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A-40 Mermaid vs Il-38 May

Beriev A-40 Mermaid military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 A-40 Mermaid
Ilyushin Il-38 May military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Il-38 May
Change comparison vs
Specifications
A-40 Mermaid Il-38 May
Origin country 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Beriev Ilyushin
First flight 8 December 1986 27 September 1961
Year introduced -- 1967
Number produced 2 units 58 units
Average unit price -- --
Wing area 200.0 m² 140.0 m²
Wingspan 41.6 m 37.4 m
Height 11.0 m 10.2 m
Length 43.8 m 40.1 m
Maximum speed 800 km/h 650 km/h
Operational range 4,100 km 7,500 km
Service ceiling 9,700 m 11,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 86,000 kg 66,000 kg
Empty weight -- kg 34,630 kg
Total thrust 2 x 117 kN 4 x 3,126 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The A-40 Mermaid and the Il-38 May are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Beriev and Ilyushin respectively.

Top speed is 800 km/h for the A-40 Mermaid vs 650 km/h for the Il-38 May. The A-40 Mermaid has an operational range of 4,100 km vs 7,500 km for the Il-38 May. The Il-38 May operates at altitudes up to 11,000 m compared to 9,700 m for the A-40 Mermaid.

The A-40 Mermaid has been produced in 2 units vs 58 for the Il-38 May. The Il-38 May first flew 25 years before the A-40 Mermaid (1961 vs 1986).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A-40 Mermaid or Il-38 May?
The A-40 Mermaid is faster with a maximum speed of 800 km/h compared to the Il-38 May's 650 km/h, a difference of 150 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-40 Mermaid or Il-38 May?
The Il-38 May has a longer range at 7,500 km compared to the A-40 Mermaid's 4,100 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-40 Mermaid or Il-38 May?
The Il-38 May has a higher service ceiling at 11,000 meters (36,089 ft) compared to the A-40 Mermaid's 9,700 meters (31,824 ft).
Which is heavier, the A-40 Mermaid or Il-38 May?
The A-40 Mermaid has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 86,000 kg compared to the Il-38 May's 66,000 kg.
Which is larger, the A-40 Mermaid or Il-38 May?
The A-40 Mermaid is longer at 43.8 meters compared to the Il-38 May's 40.1 meters.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-40 Mermaid or Il-38 May?
The Il-38 May has been produced in greater numbers with 58 units compared to 2 units of the A-40 Mermaid.