GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily

A-40 Mermaid vs Cirrus SR-20

Beriev A-40 Mermaid military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 A-40 Mermaid
Cirrus SR-20 military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 Cirrus SR-20
Change comparison vs
Specifications
A-40 Mermaid Cirrus SR-20
Origin country 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Beriev Cirrus
First flight 8 December 1986 21 March 1995
Year introduced -- 1999
Number produced 2 units 1459 units
Average unit price -- $630K
Wing area 200.0 m² 13.5 m²
Wingspan 41.6 m 11.7 m
Height 11.0 m 2.5 m
Length 43.8 m 8.0 m
Maximum speed 800 km/h 287 km/h
Operational range 4,100 km 1,450 km
Service ceiling 9,700 m 5,334 m
Max. takeoff weight 86,000 kg 1,383 kg
Empty weight -- kg 943 kg
Total thrust 2 x 117 kN 1 x 149 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The A-40 Mermaid and the Cirrus SR-20 are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Beriev and Cirrus respectively.

The A-40 Mermaid reaches 800 km/h — 2.8x the Cirrus SR-20's 287 km/h. The A-40 Mermaid has an operational range of 4,100 km vs 1,450 km for the Cirrus SR-20. The A-40 Mermaid operates at altitudes up to 9,700 m compared to 5,334 m for the Cirrus SR-20. At 86,000 kg MTOW, the A-40 Mermaid is 62:1 the Cirrus SR-20's 1,383 kg.

The A-40 Mermaid has been produced in 2 units vs 1,459 for the Cirrus SR-20. The A-40 Mermaid first flew 9 years before the Cirrus SR-20 (1986 vs 1995).

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A-40 Mermaid or Cirrus SR-20?
The A-40 Mermaid is faster with a maximum speed of 800 km/h compared to the Cirrus SR-20's 287 km/h, a difference of 513 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-40 Mermaid or Cirrus SR-20?
The A-40 Mermaid has a longer range at 4,100 km compared to the Cirrus SR-20's 1,450 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-40 Mermaid or Cirrus SR-20?
The A-40 Mermaid has a higher service ceiling at 9,700 meters (31,824 ft) compared to the Cirrus SR-20's 5,334 meters (17,500 ft).
Which is heavier, the A-40 Mermaid or Cirrus SR-20?
The A-40 Mermaid has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 86,000 kg compared to the Cirrus SR-20's 1,383 kg.
Which is larger, the A-40 Mermaid or Cirrus SR-20?
The A-40 Mermaid is longer at 43.8 meters compared to the Cirrus SR-20's 8.0 meters.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-40 Mermaid or Cirrus SR-20?
The Cirrus SR-20 has been produced in greater numbers with 1,459 units compared to 2 units of the A-40 Mermaid.