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A-50 Mainstay vs Boeing 747

Beriev A-50 Mainstay military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 A-50 Mainstay
Boeing 747 military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 Boeing 747
Change comparison vs
Specifications
A-50 Mainstay Boeing 747
Origin country 🇷🇺 Russia 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Beriev Boeing
First flight 19 December 1978 9 February 1969
Year introduced 1985 1970
Number produced 42 units 1574 units
Average unit price $300 million $285 million
Wing area 300.0 m² 511.0 m²
Wingspan 50.6 m 59.6 m
Height 14.8 m 19.3 m
Length 46.6 m 70.6 m
Maximum speed 900 km/h 1014 km/h
Operational range 7,500 km 12,150 km
Service ceiling 15,500 m 13,746 m
Max. takeoff weight 190,000 kg 377,842 kg
Empty weight 61,000 kg 173,726 kg
Total thrust 4 x 3,000 kgf 4 x 6,430 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The A-50 Mainstay and the Boeing 747 are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Beriev and Boeing respectively.

Top speed is 900 km/h for the A-50 Mainstay vs 1,014 km/h for the Boeing 747. The A-50 Mainstay has an operational range of 7,500 km vs 12,150 km for the Boeing 747. The A-50 Mainstay operates at altitudes up to 15,500 m compared to 13,746 m for the Boeing 747.

The A-50 Mainstay has been produced in 42 units vs 1,574 for the Boeing 747. Unit cost is $300M for the A-50 Mainstay vs $285M for the Boeing 747. The Boeing 747 first flew 9 years before the A-50 Mainstay (1969 vs 1978).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A-50 Mainstay or Boeing 747?
The Boeing 747 is faster with a maximum speed of 1,014 km/h compared to the A-50 Mainstay's 900 km/h, a difference of 114 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-50 Mainstay or Boeing 747?
The Boeing 747 has a longer range at 12,150 km compared to the A-50 Mainstay's 7,500 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-50 Mainstay or Boeing 747?
The A-50 Mainstay has a higher service ceiling at 15,500 meters (50,853 ft) compared to the Boeing 747's 13,746 meters (45,098 ft).
Which is heavier, the A-50 Mainstay or Boeing 747?
The Boeing 747 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 377,842 kg compared to the A-50 Mainstay's 190,000 kg.
Which is larger, the A-50 Mainstay or Boeing 747?
The Boeing 747 is longer at 70.6 meters compared to the A-50 Mainstay's 46.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A-50 Mainstay or Boeing 747?
The A-50 Mainstay is more expensive at approximately $300 million per unit compared to the Boeing 747 at $285 million.
Which entered service first, the A-50 Mainstay or Boeing 747?
The Boeing 747 entered service first in 1970, 15 years before the A-50 Mainstay which entered service in 1985.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-50 Mainstay or Boeing 747?
The Boeing 747 has been produced in greater numbers with 1,574 units compared to 42 units of the A-50 Mainstay.