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A-40 Mermaid vs SH-5

Beriev A-40 Mermaid military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 A-40 Mermaid
Harbin SH-5 military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇳 SH-5
Change comparison vs
Specifications
A-40 Mermaid SH-5
Origin country 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR 🇨🇳 China
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Beriev Harbin
First flight 8 December 1986 3 April 1976
Year introduced -- 1986
Number produced 2 units 7 units
Average unit price -- --
Wing area 200.0 m² 144.0 m²
Wingspan 41.6 m 36.0 m
Height 11.0 m 9.8 m
Length 43.8 m 38.9 m
Maximum speed 800 km/h 556 km/h
Operational range 4,100 km 4,756 km
Service ceiling 9,700 m 10,250 m
Max. takeoff weight 86,000 kg 45,000 kg
Empty weight -- kg 26,500 kg
Total thrust 2 x 117 kN 4 x 2,349 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The A-40 Mermaid and the SH-5 are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Beriev and Harbin respectively.

Top speed is 800 km/h for the A-40 Mermaid vs 556 km/h for the SH-5. The A-40 Mermaid has an operational range of 4,100 km vs 4,756 km for the SH-5. The SH-5 operates at altitudes up to 10,250 m compared to 9,700 m for the A-40 Mermaid.

The A-40 Mermaid has been produced in 2 units vs 7 for the SH-5. The SH-5 first flew 10 years before the A-40 Mermaid (1976 vs 1986).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A-40 Mermaid or SH-5?
The A-40 Mermaid is faster with a maximum speed of 800 km/h compared to the SH-5's 556 km/h, a difference of 244 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-40 Mermaid or SH-5?
The SH-5 has a longer range at 4,756 km compared to the A-40 Mermaid's 4,100 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-40 Mermaid or SH-5?
The SH-5 has a higher service ceiling at 10,250 meters (33,628 ft) compared to the A-40 Mermaid's 9,700 meters (31,824 ft).
Which is heavier, the A-40 Mermaid or SH-5?
The A-40 Mermaid has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 86,000 kg compared to the SH-5's 45,000 kg.
Which is larger, the A-40 Mermaid or SH-5?
The A-40 Mermaid is longer at 43.8 meters compared to the SH-5's 38.9 meters.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-40 Mermaid or SH-5?
The SH-5 has been produced in greater numbers with 7 units compared to 2 units of the A-40 Mermaid.