length | 32.8 m |
| Maximum speed | 3541 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 5,230 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 25,908 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 78,018 kg |
| Empty weight | 30,617 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 5,670 kgf ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
Loading analysis...
Generating comparison analysis...
Unable to generate comparison at this time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the RC-135 Rivet Joint or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird is faster with a maximum speed of 3,541 km/h compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 933 km/h, a difference of 2,608 km/h.
Which has longer range, the RC-135 Rivet Joint or SR-71 Blackbird?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint has a longer range at 5,552 km compared to the SR-71 Blackbird's 5,230 km.
Which can fly higher, the RC-135 Rivet Joint or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird has a higher service ceiling at 25,908 meters (85,000 ft) compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 15,240 meters (50,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the RC-135 Rivet Joint or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 78,018 kg compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the RC-135 Rivet Joint or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird is longer at 32.8 meters compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 0.0 meters.
Which entered service first, the RC-135 Rivet Joint or SR-71 Blackbird?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint entered service first in 1961, 5 years before the SR-71 Blackbird which entered service in 1966.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the RC-135 Rivet Joint or SR-71 Blackbird?
Both the RC-135 Rivet Joint and SR-71 Blackbird have been produced in equal numbers with 32 units each.