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RC-135 Rivet Joint vs U-2 Dragon Lady

RC-135 Rivet Joint vs U-2 Dragon Lady at a glance — top speed 933 vs 805 km/h, range 5,552 vs 11,280 km, built 32 vs 104 units.

Boeing RC-135 Rivet Joint military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 RC-135 Rivet JointFull specs
Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 U-2 Dragon LadyFull specs
Specifications
RC-135 Rivet Joint U-2 Dragon Lady
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing Lockheed
First flight 1 January 1972 1 August 1955
Year introduced 1961 1956
Number produced 32 units 104 units
Average unit price -- $50 million
Wing area -- m² 93.0 m²
Wingspan 39.9 m 31.0 m
Height -- m 4.9 m
Length 41.2 m 19.2 m
Maximum speed 933 km/h 805 km/h
Operational range 5,552 km 11,280 km
Service ceiling 15,240 m 21,336 m
Max. takeoff weight -- kg 18,144 kg
Empty weight 56,245 kg 6,486 kg
Total thrust -- 1 x 7,711 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the RC-135 Rivet Joint or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the U-2 Dragon Lady's 805 km/h, a difference of 128 km/h.
Which has longer range, the RC-135 Rivet Joint or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady has a longer range at 11,280 km compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 5,552 km.
Which can fly higher, the RC-135 Rivet Joint or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady has a higher service ceiling at 21,336 meters (70,000 ft) compared to the RC-135 Rivet Joint's 15,240 meters (50,000 ft).
Which is larger, the RC-135 Rivet Joint or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The RC-135 Rivet Joint is longer at 41.1 meters compared to the U-2 Dragon Lady's 19.2 meters.
Which entered service first, the RC-135 Rivet Joint or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady entered service first in 1956, 5 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 U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady has been produced in greater numbers with 104 units compared to 32 units of the RC-135 Rivet Joint.