GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

A-50 Mainstay vs ATL-2 Atlantique

Beriev A-50 Mainstay military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 A-50 Mainstay
Breguet ATL-2 Atlantique military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇫🇷 ATL-2 Atlantique
Change comparison vs
Specifications
A-50 Mainstay ATL-2 Atlantique
Origin country 🇷🇺 Russia 🇫🇷 France
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Beriev Breguet
First flight 19 December 1978 8 May 1981
Year introduced 1985 1965
Number produced 42 units 215 units
Average unit price $300 million $85 million
Wing area 300.0 m² 120.3 m²
Wingspan 50.6 m 37.5 m
Height 14.8 m 11.3 m
Length 46.6 m 31.7 m
Maximum speed 900 km/h 648 km/h
Operational range 7,500 km 7,964 km
Service ceiling 15,500 m 9,150 m
Max. takeoff weight 190,000 kg 46,200 kg
Empty weight 61,000 kg 25,300 kg
Total thrust 4 x 3,000 kgf 2 x 2,275 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The A-50 Mainstay and the ATL-2 Atlantique are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Beriev and Breguet respectively.

Top speed is 900 km/h for the A-50 Mainstay vs 648 km/h for the ATL-2 Atlantique. The A-50 Mainstay has an operational range of 7,500 km vs 7,964 km for the ATL-2 Atlantique. The A-50 Mainstay operates at altitudes up to 15,500 m compared to 9,150 m for the ATL-2 Atlantique. At 190,000 kg MTOW, the A-50 Mainstay is 4.1x the ATL-2 Atlantique's 46,200 kg.

The A-50 Mainstay has been produced in 42 units vs 215 for the ATL-2 Atlantique. Unit cost is $300M for the A-50 Mainstay vs $85M for the ATL-2 Atlantique. The A-50 Mainstay first flew 3 years before the ATL-2 Atlantique (1978 vs 1981).

Related Comparisons
A-50 Mainstay vs E-3 Sentry AWACS A-50 Mainstay vs E-7 Wedgetail A-50 Mainstay vs PA-32 Cherokee Six A-50 Mainstay vs Boeing 747 A-50 Mainstay vs Cirrus SR-20 A-50 Mainstay vs Hawker 800

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A-50 Mainstay or ATL-2 Atlantique?
The A-50 Mainstay is faster with a maximum speed of 900 km/h compared to the ATL-2 Atlantique's 648 km/h, a difference of 252 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-50 Mainstay or ATL-2 Atlantique?
The ATL-2 Atlantique has a longer range at 7,964 km compared to the A-50 Mainstay's 7,500 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-50 Mainstay or ATL-2 Atlantique?
The A-50 Mainstay has a higher service ceiling at 15,500 meters (50,853 ft) compared to the ATL-2 Atlantique's 9,150 meters (30,019 ft).
Which is heavier, the A-50 Mainstay or ATL-2 Atlantique?
The A-50 Mainstay has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 190,000 kg compared to the ATL-2 Atlantique's 46,200 kg.
Which is larger, the A-50 Mainstay or ATL-2 Atlantique?
The A-50 Mainstay is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the ATL-2 Atlantique's 31.7 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A-50 Mainstay or ATL-2 Atlantique?
The A-50 Mainstay is more expensive at approximately $300 million per unit compared to the ATL-2 Atlantique at $85 million.
Which entered service first, the A-50 Mainstay or ATL-2 Atlantique?
The ATL-2 Atlantique entered service first in 1965, 20 years before the A-50 Mainstay which entered service in 1985.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-50 Mainstay or ATL-2 Atlantique?
The ATL-2 Atlantique has been produced in greater numbers with 215 units compared to 42 units of the A-50 Mainstay.