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

RC-135 Rivet Joint vs SR-71 Blackbird

RC-135 Rivet Joint vs SR-71 Blackbird at a glance — top speed 933 vs 3,541 km/h, range 5,552 vs 5,230 km, built 32 vs 32 units.

Boeing RC-135 Rivet Joint military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 RC-135 Rivet Joint
Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 SR-71 Blackbird
Specifications
RC-135 Rivet Joint SR-71 Blackbird
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing Lockheed
First flight 1 January 1972 22 December 1964
Year introduced 1961 1966
Number produced 32 units 32 units
Average unit price -- $185 million
Wing area -- m² 167.0 m²
Wingspan 39.9 m 17.0 m
Height -- m 5.7 m
Length -- m 32.8 m
Maximum speed 933 km/h 3541 km/h
Operational range 5,552 km 5,230 km
Service ceiling 15,240 m 25,908 m
Max. takeoff weight -- kg 78,018 kg
Empty weight 56,245 kg 30,617 kg
Total thrust -- 2 x 15,422 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs
Related Comparisons
SR-71 Blackbird vs U-2 Dragon Lady RC-135 Rivet Joint vs PA-32 Cherokee Six RC-135 Rivet Joint vs King Air 90 RC-135 Rivet Joint vs DHC-2 Beaver RC-135 Rivet Joint vs Boeing 747 RC-135 Rivet Joint vs S-2 Tracker

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.