RC-135 Rivet Joint vs SR-71 Blackbird

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 $-- million
American strategic reconnaissance aircraft, operational from 1966-1998, unmatched speed and altitude records, infamous for Cold War and NASA missions.
Picture of SR-71 Blackbird
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 -- m
Height -- m
Length -- m
Maximum speed -- km/h
Operational range 5,552 km â—‰
Service ceiling -- m
Max. takeoff weight -- kg
Empty weight -- kg
Total thrust 0 â—‰
Profile drawing of Boeing RC-135 Rivet Joint
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 â—‰
Service ceiling 25,908 m
Max. takeoff weight 78,018 kg
Empty weight 30,617 kg
Total thrust 2 x 11,340 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird

Performance Radar Chart

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 0 km/h, a difference of 3,541 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 0 meters (0 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.